Why “Side Questing” Could Be the Next Big Weekend Trend

Weekends are meant to break up the routine, yet they can quickly start to feel predictable. There are errands to run, plans to make and the familiar temptation to spend hours scrolling without doing much at all. At the same time, there can be pressure to make every free day feel productive, exciting or worthy of sharing.

This is where “side questing” comes in. Borrowing a playful idea from video game culture, including the optional missions and extra challenges familiar to players of Jili games, side questing is about stepping away from your usual routine to do something small, unexpected or simply different. It could be a spontaneous trip across town, a café you’ve always meant to visit, or an afternoon spent trying something new.

As more people look for simple ways to make everyday life feel a little more interesting, side questing could be the next big weekend trend.

What Is “Side Questing”?

A side quest may be defined as a mission of a video game that is optional and does not relate to the main plot of a game. Completing this mission is not obligatory and helps to enjoy exploring, learning something or just taking a new path.

This definition can be used for people who are looking for activities to do during the weekend. Weekend side quests can be merely small tasks that enable one to deviate from his/her usual routine and do anything he/she prefers. It is not essential for a side quest to be complicated or expensive.

For instance, one can take some time and visit the café that one is likely to pass by every day, go to a museum, or take a train to one of the nearby cities to check it out. It can also be the case of changing the route of walking somewhere.

Why Small Adventures Are So Appealing Right Now

Grand adventures can provide thrills and chills, but they also mean added commitments. A weekend trip can necessitate reservations, budgeting and planning, while even a day trip can turn into another chore in a busy schedule.

Little adventures, however, mean something else. They allow for a change of scenery without taking weeks of planning. Even just a few hours in a new place can break the monotony and spice up an otherwise boring weekend.

An added benefit of small adventures is that they allow you to get to know places that are nearby. You might even find out that something extraordinary might be near your home when it comes to adventures.

What Can a Weekend Side Quest Look Like?

One of the best things about side questing is that there are no strict rules. The activity itself matters less than the decision to do something outside your normal routine.

You could become a local explorer by visiting a neighborhood you’ve never properly explored. Walk without a particular destination, stop at an independent shop, or find a park you didn’t know existed.

A food-focused side quest could mean finally trying a restaurant you’ve saved for later or choosing a cuisine you’ve never had before. You could visit a market, search for a new bakery, or spend an afternoon around finding one specific dish.

Trying something new also makes an easy side quest. Sign up for a one-off class, attend a workshop or experiment with a hobby you’ve been curious about. There is no need to suddenly become good at it.

Solo side quests can be just as rewarding. Visit a gallery, cinema, bookshop or local attraction alone and see where the day goes. Or simply say yes to an unexpected invitation.

Sometimes, the best side quests are the ones with no obvious purpose at all.

Why “Side Questing” Could Become a Bigger Weekend Trend

The concept fits into a growing trend of being interested in experiences and maximizing day-to-day life. Various people might not have the time or means for complicated plans, but it does not mean weekends need to be monotonous.

Side quests can be simple and cost almost nothing but only last for hours or can turn into a day-long adventure. There is no universally applicable version of an ideal quest and no need for an elaborate plan.

The main point that might attract people is the absence of pressure. There is no need to change oneself, accomplish certain tasks or make the weekend unforgettable. One simply needs to think of something out of curiosity.

In the world of too many planned free hours, anything done just for the sake of interest is surprisingly refreshing.

How to Start Your Own Side Quest

Choose a task that you’ve been meaning to carry through and postpone all the time. Travel to a place you’ve continuously claimed you need to visit; select a path you have ignored so far, or commit to doing something you would normally have rejected.

The important thing is to keep everything simple without worrying too much. There is no need to make it an eventful occasion that deserves to be posted about.

Remember: the essence of the exercise is just a bit of deviation from the original scenario.

You Don’t Need a Big Adventure to Do Something Different

A truly unforgettable weekend does not necessitate boarding a plane, booking a full schedule, or spending a fortune. Instead, just one simple choice to step outside your regular routine is all that is needed for a wonderful weekend.

It could mean going to a different part of town, tasting a new cuisine, or just spending a little time exploring your interests—the “side questing” experience that proves that the adventure could be possible even in familiar places.

Indeed, the most amazing weekend plan is not always about your careful scheduling plans but could rather be about all those unplanned adventures you end up being in for.

Explore more with Crave, your lifestyle magazine in the UK for food, wellbeing and travel inspiration.