Extreme Day Trips: How to Travel Smart and Make the Most of Your Time
Essential tips for planning successful extreme day trips: from currency options and transportation to packing smart and maximizing your limited time abroad.
Written By Michael Cracknell
The O.G Extreme Day Tripper
6 min read
Published on 10/03/2025
Extreme Day Trips are a great way to pack a lot into a single day. Whether you're flying to another country in the morning and returning that night or tackling an action-packed itinerary, good planning is essential.
After taking many extreme day trips, I've learned what works, what doesn't, and how to make the most of every hour. Here's my best advice for making your next trip smooth, affordable, and memorable.
Exchange rates on currency cards are usually better than those offered by banks and credit cards, and they're safer.
I use FairFX, but Revolut, Wise, and Monzo are also good choices. If you prefer a physical option, Post Office travel cards are a solid choice.
Always carry a small amount of local cash (around £30) for taxis or small shops that may not accept cards.
While card payments are widely accepted in major cities, smaller vendors, public toilets, or local markets may still require cash, so it's always good to have a backup.
Renting a car can be more hassle than it's worth, especially in cities with heavy traffic and limited parking. Instead, opt for public transport passes, which are cheap, convenient, and let you see more of the city.
Many cities offer unlimited travel day passes that include metro, bus, and tram services. These passes make it easy to hop between attractions without the stress of navigating traffic or searching for parking.
In some places, taxis can be an affordable alternative. In Sofia, Bulgaria, I hired a taxi driver for seven hours, and he took me to all the top sights for just £80. A knowledgeable driver can act as a local guide, saving you time and ensuring you don't miss out on the best attractions.
If you're driving to the airport, pre-book parking as early as possible to get the best rates. At Gatwick, you can book 24-hour parking for as little as £15 if you plan ahead. Joining MyGatwick gets you an extra 10% discount on parking.
Most major airports offer official parking, often at a lower cost and with more convenience than third-party alternatives.
Booking last minute can mean significantly higher costs, so it's always worth securing a space in advance.
It's also worth checking out JustPark and YourParkingSpace for cheap parking close to other airports.
Extreme Day Trips often mean long gaps between meals, so eating a good breakfast at the airport can keep you going for most of the day.
At Gatwick, for example, Sonoma Grill serves a solid breakfast for around £12.
Bringing snacks and a water bottle helps you stay hydrated and maintain energy levels. If you're planning to eat while exploring, research highly-rated local eateries in advance so you don't waste time deciding where to eat when you arrive.
Knowing how to get from the airport to the city centre can save time and stress. Check airport transfer options before you go and look up top sights so you have a rough itinerary.
Some airports have excellent public transport connections, while others may require a taxi or shuttle service.
In places where transport is tricky, consider booking a local guide or hiring a taxi for the day, like I did in Sofia. Planning ahead means you'll spend more time exploring and less time figuring out logistics.
Extreme Day Trips can be amazing solo, but bringing a friend can make them even better. You can share the experience, help each other navigate, and split costs for taxis, food, and transport.
Having a travel companion can add an extra layer of safety, especially in destinations where you're unfamiliar with the language or customs.
If you prefer solo travel, that's great too—you have total freedom to do what you want, but it's always a good idea to share your itinerary with someone back home.
You'll be carrying everything with you all day, so pack wisely. Essentials include:
If you're sitting in extra legroom seats (like row 1), your bag must go in the overhead locker. In standard seats, keep it under the seat in front for quick exits.
A compact travel pouch for essentials like your passport, boarding pass, and phone can make airport security and boarding much smoother.
Extreme Day Trips aren't for the faint-hearted. Many involve leaving home at 3 AM and returning close to midnight. Try to sleep on the plane if possible.
Download Netflix episodes or podcasts for downtime at the airport, and consider bringing a travel pillow or caffeine tablets if needed.
Dressing in layers is recommended, as temperatures can vary significantly between destinations, planes, and airports. If you struggle with jet lag or exhaustion, planning a rest day after an extreme trip might be a good idea.
Extreme Day Trips are all about making the most of every moment, whether you're exploring historic cities, trying local food, or capturing incredible sights. With a little planning, you can see the world—one day at a time.
Whether you're an experienced traveller or trying this for the first time, being prepared will make your trip far more enjoyable and stress-free.
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