Sometimes, you just need to get away from it all. We get it: between work, family, and friends, it can all get too overwhelming. That’s when it’s time to bid everyone goodbye and plan the perfect trip to recharge your batteries. Best of all, you won’t have to blow any vacation days — a solid weekend is all you need. Feel a little out of your depth? Not to worry; we’ve got all the tips a hard-working millennial needs to plan the perfect solo weekend getaway.

Be Selfish

One of the best parts about solo traveling? You control the itinerary. Instead of having to worry about what everyone in the group wants to do (even your significant other), you can focus on the things that matter most to you. Want to cram in every single sightseeing event possible? Go for it! Prefer spending hours unwinding on the beach? Just pick a spot and get ready to soak up the sun. Do research on what your location has to offer so you can decide exactly how you want to spend your hard-earned time off.

Take It Easy

Unlike longer vacations, for a solo weekend getaway you don’t have the luxury of spending a day or two recovering from traveling. So when it comes to reaching your vacation destination, make it as easy as possible. Millennials love to sniff out a good deal, but if you’re going solo don’t be afraid to splurge a bit on a direct flight. That way you’ll arrive rested, refreshed, and ready to make the most of the time at your disposal. There are plenty of apps out there that help you find the fastest and least expensive travel route, so be sure to hunt around for the best deals.

Thinking about that quick weekend getaway? Check out these cheap flights to help you get there for less!

Check In

No, not at the hotel — check in with the people back home! Traveling solo is no excuse for closing off the rest of the world, and doing so can be downright dangerous. Give friends or family members all the contact info they’ll need while you’re away, including where you’re staying. Agree to check in at certain times to update them on your well-being (and to tell them about your incredible trip). For added security, there are plenty of apps that track your location (and let certain people see where you are). Should anything go awry, from a lost phone or passport to a medical crisis, keeping in touch back home is a simple way to ensure your vacation is fun, relaxing, and most of all, safe.

Budget Everything

Without having to worry about anyone else, it might be tempting to ditch your budget entirely and just go with the flow. Big mistake! You’d be surprised by just how much a single person can blow in one weekend — and you don’t want to find out. Set a budget, and stick to it. The good news is that the length of the trip means you won’t be blowing the majority of your budget on accommodations. Even if you upgrade to fancier digs, it still won’t be as pricey as a weeklong trip somewhere else, meaning you have a lot of wiggle room in your budget for the things that really matter (like food and fun).

Be Realistic

There’s only so much you can accomplish during a short trip, so be realistic about what you experience. Do research beforehand, in case you have to reserve a spot or buy tickets for a particular event. Find activities that are in the same area, so you don’t waste valuable time traveling. Ultimately, remember that the perfect solo weekend getaway is about what you want and need to achieve maximum vacation enjoyment.

And if you decide to ditch your carefully thought-out itinerary in favor of indulging in some serious rest and relaxation by the ocean, don’t worry — we won’t tell anyone.

Got any other tips for a great solo weekend getaway? Share them with us in the comments.