Vacation is an important part of life. Unfortunately, people don’t take enough vacations, especially those individuals who can’t afford to take time off from work.

Even though a week-long vacation is vital to living a healthier life, sometimes just a quick day trip will have the same effect. Taking a break from life not only reduces stress but also helps to reconnect people with family and friends.

Here are five reasons to plan more day trips in the coming year.

Day Trips Are Affordable

The hotel is always the most expensive part of traveling. Staying at a resort for just a few days costs

a good amount of money. With day trips, a hotel stay isn’t necessary. The only out-of-pocket expenses are gas, food and any additional special attractions. That’s it!

As opposed to your typical full-length vacation, keeping a day trip under $100 is absolutely possible. Find a festival that’s driving distance from your house, or go to a museum on a “pay what you wish” day. You don’t have to break the bank to get out once in awhile!

Day Trips Are Easier to Plan

Studies show that the stress of a trip can sometimes leave people worse off than if they didn’t take a vacation at all.  Searching for deals, planning your departure and arrival, traveling to your desired destination, and finding the right place to stay are all stressful triggers when it comes to rest and relaxation.

During a week-long vacation to a popular destination, there’s always the pressure to experience everything or your whole trip goes to waste. But with a day trip, there’s less pressure to “see it all.” You can pick and choose what’s important to you since you won’t be there for long.

Let’s also not forget one of the best aspects of a day trip—no packing!

A Chance to Connect with Friends

Life can be hectic, leaving little time for you to hang out with your closet companions. However, a day trip is the perfect excuse to set aside some time with friends. Spend the day visiting a landmark you both have been meaning to see, or take a long hike in nature together – the possibilities are endless.

Day trips are a wonderful way to put a pause on your busy life and spend some time with one of your BFFs. Your friend will love it when you bring up the idea, and the two of you will wonder why you didn’t think of this before!

Day Trips Are Memorable

Precious memories can be created whether you travel ten minutes or ten hours. Traveling, even if just down the road, exposes us to new situations, people, and experiences that become etched in our mental scrapbook forever. Who knows what hidden treasures are hiding in plain sight within your hometown.

Day Trips Are a Small Break from Reality

Life leaves us all feeling burned out, overwhelmed, dissatisfied or sometimes even bored with the daily grind. Running away from your problems isn’t possible but putting a little distance between you and the daily struggle is always a smart idea.

After a day of adventure in a new place, people tend to return home refreshed and re-inspired. So breaking from your normal routine will breathe new life into your regimen. Don’t let your life be boring! You deserve to step away for a mental rejuvenation.

There are so many reasons to take a break from everyday life and take a day trip. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make it happen either. So grab an old friend and plan a day together. It’ll be the break you need.