My 4-Star Rules for a Weekend That Actually Feels Like a Vacation

Most weekend trips are packed with good intentions — and end in exhaustion.

This guide introduces a simple framework for designing short escapes that feel intentional, balanced, and genuinely restorative, even when time is limited.

Best for: weekend getaways and short trips that should feel better than they usually do.

Part of the 4-Star Travel Framework Series

This guide is one of three in the 4-Star Travel Framework, a curated collection designed to support intentional travel across different trip lengths and levels of complexity.

Related guides in the series:

• My 4-Star Rules to Longer Travel

• My 4-Star Rules for High-Stakes Travel

Published January 2026