Vacations are essential for our personal and professional well-being. We have to get away so that we can reset and come back more productive and enthusiastic than ever. Because we can’t always sneak away for seven days, we often feel as though we can’t enjoy time off. Fortunately, this is a huge myth, and there are many ways to enjoy a long weekend with those you love without overspending. Check out these tips below.

How to vacation on a budget?

Do your research

Research is the number one thing you can do before taking off for a long weekend. You’ll want to first find locations that appeal to you and create a budget, which you should set ahead of time. Look at your destination-of-choice to confirm there are no special events in the area you want to go as this can drive up prices and bring in the crowds.

Find good deals

Shopping around online is a great way to save money on vacation activities. For sports fans, uh, Houston we have a… deal on Astros tickets! Saving money can be fun and provide you with great seats at the ballpark.

Delegate at work

If you are a manager or a business owner, getting away, even if it’s just for one or two business days, can seem like a mammoth-sized task. But, not if you delegate. Don’t be afraid of giving employees the opportunity to take over some of your responsibilities. As long as they are at least 80% as good as you, you should let them do it.

Book a refundable hotel

Even if you definitely plan to go, there are many benefits of booking a refundable room. Key of these is that if the price drops, you can cancel and rebook for the lower price. It also pays to pay attention to your check-in day, and consumer advocacy site Clark notes that Sunday is your best bet for a less expensive bill.

Contact hotels directly

While many major chains don’t have better pricing on their website or through a travel agency, some do. Further, most local hotels and boutiques are happy to work with you if you call, particularly if you have an off schedule and they can fill rooms when they are not busy. Perhaps most importantly, according to Frommer’s, you get better customer service.

Shop before you go

Stopping at a gas station for snacks every few hours? Big mistake. Instead, grab your goodies before you go. Think about it this way: a bottle of water may cost you $3 at the gas station, but you can get an entire case for less than $5. The same with individual snacks.

Road trip, but consider your car

If you’re really looking to save money, drive instead of fly. While it is possible to get great deals on flights, these aren’t always available. Plan to drive, and stick within three hours of home. Ideally, you can have a small crossover or sports car, which will get better mileage than a large SUV. However, if you’re traveling with a group, such as two small families, an eight-seat SUV is a great option since you can share the cost of fuel and accommodations.

Vacations don’t have to be long, lavish, or far away. If possible, plan to take at least a long weekend a few times each year. Your employees/coworkers will be glad you did, and the memories that you make during the days away from home will mean more to you than the timeclock ever could.