Whether it’s a nature trip to the America’s stunning national parks or lounging on a beach in Ibiza, now is the perfect time to start planning.
Are you dreaming about your next holiday? The days may have been passing a little slower lately, but you can turn things around by getting ahead of your future adventures. Whether it's a nature trip to the America's stunning national parks or lounging on a beach in Ibiza, now is the perfect time to start planning. After all, we could all use a little something to look forward to during these difficult times—even if it's just for a few days.
If you're not quite sure where to start, here's what you need to know to organise a perfect weekend getaway.
Plan things in advance
When it comes to travelling, many love to be spontaneous and let the trip plan its course. Although spontaneity can make a holiday more thrilling or whimsical, it doesn't always work out for everyone. For weekend getaways that comprise of 2-3 days, it's best to plan your trip ahead to make the most of your time. To create a short yet substantial travel itinerary, you'll need to consider these main aspects: transportation, accommodation, and your activities. Factoring these in ensures that you get to experience the best of your destination with the limited time you have. You don't want to waste any moments thinking of what to do or getting lost.
Budget accordingly
It goes without saying that travelling can be expensive, so try not jump on the first flight or book the first hotel that you see. Take the time to compare the deals to see which ones give you the best bang for your buck. And again, if your getaway is short, then you might want to save your money for other activities. You won't have a lot of time lounging in the hotel; so there's no need to splurge on a five-star resort. Also, short flights mean it's easier to endure economy class.
Centre your trip around your interests
When planning a vacation, most travellers like to gravitate towards important sites and the usual "must-see" delicacies. At the end of the day, however, you should feel no pressure to adhere to the usual tourist spots if you don't feel like it. To make the most out of your getaway, choose places according to what you like. The UK, for instance, is known for being home to numerous historical music venues—from Liverpool's iconic caverns, to the blues bars in Soho. So it’s no surprise that a survey from Gala Bingo reveals that Brits rank seeing their favourite band as one of the happiest moments of their lives. And there’s certainly no shortage of touring bands in the UK and across Europe.
If music isn't quite your cup of tea, there are cultural destinations for every interest—like Paris for art enthusiasts, and Tokyo for adventurous foodies. At the end of the day, what matters is that you have fun, even if your definition of "fun" isn't normally found on a "Top Places to Visit" list.
Be a strategic packer
More often than not, travellers tend to over pack because they want to ensure that they have everything they need. But this not only means you'll have to carry a heavier bag; it may also put a strain on you physically. To this end, Conde Nast notes that the key to packing light, is to pack strategically. Like your itinerary, you want to plan your clothes and items in advanced. Do your research on your destination—what's the weather like? What essentials do you need that may not be readily available? Remember, your weekend getaway is an opportunity to just sit back and relax. Don't let some heavy baggage take that away from you.
Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
