Research shows that taking several short trips brings more pleasure than one long one. Besides the experience, it’s the anticipation and reminiscence that benefits our well being. But how to get the most out of your short getaway? Especially that first day. We’ve all been there. You can’t wait to go on this exciting trip. You’ve been looking forward to it for weeks. But then you stay up late finishing your work, studies, packing or procrastinating. So you arrive at your destination exhausted, making the first day of a three day trip – well – kind of worthless. We wouldn’t be the friendliest hostel in Berlin if we didn’t help you out with a few tips on how to get the most out of the first day of your city trip. So simply follow some of these tips and earn yourself an extra day on your holiday!
1. REST
A no-brainer, but make sure you get some good old rest the night before. Don’t leave the packing to the last minute and try to leave the partying for when you arrive at your destination…
2. LESS IS MORE
To make sure you get enough of #1, pack as little as possible. If you’re packing for a city trip, then going lite is the way! Carrying only hand luggage will save you half an hour on each end.
3. EXCERCISE
Before you travel, exercise! Seriously, you will find you will feel so much fitter on the train, bus or plane when you’ve done a bit of exercise beforehand!
4. PREPARE
Let the fun begin well before you leave for your trip. Book a few of your favorite restaurants beforehand and look into what you want to do when you’re there. Leave some room for spontaneity, but don’t waste time at your destination figuring it all out. The world wide web is a great place to gather inspiration on local ‘not to miss’ gems and there are travel blogs galore these days that fit your taste.
5. PLAN THE MOST EFFICIENT ROUTE
Preferably for the whole trip but at least for the first day, plan your bucket list via Peronal Google Maps. This way you’re minimising your travel time and you can even download the map and use it while off the internet. We’ve written a handy little tutorial for you here if this is your first time using personal Google Maps.
6. EARLY MORNING FLIGHT (BUT NOT THÁT EARLY)
If you’re flying, it’s always tempting to get the 6am flight to be able to enjoy a coffee at your destination and squeeze the most ‘hours’ into your trip. But when booking we rarely realise that means getting up at 3am… Basically ruining your state of mind on the first day of your trip. Depending on your flight duration, you’re better off taking a morning flight at 9 or 10 am and enjoy a nice fresh lunch at your destination and being able to keep your eyes open until after dinner 😉
7. BOOK A HOSTEL WITH EARLY CHECK IN
When arriving at your destination you want to check in, leave your bags and hit the town. Friendly hostels like Amstel House Hostel Berlin allow you to do so. If your bed is not ready yet, we have a special room where you can leave your bags while exploring the town. Yay!
And a call out to all experienced travellers to leave your tips on how to get the most out of the first day of your city trip below in the comments section!
xoxo Amstel Staff
