How do you plan a day trip to Europe and be stress-free? We took a day trip to Madrid from Manchester to find out!
Taking a one-day trip to a foreign city is not for the faint of heart. It requires careful planning, a laser focus on your goals, and a willingness to let go of some of the usual tourist attractions. However, with the right mindset and a sense of adventure, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
My wife and I are regular travellers, but we had never attempted a one-day trip before. However, when we found out that her favourite band, Interpol, was playing in Madrid and had no planned UK gigs. We knew we had to go. So, we booked a morning flight, packed our backpacks, and headed to the airport.
Adopt Minimalism for your Day Trip to Europe
Packaging light is the first key to a successful day trip to Europe. We only brought a single backpack, with one outfit change and a few essentials. As we were staying at a hotel, we didn’t need to bring any shower products, and we were able to leave our luggage in their office so we could explore the city without carrying heavy bags around.
Our main focus for the trip was to see the concert, so we didn’t spend time visiting museums or other tourist spots. This allowed us to immerse ourselves in the local culture and explore the city centre like locals. We walked everywhere we went, taking in the residential areas of Madrid on our way to and from the concert.
The second key to a successful one-day trip is to be organised. We checked in online the night before for both flights, arrived at the airport and walked straight through security. Organizing our packing, especially with liquids and electronics, helped speed through the ever daunting security process. We dressed extremely comfortably for flights and wore the same outfits for the flight back. Making packing easier and lighter.
As regular travellers, we were able to utilise our rewards to book a much nicer hotel room than we initially planned, saving us a couple of hundred Euros in the process. We also picked a budget airline to get us to Madrid, which meant less time wasted and a lower overall expense.
Keep it Focused for a Day Trip
One important aspect of a short trip is to stay focused on your goal. And having a solid reason beyond just visiting the usual tourist spots makes for a much more valuable experience. For us, it was seeing Interpol perform live, and it was definitely worth it.
One of the biggest benefits of short trips is a smaller budget. Picking a budget airline to take you to a direct destination from your home airport means less time wasted and an overall lower expense for the trip. If you can do without things like priority boarding, picking a specific seat or checked-in luggage, you can greatly reduce the cost of your trip.
Overall, our one-day trip to Madrid was a success. We were able to make the most of our time by being organised and focused, and we got to experience the city like locals. If you’re planning a short trip. I highly recommend having a clear goal in mind and being as minimalist as possible with your packing. It really makes a difference.
In conclusion, a one-day trip to a foreign city can seem daunting. However, with careful planning and a willingness to let go of some of the usual tourist attractions, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. By packing light, being organised, and having a clear goal in mind, you can make the most of your time and experience the city like a local. So, the next time your favourite band is playing in a different country, don’t hesitate to book that one-day trip. You won’t regret it.
