Why Off-The-Cuff Holidays Are Sometimes The Best

Some of the best holidays we take are the ones where we get some unexpected time off, and go on a whim. Sometimes, we see the days open up in front of us, have more money in the bank than we expected, and just decide to go somewhere. Given the short notice, sometimes it’s a simple domestic day trip. Sometimes, though, we get the chance to spread our wings a bit wider and go further away.

When we do go on holiday at short notice, it’s fun because it’s unexpected. A big trip we’ve been planning and saving up for can disappoint. After all, we’ve built that up in our minds and it needs to live up to those ideas. A spur-of-the-moment holiday, for its part, just needs to be simple, cheerful and somewhere with a few things to do. Whether it’s by train, plane or automobile, it can be a real source of excitement.

Because these trips happen at short notice, they often don’t involve a lot of planning. You may not have to plan for two weeks away, but you will have to think about a few things before you set off. Keep the following in mind when you are taking a quick day trip (or weekend trip), to make sure you get the most from it.

Packing: You Can Travel Reasonably Light

On a long holiday you need to take most of your clothes and plenty of additional items. For a short break, you can get away with just your carry-on luggage. The nightmare of dragging huge cases everywhere, banished. If you don’t have suitably small luggage, then try a list of the best at LoftyLuggage.com, and plan exactly what will fit in it. A few outfits, toiletries, with room left over for the essentials – like a hair dryer ( of course).

If you’re just taking a day trip it’s even simpler. A change of clothes and toiletries is all you need – depending on what your essentials are. 

Your Home: Keeping Things From Going Wrong

When you are going away for a couple of weeks, there is a lot that needs to be done. Having someone pick up your mail, stopping any milk and newspaper deliveries, and getting someone to watch over the house.

If you have pets, you’ll need someone to come around and feed them on a regular basis and ensure they are doing OK. If you’re going away for the day, then it isn’t that important to do most of the above. Leave some food down for your pets though, if you want them to not hate you when you get back.

If you’re going away for a few days, then it can be a judgement call. It’s usually not long enough for mail to pile up, but two- or three-day-old newspapers may be a sign to burglars that you’re away. And if you have pets, you’ll need to arrange a sitter for them.

The Travel Essentials: Being Ready To Go

If you decide on a whim that you’re going to fly somewhere fabulous and book it there and then, bear one thing in mind. Flying abroad on the spur of the moment is wonderful. Attempting to fly abroad and forgetting your passport is not. It’s fair to say it will put a real crimp in your plans. So if you book to fly the same day, make sure you have your passport with you or that you stop off at home to pick it up.

Also worth remembering to bring with you are any medications you may need to take. These, along with over-the-counter painkillers, could be essential. Nothing ruins an exciting trip away like falling ill at the wrong time.

If you’re the spur of the moment type, then this kind of holiday can be a real refresher in the middle of a busy work schedule. To be planning the next day’s washing one moment and heading somewhere sunny the next is the perfect way to break free. They’re so enjoyable because they are so unplanned. But at the same time, don’t leave your brain at home with everything else. A quick checklist may be all you need.

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