One of the things people always say to me whenever I relay our trips, is to question how we saw so much in a short amount of time. Our trips are usually a week – 10 days long, and yet, we usually are able to see at least 2-3 places, if not more in that span of time. So today, I’m outlining how we do that and tips to help you plan to see more on your next trip.
You really don’t need weeks in each location to get a feel for a place and we’re always of the mindset that if we miss something, we can always go back and check out more down the road. Most of the time, there is no way you could see everything in your destination, even if you had weeks to do it, so you’ll enjoy the place more if you just take in what you can while there,
and know that you can always go back and discover more down the road.
I know many people just like to “go with it” when they travel, but I have found that one reason we can see so much throughout our travels, is that we have a rough itinerary of each day we’re there of places to hit. This way we can group areas together that are near to each other, instead of wandering aimlessly and not having time to make your different stops. Having an itinerary, even just a rough one, will help you narrow down your trip, so that you make the most of each destination.
Nick and I are not the travelers that go to every tourist destination. If it’s not something we’re interested in, we don’t go just to go. This saves us both time and money while we travel. So many people just go to certain attractions because they feel like they should, but this eats up time and money that could be spent doing more in the place that you actually enjoy and want to do. It’s worth it to skip the things that don’t matter to you and head to the things that do.
It’s helpful, to get in as much as you can on a trip, to plan out where you’re going to travel based on distance. For example, going from Paris to Italy is quick and easy, but Paris to Greece takes more time. When you plan your trip, pick destinations that are in the same general area on the map, that way you’ll have more time in each location because you won’t have to travel so far.
Using your transportation options to your advantage is also key in seeing a lot of places in a short amount of time. You don’t want to spend half your trip on planes or trains. I like to use evening flights to my advantage while traveling or morning trains, so that you aren’t wasting entire days on travel or taking up the middle of the day, even on a short flight, when you could be out exploring your destination. There are so many options out there for transportation, use the one that allows you the most time in your destination.
Chantal says
Great tips!
Casey Martin says
Thanks Chantal!
Emily says
Making an itinerary is definitely the trick. We do a lot of long weekend trips to different US cities and want to everything in 2-3 days. It’s usually quite doable with a well-planned out itinerary and list of must sees/must dos. Thanks for the extra tips!
Casey Martin says
Totally! That’s what we do too and it really is amazing how much you can see if you plan it out well!
Kayla C says
Excellent tips as always Casey!
Casey Martin says
Thanks Kayla 🙂
Helene in Between says
these are great tips! I feel like im always trying to pack things in so this is perfect for me!
Casey Martin says
Yes! You can definitely see more if you plan ahead a little 🙂 At least, works for me!
Jenn @ A Country Girl's World says
Great tips, especially the one about not seeing things you don’t want to see. If I had, had a choice in Europe I would have skipped the art museums because I had no interest in the whatsoever. And it’s so important to remember that the places are not going anywhere and you can come back 🙂
Casey Martin says
Totally, and I love art but even some of the museums I don’t care about… for example, I’m not crazy about the Louvre, I’d so much rather see some of the other museums in Paris… which I end up doing.
Jane {In the Pink and Green} says
These are awesome tips Casey! I am so looking forward to living vicariously through your trip to the UK! 🙂
Casey Martin says
Yay! 🙂
Rachel Murphree says
Great tips! I like packing things in too, and it is important to know what you want to skip. I think that having a plan definitely helps. I know that this can drive “go with the flow” people crazy, but if you want to fit it all in, you have to go in with a game plan. 🙂
Casey Martin says
Yes, very important to know what to skip and not feel like you need to go just because a guide book says it. I think it’s hard for some people to have an itinerary/plan, but it really does make a difference!
theworldthru4eyes.me says
Awesome tips – I always struggle with this! thanks
Casey Martin says
Thanks!
Ella Morgan says
Great post, great tips 🙂
Ella | http://www.towanderandtoroam.blogspot.com
Casey Martin says
Thanks!
ifs ands Butts says
Yep, I always say don’t go somewhere just because it’s a “must see”. You gotta do what your want and follow where the destination pulls your heart strings
Casey Martin says
Totally… go where you want to go… that’s all part of the experience.