How to Choose Your Next Weekend Destination (Even If You’re Indecisive)
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve opened Skyscanner, typed in “Everywhere,” and then closed it again without booking anything.
It’s not that I don’t want to travel, it’s the choosing part that gets me. You’ve got a weekend free, a bit of budget to play with, and a world of options. But somehow, it’s easier to scroll endlessly than it is to actually decide where to go.
If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. As someone who works full-time and tries to squeeze in as much travel as possible, I’ve had to get better at planning fast, making decisions, and making the most of short breaks.
Here’s how I choose my next weekend getaway with minimal stress, no wasted time, and more trips that actually happen.
1. Start With Time, Not Place
Before you get excited about the idea of Barcelona or Budapest, stop and think about how much time you really have.
If you’re working a standard Monday to Friday job, your window is probably Friday evening to Sunday night. That’s around 48 hours total. And once you take out travel time, meals, sleep, and winding down, you’re realistically looking at about 36 hours to explore.
That means your destination has to be easy to get to. No long-haul flights. No awkward transfers. Ideally, you want somewhere with direct transport links from your nearest airport or train station.
I stick to a simple rule:
🚆 Train travel: No more than 4–5 hours each way
✈️ Flights: No more than 2.5 hours each way
For me, that opens up loads of great options - Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin, Edinburgh, Bruges - places that are full of things to do but compact enough to explore quickly. Time is your biggest resource on a short trip, so don’t waste it in transit.
2. Match Your Mood
This is something I never used to think about but it makes all the difference. Before you even start searching for destinations, ask yourself a simple question:
“What do I actually want from this break?”
Not every trip has to be packed with activities. Sometimes you need to rest. Other times you’re itching to explore, try new food, or do something completely different.
Here’s how I break it down:
If I’m feeling burnt out: I look for somewhere peaceful. Coastal towns, countryside escapes, spa hotels - anywhere I can slow down, go for a walk, eat good food and recharge.
If I’m feeling energised: I go for cities. Culture, museums, tours, food markets. Give me a full day on foot and I’m happy.
If I need a shake-up: I pick somewhere I’ve never been. Maybe it’s got a different vibe, or there’s an event on, or I’ve read about something unique that caught my attention.
Let your mood shape your trip. The right destination is the one that gives you exactly what you need in that moment, not just what looks good on Instagram.
We stopped here whilst on a day trip to Bosnia Herzegovina from a longer stay in Dubrovnik
3. Be Honest About Budget
Let’s talk money. It’s easy to dream big and start planning a fancy European city break… until you check flight prices and realise it’ll eat half your month’s wages.
When you’re working full time and travelling on weekends, budgeting isn’t about being boring, it’s about being realistic. You want trips that don’t blow your bank account, so you can keep doing them regularly.
Start by setting a clear budget for the trip. I usually break it into 4 parts:
Transport – flights, trains, transfers
Accommodation – hotels or apartments
Food & Drink – eating out, coffees, snacks
Activities – tours, entry fees, tickets
I’ll usually aim for around £250–£300 total for a weekend trip, depending on the location and time of year.
Once that’s locked in, I’ll use tools like:
Skyscanner.net for flight comparisons
Eurostar’s cheapest fares
Omio for train comparisons
Expedia filters by price range
Travel doesn’t have to be expensive. Some of my favourite weekends were unplanned cheap getaways. A lower budget can push you to explore new places you might never have considered otherwise.
4. Don't Chase the Weather (Every Time)
I used to be obsessed with finding sunny destinations. I’d look up weather forecasts for every city and avoid anywhere with rain symbols. But after multiple failures chasing the sun, I’ve realised that some of the best trips happen in less-than-perfect weather.
In fact, gloomy days in places like Brussels or Paris can be just as magical as a sunny weekend in Spain. You just need to plan for it.
If the forecast looks wet or cold, I’ll look for destinations that offer great indoor experiences - museums, galleries, cosy cafés, local food spots, and walking tours with cover. I’ll pack a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes, and make sure my itinerary has a good mix of inside and outside activities.
Some cities just suit the rain. There’s something about wandering quiet streets, hearing the sound of raindrops on old rooftops, and ducking into hidden coffee shops that makes it feel more real. It’s part of the adventure.
So yeah, if you’re craving sunshine, go for it, but don’t let the weather stop you. Just because it’s grey doesn’t mean your weekend will be.
5. Keep a Go-To Hit List
If you struggle with indecision, this one’s a game changer. I keep a running list on my phone of places I’d love to visit for a weekend, places that are easy to get to, don’t need loads of planning, and won’t break the bank.
It includes a mix of cities, small towns, and coastal spots. Some are places I’ve been before and want to revisit. Others are places I’ve read about or seen pop up on my feed. When I get the urge to travel, I just open the list and choose whatever feels right.
Here’s a peek at what’s currently on mine:
Porto
Ghent
Bologna
Ljubljana
Tallinn
Bordeaux
Oslo
This list saves time, avoids overwhelm, and keeps the excitement alive. If you hear about a cool place or get a recommendation, add it to your list. That way, when the opportunity comes up for a spontaneous trip, you’re not starting from scratch.
It’s a small habit, but it makes travel feel more doable, even when life is busy.
Bonus: Leave It to Chance
Sometimes, even with all the planning, I still can’t decide. Everything looks good, and I get stuck overthinking.
When that happens, I let fate decide. I’ll write down the top few places I’m considering and put them in a hat. Whichever one I pull out is where I go. You can also use one of those online wheel spinners, they make the whole thing a bit more fun.
It might sound silly, but it works. It removes the pressure and turns the decision into part of the adventure.
At the end of the day, the worst case is you visit somewhere new, experience a new culture and eat new foods. Even if it’s not the best weekend, it is somewhere new you can tick off with stories to tell because sometimes, it’s these trips that have the best stories.
Final Thought
Planning a weekend trip doesn’t need to be a stressful, drawn-out process. Start with your available time, match it to your energy and mood, be honest about what you can spend, and go from there.
Don’t wait for the “perfect” trip or the perfect time. The perfect moment is now. The more you travel, the easier it gets. The more memories you make, the more confident you’ll feel planning your next one.
And remember, even a short break can shift your mindset, refresh your routine, and remind you there’s more to life than work, errands, and emails.
So, where are you going next?
I create personalised travel packs that include time-saving itineraries, local food tips, walking tour suggestions, maps, and more. Designed specifically for people who want to travel more, even with limited time off.