For many of us, a weekend break is the ideal short getaway to reboot ourselves; to squeeze in some quality family time or spend time with friends. And, everyone has their own concept of what constitutes the ideal weekend break. However, there are a few hacks that will work wonders for everyone no matter what, or where, the trip.
- Be flexible. If the destination isn’t necessarily key, then wait until the last minute and check out late deal websites or budget websites. A lot of them have some awesome deals but they’re usually for travel within the foreseeable. Some hotels or retreats might have had last minute cancellations that you can snap up too so keep your eyes and ears to the ground.
- Be a savvy packer. If you do know where you’re going, pack accordingly and pack with versatility. A white t-shirt, for example, can be a handy base layer for during the day but, can also be dressed up with the appropriate elements and become evening-wear-worthy. Make sure what you’re packing, you actually need. This might sound silly, but take the time to really think about your destination, and what you’ll be doing whilst you’re there. And, sometimes, wheeled suitcases are not always the best option if there’s walking involved. Consider a back pack which won’t become a complete burden when you have to spend any time walking over less than smooth terrain.
- Be prepared. Research your chosen destination to ensure you get the most out of your short break there. If it’s somewhere with places of importance, work out an itinerary to make the most of your time while you’re there, plan your routes accordingly and look into transportation options. Booking excursions even before you arrive can often save some pennies. Also, check in online to save yourself time at the airport.
- Be careful. For a weekend break, you’re unlikely to need a vast amount of money, especially if you paid attention to hack number 4, and you’ve planned things out. Using a pre-loaded travel money card is the best option if you’re leaving your own country. They can be used in 36 million locations, in over 200 countries. You can even download the app which allows you to top-up, check your balance and view recent transactions. A much safer option than stashing your cash in your sock and hoping for the best.
- Be aware of your phone company’s charges. Don’t get caught out sending that tweet or searching for that restaurant you read about with a huge sting from your mobile phone provider because you didn’t check out the costs for using it abroad. Utilise the wi-fi, the majority of places have it these days.
Be sure to enjoy and make the most of your weekend break, hopefully these few hacks will have been of great use in the planning and executing of the perfect weekend break. I’m sure there’ll be more to add along the way.