Everyone dreams of that luxurious week-long vacation that allows you to experience a destination, relax and recharge fully. Then, the sharp dose of reality: returning to an overwhelming inbox and a veritable mountain of work to catch up on. If the thought of catching up on a full week’s worth of work leaves you feeling overwhelmed, or if you simply don’t have many vacation days to begin with, don’t worry! Studies increasingly show that a short vacation can provide relaxing, restorative health benefits just like a languorously long getaway. Luckily, with so many nonstop flights to Nassau that it’s now easier than ever to plan a quick weekend escape.

Enter the mini vacation: quick trips that last two to four days. According to Project Time Off, people who take short vacations are happier, calmer, and more energized than those who rarely take time off. The American Psychology Association (APA) agrees. In a 2018 survey conducted by the APA, 68% of respondents said their mood was more positive after taking time off, 66% said they returned from vacation feeling energized, and 57% said they were less stressed. So what are you waiting for?

The Getaway That Keeps On Giving

The benefits of a vacation begin before you even depart! Studies in the journal of Psychological Science show that the mere anticipation of an upcoming trip boosts your mood. In fact, there’s no difference between the happiness you feel while you look forward to a short or weekend getaway than that which you feel while looking forward to a week-long vacation.

A vacation, regardless of length, brings happiness in three stages: anticipation before you leave, the excitement you experience while you’re there, and the memories as you reminisce upon your return. So once you book your Bahamas weekend getaway, you’ll be reaping the benefits for weeks!

Action-Packed, Memory-Filled

Another benefit of a short vacation is that time constraints force you to focus on doing only the things that you want to, which can make for a higher quality vacation overall.

You might think that three or four days is not very long, but we promise that four days spent in paradise will feel a lot longer than four days spent sitting at your desk! By the time you fill your getaway with all of the exciting things to see and do in Nassau Paradise Island that are on your bucket list, you’ll feel energized, refreshed, and like your vacation was even longer.

Pack Light

Another easy and enviable advantage of the short vacation is packing! A weekend trip means you don’t need to worry about checking a bag, and when it comes to a vacation in Nassau Paradise Island, a few swimsuits, shorts, and shirts are really all that you need! Bringing carry-on luggage only also means you can skip the luggage line—saving you valuable time at the airport on both ends of your trip.

A Short Switch-Off

It can be tempting to check in on the office one week into your vacation—especially if you’re on an extended sojourn. But, on a shorter getaway, it can often be less stressful to disconnect from work. After all, you aren’t missing as much.

Speaking of short switch-offs, studies have shown time and time again that quick mental breaks—even something as simple as eating lunch away from your desk—help to improve focus and overall productivity. The same applies to mini-vacations! A quick break will leave you feeling refreshed and reengaged upon your return.

Feel The Rush

When was the last time you did something for the first time? Trying new things and discovering new places gives you a rush—literally! As you experience something new, your brain releases dopamine, the feel-good hormone. So even if you’re escaping for a weekend getaway, the excitement of a new place and the thrill of a new activity (perhaps shark-diving or water-sliding?) will leave your brain feeling challenged and your body happy and relaxed.

Less Expensive, More Frequent

Shorter vacations can also mean more vacations, and there’s nothing wrong with that! Fewer hotel nights leave more money in your wallet to spend on another short vacation later in the year, or to treat yourself to an entirely new experience.

The Journal of Happiness Studies conducted a study in 2012 that concluded that shorter, more frequent vacations made for increased happiness across the year. More than one trip to The Bahamas? What could be better?

Incredible deals and convenient travel options make Nassau Paradise Island an ideal place for a vacation, regardless of how long you can stay! But if you’re looking for an excuse for a quick getaway, the science is clear: short vacations are better for you—and they’re better in The Bahamas.