December 30th 2024.
Imagine waking up before the sun rises, taking a flight from your local airport, and being back in the comfort of your own home by evening. This is the new trend of extreme day tripping that has taken the UK by storm. Thrifty travellers are jetting off to countries like Ireland, Spain, and Romania, all in just 24 hours. They are avoiding the high costs of accommodation by returning home on the same day, making the experience both cost and time-effective.
In recent years, an online community of "Extreme Day Trippers" has flourished, especially on social media platforms like Facebook. These groups are dedicated to sharing recommendations and deals for different locations. It's no surprise that Google searches for this type of travel have increased by 1,182% in the past quarter.
At first glance, this may seem like a great way to explore new places without breaking the bank. However, there is a dark side to this bargain travel trend. Journalist Alexandra Meyer spent 11 hours in Pisa in December, including the £215.24 return flight and £273.33 on travel and food. Despite getting caught in a storm and missing out on some tours, she still had a blast. However, she admits that the exhaustion lasted for days and it's not something she could do regularly.
One of the main criticisms of day tripping is its contribution to environmental damage. Short-haul flights are highly polluting and add to the issue of overtourism in popular cities like Venice and Barcelona. But some advocates argue that this type of travel is still less harmful than larger-scale tourism, such as cruising. Many day trippers also claim to offset their carbon footprint by donating to eco charities whenever they fly.
It's clear that extreme day tripping is a growing trend, with flights from regional hubs like Birmingham Airport offering budget-friendly fares. For example, a Friday flight to Dublin starts at just £39, and destinations like Bucharest, Santander, and Barcelona are also within reach for under £100. From London, prices may be slightly higher, but you can still find same-day return flights to Berlin, Poland, and Rome for around £50.
When planning an extreme day trip, there are a few things to consider. Optimal flight times, such as leaving early in the morning and returning late at night, will give you more time to enjoy your day. It's also worth booking tickets for activities in advance to save money and ensure you make the most of your limited time. And don't forget to factor in the distance of your destination from the airport, the cost of transportation during your trip, and the cost of food.
For those looking for a romantic adventure, a same-day return flight from Birmingham to Paris on Valentine's Day will cost you just £78. This gives you plenty of time to explore the city of love before returning home in the evening. From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus for around £25 round trip, leaving you with approximately six hours to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Paris.
But what can you do in Paris in just a few hours? With so much to see and do, it's best to choose just a couple of things. You can browse the famous Paris Flea Market, take in the iconic Eiffel Tower, or opt for the less crowded and cheaper Montparnasse Tower for a stunning view of the city skyline. After a day of exploring, why not end your trip with a romantic boat ride down the Seine?
For those who prefer to stay closer to home, a same-day return flight from Birmingham to Dublin is only £57 in early February. With a 9am arrival and 9.30pm departure, you'll have around nine hours to discover the city. Just remember to book in advance to avoid long queues.
In conclusion, extreme day tripping is a growing trend that offers budget-friendly and time-efficient travel options. However, it's important to also consider the potential environmental impact and plan ahead to make the most of your limited time in each destination. So whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a quick adventure, this latest travel trend is definitely worth considering.
Why not start your day with an adventure? Fly at sunrise and be back home by evening. This has become a popular trend in the UK, known as extreme day tripping. Thrifty travelers are taking advantage of this opportunity to jet off to different countries like Ireland, Spain, and Romania, all in just 24 hours.
The Brits have found a way to save money on accommodation costs by catching early-morning flights from regional hubs such as Birmingham Airport. They return the same day, avoiding the expense of overnight stays. This trend has gained momentum in recent years, with the rise of online communities of 'Extreme Day Trippers' on platforms like Facebook. These groups share recommendations and deals for various destinations, making it easier for others to join in on the fun. Google searches for this trend have also increased by a staggering 1,182% in the past quarter.
While it may seem like a cost and time-effective way to explore new places, there is a dark side to this bargain travel trend. Journalist Alexandra Meyer spent 11 hours in Pisa, Italy in December. Including the cost of a £215.24 return flight, she and her friends spent a total of £273.33 on travel and food. Despite getting caught in a storm and missing out on some tours due to not booking tickets in advance, she says they had a blast. However, this form of traveling has its drawbacks. Short-haul flights are highly polluting and contribute to overtourism, which is a growing problem in popular city break destinations like Venice and Barcelona. Critics argue that day-tripping also adds to environmental damage. On the other hand, advocates claim that it is still less harmful than mass cruising, where larger numbers of people descend on a destination at once. Many people in the day-tripping Facebook groups are trying to offset their carbon footprint by donating to eco charities every time they fly. Despite the debate, it seems like this travel trend is only going to keep growing.
If you're interested in trying out an extreme day trip, here are some things to consider when booking. First, think about the optimal flight times. You'll want to have enough time to enjoy your day, so leaving early in the morning and returning late at night is ideal. It's also worth booking activities in advance to save money and ensure your limited time is filled with exciting things to do. Another factor to keep in mind is the distance of your destination from the airport. Who wants to waste precious hours on an airport shuttle from the suburbs? Don't forget to factor in the cost of transportation, including flights and getting to and from the airport, as well as any transportation during your trip. And of course, plan for the cost of food as well. Look for affordable options to stay within your budget.
For example, from Birmingham Airport, you can fly to Paris for just £78 on Valentine's Day. You'll arrive at Paris Beauvais just after 8am and leave at 10.40pm, giving you plenty of time for romance. Keep in mind that with airport security and passport control, plus the three-hour round trip to and from the airport, you'll have around six hours to explore the city and grab some meals. And the best part? This day trip to Paris could end up being cheaper than a train ticket from London to Manchester.
If Paris isn't your cup of tea, you can also fly from Birmingham to Dublin for just £57 in early February. You'll have about nine hours to explore the city, so make sure to plan ahead and book activities to avoid queuing. Dublin is a great option for a shorter day trip, as it's closer to home and still offers plenty of things to do.
So why not try out an extreme day trip for your next adventure? It's a unique way to see new places and save money, all in just one day. Just remember to plan carefully and make the most of your limited time in these exciting destinations. Happy travels!
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