11/03/2016
Happy Friday
Escaping for a long weekend can be the best, right? But these tragic—and totally avoidable!—blunders can turn your quick getaway into "get me outta here!" Here, eight things to know before you go.
8 Mistakes That Will RUIN Your Weekend Getaway
Mistake #1: Booking a hotel too far from the event
"I think this is the biggest mistake [that travelers make when planning short getaways, "It generally takes time to get to and from a city when you stay farther out, and you're going to have to pay more for transport, too.public transport into the city is not expensive,"But it will take more time—you have to factor that in and figure out if it's worth it." So while, yes, saving money by staying a bit outside of town is usually smart advice, on short trips it's a bad idea. After you do the math, chances are that even paying $50 more per night for a more centrally located hotel can end up being worth it for the time you'll save.
Mistake #2: Checking a bag
"If it's a warmer climate, it's fairly easy to pack light, "But for colder climates you have the option of dressing in layers so you don't have to pack as much in the actual bag itself." If you have sports equipment that must be checked (skis, a surfboard), consider shipping it ahead of time or, better yet, opt for rental gear instead. And checking a bag usually requires more time at the airport-instead you can spend more time seeing the sights and then head straight to security on the way home.
Mistake #3: Trying to make the most of every second
Your time might better be spent really delving into just one or two spots during your stay. Figure out your goals for the trip ahead of time and then schedule your activities accordingly. Be realistic about what you can actually see in just a couple days. In the end it all comes down to personal preference—think about what you're looking to get out of your getaway and what you and your travel partners can sanely handle. After all, the last thing you want is to come back from your vacation feeling like you need a vacation.
Mistake #4: Booking a flight with multiple connections
It's a fine way to save some dollars—until you find yourself spending extra hours on layovers and facing potential delays. "It's worth it to pay extra to get the nonstop option, especially when you have a short amount of time in a place," says DiScala, who logs more than 150,000 air miles per year, "If there's a cancellation or weather delays in a hub city, there goes your vacation." It's also worth avoiding destinations that require various forms of transportation to reach, such as islands only accessible by an infrequent ferry or resorts that require a private shuttle ride (especially one that doesn't depart until other passengers have arrived).
Mistake #5: Winging it
Sure, it's hard to predict weeks in advance if you (and your traveling companions) will be in the mood for Italian or if you'd rather have tapas on any given night, but reservations aren't usually set in stone. Research dining options ahead of time, or call your hotel's concierge for recommendations after you book your room.
Mistake #6: Forgetting to prepare for a new time zone
If it's already nighttime in your destination when you step on the plane, pass on the in-flight meal and movie and pop in the earplugs for a snooze instead—that way you'll be waking up with the locals, instead of feeling like it's time to sleep when you touch down. Plan lots of outdoor activities for your first day in a different time zone, too—the sunlight and fresh air will keep you energized. If there's no avoiding a snooze, try to limit yourself to a 20-minute power nap.
Mistake #7: Dressing for only one part of the day
The key is smart layering. For both men and women, a thin T-shirt with a cardigan or blazer is a good way to go in temperate climates. And for footwear, opt for comfortable leather shoes instead of the sneakers from your gym bag. Plus, choosing clothes that you can wear all day and into the night makes packing a breeze, and diminishes the chance that you will have to check a bag (remember Mistake #2?).
Mistake #8: Mapping out where you are—once you get there
Study maps before you leave and figure out the best route to
take from your hotel to the attractions and restaurants you plan to visit. Pre-planning extends to knowing the physical location of the airport you fly into, too, as it relates to the city center, says Malin, who's made the mistake of choosing a cheaper flight into a satellite airport that required more transit time to reach the city center.
Beside from that happy travelling with your love one's from
