How to Make the Most Out of Short Trips
You realize you have a couple of days off and no plans made. You haven’t traveled in a while, so why not take this chance to go out of town?
Perhaps surprisingly, short trips are usually the most fun. They tend to be more spontaneous and give you a different perspective on the place you’re visiting.
However, they can also be more stressful. Traveling can be expensive, and you want to make sure you get the most out of your trip.
Here are a few practical tips you can apply to maximize your next quick getaway.
Plan as Far in Advance as Possible
As we mentioned above, short trips tend to be a spur of the moment thing. You might not decide on going until a couple of days before departure.
Nevertheless, try to plan as far in advance as possible. This can do two things for you:
- Reduce stress. Having a game plan will go a long way in reducing stress. You want to ensure you have important factors like which airline you’re flying on and where you’re staying squared away. Deciding on these details last-minute is asking for trouble.
- Reduce costs. Plane tickets tend to get more expensive the closer you get to your departure date. This might depend on what season you’re traveling in, but it tends to be the case. For the best prices, you should buy your tickets at least three weeks before your flight. This way, you can enjoy your trip knowing you didn’t go way over your budget.
Be Smart About Where You’re Going
You’re not going to want to travel across the country or internationally for a couple of days. Save these bigger trips for when you have more vacation time.
Instead, go somewhere that will give you plenty of time to explore all it has to offer. If you’re flying, it’s probably best to not take flights with layovers or ones that are more than a few hours long.
Driving can be a good way to get to where you’re going. However, don’t take any lengthy road trips. You don’t want to spend all your time in the car only to have to turn around as soon as you get to your destination.
Travel Light
This is especially important if you’re flying. Carry on your luggage so you don’t have to worry about checking bags.
Even if you aren’t flying (or once you land), you’ll be glad you packed light. You won’t have to keep tabs on so many belongings, leaving you to enjoy your adventures.
Take Precautions
This goes hand-in-hand with the planning stage. You want to cover your bases to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Some top suggestions include:
- Take care of your phone. Your phone will be your lifesaver, so make sure you have plenty of data to spare. Additionally, travelers who get a case from Casely have the added benefits of solid protection and battery charging on-the-go.
- Alert your bank. Let your bank know you’re traveling. This will help prevent issues from payment so you can keep on moving.
Pick the Right People to Travel With
On a short trip, you are bound to feel rushed. You should pick travel companions that you get along with. They should also be able to keep up with the hustle and bustle of a short trip. A small child, for instance, might fare better on longer trips.
You should also do your best to limit the number of people you travel with. A small group is much easier to manage on a time crunch than a large one.
Planning the perfect short trip might seem stressful, but with a little thought and effort, you are bound to have a getaway you won’t forget!
