Over recent years travel trends have turned on their head. No, we’re not talking about the past couple of years for obvious reasons, but more if we cast our mind back a little longer.
Once upon a time it was domestic getaways, next was the sun, sea and sand in European destinations, and then came the short but sweet city breaks. As the title may have given away, it’s the latter which today is going to focus on.
Weekend getaways have surged in popularity over the years, with destinations such as Budapest, Prague and Venice being just three of umpteen examples. They have proven to be a great way to have short bursts of downtime, whilst exploring fascinating cities and attractions at the same time.
However, they’re not always problem-free. They can be hectic, rushed and a little all over the place if you don’t plan properly. Bearing this in mind, we have put together some of the most common mistakes which are made when jetting off on a break like this, so you can truly make the most of your escape.
Mistake #1 – Not researching your destination
This is probably the number one mistake which is made. People often think that because it’s a weekend break, they don’t need to do any prior research. This couldn’t be further away from the truth.
If anything, you need to do more research when going to a new destination as you only have a limited amount of time. Make sure you know what the main attractions are, where the best places to eat and drink are, and any other important information which will help make your stay run smoothly. While we are certainly all for being spontaneous, the short nature of these breaks means that you need at least some sort of plan.
Mistake #2 – Slacking on the paperwork
We get it, paperwork and travel do not really go hand-in-hand – but it’s a necessary combination. Particularly with all of the disruption over recent years, we really would urge you to get your travel insurance, vaccinations and anything else you require for your destination of choice. Even though this is a short getaway, this documentation is proving to be more important than ever before.
Mistake #2 – Packing too much
Another classic mistake is packing too much. This is often because people underestimate how much they will actually need and end up bringing everything but the kitchen sink.
Not only is this heavy and inconvenient to carry around, but it can also be a real pain to try and find somewhere to store everything. It’s a much better idea to pack light and only take the essentials with you. This will make your life a lot easier, both when packing and unpacking, and also when trying to navigate your way around a new city.
Mistake #3 – Arriving late on a Friday night
Friday night is always the busiest night at the airport, with people arriving from all over the world. If you’re one of them, then you’re in for a long, and potentially frustrating, night. Oh, and then there’s rush hour on the roads.
It’s much better to try and arrive on a Thursday evening or earlier on the Friday, as this will mean that you’re not competing with as many people for space and time. In addition, it will give you more time to get settled in and explore your destination.
Is this always going to be possible? No, you’re at the mercy of airlines and their timetables. However, given the option, buy yourself a bit of time.
2018 ·
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