Are you tired of the mundane routine of your everyday life? It may be time for a change of scenery. A last-minute city break could be just the thing to revitalize your spirit and provide a much-needed break from the rat race. Whether you have always wanted to visit a particular destination or you are looking for something new and exciting, planning a last-minute city break trip doesn’t have to be daunting. In fact, we have packed this page full of tips and advice for planning the perfect city break on very short notice.
Picking Your City Break Destination
First things first, pick a destination. The key to being spontaneous is not being too picky. Don’t waste time trying to decide on the perfect place. Research the best destinations to visit at the time of year you want to travel. You might find an incredible deal on a particular destination, but the low price may be because the weather is terrible. Remember seasonality so you can make the most of your trip. For instance, September is an excellent time to visit Rome because the peak season is coming to an end, but the weather is still suitable for sightseeing.
# Important Tip – The EasyJet “Inspire Me” tool is great for finding destinations around Europe. Simply select your dates, airport, and budget to view all the destinations in Europe that you can visit. https://www.easyjet.com/en/inspireMe.
Finding The Best Deal
Once you narrow down your destination options, start researching prices. Check out websites with laterooms that specialize in last-minute trips. Many similar tour operators have last-minute deals worth checking out. It’s also worth checking the accommodation and airline websites separately to see if you can find a better price by booking each stage individually. Keep in mind that if you book independently, you won’t have ATOL protection, but the likelihood of cancellation is low when the trip is last minute. Airlines charge up to 15 different prices for each seat, so you will have to check a few times to get the best deal.
Before you book, do some research on your destination and accommodations. Not only do you want to ensure the accommodation has good customer reviews and won’t be a waste of money, but you also want to check its proximity to key landmarks you want to visit or good transport links. Make a plan of all the places you want to visit before you leave and invest in a quality local map to ensure you fit everything in.
What To Pack?
Regarding packing, it totally depends on your destination of choice and the time of year. However, it’s always advisable to pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes that will support your feet. The last thing you want is to be in agony after only a few hours of sightseeing. Pack a lightweight raincoat each day, just in case. Along with a quality local map, don’t forget to bring UV sunglasses, a camera, money, and a travel guide/translator in case you get lost.
Before you leave, it’s worth researching the destination and places to leave your bags. In London, for example, Euston station luggage storage facilities keep your belongings safe. Better still, they will be centrally located. It can be particularly useful if you’ve selected budget accommodation on the outskirts of the city. Or if you want to take a day trip out of London to another part of the UK.
When you research the options in advance, your travel plans will be far less stressful.
Safety
Crime rates will always be higher in densely populated cities. On the other hand, some pickpockets and scam artists are known for targeting tourists specifically. It’s essential to take precautions to keep yourself and your belongings safe. Choose a day bag that zips up securely and is always in your sight. While backpacks are comfortable, make sure no one can reach in behind you. Leave your passport in the hotel safe, if possible. Emergency travel documents aren’t cheap if you lose them. Don’t carry all of your money with you, and make sure you know how to contact emergency services.
