Ahhh, vacation! That time when life just seems inherently more laid-back and flexible. Vacation time encourages us to take time away from the daily grind to enjoy and explore our world, and where we can get lost on what day of the week it is.

If you haven’t fully taken advantage of it yet, now’s the time to do so! Stop saving life for the weekend and instead consider a midweek getaway (even if it’s just a one-night stay).

Here are just a few of the benefits a two, three, or four-day stay can offer. And of course, we hope when you’re looking for great places to stay, our cozy Inn at Woodhaven in Louisville, Kentucky, is top of mind.

How a Midweek Getaway Can Recharge Your Battery Fast

Years ago the Journal of Happiness Studies published that an 8-day vacation was the ideal length of time to take a vacation for maximum happiness and relaxation. (How’d you like to be a participant in THAT study!).

While we’re all about the long vacation, as innkeepers, we also know that a lengthy getaway isn’t always possible. The good news is that other studies have demonstrated that even a short 3-day vacation can reduce perceived stress and cortisol levels. 

But the benefits don’t stop there. In an article from NBC News about mini vacations and their positive effect on mental health they noted, “From a well-being perspective, these mini breaks work wonders because you won’t run into many of the issues that typically come up with planning longer trips.”

Many people vacation for a true disconnect from work calls and emails, however, putting up an ‘Out Of Office’ for a full week or more might leave you buried in messages upon your return. A midweek getaway allows you a true break from work (or other normal life responsibilities), without a huge level of overwhelm when it’s over!

7 Short Trip Benefits + Planning Tips

1. Better Availability

This is a given in the hospitality realm– without a doubt weekends (especially holiday weekends) book up far in advance. By contrast, if you’re planning a last-minute mini vacation you’ll have far better odds of finding transportation and lodging options by traveling midweek from Tuesday through Friday. You might even see an exclusive offer or two on midweek reservations.

Insider example: The popular speakeasy bar in Louisville, Hell or High Water, requires reservations regardless of the night you go. However, you’re much more likely to snag a table without needing two weeks’ notice if you’re there on a weeknight. Plus, they have live jazz on Thursday nights only. Weekdays = more availability all around.

On top of that, many local restaurants and bars offer certain food or drink specials that are only available during the week. That means you can enjoy the same great vacation that you could take on a weekend, for less money. And that means you’ll have MORE money to take another midweek vacation when you need it next!

2. Best Deals (+ Weekday-Only Discounts)

When you decide to forgo traveling on the weekend, you can have a fun and action-packed trip without breaking the bank. Apart from avoiding the steep prices of peak season, many attractions offer special discounts to visitors who come during the week.

Insider example: The popular Speed Art Museum is free on Sundays but did you know that it also lets you in for free on the first Thursday of the month? While we believe the museum is worth every penny, it makes sense to plan your trip on a Thursday as the savings really add up. Especially if you’re traveling with kids!

Besides free-admission days, many places offer special drinks or menus that are only available during the week. When planning your trip, make sure to check out the details on the websites of any places you want to visit. Who knows, you may find some incredible offers or hidden gems!

3. Midweek Travel = Fewer People

We had a friend who once homeschooled her children for the sole purpose of avoiding long lines at museums, theme parks, and other attractions. Okay, perhaps that wasn’t her only motivation, but we can get behind the fact that spending time standing in lines or shuffling through crowds is not our favorite way to relax!

While Louisville has a lot of great sites to see that are still worth the wait and the crowds (we’re looking at you, Churchill Downs), one of the absolute benefits of taking a midweek vacation is that everything is almost guaranteed to be less crowded.

This is particularly beneficial for those looking to explore the bourbon trail (click for a Louisville bourbon trail guide) and take in a few of their favorite distilleries.

Tip: We always recommend making reservations in advance, but your odds of planning the itinerary of your dreams increase exponentially when you’re looking at weekdays. 

Lastly, you can still catch horse races at Churchill Downs every Wednesday through Sunday through the beginning of July. Additionally, the Louisville Bats minor league baseball team has games nearly every day of the week except Mondays. Just be sure to check the schedule in advance to make sure it’s a home game when you’re visiting!

4. Takes the Pressure Off

Let’s be honest, the whole point of a short getaway is to spend some quality time with your loved ones. Whether it’s catching a museum, discovering a new restaurant or simply enjoying a stroll through the park, you probably have some pretty clear ideas of what your ideal short holiday would look like.

Only having two days over the weekend can put a lot of pressure on those days. Not only do you need to do everything you want to do, but there is very little room for unexpected setbacks. This is why we love the midweek vacation!

Rather than having to cram all activities into a busy two-day schedule, the extra one or two days make a huge difference. Not only does it give more time to relax, it also gives you more flexibility to cope with unexpected setbacks.

Let’s say you want to tour the Victorian mansions in Old Louisville. Imagine the impact of a single rainy day or even being subject to heavy traffic on your way there! Having a little extra time takes all the pressure off and lets you enjoy any sights at your convenience.

5. Midweek Trips Let You Be Spontaneous

Going away for just a few days is nowhere near the kind of hassle that taking a longer holiday. After all, there is simply less prep work to do before you’re ready go.

Surprisingly, a midweek trip is also easier to plan than a weekend getaway! Getting the necessary time off won’t be as hard as you’re not trying to be away from the office on high-demand days. You’ll find that getting a Monday or Friday approved means a lot more competition than a Wednesday!

The lower costs that come with avoiding the busier and pricier days of the week further help with flexibility. Not only do you avoid the more expensive days of the week, but many places also offer special service packages to their midweek guests. Free breakfasts or extended stays? Sign us up, please!

6. You Won’t Need a Vacation From Your Vacation

I know you know what we’re talking about here. It’s the trip where, as soon as it finishes, you’re rushed back into the daily grind of work and life, with little time to recover from jetlag, unusual food choices, and an excessive amount of walking. It’s hard to even savor the enjoyment of your vacation because of the whirlwind of activity without a break for rest.

Here lies the true glory of the midweek summer getaway! You get to have your vacation and then get a weekend to leisurely unpack and unwind as you resume a normal life. Having the weekend as a buffer between your vacation and your workweek will do wonders for your peace, happiness, and sanity.

You’ll not only look back on your travel adventure with fond memories, but you’ll finally enter a Monday feeling like your battery has been fully recharged. And really, isn’t that the whole point of taking a mini-vacation in the first place?

7. Only Have One or Two Nights?

We know some mini-trips will have to be short and sweet. If you’re looking for a brief visit, focus on the local experience and amenities. Here’s how that can look:

• Maybe you need a getAWAY with emphasis on the space: look for hiking trails, no wi-fi, and enough fresh air to help you forget about everyday life for a little while.
• Or maybe you’re ready to feel pampered: luxury accommodations can include spa treatments, an indoor pool, and excellent beverages (we highly suggest bourbon).
• Or perhaps you need a family getaway: get everyone away from the free wi-fi with activities like disc golf, museums, fun restaurants, and outdoor adventures.

Where to Book Your Next Midweek Escape

Whether you’re drawn by the excitement of all that Louisville, Kentucky, has to offer or you are just looking for a home-away-from-home, we hope to host you soon at the Inn at Woodhaven!

With the most comfortable and well-made beds, hearty and satisfying breakfasts, and charm that is nearly unparalleled, you” find that even a short stay is the perfect way to break up the work week. Book your next vacation today and we are sure that this midweek mini-getaway won’t be your last!