The challenge to a short holiday is that it's short. Maybe you've got less than a week or even just a couple of days to get away. However brief it is, you have to take it because a series of short breaks is more restorative and good for your focus than longer holidays. The question is: How do you make the most of your time away from work and home?
Follow these tips.
Get organized and plan your short trip well.
Think of the planning stage as a treasure hunt: You're searching for that “golden nugget” that will guarantee a memorable experience.
The first thing you're going to look for, naturally, is the destination. Do you go international or local? If your travel budget allows, choose an international destination that has a short travel time. If you can get out of the country and be in another in three hours, book it.
Once you settle on a destination, think about the best way to get around. Although it'll be more affordable to take public transportation, buses, trams, and trains have schedules. Their schedules may not work for you. Some delays may even be expected if roadworks are in place.
So you need a ride that's going to eliminate wait times and keep you on the move. If you're headed to the United Arab Emirates, a Dubai chauffeur service would be an excellent splurge. Your chauffeur is also a good source of local information, letting you in on the best sights, places to eat, and fun things to do.
Speed up time at the airport with fewer bags (or just a carry-on).
Since it is going to be a quick holiday, a carry-on bag should be sufficient. Hand luggage is manageable and easy, and saves you from waiting around the luggage carousel.
Every minute counts when you're on a brief trip. The less time you have to spend at the airport, the more time you have exploring the city. Using our destination example, if you've booked a Dubai airport chauffeur service, you can head to your destination without waiting for a taxi.
Stay in a central location.
A few days to explore an entire city? It's doable if you book an accommodation in a central location. You'll want to be close to the attractions, night life, or shopping. You'll have more time to explore on foot, which is always the best way to experience any city.
You'll also have easy access to your things. Even if you forget to bring your medication or phone when heading out for an excursion, you can easily return to your hotel.
And because you're in the heart of the action, you're likely to meet new people.
Be the early bird and avoid the crowds.
How do you avoid a crowd when you want to be at a popular tourist attraction? One way to do this is to come early. If you've arrived early in the morning at the airport, head to the tourist spot before checking in at your hotel. Check-in times are typically between 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., so you have time to see the sights.
A chauffeur service will allow you to reach the tourist attraction on your list before everyone else gets there. You'll be gone before people show up.
Create an itinerary but be flexible.
A quick holiday does not have to mean packing your schedule with all sorts of activities and tours. Your time away from home and work may be brief, but it shouldn't be a blur either.
An itinerary lets you prioritize places to visit and things to do. But leave room for the unexpected. Sometimes, the unplanned events can be better than the ones you anticipated.
For instance, a heritage site you want to check out has been shut down because of a street festival. The street festival may end up becoming a more memorable experience because you get to engage the locals.
Savor the local cuisine.
One of the best (delicious) ways to know another culture is through its food. You might even make your short holiday easier by turning it into a food exploration. If you're vegan, use the trip as an opportunity to map out vegan dining places to share with fellow travelers on your blog or social media.
Try to sample a good mix of local cuisines: from the homey and affordable street food to the fine dining, Michelin-worthy fare.
Unplug.
Your phone is your lifeline. But when you're traveling, it can keep you from enjoying an authentic experience.
You might take a lot of time trying to get the perfect, instagrammable shot of a spectacular landscape. Meanwhile, you completely miss the majesty and serenity of the place you're visiting.
Remember, you only have a couple of days to appreciate the city you're exploring. So try to unplug, if only for a few hours. Be in the moment.
You don't have to spend weeks in a new city to benefit from traveling. With frequent, short breaks and a plan that lets you experience as much as you can, your brief holiday can be quite spectacular.
