I’ve always been an advocate of taking a trip no matter how much time I have to do it in. We are all so busy these days, taking a relaxing week long vacation can seem impossible…but that is no excuse for missing out on travel! Not only that, taking advantage of the increasing amount of 24hr stop-overs offered by airlines is becoming more and more popular. So we only have 24 or 48 hours to see a new city, so what? Let’s go! Planning for a short trip can be easy, just follow these steps for a fulfilling vacation, no matter how long you have! Even better, at the bottom of this post is a FREE printable to help you get planning!
First things first, think about what you want to see, do and eat.
What to See: When choosing the things you want to do, the goal is not to cram in as much as possible. Pick the top two or three things that are most important to you. These are the bigger attractions like museums, churches or natural landmarks. As much as you may want to run from place to place seeing as much as possible, when we do that we are so focused on getting to the next destination in time we actually spend less time taking in our surroundings and really looking at where we are.
What to Do. Similar to picking attractions, pick the top 2 or 3 things you want to do. These are the more active experiences like going on a special hike or tour. I like to include shopping for any specific souvenirs in this category as well.
What to Eat: I know I always have specific local dishes I want to try when visiting somewhere. Research the best places to get them to add to your itinerary.
Going through these three categories gets you a rough draft of what your itinerary will look like! Now to bring it all together..
Where to Stay: When you are short on time it truly is all about location, location, location. Take a look at the things you plan do and find a hotel centrally located by your top destinations. One of my favorite hotel tips when traveling is to stay at a unique or historical hotel. If you can find a hotel like that in a central location you hit the hotel jackpot! Related Read: 7 Things You Must Do Every time You Travel
How to Get Around: The quickest form of transportation is your best friend. Typically this eliminates public busses and walking long distances. Unless you are within quick walking distance to your destination, cabs or Uber are the best bet. Just make sure to budget for this. I love plotting all my destinations on a Google Map to see how far away things are from each other. This is really helpful in deciding how to get around.
Notes: Finally, take some extra time to look into the places you will be visiting. Is a market cash only? Plan ahead so you won’t be looking around for an ATM.
Does the attraction you’re most excited about close early? Make sure you know to go there first.
If possible, ditch the luggage and carry on. Unless you are planning to purchase something that must be checked, leave the luggage at home and cut out precious time at the carousel.
Ready? Subscribe now to get a free printable and get planning!
So cool! My mom has always talked about wanting to attend the Kentucky Derby. I never really understood why until I looked into visiting it last year because I wanted to take her. It seems like such a cool experience. I loved all your tips and always appreciate a heads up when lines are going to be long. Good looking out!
Hi Eden! The Derby would be a really fun mother-daughter event to go to. All the pretty hats and fancy dresses are so much fun to see. I hope you guys make it some time!
This is such a helpful post. I always try to plan even the shortest of trips. I have my to-do list and then a list of items that are not must see’s or do’s but if i had the chance, I would.
Thank you! I love the idea of having back up ideas!
Love this planner so much! Often times I travel for work, so even though I might stay longer in a location, I have only 1 or 2 days to actually visit. This is very useful.
Thank you, I appreciate the kind words!
Love the download! Quick trips can be such a nice way to see new places and figure out if you’d ever want to go for longer!
Thank you! I agree, sometimes you know you want to see more and other times you feel satisfied!
I have a 24 hour layover in Madrid this summer and will definitely consider all of these things. Thank you for sharing!
That’s an awesome layover! I hope this helps.. it’s going to be tough picking just a few things in Madrid!
This is very helpful and especially since I am trying to plan quick trip to Savannah, Georgia. It’s hard to plan quick trips to places that offer a lot of history. Sometime the shortest trips are the best ones. thanks for the tips!
Thanks Kate! I agree, the quick ones can be the hardest to plan sometimes. Have a great time in Savannah! I am headed there this fall for the first time for a short trip as well so please come back and let me know how it went!