By Mackenzie Lombardo March 2nd, 2024
How to make the most of your trip, and avoid the dreaded travel burnout.
This is our tried and true equation for planning a well rounded trip to Europe. It can be easily adapted to fit the length and locations of your stay.
A well rounded trip take a bit more planning, but is well worth it in the end.
Vacation Hangover
Ever sigh, “I need a vacation,” after just getting home from one? Us too. Not to sound ungrateful, but trips can be exhausting! If you’re like us, you’re a contradiction. You want to see, eat and experience all of the unique things a place has to offer! You don’t want to miss a thing! But, you also need the time to relax and reset.
Ever get home from an amazing vacation only to think you needed another one? We used to feel the same way. While, there’s seemingly nothing out there that will slake our thirst for travel. We have come up with a (semi) foolproof equation for the perfect, well-rounded vacation.
When the reality of home sets in
Travel Companion
We have to say, this is also a great starter template for traveling with others. Not everyone has the same tastes or interests, or likes to travel the same. Have no fear! This equation is a great jumping off point to help you get started.
When you get in at 8am, exhausted, take a taxi to the eiffel tower, and take a nap on the lawn at Trocadero.
Water
Yep, that’s right, Water. Just the sight of a body of Water is scientifically proven to make you happier. We have always felt it’s soothing presence and make Water a priority on all of our trips. We plan around it, it makes us happy. And happy people just don’t shoot their husbands
The Equation
Better to be Looking at it, Than for It
Brace yourself. Because, reality’s about to smack you upside the head.
14 Days ON Vacation = 11 days OF Vacation
MAXIMUM
Wait, what? Where did my days go?!
Yep, we know. It hurts to see. But, when we travel abroad, travel days cut into the time we have in our destination.
Don’t worry, and don’t give up on your international travel dreams. We’ve got a ton of great tips to help you make the most of your travel days!
14 days of vacation
Minus travel day to destination
Minus travel day back home
Minus travel day in the middle
Equals 11 days on vacation
After years as a flight attendant, I find it’s better to just let go of those days, now. That way if i feel jet lagged and tired, I can just let myself rest. And if anything in our itinerary goes sideways (looking at you, flights), what we DO get to do on those days, is a nice bonus.
[Photo of jake and I at trocadero – bonus day]
Yes, yes, “my vacation starts when I step on that plane,” is a great attitude to have! But, when you work on aircraft all day, it’s kinda like your cubicle taking you on vacation.
Bexause of this, we’ve learned all the tips and trick. I can turn that economy seat into coach in a snap! For more on creating a cozy haven in your plane seat, check out our [15 Simple Tips to Turn Your Coach Seat into a First-Class Experience] [30 items to bring on every flight you take]
That’s the spot!
Okay, now that we’ve adjusted our expectations, Let’s brainstorm our destinations! For some people, this is the hardest part. For me, it certainly can take the longest. But, out of all other parts of travel, choosing my next destination(s), is the part I love the most.
I make an itinerary, only to get inspired by something else. Toss the first itinerary in the bin, and create a new one. That’s fine! It’s a part of the process. On this part, I take my time. I want to make sure I choose the right locations for me and what I want out of my vacation.
Already getting overwhelmed? Check out our [Where in the World Should My Next Trip Be? printable]
Just Start!
Choose three destinations! The. choose another three. Or check out our [ 5 , 2 week european itineraries]
As you travel more, learn new things, and age. The way you travel naturally evolves.
When I started traveling internationally, I was a teenager. (Hayley was a pre-teen). I wanted to see everything all at once, and would pack my schedule with things to do and places to see! I wanted to “see it all!”. If that’s how you travel, great! I get it. The adrenaline brought on by travel can be powerful. But, I’ll say, I’ve learned a lot, and while this is a great way to “see a lot of stuff”. It’s not the best way to really experience a place. You’re checking off a bucket list item, but did you ever really experience where you went? Or did you jump from one thing to the next and say “Been there, seen that, don’t need to go back” I’ve found as my love for travel grows, the more i want to spend more quality time in one place.
Of course I still love to see and do all the things. But now, I take more time to do so, and focus more on creating memorable experiences.
I still want to see a lot, so now, I take day trips
HOME BASE
Having more time in one city means you have a home base. You have the opportunity to slow down and truly enjoy your trip, and you can still see more towns and cities by taking day trips. It just means you waste less time packing and enroute.
Choosing your cities
The concept is simple, use your wanderlust adrenaline to your advantage.
Start with City + End with Beach
1. Large City
2. City
(on the Water or with day trips )
3. Beach/Island
Tweak it: How did looking at that make you feel?
But, that’s still only three places. What if I want to see more?!
Whoa, Slow down! That looks packed!
Why we chose this combination:
Large City
Why start with a large city? Why so many days? Simple, adrenaline and jet lag.
Medium/Small City
Preferably, a coastal city. Because water is soothing and makes us happy. We also love small cities with big charm and cultural significance during this time.
Explore the area culturally, and relax with a stunning view, naturally or architecturally.
Beach/Island
Time to relax. Still have the chance to explore a new place, but the focus is on relaxation and moving slower.
These can be in the same country or all different countries. Just keep distance and travel time in mind when planning. If you want to maximize your time, you’re not going to want to Fly from Dublin to Santorini to Porto.
Exception to the rule
Do you get really bad jet lag? It’s no joke and can make navigating through a city miserable.
Flip things around. Do the opposite:
Start with Beach, End with City
If you already know you’re going to be dead-tired for the first few (or more) days, go to the beach for them! The whole concept of this equation is based on matching your natural energy patterns. If you try to push yourself through a packed itinerary, you’re going to get burnt out. Which is exactly what we want to avoid. If know you’ll have more energy toward the middle and end of your trip, make that the time you’re the most active.
[How to know if you’ll get jet lag]
[10 Hacks to Beat Jet Lag: how to avoid losing travel time]
Bucket List Itineraries
What are your travel desires? Do you want to prioritize seeing multiple countries? Getting more up close and personal with a single country?
Examples:
1. Multi-country: Paris, Barcelona, Capri
2. Spain: Barcelona, Seville, San Sebastián
3. Italy: Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre
Plug the Numbers
Days in destinations
Adjust for what you want. How you like to travel. What you are looking for, hoping for.
Day trips
What each city has to provide
Why cities? Because usually, you can find great day trips around them. You can use the city as a home base, there are museums, food, and can be culturally rich experiences.
Example 1:
Paris 4 Days – Day trip
- Arrive, wander
- Museums/sights/tour
- Day Trip
- Experience/explore
Barcelona 4 Days – Day trip
- Arrive, wander
- Museums/sights/tour
- Day Trip
- Experience/explore
Capri 3 days – Day Trip
- Arrive/Explore
- Island sights/tour
- Boat Tour
Don’t forget, if you’re trying to save some money, you can always plan your own tour and take public transportation, taxis, or rent a vehicle! We take public transportation in many countries and find it to be a great way to save cash.
Check out our blog for more money-saving tips!
