When you work full time and have a host of adult responsibilities it can be hard to remember everything you need to do, especially when it comes to travel. There’re the obvious things to remember like where you left your passport, but then there are other bits which you overlook more often than not, so it’s handy to have a little list you can refer back to when planning a trip…
1. All The Apps
Apps will be your best friend whilst both planning and taking a city break, so it’s a good idea to have them all downloaded onto your phone before your trip so you can get used to them – it’s a pain at times trying to fathom a new app whilst on WiFi in a different country. Apps like Citymapper, Duolingo, Tripadvisor and Skyscanner are always on my phone and prove invaluable when it comes to city breaks especially. Skyscanner is my fave app to use whilst waiting for buses/trains/etc – it’s fun to pass the time looking for cheap flights to lots of destinations… Just me?
2. Insurance Is Key
I don’t know why but I always seem to overlook booking insurance & medical travel insurance when it comes to city breaks – I tend to remember whilst in the airport and then have a mad panic on my phone to get some. Don’t be like me. It’s always vital to have travel insurance as you just never know what will happen, and for the sake of a few quid, it can make all the difference. It’s probably one of the most important things to add to your travel planning list after passports and tickets.
3. Have a Clear Plan
With beach holidays you can be slightly more relaxed about your plans as you have longer there and generally fewer things to fill your days – except cocktails poolside that is. With city breaks, it’s generally a shorter trip with a whole lot more to see and do, so planning your days is needed to fit everything in. Make a list of the things you want to do and places you want to see, Google map them and find what’s close together so you’re not flitting from one side of a city to another in a rush. Keep your plans in the notes section of your phone so they’re always to hand & so you don’t have to use your phone data to access them.
4. Pack Your Underwear
OK, this is a strange and niche one haha. Several times myself or my family have forgotten to pack underwear when going away – it must be in our genes. This isn’t just underwear though, phone chargers, SD cards, body care essentials, etc, if you forget them it can be quite costly to buy them whilst travelling in very touristy areas, so always make a packing list & double check your packing to make sure you have knickers, a phone charger and an SD card.
What are you essential tips for planning and taking city breaks?
