7 Tips to Help You Enjoy the Long Weekend to the Max!
Long Weekend Tips to Help You Enjoy it to the Max!
Another long weekend is almost upon us and most of us are planning to hit the open road for a little break from city life. That means there will be early mornings, late nights, good food and drink and the outdoors!
Whether you’re exploring another province or a city nearby, making sure you plan ahead for anything can make that multi-hour trek to the cottage or campsite a little more relaxed and stress-free. Simply because when you arrive, you are ready to face anything. With these tips, you will be long weekend prepared, feeling great and ready to enjoy an epic long weekend!
1. Pack the Car the Night Before.
Make sure you fuel your vehicle the night before, checked all your levels and air pressure on your tires. Make it easier for you and your family by packing the car the night before. That way, you are ready to go in the morning and all you will need is your morning cup of coffee. Make sure to check that your car is stocked with an up-to-date First Aid Kit and to bring an extra one along for the cottage. You can print off this First Aid Kit Checklist to ensure you have everything, including BENADRYL®! (add BENADRYL® caplets to first aid list)
Make sure you double checked that everyone has packed accordingly. Keep in mind that weather changes quickly and you may not be in for all sunshine. Pack for both good and not so good weather!
2. Stay Hydrated!
One of the most important things is to always have plenty of water on hand. The weather is warm and in some places, there is routine heat warnings. You need to make sure you are getting enough water and if you are partaking in adult beverages, you should be balancing it out with good ole H20. It will make you feel better in the morning too!
If kiddos are under tow too, you’re going to want to keep plenty of water in them. They will be very active and losing hydration quickly. To avoid over heating and heat stroke, keep the water near by and accessible for them to grab and go.
3. Bring on the Fuel!
Along with keeping yourself and the kids hydrated, you’re going to want good snacks in between meals. I know most of us want to let go and eat anything we’d like but, save the s’mores for later and have fresh fruit, nuts and cheeses readily available. You’ll feel better and you will have energy that will last! Plus, we all want a little relaxation and sugar crashes are no fun!
4. Watch Those Rays!
The sun can be really strong these days and when we are out in it all day (sometimes when it is the highest in the sky), can do some damage. Depending on your skin type, you can see the damage right away and if you can’t–it could do it in the long-term. Protecting our skin is vital–it’s our largest organ so don’t take that chance! Lather on some sunscreen and if you are going to be in the water–reapply as needed. Grab a hat that you can get wet, a pair of shades and enjoy that sunshine! Don’t forget the little ones too.
5. Keep the First Aid Kit & BENADRYL® Handy!
Along with fun in the sun and exploring the great outdoors comes the possibility of someone getting hurt. For minor bumps, cuts and scrapes, your first aid kit will do the trick. If you’re like me in new environments and you experience unexpected allergic reactions like sneezing, runny noses, itchy, watery eyes, and hives–BENADRYL® can help ease them.
BENADRYL® Itch Spray is always great to have on hand because it will help with reactions to poison ivy, insect bites, mild sunburn or skin irritations. Since you spray it on, you have a topical analgesic that will quickly and effectively provides relief. I know in areas we travel to, poison ivy is very common and kids don’t often think about that 3 leaf plant until it is too late!
Did you know that Canadian travelers have voted BENADRYL® as their favourite brand for Allergy Medicine in the 2016 TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards?
TripAdvisor surveyed thousands of travelers around the world about their favorite brands and BENADRYL® is one that they prefer to have with them on a trip. For more information about BENADRYL® products, head over to www.benadryl.ca.
6. Get Plenty of Sleep!
Whether your days are packed or you are just taking it easy, making sure that you are getting plenty of sleep to recharge your batteries is a must. Often times we make the mistake of always being on the go and don’t take time to slow down and just relax or get enough sleep. This will leave you feeling like you need a vacation after your vacation and no one wants that.
Plan your days accordingly, if you are outside–take some breaks. If you decided to stay home, don’t try to do everything on your to-do list all at once. Take enough rest so that you are rested for the week ahead. Your body will thank-you!
7. Unplug and Be Present.
I think in this day and age, unplugging is one of the hardest things to do. If you can, finish all your work before you head off for the weekend. If you can’t, schedule it for later and enjoy your time away. If you absolutely can’t get away from going unplugged all weekend, limit your time to check-in on down time.
I know that Hubs and I love to share our travel adventures on Instagram but, the beauty of it is that you can take all the pictures you want and post them later. I know it takes the “insta” out of it but, that’s why there’s that hashtag ‘#latergram’ and if you post fun pictures, no one will hold it against you. Plus, I post others but most importantly, for myself. It’s like a little journal of our memories that I like to look back on. It doesn’t matter if I posted it when it happened or a few days later.
If you’re too tempted to hop on social media, just delete the apps and reinstall them when you return. For older kids, take the devices away until down times and limit their usage. Remember, the best part of getting away as a family is to make memories, to have fun and to be present.
Enjoy!
Now that you are prepared for anything, the only thing to do is to relax and enjoy your time off. Whether you are camping, spending time at a cottage or staying home to garden–with these tips, you’ll be good to go! Enjoy the long weekend folks!
What is your favorite way to enjoy a long weekend?
Let me know, til then–cheers m’deres!
This post was sponsored by the makers of BENADRYL®. Thoughts and opinions are my own. This post should not be used to diagnose your allergy symptoms, or the cause of them. Seek a health care professional if you experience any signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction, and always read and follow the label.
