If you’re going on an exciting city break we’ve got some top tips to make sure that you get the most out of your trip.
- Plan ahead – If you’re on a city break, you are likely to be on a bit of a tight schedule. As such, it’s a good idea for you to plan ahead. Get yourself a guide book or head online and find out as much as you can about your chosen city. Make a list of sights you want to see, restaurants you like the sound of, and any cultural events that might be going on while you’re there. It’s also sensible to give yourself an idea of the layout of the city and where the places you want to go are located. Then you can create a plan of what to do and where to go each day. Don’t ruin the spontaneity of the trip though, make sure you leave time to wander round and explore as well – there are always hidden treasures to discover. However, having a basic plan means you won’t miss any major sights.
- Pack light – If you’re heading on a city break then you want to pack light. It’s the sort of holiday that capsule wardrobes were made for. Pick a few key items and work with clothes you can mix and match. Layers are an ideal choice, as this is the sort of trip where you’re likely to be constantly going from colder outside streets into the warmth of museums, galleries, historic buildings, and the like. Layers will mean you can adapt to either quickly and easily.
- Take sensible shoes – If you’re exploring a new city then you’re going to be doing a lot of walking. You want to look chic but you also don’t want to be crippled by the end of the day. To avoid this, make sure you pack at least one pair of sensible, go-with-everything, flat shoes; ones which you’ve broken in and can happily spend all day (and all night) in. By all means bring a pair of heels for evenings out at restaurants, bars, or shows, but don’t forget your flats.
- Go local – When you’re on a city break, the best way to get a real flavour for the place is to stray off the beaten-track. Don’t be afraid to delve into the unknown. Ask locals for their recommendations. Try regional specialities – no matter how strange they might sound. Discover a local café, visit a forgotten chapel, roam and explore the place. Uncover the city’s secrets. Also, don’t be afraid to venture out of the city a bit. Take a local bus or train and travel into the surrounding countryside and villages. You’ll be stunned at the contrasts and it will give you wonderful feel for the country you’re in.
Every city break is different, and what you decide to do will depend on where you go, when you go, and who you go with. However, using these tips to help prepare for your trip should help you make the most out of wherever you choose to go on your holiday.
Written by Kat Kraetzer, a passionate traveller and experienced travel writer