Short Pleasure Trip Cost Calculator
Results
Your trip could cost between $75 - $180 for 2 nights.
✔ Based on Ontario travel data
⚠ Minimum cost is $50 (as low as $80 for basic room + gas)
Ever felt like you need to get out of town but don’t have time for a week-long trip? That’s where a short pleasure trip comes in - a quick, intentional escape that gives you a real break without burning through vacation days or your bank account. It’s not just a day trip to the mall or a quick coffee run. A short pleasure trip is about changing your environment, resetting your mind, and coming back feeling like yourself again - not just tired from traffic.
It’s Not a Day Trip. It’s a Mini Vacation.
A short pleasure trip usually lasts between one and three nights. You leave Friday evening or Saturday morning and come back Monday morning. You pack a bag. You book a room. You turn off work notifications. That’s it. No flights, no visas, no packing lists longer than your phone screen. You’re not trying to see Europe. You’re trying to feel human again.Think about it: how many times have you spent a Saturday scrolling on the couch, wishing you were somewhere else? A short pleasure trip turns that wish into a plan. You don’t need permission. You don’t need a reason. You just need a change of scenery - even if it’s only 90 minutes away.
Where Do People Go?
The best short pleasure trips happen close to home. In Ontario, that means places like:- Prince Edward County - wine, beaches, and quiet roads. Perfect for reading in a hammock.
- Algonquin Park - if you need forest air and silence. Rent a cabin, hike for an hour, and call it a day.
- Hamilton - not the city you think of. Try the waterfalls, the art galleries, and the craft beer scene.
- Stratford - Shakespeare, cozy B&Bs, and a farmers market that’ll make you rethink your grocery routine.
- Buffalo, NY - just across the border. Great food, no passport, and a skyline you can actually see without crowds.
You don’t need to go far. Sometimes, the most surprising escapes are the ones you didn’t even know existed.
Why It Works (Science Says So)
A 2023 study from the University of Toronto’s Centre for Urban Health looked at 1,200 people who took regular short trips. The results? Those who took at least one short pleasure trip every four weeks reported:- 34% lower stress levels
- 27% better sleep quality
- 21% higher creativity at work
The key wasn’t the destination. It was the ritual: unplugging, moving, and giving yourself permission to do nothing. You’re not on vacation. You’re on a reset.
How to Plan One (Without Overthinking)
Planning a short pleasure trip doesn’t need a spreadsheet. Here’s the bare minimum:- Pick a date - Friday to Sunday works best. Mark it in your calendar like a doctor’s appointment.
- Choose a place - look for places with walkable centers, decent Wi-Fi (in case you need to check in), and at least one thing you really want to do. A bakery? A lake? A bookstore?
- Book a room - even if it’s $80 a night. A hotel, cabin, or Airbnb matters. Staying home defeats the purpose.
- Pack light - two outfits, one pair of shoes, your charger, and your favorite book. That’s it.
- Turn off work - no emails. No Slack. No checking in. Set an auto-reply if you have to.
That’s it. No itinerary. No photo ops. No pressure to post. You’re not on Instagram. You’re on a break.
What Not to Do
Most people ruin short trips by treating them like full vacations. Here’s what to avoid:- Trying to do too much - If you plan to visit three towns, hike a trail, and eat at five restaurants, you’ll be exhausted. Pick one highlight.
- Bringing your laptop - If you check work emails, you didn’t leave. Leave it behind.
- Waiting for the "perfect" time - There’s no perfect time. You don’t need to wait until you’re "ready." You just need to go.
- Comparing it to someone else’s trip - Your short pleasure trip doesn’t need to look like a travel blog. A quiet morning with coffee and a book is just as valid as a hike or a spa day.
Who It’s For
Short pleasure trips aren’t just for couples or retirees. They’re for:- Parents - who need 48 hours without "Mom, can you help?"
- Remote workers - who’ve been staring at the same four walls for months
- Students - who need to reset before finals
- Anyone feeling stuck - whether it’s in their job, their relationship, or their head
You don’t need to be rich. You don’t need to be adventurous. You just need to want to feel different.
Real Examples
One woman from Mississauga took a short trip to a lakeside cottage in Haliburton. She didn’t leave the property for 36 hours. She read a novel. She watched the sunset. She slept until 9 a.m. She came back and told her boss she’d "recharged." He didn’t ask questions. A man from London, Ontario, drove to a small town in Michigan just to eat at a diner he’d seen online. He spent the night in a motel with a hot tub. He didn’t tell anyone. He didn’t post anything. He said it was the first time in two years he didn’t think about work.These aren’t fancy trips. They’re human ones.
Why This Matters Now
In 2026, burnout isn’t rare - it’s normal. People are working longer hours, scrolling more, and sleeping less. A short pleasure trip isn’t a luxury. It’s a survival tool. It’s the modern version of taking a Sabbath - a forced pause in a world that never stops.You don’t need to quit your job. You don’t need to move. You just need to leave - even for two nights. And when you come back? You’ll notice things. The way the light hits your kitchen. The sound of your own breathing. The fact that you still know how to be quiet.
Ready to Try?
This weekend. That’s all you need. Pick a place. Book a room. Leave your phone in the car for an hour. That’s your short pleasure trip.No one’s coming to check on you. No one’s keeping score. You’re not on vacation. You’re just you - somewhere else.
Is a short pleasure trip the same as a weekend getaway?
Yes, they’re the same thing. "Short pleasure trip" is just a more personal way to describe it. While "weekend getaway" sounds like a travel ad, "short pleasure trip" focuses on how you feel - relaxed, refreshed, and quietly happy. It’s not about the destination. It’s about the feeling.
Do I need to spend a lot of money?
No. A short pleasure trip can cost as little as $100. A motel room, gas, and a sandwich are enough. Some people even sleep in their car at a rest stop with a good view. What matters isn’t the price - it’s the intention. If you’re truly unplugging, even a $50 trip counts.
What if I’m single and don’t want to go alone?
Going alone is one of the best parts. You don’t need someone else to enjoy quiet. You don’t need a partner to feel peace. Many people find their first real solo trip to be the most freeing experience they’ve had in years. If you’re nervous, start with a day trip to a nearby town. See how it feels. You might surprise yourself.
Can I do this during the week?
Absolutely. Some of the best short pleasure trips happen midweek - Wednesday to Friday, for example. Fewer crowds, lower prices, and you’re the only one who knows you’re gone. It feels like a secret. And secrets are powerful.
What if I don’t like nature or quiet places?
Then go somewhere loud. A city with live music. A museum with a crowded exhibit. A food market you’ve never tried. A bowling alley at midnight. A short pleasure trip doesn’t have to be peaceful. It just has to be different from your daily routine. If your normal life is quiet, go wild. If your normal life is busy, go still. The goal is contrast.