A long weekend is a perfect opportunity to take a break from the demands of your job and busy schedule to relax and spend quality time with friends and family. There is just something about such weekends that can make you feel so much more relaxed than you would on a regular weekend. And it’s an excellent alternative to a full week off work since it won’t affect your standard yearly paid vacation.

Long weekends allow you enough time to take your mind off work and reboot. The best part is that you can turn it into a mini vacation for you and your loved ones. This article will show you some budget friendly activities you and your friends can enjoy over a long weekend. These ideas don’t require much planning or preparation, making them perfect for last minute fun.

Go on a Trip to Bimini, Bahamas

Many Americans stress about planning and saving for long vacations without realizing that some of the destinations they dream of visiting are within their reach. Bimini, for example, is one of the places not too far from major cities in the US, offering pristine beaches and a laid-back charm for tourists looking for a place to relax and recharge.

According to Tropic Ocean Airways, a first-class private charter provider, “Flights to Bimini are only 25 minutes from South Florida, yet they take you a world away from the hustle and bustle. You can enjoy sun-soaked days, never-ending parties, sandy beaches, and pool vibes, or plunge into the ocean, where you’ll encounter some of the ocean’s most iconic apex predators, like the Great Hammerhead Shark. You can even dive into history at the popular Sapona shipwreck site, perfect for snorkeling.” So, if you’re looking for a place to relax with friends or your spouse during a long weekend, a trip to Bimini, Bahamas, might be just what you need.

Volunteer Together

You and your group of friends can spend some time giving back to others. Whether you’re helping to build a home for the homeless, serving food to the less privileged, planting trees, or coaching a children’s soccer team, you’ll find meaning in volunteering. You may even make more friends and discover a new passion. This can reduce stress, increase joy, and strengthen your friendship bond.

If you’ve been living a sedentary lifestyle, volunteering can give you an opportunity to get off the couch and get moving. In addition, the merit of volunteering can reflect on your resume and give you the opportunity to land a new job, build your connections, and improve your skills. Since you’ll be meeting new people during the process, you’ll become more comfortable working with different kinds of people, including those you’ve just met. You’d also be sharpening your budgeting skills and developing soft skills such as goal-setting, problem-solving, adaptability, and team-leading.

Take a Hike

Hiking is an amazing activity that you can enjoy with friends. Even if you are a speedy walker, a hike can allow you to slow down, unplug, and be in the moment. You’d have time to listen to nature in the company of friends, ponder, and chat. You can bring along a field guide and some binoculars to help stimulate your mind on the trail and teach you something about mother nature.

Since hiking is such a broad activity, it can allow you to walk with family members, including young kids and seniors. You will all enjoy the health benefits of a hike, including better cardiovascular health, improved muscle tone, lower stress levels, and improved sleep. Interestingly, even though hiking is a form of exercise, it may not feel like one but a form of entertainment. Being in the company of your friends, you’ll be laughing, recalling enjoyable moments, and joking along the way.

Watch the Sunsets and Sunrises

Sunsets are visually stunning and have a profound effect on the body and mind. The vibrant colors of the horizon can trigger the release of feel-good hormones in your body and boost your mood and motivation. The view can be calming and bring about feelings of serenity that you and your friends will find relaxing.

The best part about sunset gazing is that you don’t have to break the bank in order to enjoy it. All you need is to choose a place where you and your buddies can comfortably enjoy the view, be it from a park bench, a lakeside, a quiet beach, or even your window. While at it, don’t just gaze with your eyes. Engage other aspects of your senses by being in the moment, acknowledging the beauty around you, listening to nature’s sounds, feeling the gentle breeze on your skin, and taking a few deep breaths.