In recent years, a fascinating new travel trend has emerged—extreme day trips.
Forget about lounging by the pool for a week; some adventurous travelers are hopping on flights that take them halfway across the globe for just a single day’s holiday.
These whirlwind trips have captured the imagination of travel lovers who are eager to experience new places, but with limited time.
Monica Stott’s Passion for Extreme Day Trips
Monica Stott, a 37-year-old full-time travel blogger from Wrexham, Wales, is a prime example of someone embracing the extreme day trip lifestyle.
Known for her blog “The Travel Hack,” Monica has traveled to various cities, including Milan, Lisbon, and Reykjavik, all in the span of one day.
She explains that research shows many of our best holiday memories come from the first couple of days.
Reflecting on her own experiences, she agrees: “A lot of the best moments happen when you first arrive.”
Monica loves packing her day with activities before heading back home that evening.
While it might sound intense, she claims that these trips have felt like “mini holidays.”
It’s a jam-packed day full of adventure, and she embraces every moment of it.
Luka Chijutomi-Ghosh’s Extreme Adventures Across Europe
Luka Chijutomi-Ghosh, an 18-year-old student from Cardiff, has taken extreme day trips to a whole new level.
In fact, one of his most memorable experiences was spending Christmas Eve in Prague.
Luka arrived in Prague at 9 pm on December 24th, explored the city, and then left at 9 am the following day.
Not stopping there, he later traveled to Paris, Luxembourg, Brussels, and Amsterdam, all within just one day.
For Luka, these extreme day trips are an exciting alternative to the usual student nights out, which can cost upwards of £60 or £70.
Instead, he sees the opportunity to get a return flight for under £20 and explore new cities.
Luka views his day trips as efficient and fulfilling, maximizing his time and money.
The Popularity of Extreme Day Trips on Social Media
Monica and Luka are not alone in their love for extreme day trips.
Online communities, particularly Facebook groups, have exploded with hundreds of thousands of members who share their own stories of taking quick getaways.
These groups have become a place for like-minded travelers to connect and share tips for making the most out of their one-day adventures.
Monica’s inspiration for extreme day trips began with her frequent work-related trips to Ireland.
Often only there for brief meetings, she realized that with a little extra time, she could transform these trips into mini holidays.
She joined Facebook groups where people shared their own stories of taking day trips, and soon after, she was hooked.
For her, these one-day trips are a great way to explore new cities, especially for those who don’t have the time or money for longer vacations.
A New Perspective on City Exploration
Luka’s love for extreme day trips began when he spotted a £15 flight to Prague.
At first, he was disappointed by how little time he would have in the city, but he quickly realized he could still enjoy a fulfilling trip in just a few hours.
This experience gave him the insight that even a short visit could leave him feeling like he’d truly experienced the essence of a new city.
His subsequent four-country trip proved that with a bit of planning, it’s possible to explore multiple places in a single day.
Monica agrees that extreme day trips are a practical solution for people who can’t always find the time or funds for longer holidays.
She points out that while we may dream of endless vacation days, the reality is different.
Instead of waiting for the “perfect time,” why not experience a little bit of a city now rather than never at all?
The Environmental Impact of Extreme Day Trips
Despite the excitement of extreme day trips, there are environmental concerns to consider.
Flying is responsible for 2.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and it’s even higher in some countries, including the UK.
These quick trips, which often involve multiple flights, contribute to a significant carbon footprint.
Monica acknowledges this downside but argues that for many travelers, these trips are a more affordable and time-efficient option compared to longer holidays.
Luka, however, points out that extreme day trips don’t always have to involve flying.
His recent four-country adventure was done entirely by train, which is a more sustainable option.
This alternative allows travelers to embrace the experience without the guilt of contributing to high levels of emissions.
Practical Tips for Extreme Day Trippers
For those inspired to try extreme day trips themselves, Monica offers some helpful advice.
She suggests keeping trips within a two-hour flight radius, as anything further may feel like too much travel for one day.
Cities like Dublin, Belfast, Cork, and others are great options for quick trips.
Flights to these destinations are often short, frequent, and affordable.
Monica also recommends travelers focus on minimizing stress at the airport.
If you treat the journey as just another part of the adventure, it can help save energy for the fun parts of the trip.
After all, the goal is to make the most of your day, and a calm, collected start can set the tone for the rest of the experience.
Conclusion: Making the Most of a Single Day
Extreme day trips have become a fascinating travel trend, offering people the chance to experience the world in a single day.
Whether it’s for the thrill of a fast-paced adventure or the desire to see more with limited time, these trips are changing the way we think about travel.
While they come with challenges, such as their environmental impact, they also provide a unique way to explore new destinations without taking time off work or spending large amounts of money.
For those with a sense of adventure and a taste for spontaneity, an extreme day trip could be the perfect getaway.