How to (Quickly!) Plan Your Spur-of-the-Moment Getaway

Every once in a while the pressing need to just get away from it all rises to the surface

and it just can’t be ignored!

Going away at the last minute can work wonders to help de-stress, change the pace or

provide a short and sweet adventure at just the right time!

Last minute holidays are rising in popularity -– and coming down in price.

So get the best out of your spur-of-the-moment getaway with these tips:

Be Open Minded

While your annual ‘big’ holiday might merit advance planning and careful selection of a

destination, it’s a good idea to keep an open mind with a last minute break.

That way, you’ll get the best deals on destinations you hadn’t considered before.

Travel is all about broadening your horizons and experiencing new cultures, so get out

of the resort and start exploring.

In Crete for a beach holiday?

Why not take a boat trip to Spinalonga, home to Venetian ruins and a former leper colony

this makes for a fascinating day out.

Take Time

With more and more focus being put on our careers these days taking time off can seem

counter-intuitive.

But no matter how high pressured, or how much you love your job it is vital to take time off

and recharge your batteries.

Even brain surgeons need a holiday sometimes!

If the thought of spending a week or two on a beach somewhere fills you with dread, then

why not take a long weekend somewhere?

City breaks to places like Paris will provide the perfect break, whether you fancy wandering

round the Louvre, catching a cabaret show in Montmartre or dinning out on the finest

French cuisine.

Paris has plenty to keep even the most active of minds occupied.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Whatever your budget then planning a last minute holiday can help you get more bang for

your buck.

Got your heart set on a particular destination?

Then try to be flexible with your dates or consider a more indirect route.

If you’ve always dreamt of seeing Vienna then consider flying to Rome and taking the night

train to Vienna.

It’s the easiest way of ticking multiple destinations off your bucket list, while still giving you

time to sight see during the day.

Pack Light and Go for Versatility

The key to taking a last minute trip is to pack light and choose versatile items -– those pieces

of clothing that can take you from day into night.

For instance, a classic white shirt can be dressed with jewellery or a tie for evening.

Items like plain vest tops and casual shorts are essential ‘dress up or down’ items.

If it’s a two day break, restrict yourself to two pairs of shoes (day and night), and take footwear

that has multiple uses e.g. flip flops (slippers or beachwear).

Booking a last minute getaway could be the best thing you ever do.

And if you take into account the above, it could be the start of a healthy, holiday-making habit.

Feel free to send in any other last minute tips, comments or recommendations!

*Spinalonga and Belvedere Palace images by Kurt Bauschardt and Robert Linsdell used under the
Creative Commons License.

What are your best tips for planning a spur-of-the-moment getaway?

What has worked for you?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.