The trend of spending a few days abroad in a city with culture and a historical past or a relaxing weekend at the Baltic Sea - both continue to be in vogue. The demand for two-day trips or three-day trips to Paris and other cities is booming, as there has actually been a 50 percent increase in bookings. In the past, people did without them, as longer vacations were in demand. Nowadays, many families and couples travel several times a year for a few days. With low-cost offers from Discover Airlines, the next vacation is not as far away as you might think.
City trips offer plenty of variety
Relaxation and culture are very popular. The desire to travel has changed significantly since the coronavirus pandemic. Musical tours, for example, are 108% more in demand, but zoo visits with overnight stays are also on the rise: 85% want to sleep among lions and hyenas. The focus of these city trips is on the experience. Of course, relaxation with family or friends is not neglected.
But trips to the countryside are also increasingly being booked: 22 percent more bookings have been made for the Ore Mountains, and even more travelers want to go to the Thuringian Forest. Hiking vacations in the Lüneburg Heath, the Harz Mountains or the Black Forest remain in constant interest among holidaymakers. Slight "losers", on the other hand, are the Baltic and North Seas and the Allgäu.
Planning according to travel budget and needs
Before booking, however, you should set yourself a clear budget - after all, a hotel in Berlin or Paris is not cheap in the city center. If you are also planning a shopping trip or a visit to the most famous sights, you are well advised to book online tickets early to avoid long queues.
A good example is the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona - a metropolis that is also known for its picturesque beach and picturesque old town. The Alhambra in Granada, London Eye and sights such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame in Paris are also among the hotspots. In addition, there are overpriced entrance fees for the highlights of the cities.
Planning your arrival and departure is also much less stressful. If you plan your journey in advance, you won't panic even if there are long queues at the security checkpoints. Or you can drive your own car and make individual stops at beautiful viewpoints.
Vaccinations, passport and more ...
A very important point for short trips too: Even if you are not traveling far away, it makes sense to check your current vaccination status and make sure that your passport is still valid. Cash will also be helpful for the first few hours in some countries.
An interesting side note: more than 60 percent of bookings for short trips of between one and three days are made via booking portals. Those who stay longer are usually those who book directly with the accommodation.
And in terms of time, it is more advisable to avoid weekends and travel during the week, provided this is feasible with children and your own job. However, you will enjoy this time out more than being annoyed in crowded streets because you are in Palma de Mallorca in June or at the end of August.
The city passes on offer, such as those available in Vienna, Venice, Stockholm and other cities, are practical. You can often use public transport, get discounts on entrance fees, restaurants and visit sights without long queues.