Leadership, for me, is a highly fulfilling experience.
However, as frontline leaders, we constantly juggle responsibilities, make important decisions, and support our team. This can be mentally and physically draining.
Up until recently, I believed people needed to enjoy a long vacation to relax and decompress, but some research has begun to state otherwise.
Weekend getaways can be just as effective, if not more effective, than extended vacations when it comes to reducing stress, improving mental clarity, and enhancing leadership effectiveness.
I recently enjoyed a weekend getaway with my family, and it highlighted how powerful these getaways can be. The best part was that I was able to book our room at a resort for two nights for nearly free using a Chase Marriott Bonvoy sign-up bonus.
While this post will not become a credit card travel guide, I will briefly touch base on how I did this so that you can do this for yourself.
But first, let’s dive into how short, frequent getaways can transform your leadership.
The Science Behind Weekend Getaways
As leaders, we can get trapped into thinking that taking time off is just a perk.
In actuality, it’s a necessity for maintaining health, productivity, and leadership effectiveness. Yet, many professionals struggle to take full advantage of their vacation time. According to Salamon (2024), “46% of American employees did not take all of their vacation,” meaning nearly half of the workforce is missing out on essential opportunities to recharge.
This reluctance to step away from work can have serious consequences.
Meta-analysis studies like Garone (2025) analyzed data from 32 studies across nine countries and found that vacations positively impact mental health. They also showed that vacations contribute to lower stress levels, improved mood, and enhanced overall well-being.
Time away from work also allows leaders to return with fresh perspectives and renewed motivation. Additionally, vacations strengthen relationships, providing uninterrupted time to connect with family and friends and reinforcing a leader’s personal support system.
The lasting effects of vacations
While vacations offer these valuable benefits, the effects do not last forever.
Many, like myself, assume that a long break will sustain their energy and well-being for months, but research suggests otherwise. Westman and Etzion (2001) found that post-vacation benefits began to abate within two weeks of the vacation and were nearly entirely gone at the six-week mark after the vacation.
This means that while vacation may provide an initial boost in energy and relaxation, its effects fade relatively quickly once the demands of work return. Leaders who rely on just one or two vacations per year may struggle with burnout in between, as the gap between these breaks is too long to maintain steady well-being.
Benefits of More Frequent Weekend Getaways
Rather than waiting months for a single extended vacation, take frequent weekend getaways that provide consistent energy renewal throughout the year. These shorter trips will help you reset more often, preventing stress from accumulating to burnout levels.
Frequent breaks can improve performance by smoothing out the peaks and valleys of energy levels. Instead of experiencing cycles of exhaustion followed by temporary relief, regular getaways help maintain a steady state of productivity and well-being. By ensuring we build these short, intentional breaks into our routines, we as leaders can sustain our effectiveness, reduce stress levels, and ultimately lead with greater clarity and confidence.
Why Frontline Leaders Need Weekend Getaways
Stress Reduction
Let’s be honest: Leadership can be exhausting.
The constant decision-making, problem-solving, and team management can negatively impact our mental and physical well-being. If we don’t take time to step away, stress builds up like an overstuffed inbox. A weekend getaway gives you the reset you need before burnout becomes your default setting.
Even a few days away from the usual chaos and demand can do wonders for lowering stress levels and recharging your leadership battery.
Mental clarity
Ever feel like you’re running on autopilot, making decisions out of sheer habit rather than strategic thinking?
Same here.
It’s hard to see the bigger picture when we’re constantly in the weeds. A weekend getaway creates space for reflection, giving your brain a break to process problems creatively. You might find that the solution to a lingering issue suddenly becomes clear while sipping coffee on a hotel balcony or sipping on your favorite cold beer on a riverbank. Sometimes, the best way to solve a problem is to step away from it.
Sustained productivity
It’s a common myth that working non-stop equals higher productivity.
In reality, constant grind mode leads to your actual productivity levels decreasing. Studies have shown that regular breaks actually improve long-term performance. Instead of riding the rollercoaster of exhaustion followed by a single long vacation, spreading out shorter weekend getaways helps smooth out the peaks and valleys of your energy levels. You return feeling refreshed, focused, and ready to lead, not just dragging yourself through another Monday.
Setting an example for your team
If you never take time off, guess what?
Your team might feel guilty about taking breaks, too.
When no one on your team rests, productivity, morale, and engagement take a nosedive. As leaders, we set the tone. By prioritizing weekend getaways and self-care, you show your team that rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Encouraging a culture of balance leads to happier, more engaged employees who feel empowered to take care of themselves. And that’s a win for everyone.
Strengthening Family Relationships
This reason for taking weekend getaways is probably the most important.
Family time sometimes takes a backseat between work, emails, and the occasional “urgent” call on your day off. A weekend getaway is the perfect way to reconnect with the people who matter most, free from the distractions of work. Whether exploring a new city, lounging by the pool, or just laughing over a late-night card game, these moments strengthen the most important relationships in our lives. When our personal lives are in harmony, we show up as better, more present leaders in our professional lives.
At the end of the day, leadership is a marathon, not a sprint. Weekend getaways aren’t just about escaping, they’re about recharging so you can lead stronger, think clearer, and enjoy life more.
