When you’ve got an extra day or two tacked onto a holiday weekend, there’s often a heightened urge to maximize every single second of your time off.
This is especially true if you’re traveling to a new locale that begs to be explored. A few simple strategies can make limited time feel longer though—leaving early and returning as late as possible should be no-brainers—from booking nonstop flights to arriving with fleshed-out itineraries. Here are some pretty genius mental tricks and logistical tweaks that help stretch your time off without requesting any additional PTO.
In this article
Book Nonstop Flights
If the end goal is to make the weekend last longer, then the fastest, most direct flight is the clear winner. Even if it means spending a little more. “Every added connection adds a chance of a delay or cancelled flight, which can ruin weekend plans quickly,” says Jordan Rozum, travel expert at point.me.
Choosing middle-of-the-day flights can also cut into your actual time spent at the destination. Instead, Rozum suggests arriving as early as possible, and leaving at the last moment. “Depending on the destination, take advantage of late evening flights [the day before the trip], then an overnight redeye before you return. This way, you can enjoy time at your destination before heading back home,” Rozum says.
Create a Rough Gameplan
Arriving prepared pays off big time, but that doesn’t have to translate to a strictly regimented itinerary that’s broken out by the minute. In fact, don’t do that—it will likely just add a sense of stress—and instead create a rough plan of what you’d like to see, eat, and experience. Research ahead of time and create a list of restaurants, museums, sites, and activities, perhaps even grouped by location, then create a loose guide for each day.
The goal is to avoid spending time researching or waiting in the middle of the day. Also, “If there are specific tours you are interested in, book before you leave. This will save time and guarantee you will have a spot on the tour,” advises Leslie Coleman, travel expert and founder of Suitcase Gals. “There is nothing worse than having to stand in a queue for an hour or more.”
Prioritize Sleep (Seriously)
It’s tempting to stay up extremely late trying to see and do it all, only to wake up at the crack of dawn to do it again. This, friends, is a recipe for feeling haggard and unmotivated. While your time is technically maximized, the quality of said time suffers.
A better strategy is to go to bed at a reasonable hour so you wake up refreshed and ready to soak up every experience the day brings. And while you’re at it, make sure to fuel your body well. Good food, minimal drinking, and excellent sleep make for a memorable experience (and the ability to get more steps in, tbh).
Commit to a Digital Detox
Smartphones are great for navigating a new city or snapping memories, but spending hours scrolling or answering texts while you’re trying to soak up a new destination only wastes precious time.
“This is your time to get away and enjoy the simple pleasures, so don’t let phone distractions take you away from the joy of your trip,” Coleman says. “Let people know you will be away and that you won’t be taking calls—personal or work—during this time.”
If you absolutely must respond to someone, prioritize those with an immediate need. Also, a snap or two shared to social is great, but don’t feel like you need to update everyone, every day. Turn off notifications, tell Insta it can wait, and live in the moment!
Have Breakfast at the Hotel
Hotel restaurants have come a long way in recent years, some even becoming a foodie destination for non-guests. Grabbing food at the hotel and then heading on your way saves time and makes for an excellent dining experience. To that end, Rozum says to prioritize hotels that either have great restaurants on-site, or that include breakfast with your stay. He says, “You can have a quick bite in the morning and maximize your day for other activities, whether you’re out exploring nature or the concrete jungle.”
Similarly, prioritizing hotels with amenities can help streamline your day, too. For example, if you want to relax, look for those with a spa, pool or beach access. If you seek a more social, active vibe, look for hotels that include, or are close to, on-site cafes, rooftop bars, or offer bike rentals to aid exploration and avoid waiting for rideshares.
Ease into the Midday Slump
You wake up bright eyed and ready to take on the day, and before you know it you’ve accumulated approximately 15,000 steps seeing and doing it all. Then the midday slump hits. You’ll definitely need to relax, but that doesn’t necessarily mean going back to the hotel room and napping. Instead, opt for a low-key change of pace that lets you recharge while still exploring.
If you’re in a big city, maybe that’s moseying through a museum or dropping by a cute cafe for a caffeinated debrief. If you have a car, it could translate to a scenic drive through the area. You might also grab a quiet moment to relax on the beach or in the woods if you’re lapping up nature. These are chill ways to keep the momentum going without running ragged.
The Shortcut
Small, strategic travel tweaks can help you reclaim more time on a long weekend without adding PTO.
A little pre-planning paired with flexibility helps to maximize time and move through a getaway more easily.
Pacing your energy (both mentally and physically) can directly impact the quality of your getaway, and can even help make the most of limited time.
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