Cross-country trips with big budgets and nightmare logistics don't make for relaxing travel. Sometimes all you need is 24 hours to get that perfect getaway feel. With such a short time to explore a place, you're not looking to cram every attraction into one day. You want the best of the best.
- Research Is Key
Always do a bit of research on the attractions and restaurants you want to see while in town. Knowing what there is to see and do ahead of time will allow you to plan an efficient route throughout the city. Are the restaurants you want to visit only open on certain days of the week? Do museums or other attractions have discount days or free hours? Nailing down all of these specifics will allow you to prioritize activities and to start planning an agenda for you mini-vacation.
Try to book a hotel that is convenient for your goals. A location in the middle of downtown is not always the best option if you find that all of your activities are farther away. If possible, find a place to stay that is centered around the majority of things you want to do. This sometimes means it won’t be the nicest hotel in the city; other times, it means you will pay a bit more than you wished. Remember, however, that when you only have 24 hours, the hotel is primarily just a place to fall asleep. - Schedules Are Your Friends
One of the best ways to make sure that you get the most out of your short time frame is to utilize a tentative schedule. Eat breakfast nearest the first place you want to visit. A safe bet is to plan for one major activity in the morning and one in the afternoon post-lunch. Don't try to cram in too much, however. It's only 24 hours.
The Achilles' heel of planning is not allowing at least some flexibility. If you find yourself having a good time with a certain activity, don't hesitate to stay. You don't want to drag yourself or your family away from a good time simply because "it's not scheduled." - Make the Most of Food
For some people, where you eat on vacation won't be important. If this is the case for you, bring some food from home that can be eaten with little to no preparation. Make some sandwiches ahead of time or swing by a quick-serve to get something to-go. Having an impromptu picnic in a nearby park makes any food better.
For foodie travelers, choose three restaurants you would really like to experience, and do your best to make reservations at the one you like most. If you can't get a reservation, move on to the next dining choice. In touristy towns, it's best to remember that the hours between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. are the busiest. Eating outside of those times avoids the heaviest crowds and the longest waits. - Ask for Advice
Don’t be afraid to try something new or even to ask locals for advice while you are in town. Most of the time, they are always willing to help, and they will be more than happy to suggest something to do or see outside of the typical touristy hotspots. At your first activity, ask a worker where her favorite place is to eat lunch. She might be able to point you to a nearby hole-in-the-wall that's quick, delicious, and cheap. Ask your waiter at dinner where his favorite place is to grab a cup of coffee. Then, stop by on your way out of town the next morning. Locals are more knowledgeable than any guidebook or Google search result.
The point of a 24-hour getaway is to spend some time enjoying a new destination without the hassle of a weeks-long vacation and its convoluted planning process. Enjoy yourself, try something different, and don’t be afraid to go off schedule a little bit.
