HowQuickGetawaysBringStressRelief

Good news for people with demanding lives (or too little vacation time): Taking a short trip, such as on Memorial Day weekend, can have the same stress-busting effects as a much longer one. You shift to a more relaxed mind-set in the first few days, says Stanford University psychiatrist David Spiegel. To get the most out of a trip, plan well:
Stay close
If you live in Arizona, don't go to New York; you'll be in transit all weekend. Better: a quick jaunt to Vegas.

Hit the -- brr -- beach?
It's off-season, which means no stress-inducing crowds. Take walks along the shore, browse antique shops and eat seafood.

Pamper yourself.
Splurge on a top-notch hotel. Explore the city, get relaxing spa treatments, and sleep in. You'll come home with a new perspective.