How to Get Away at Low Cost
As promised, I’ll keep this section brief. While this isn’t the article’s main focus, I hope it sparks some ideas for your weekend getaways without breaking the bank.
There are plenty of ways to keep costs low, like camping locally, planning a staycation, visiting nearby family for the weekend (as long as they’re not the ones who stress you out), and even using points and travel rewards.
For my recent weekend getaway, I leveraged a credit card sign-up bonus and used two of my three free nights. My total out-of-pocket cost was just a $95 annual fee.
How I Did It:
- I signed up for the Chase Marriott Bonvoy credit card using a referral link.
- Met the minimum spending requirement of $3,000 within the first three months by putting our family’s groceries and fuel on the card—no extra spending required.
- Redeemed my free night certificates (worth 50K points each) to book an incredible weekend getaway, saving me hundreds of dollars.
- Lastly, we checked in, relaxed, and enjoyed our beautiful weekend at a beautiful Marriott.
Consider leveraging points and travel rewards if you’re looking for an affordable way to travel more. Check out this referral offer to start earning points for your next weekend’s getaway!
How to Prioritize Weekend Getaways
So, are you ready to make weekend getaways a part of your leadership strategy?
Yes, it really should be a part of your strategy.
Here’s how to get started:
Plan Ahead
One of the biggest reasons leaders don’t take time off is that they never schedule it.
If you wait until you “have time,” guess what? That time will never come.
Block off your weekend getaways in advance, just like you would for an important meeting. Treat them as non-negotiable so they don’t get pushed aside when work gets busy. Whether once a month or once a quarter, having a set plan ensures you take the breaks you need.
Keep It Simple
A weekend getaway doesn’t have to be an elaborate, expensive vacation. Sometimes, the best trips are just a few hours away: a cozy cabin in the woods, a quick road trip to a nearby city, or even a staycation at a local hotel (especially if you’re lucky enough to live in a beach town). The goal isn’t luxury; it’s a change of scenery. The less complicated it is, the easier it is to make these trips a regular habit.
Do not overthink it; just go!
Disconnect from Work
A weekend getaway won’t do much good if you constantly check emails or take “just one quick call.” Fully unplug during your trip to maximize its restorative benefits. Set up an out-of-office response, notify your team that you will be unavailable, and mute notifications.
This is especially true if you have a company phone which can cause issue with constant connectivity. For more about this topic see, Company Phones: The Hidden Danger.
I have team members who are on call for urgent situations at the plant during off hours. When I took my weekend getaway, I left my company phone at home and gave my on-call team members a number to reach me only if it was a true emergency. They were the only ones with the number, and I could trust that they would not call me unless they truly needed me. Allowing me assurance that I wouldn’t risk random work calls, taking away my focus from my family while on our weekend getaway.
The world will keep spinning while you’re gone. Plus, when you show up fully refreshed on Monday, you’ll work smarter, not harder.
Leverage Travel Rewards
Travel doesn’t have to be expensive, especially if you leverage travel credit cards to offset the cost.
Many cards, like the Chase Marriott Bonvoy, offer free hotel stays, airline miles, and other perks for meeting a minimum spending requirement (which can easily be done with everyday expenses like groceries and gas, or even just buying a few cartons of eggs). This strategy allows you to take weekend getaways more often, without breaking the bank.
There are many experts that can teach you these methods and hacks much better than I can. I recommend looking to them to help you better understand these methods, if you truly want to start leveraging travel rewards.
Wrapping Up
At the end of the day, weekend getaways aren’t just a luxury; they’re a leadership necessity.
As frontline leaders, we face constant demands, high-pressure decisions, and the never-ending challenge of balancing work and life. Taking frequent, intentional breaks isn’t just about relaxation; it’s about sustaining your energy, sharpening your mind, and leading with clarity and confidence.
The research is clear: long vacations wear off quickly, but shorter, more frequent breaks provide lasting benefits. Building weekend getaways into your routine protects you from burnout and sets a powerful example for your team. You’re proving that rest and recovery are not weaknesses but strategies for success.
And the best part?
Weekend getaways don’t have to break the bank. With some planning, smart travel hacking, and a commitment to unplugging, you can make regular getaways a reality. Whether it’s a road trip to a nearby city, a cozy cabin in the woods, or a beachfront retreat, the key is to prioritize it and not let it be just an afterthought.
So, what are you waiting for? Schedule that next weekend getaway. Your mind, your leadership, your team, and your family will thank you.
Marriot Bonvoy Boundless Referral Link
https://www.referyourchasecard.com/252m/HDSP7V61EY
Reference
Garone, S. (2025, February 5). 3 science-backed ways to maximize your vacation’s mental health benefits. Health. https://www.health.com/vacation-mental-health-benefits-study-8785751
Salamon, M. (2024, August 1). Healthy Vacation Habits to continue all year. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/healthy-vacation-habits-to-continue-all-year
Westman, M., & Etzion, D. (2001). The impact of vacation and job stress on burnout and absenteeism. Psychology & health, 16(5), 595–606. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870440108405529
