3 Restful Weekend Getaway Ideas for Summer

By Lisa Smalls

While studies indicate that well-being and health improve after taking a vacation, the U.S. doesn’t have a government mandate that requires leave for employees in public and private offices. As a matter of fact, ¼ of all American workers don’t get any vacation at all. Employers who offer this benefit usually give an average of 10 days off per year. And unfortunately, according to the data collected by Project Time Off, 54% of American workers don’t use these earned days off. It’s time to take vacation seriously.

Here are three restful weekend getaways to keep in mind.

Romantic Getaways for Couples
Romantic getaways don’t have to be expensive. In fact, some of the most romantic and affordable weekend getaways can be found in British Columbia, Oregon, or Washington! One of the best places to go on a romantic weekend in Pacific NW is in Victoria, the British Columbia capital. Honeymooners often go here for its all-year blooming flower gardens, cozy restaurants, afternoon tea, charming neighborhood, and great museums and parks.

When in Victoria, opt for lodgings that offer bed and breakfast. There’s a bed and breakfast lodging in a remarkable 1898 heritage home, for example, just within the neighborhood of James Bay called Ashcroft House. Other places you can check out for a romantic getaway in the Pacific NW are the following:
● Lasqueti Island
● Methow Valley
● Olympic National Park Coast
● The Cascade Mountains
● Willamette Valley

Fun Getaways for Families
Since school is finally over, it’s time for some fun in the sand! One of the best places to go to during summer in the Pacific NW is the Semiahmoo Resort & Spa. This resort is located in Blaine, Washington. What’s great about this resort is that you can see Canada from the coastlines. It’s also a great resort for families to hang out, with restaurants just around the corner. It even has its own movie theater so families can really have one great time in a single location!

During the daytime, kids can play tennis, basketball, or pickleball in the play areas. There are also outdoor and indoor pools if anyone’s ready to hit the water. And every Saturday, the resort hosts a two-hour program that allows kids to play while their parents relax elsewhere. Other places you can check out for a family getaway in the Pacific NW are the following:
● Suncadia
● Leavenworth
● San Juan Island
● Kalaloch and Ruby Beach
● Mount Rainier National Park

Exciting Summer Getaway with Friends
When in the Pacific NW area, try visiting Leavenworth, a gorgeous village at the center of the Cascade Mountains. This town is so charming that no matter what the season is, it never fails to attract visitors. There are plenty of places to shop, dine, and simply explore the town’s natural beauty. On top of that, they also have plenty of local events tourists can join or visit.

For friends looking for a fun outdoor experience, Leavenworth will surely not be a letdown. You can enjoy activities like hiking, wine tasting, horseback riding, mountain biking, paddle boarding, and river tubing. Leavenworth is near Colchuck Lake, so after a four-mile hike, you can bear witness to an alpine lake planked the tallest peaks of Washington.
Other places you can check out for a summer getaway with friends:
● Spokane
● Friday Harbor
● Olympic Peninsula
● Bellingham
● Whidbey Island

Are you ready for a vacation? These places we suggested will surely make you want to leave work now and schedule that road trip. Remember to plan your vacation well in advance of your leaving dates, pack all things necessary, check your car for safety, bring sunblock, and book your trip with ecoShuttle!