How To Organise The Perfect Dads Weekend Away
Being a dad is one of the most rewarding things we can do with our lives. But sometimes it can be tough. That is why the occasional weekend away with other dads can be so invigorating. Yes, that’s right, a whole weekend where you get adult conversation, get to the things you want to do, and don’t have to hear the little ones screaming “daaaaaaaad” at least 50 times a day. Read on to find out how to organise your perfect dads' weekend away.
Find a time that everyone can do
Before you can attend a dad's weekend away, you need to pick a date that all the dads can attend. This might seem like a task that is easier said than done, though. After all, not only do dads tend to be some of the busiest people on the planet, but calendar management isn't always their strong suit!
With that in mind, sending a WhatsApp message with dates in a poll that everyone can work with is the best approach. This makes it easier for the person organising the trip, and for everyone else to see when the best date will be.
Pick a location
Once you have a time that everyone can do, you will need to pick a location. I strongly recommend that you do this mindfully, as it's more than just finding any old place. Instead, you will need to think about the type of experience that you want to have and things that you will want to do. You should then let that influence your location.
For example, if you are looking for a quiet and relaxing beach break, then a beach hotel away from the hustle and bustle is a great choice. However, if you are looking to do lots of activities such as hiking, fishing and climbing, you will need to pick a location that is as close to these as possible.
Similarly if you are looking for a fun city break, trying to save money by staying on the outskirts is a bad idea. This is because you will want to be as close to town, where all the activities, pubs and clubs are as possible.
Choose and book your accommodation
After you have settled on a general location, it's time to find accommodation for everyone. Usually, on a dad's weekend, the idea will be to stay together in one place, like an Airbnb. The great thing about this type of accommodation is that it's usually cheaper, because it allows you to split the cost between multiple people. Airbnbs are also a good choice because you can look for premises that have additional facilities such as games rooms, hot tubs and even swimming pools.
One proviso here is that if you are going on your dad's trip with more introverted people, then making sure everyone has their own room to retreat to for a bit of recharge time is best. After all, the whole point of a dad's weekend is to get a break, and some people do need their own space for this.
Alternatively, you may wish to opt for hostel or hotel accommodation. Hostel accommodation tends to be a bit rougher around the edges, but it can work for groups who only plan to use their room for sleeping.
Pack up your supplies
Before your dad's weekend, you will need to think carefully about all the supplies you will take. These should be separate from the clothes and personal items that each person will pack, and they can be split into two main categories: consumables and equipment.
Consumables should include anything that you will want to eat, drink or otherwise consume during your trip. Of course, if you are staying in self-catering accommodation, then you will need to take more food and drink, as you will be expected to cook for yourselves. Optional alcohol, cigarettes and cigars should also be included in the consumables category. With that in mind, buy smokes and alcohol before you leave. This is because prices for such items tend to be greater in vacation spots where there is a captive market.
Plan your route
Before you leave for your destination, you must take the time to properly plan out your route. This should include where you will stop for fuel, as well as restroom or food breaks. It's also a good idea to make sure that everyone going on a trip has a copy of this information, even if they aren't driving. Then they can assist in navigation when required.
Setting up once you have arrived
After you have arrived at your destination, it's important to take some time to settle in and set things up. First, give everyone some time to find their bedrooms and unpack. Then spend some time setting up communal areas like the kitchen, lounge, and deck. It's really worth doing this rather than just living out of suitcases for the duration of the trip because it will make your experience so much more comfortable.
Keeping things on schedule
Wrangling groups of people to do anything can be tricky. That is why it's always best to have a set schedule for things. Then everyone knows what is happening when and what is expected of them. It also means that the people in charge don’t constantly have to encourage people to get going.
The trick here is to allow people to opt in and out as they want. Making as little as possible mandatory. Just make sure they know that if they have had to pay for something in advance and they don’t go, they will not get a refund.
Heading home
Last of all, getting home right will ensure that every dad has the best time throughout the whole weekend. This means taking some time to clear up the accommodation before you leave.
It also means properly planning the journey home, including breaks, so it does not become overwhelming. If you can do one last fun activity during the journey, such as a stop off for fishing, or a game of football, then you can really enhance the experience, and make sure they will want to do it again.