№1: Say 'No' to long flights!
The first rule of planning a short trip is to spend less time en route and making travel arrangements. Leave lengthy connections and stop-overs and for other times and journeys. Make sure you do not spend more time trying to reach your destination then what you really have to.
№2: Choose a convenient flight rather than destination
If you are not tied to a specific location and simply want to plan a short escape, pick a country based on the airlines' schedule. Opt for direct flights and convenient departure-arrival times. Ideally, you want to find a flight, departing Friday evening, so that you can return home Sunday evening. However, keep in mind that weekend tickets are sold out very quickly, so its better to buy in advance to avoid price hikes.
№3: Take carry-on luggage only
For a weekend trip it may be best not to take any large suitcases. Limit yourself to necessities and try to fit them all in hand luggage. You can save time considerably if you don't have to wait at baggage claim.
№4: Stay in hotels downtown
When choosing a hotel, first of all, consider all the options with a central location. By and large, on a mini-vacation like this you will only have 1 or 2 evenings, which you do not want to spend being on the road.
№5: Weekend travel package is a great option
Pay attention to days-off travel packages. They are frequently provided by air ticket reservation systems (expedia.com, skyscanner.net). Simply enter your travel dates and the site will give you offers with special prices for this time period. The standard package "flight + hotel" you can always be extended to include a car rental.
№6: Work out easy routes!
Outline the route of your journey beforehand. Pick several attractions in the historical center. A trip to the countryside will most likely take up the whole day. Do not try to squeeze in everything. Instead of enjoying your getaway, you run the risk of getting very tired. It will significantly reduce the level of satisfaction from your trip, as well as the quality of your rest. Take more walks – this way you can get to know the new city much faster than when using transportation.
№7: Choose cafes and restaurants within walking distance from the hotel
Use the tripadvisor.com service and find a couple of nice cafes or restaurants near your hotel where you would like to dine. You may also need to reserve a table in advance – call the manager or send a request by e-mail.
№8: Lunch and shop considering customary business hours
Take into account that in some European countries many shops and supermarkets are closed on Sundays. For example, in Italy even cafes are open only at certain hours, and during a break from 2 to 6 pm it is difficult to find somewhere to eat. The best place you can come across at this time of the day is a snack bar.
№9: Take a personal guide and a customized sighteeing tour
If you do not want to get acquainted with the place on your own, visit toursbylocals.com. Here you can find excellent guides among residents (including Russian-speaking ones) who can easily adapt to your wishes and quickly tailor the program to your needs. Such express tours will help not only look at the city through the eyes of the local people, but also guarantee you a good interlocutor with valuable advice.
If it did not not work out with a full fledged vacation, you can still have a great time. So do not miss on weekend tours and seize the opportunity to spend a few days traveling. Vivid impressions will help to get your energy levels to soaring and add diversity to everyday life.