University life can be exhilarating but also overwhelming. Between attending lectures, submitting assignments, and maintaining a social life, you might find yourself longing for a break. A weekend getaway is the perfect opportunity to recharge and explore new places without disrupting your academic routine. Here’s a step-by-step guide to planning a memorable escape.
Choose Your Destination Wisely
When selecting a destination, consider:
- Travel Time: Choose a location that’s no more than 3-4 hours away to maximise your time.
- Budget: Look for places that fit your financial limits. Think about accommodation, transportation, and food expenses.
- Activities: Pick a spot that offers activities you’ll enjoy, whether it’s hiking, sightseeing, or relaxing by the beach.
If you don’t have the time to sort a weekend getaway yourself, sign up for the ISH Travel Club trip to Liverpool & Lake District. The trip includes an inclusive tour of Liverpool with ferry cruise, guided walking tours, and a scenic train ride. And for the Lake District we’ll hit up Bowness-on-Windermere, Ambleside, the Langdales, and Grasmere.
Set a Budget
Determine how much you can afford to spend. Include the following in your calculations:
- Transportation: Compare options like buses, trains, or budget flights, which can be found on sites such as Skyscanner.
- Accommodation: Consider affordable options like hostels, which can be found on HostelWorld, budget hotels, or Airbnb.
- Food: Allocate money for meals and snacks. Research if there are grocery stores or affordable restaurants at your destination.
- Extras: Factor in costs for activities, souvenirs, or emergency expenses.
Make sure to purchase travel insurance before your trip.
Plan Your Itinerary
Having a flexible but structured itinerary helps you make the most of your trip:
- Research Key Attractions: Identify must-visit places and activities.
- Prioritise Your Interests: Don’t overpack your schedule; focus on what excites you most.
- Time Management: Allocate enough time for travel, rest, and exploration. If you try to get to much done in to little time your burn out and won’t fully enjoy your time there.
Pack Smart
For a weekend trip, pack light. Essentials include:
- Comfortable clothing and shoes suited to your destination’s weather and activities.
- Toiletries and personal items.
- Travel documents, including ID, tickets, and any reservations.
- A small first-aid kit and any necessary medications.
If your flying make sure to check the size requirements of the bag your taking, otherwise you’ll be charged with a fee!
Travel With Friends or Solo
Decide if you want to travel on your own, in a pair, or as a group. There are pros and cons for which ever option you pick:
Travelling as a group:
- Pros-
- Reduce Costs- Group travel can offer discounted rates for accommodation, transport and activities.
- Shared experiences- Group travel provides opportunities for shared adventures and memories.
- Safety in Numbers- Being in a group provides a sense of security and support in unfamiliar places.
- Cons-
- Differing Interests– Reaching a general agreement on activities, dining choices
- Less Freedom- Group itineraries can be rigid, limiting the ability to stray from the schedule.
- Group Dynamics- Clashing personalities or differing opinions can lead to arguments and disagreements.
Travelling Solo:
- Pros-
- More Freedom and Flexibility– Decide your itinerary, pace and activities without compromising.
- Personal Growth– Push your comfort zone, develop independence, and gain self confidence.
- More Opportunities to Meet People– Solo travellers are often more open to meeting new people.
- Cons-
- Loneliness– You may experience feeling isolated, especially during meals or at night.
- Safety concerns– You can be more vulnerable to scams, theft and harassment, particularly for female travellers.
- More expensive– As accommodation and transport costs aren’t shared they can become more expensive.
Stay Connected
Keep your phone charged and ready for:
- Navigation and directions.
- Emergency contacts.
- Capturing photos to document your trip.
Be Mindful of Time
Aim to return on Sunday evening or early Monday morning to allow time to prepare for the week ahead. Avoid overextending your trip to ensure you’re ready for classes and responsibilities.
A weekend getaway doesn’t have to be extravagant to be fulfilling. With proper planning, you can have a refreshing break that leaves you feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle university life. So, gather your friends, pack your bags, and start planning your next adventure!
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