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Nancy Polanco is a freelance journalist, lifestyle content creator, and editor of Whispered Inspirations. She is a proud Mom to Gabby and Michaela and partner and best friend to Darasak. Having worked as part of a health care team for almost a decade, Nancy is happy to be back to her passion. She is a contributor to the Huffington Post, TODAY’s Parents, and an Oprah Magazine Brand Ambassador.
These are all great tips for being prepared and being safe,summer is going by faster then i like .
It flew right by!
Great tips , first aid kit and bemedryl are so important , you never know when you will need them
It is when you least expect it too!
No long weekends here in the states until September 🙂 I am not sure if we are doing anything or not, but I will keep your tips in mind if we head out 🙂
We have one coming up, enjoy yours when it comes!
Great tips! We always have Benadryl packed because you never know when you will get an insect bite or have an allergic reaction. Glad we had it in PEI because one of my boys got a bit that made his ear swell to twice the size! benadryl brought the swelling down right away
I am glad he is okay! Glad you had BENADRYL to help!
These are great tips. We like to go to Disney or Universal on long weekends. Staying hydrated while out in the parks is a must.
That would be so fun to do on long weekends!
Great tips. We always have Benadryl for he youngest when we travel. Most times we also pack a lunch for our first day of travel. Saves us money and the “I am hungry.” chorus from the back seat.
OMG, same here. We do that all the time with a cooler.
These are all amazing tips for keeping a weekend happy and full of joy and smiles. This is the last weekend of summer so we will have to keep these all in mind.
Same here, we are going to make the most of it! Hope they help!
These are all great tips. I think getting enough sleep is very important . That as well as staying hydrated! I always drink water, so I can easily stay hydrated throughout the day.
Yes, we always bring a case of water with us in the car!
Those are great tips! I will share this post with my husband, he is going to love it!
Awesome, thanks for passing it along!
Awesome! No way someone could not enjoy the long weekend if following these tips
Thanks, hope they help!
Thanks!
Packing the car the night before is a great time saver. These are great tips for the long weekend.
Thanks! Hope they help!
We are going on a road trip for the long weekend. I will have to pack a ton of snacks and an extra tablet charger.
That is so fun, hope you have a great time!
I can wait for my long weekend coming up! I would love to just relax and do nothing!
Same here, we are gonna prepare for school!
Long weekends are a sweet treat! It is good to have a plan to get the most out of them. These are good ideas.
OMG, they really are!
We’ve been in school a few weeks now, and it’s been intense. I think a long weekend will definitely help our stress level. Your planning tips will make it less stressful, which is what we need.
We start school after this long weekend!
when you have kids, first-aid kit is a MUST! I never go anywhere without it.
I agree, we have one at home and in the car!
I am working hard today so I can enjoy a stress free weekend. I have been way too busy as of lately!
OMG, I am doing that the next two days too!
I really like the unplug and be present. Crazy how the first thing most of do each morning and the last thing in the evening is to check email.
OMG, yes… you are so right!
These are all great tips for an enjoyable family long weekend. It is so important to be prepared before for leaving for any kind of a getaway. The first aid kit with Benadryl is so important just encase and staying hydrated with have plenty of snacks are great ideas as well. Thanks for sharing the tips.
Yes, preparing is absolutely necessary. We always have BENADRYL on hand!
I love a long weekend at home. Playing with the kids in the yard and then having movie night and game night too.
Relaxing is the best. Sometimes that is better than leaving!
Great tips! We enjoy traveling and especially taking advantage of long weekends exploring!
Yes, it is the best–we did a lot of exploring this summer!
I think that unplugging is a great idea, I would love a long weekend away from work and the stresses of life!
Unplugging during vaca and every day is a good thing!
The best part is enjoy! I love Long weekend!
Totally, me too and there is one coming up!
Getting plenty of sleep is some of the best advice! I know that the last time we made a trip I did not get enough sleep the night before because I was just so darn excited. It definitely lagged into the rest of the trip.
Sleep is key. We often forget to do that!
Great tips, the unplug and be present is totally King. It seems harder and harder to do.
I agree but, once you do it. It is so worth it!
I love the idea of packing the car the night before. That would save so much time when you are hustling everyone to get ready the next day!
It saves a lot of time!
Staying hydrated is so important. I pack a bunch of fruits and drinks.
We often forget it!
These are great tips. I always try to prepare as much as I can the night before.
We always do!
These are great tips! Benedryl often saves the day for my family!
Same for us!
I love to find a new adventure for a quick weekend getaway. These are all great tips!!
Awesome, hope they help!
These are all great tips for a long weekend trip. It is so important to be present and unplug along with enjoying the time spent with the family. The first aid kit is a must have for any trip or getaway along with having the Benadryl just encase. Thanks for sharing the tips.
My pleasure, I completely agree!
I am planning on traveling this weekends. These tips are so helpful.
Glad they help!
I think packing the car the night before is a great idea. I love to be super cautious and try to remember everything too!
It really helps!
Unplugging is the easiest and the most difficult things to do. I want to be present more for my kids
SO very true!
I think unplugging is a big think now for having a wonderful long weekend
Yes, it should be too!
The weather is getting nicer each day,i can’t wait to start my vacation and these tips are going to be so helpful !
Awesome, hope you had a great long weekend.