Weekend Getaways for When You Need a Main Character Moment

The thing about autumn is that it already has cinematic energy built in. The air gets crisp, coffee cups steam a little more dramatically, and the light hits different, golden, softer, almost like it’s been filtered. Which means if there’s ever a season to lean into your main-character energy, this is it. Throw on a sweater, pack a small bag, and pick a place where you can be the star of your own cosy travel montage.

Why weekend trips just work

Weekend trips are low-commitment, high-reward. You don’t need weeks of planning or tons of money. You just pick a spot, grab a friend (or go solo if you’re channeling true indie-movie vibes), and let yourself unplug. Sometimes, the fact that it’s short makes it even better—you’re forced to savour every moment instead of rushing through an endless to-do list.

Plus, the whole “I’ve got to get back for Monday” energy makes the trip feel like a secret. You slipped away, did something magical, and then re-entered the week with a story no one saw coming. That’s the main character’s behaviour.

Where to channel the vibe

Let’s talk destinations that scream cinematic:

• The mountains: Think cabins, fireplaces, mugs of tea, and long walks where the only soundtrack is crunchy leaves. Add a journal or sketchbook, and boom, main character unlocked.
• Coastal towns: The kind where you can walk the harbour at sunset and pretend you’re in a Nicholas Sparks movie. Bonus points if there’s a lighthouse.
• Tiny cities with personality: Historic streets, thrift stores, murals for days. You’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into the setting of a quirky coming-of-age film.
• Ireland: Okay, hear me out. Ireland in autumn is something else. The green hills are still vibrant, but there’s a misty, moody edge that makes everything feel more dramatic. Imagine sipping tea in a pub with a fireplace crackling or wandering along cliffs where the ocean crashes below—tell me that doesn’t sound like a cinematic scene. And here’s the part that makes it even more special: when you bring something home that ties you to the place. Shops like Gaelsong offer Irish gifts that are so much more meaningful than your average “I heart [insert city]” keychain. Think hand-knit scarves that actually keep you warm, Celtic jewelry with designs rooted in tradition, or even home décor pieces like pottery and wall art. These aren’t souvenirs you toss in a drawer. They’re the kind of items that carry stories, memories, and a sense of place. Gifting one to a friend, or keeping it for yourself, feels like holding onto a piece of Ireland’s culture. And honestly, slipping on a Celtic pendant or wrapping up in a handcrafted scarf later on can make even an ordinary Tuesday feel like part of a bigger story.

Little rituals that make it cinematic

Part of being the main character isn’t about where you go, it’s about how you do it. Main characters don’t just grab gas-station coffee and speed down the highway. They curate their vibes. So, pack your favourite snacks, make a road trip playlist that tells a story, and plan at least one slow moment: journaling in a café, reading in a park, or catching sunrise without your phone in your hand.

Another pro tip: dress the part. This doesn’t mean you need to be runway-ready. It just means packing outfits that feel good, look cute, and photograph well when you inevitably get that “standing under trees with leaves falling around me” shot.

Romanticise the small stuff

Sometimes the best “main character” moments are the tiniest ones. The way your coffee tastes after a long walk. The squeak of your boots on wet cobblestones. That random antique store you wandered into that smelled like old books. The busker playing music that somehow fits the exact mood you’re in. These are the little details that turn a trip into a memory.

Main characters notice things, right? So take in the details. Even if your getaway is just an hour from home, let yourself absorb the textures, sounds, and colors. That’s what makes life feel cinematic, not the plane ticket, but the perspective.

Why solo trips are underrated

Sometimes the ultimate main character move is going it alone. No coordinating with friends, no compromise on the itinerary. Just you, your thoughts, and your freedom. It might feel intimidating, but once you get over that first bit of awkwardness, it’s liberating. You order dessert just because, you sit in a park as long as you want, and you get to know yourself in a way that daily life doesn’t always allow.

Final thoughts

Weekend getaways aren’t about running away from life. They’re about stepping into a different version of it, one where you’re present, intentional, and a little bit romantic about everything. So go. Pack the bag, put on the playlist, and let yourself be the main character for a while. Monday will come soon enough, but for now, your story is unfolding somewhere golden, cosy, and unforgettable.