33 Tips On How To Master Your Summer (Weekend) Travelling

It's been a 'busy' year to say the least and everyone needs a bit of a break. Being a big traveller with a limited holiday time ahead, I decided to spend my summer exploring the sights in Europe. I visited 10 different cities in a span of 10 weeks, all by travelling only during the weekends.

From London to the English countryside, Oslo, Brussels, Ghent, Ljubljana, Bruges, Antwerp, Venice, Stockholm, and Milan. Here are some useful tips on what to do if you feel like having an adventure of your own:

• Travel (more) during the summer – days are long, it's usually warm, people seem to be always happy and there are lots of summer festivals and major events happening everywhere.
• Don't be too fixated on your destination – opt in for some of the places you may not usually consider. Chances are all are likely to be beautiful in their own unique way anyway. Decide on suitable dates and budget first andlet the algorithm and chance do all the work for you.

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• Don't just fly – consider also travelling by train or car for a good mix. Flights during the summer are usually notoriously delayed, I discovered some of the nicest places in Belgium by simply taking Eurostar.

• Get there early on Saturday and return late the next day, try not to travel there for more than 2-3 hours. Make sure to maximise your time to the fullest without rushing.
• Visit more places in one go – it's amazing what you can squeeze in in just one weekend.

• Don't spend too much time doing the research or relying on the likes of Lonely Planet. You will likely only have about 30 hours or so there so beat that FOMO and just follow your intuition.

• Don't use a map unless really necessary. Let your senses help you navigate the city. If you get lost just ask locals for directions.

• Learn by doing – planning is nice as it gets you excited about the destination but nothing replaces the actual experience.

• Walk everywhere – you'll see much more on foot (just make sure you wear some comfy shoes).

• Book your accommodation on airbnb (any budget goes) and prepare for some of the most authentic local experiences. Of course nothing beats staying with friends or family. 
• Stay somewhere central so you can just walk everywhere and save the costs on public transport.

• Do the same things you enjoy doing at home – you'll feel less of a tourist and more like a local that way. You’re a true winner when people start thinking you’re actually from there.

• Ask your (local) friends for some tips on what to see/do – better than any guide. Make sure you take some time to meet up with them as well if you can.

• It's OK to travel by yourself – think of it as the perfect time for some self-reflection. Most of Europe is super safe and there are always friendly people around.

From London to the English countryside, Oslo, Brussels, Ghent, Ljubljana, Bruges, Antwerp, Venice, Stockholm, and Milan.

• Take some time for a trip outside the capital – you'd be surprised what smaller places have to offer. Escape the urban jungle by exploring the countryside.

• Try to download some local music and listen to it beforehand. I usually listen to Monocle24 radio, which features some of the best international songs worldwide.

• Bring your most inspirational playlist along. Everything feels so much better when you have a catchy tune to pair it with.

• Volunteer to write for a blog or a magazine. They may not pay you for it but you can get a Press Card and get all the museum, gallery entries free of charge + you will avoid the queues.

• Spend as much time as you can outdoors – it's summer after all. And don’t forget about that sun protection, it's going to be hot.

• Go somewhere with the sea/water close-by. Let’s be realistic, we all long to be somewhere near the beach in the summertime.

• Rent a bike or take a boat trip – it’s a must.
• Don't be afraid of getting lost – it’s only a matter of time when you'll find your way back.

• Learn a new language – travelling is a great opportunity to pick up some local phrases. Keep your ears open and listen to the people around you.

• Eat where the locals would – kind of obvious, right?

• Go there during a festival – there should be lots of music, food & drinks and local crafts at hand, and you’ll get a great overview of the local life.

• Pack light – you'll likely mostly be meeting strangers so no one should know you're wearing the same pair of jeans two days in a row.

• Rent a bike – ah, I already mentioned that. Well just do it. It’s cheap and so relaxing, exercise never hurts.

• Bring your portable battery charger – chances are your phone will likely die at some point. Have it as a back up plan so you can check that random work email or Whatsapp message. Switch off as much as possible though.

• Crash a wedding, a picnic gathering in the park, a random store/gallery opening or a local meetup – free food/drinks are usually served there, plus you may meet some interesting people.

• Look for any opportunities for inspiration – you never know what you’re going to see, or whom you’ll meet, including potential new friends or business contacts.
• Bring back some souvenirs (not the touristy kind but something nice and quirky)– even if it's just a local postcard or the sheer amount of pictures you take. That way you'll always have something to remind you of that unforgettable trip abroad. 

• Don't fear you may get too tired for work when you're back on Monday – you may likely be sleep-deprived and just run on adrenaline but you will get so much energy and inspiration out of it.
• Don't be afraid to experiment, chances are nobody really knows you there, soyou'll hardly make a fool out of yourself unless it's something 'illegal'.

All in all, have fun and follow your instincts. Most importantly, be open to new experiences and enjoy yourself