Get the Most Out of Weekend Travel!

Read time: 5 minutes

If you got that 9-5, traveling can sometimes seem impossible. With a little planning and some helpful tips, you can make it happen! Here's how to make the most out of your weekends and satisfy that travel bug!

1. find places near by

With only a couple days to enjoy that location, choose a place that you can get too fairly quickly so you have more time to enjoy the destination. Start looking up some noteworthy nearby cities, and then you can plan weekend trips at least once or twice a month to explore and discover a new spot:) Don't rule out flying all together though, because you can find cheap flights and only a couple hours away!

Source: USA Copier Lease

2. plan some highlights!

It's fun to see what a city has to offer once you get there, but having a couple of restaurants or things to do can help you save precious time so you're not aimlessly searching for somewhere to go when you arrive.

For restaurants, I'll usually look on the Yelp app once I'm in the city, but I do try to plan out things to do seeing there's only a couple of days to explore! With planning, I "map out" where attractions are located to know if one is on the opposite side of the city from the other, then I can better plan my schedule along with transport options.

3. research/travel blogs

Shoutout to me;) but seriously, travel bloggers give personal stories, and really tell you what a city has to offer through experience. Don't just take the word of travel sites as things to do, see, eat, and experience. Instagram hashtags and location tags are also a great way to get ideas for this as well as find cool places for taking pictures.

Discovering hidden gems in France, check out my Essential day trips near Geneva here!

4. plan some down time!

The opposite of the last recommendation, don't plan; it's good to have a balance. If you plan too many things to do, it can feel rushed and be tiring. If you schedule some time to just chill out and recharge, your body will thank you!

5. turn off cookies/use private browser

Notice those creepy targeted Facebook ads about things to do in the destination you just searched? Yeah, your browser remembers everything! So if you're searching for flights, turn off/erase your cookies or browse in an incognito window. Often airlines use your data of what you viewed, and raise the rate the next time you check.

Graphic source: Olympia Travel

6. finding great deals

Always check out multiple sites for hotel deals and subscribe to get emails with special offers. It can be beneficial to book your flight and hotel all in one, but check booking separately too; it really can change the price (for the better)! I also have loved using AirBnb. I've found cheaper options, flexible check-in/out times, and the more local feel to the city. Plus you can rent a couch, room, or full apartment/house--so many options with this site.

Graphic source: fix.com

7. booking on Tuesdays

Maybe you've heard of this tip, but it really is true. Flights are cheaper when you book on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

8. ask a local

Once you're there, don't be afraid to ask your server or other locals for things they do in the city; it could be a hidden gem that you wouldn't have found searching the web! There's also a great Facebook group from a fav Youtube duo Damon and Jo, which lets you connect with other travelers internationally for tips, travel ideas, and meet ups! Just search "Shut Up And Go" on Facebook to join.

9. use your vacation time

If 2 days isn't enough (Umm yeah) then take off a Friday and Monday to make it a 4-day travel weekend!

10. only bring a carry-on

I've said this tip before on my packing tips blog. If you only have a carry-on, it saves you time at the airport (if you've traveled by plane) so you don't have to wait for your luggage at baggage claim! No waiting and you gain more time to see more of the city you've traveled to explore:)

Any tips you'd add? Comment below!

bisous,
Lyndi



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