I'm currently in Oahu, Hawaii right now. Is there anything you want me to cover about the island? Let me know and I'll try my best to answer!
Though I'm a fan of slower travel, I know some of you can't resist the urge to see it all. You want to visit 10 cities in 2 days, and nothing's going to stop
you. If you're in this category, here are some tips to travel faster and make the most of your whirlwind adventure.
- Luggage storage: Many transportation hubs, especially in Europe, offer luggage storage for a fee. Drop off your bags and start exploring right away—you'll gain a few extra hours of sightseeing!
- Embrace red-eye flights: Late-night flights can be tiring, but
they're a great way to maximize your time. You're essentially sleeping and traveling simultaneously—perfect when you're short on vacation days.
- Book open-jaw flights: An open-jaw ticket allows you to fly into one city and out of another. Unlike a round-trip flight, you don't return to your original airport. It's a clever way to cover two cities in one trip!
- Travel light:
The less you carry, the faster you move. Skip checked luggage and opt for a backpack over a rolling suitcase.
- Choose hostels: While not my favorite, hostels are ideal for speed. Quick check-ins and check-outs mean more time exploring and less time dealing with accommodations.
- Dine smart: When eating out, let your server know you're in a hurry. This can speed up service,
especially in cultures where dining is typically a leisurely affair.
- Power nap: Travel is exhausting, so catch some Z's whenever you can. Use transportation time and that lull between sightseeing and dinner to recharge.
- Skip the lines: Nothing slows you down like waiting in line. Book museum passes and make reservations in advance. Show up early to popular spots to beat the
crowds.
- Forget breakfast: Grab a coffee to go and keep moving. You can always snack while you explore!
- Stay charged: Bring two backup batteries to keep your phone powered up. It's oddly satisfying to outlast your electronics.
- Use rideshares: Walking eats up time, and public transit can be slow. Opt for Uber or
similar services—except in mega-cities like New York, where the subway might be faster.
- Do your homework: Nothing kills a trip faster than not knowing what to see or do. Research extensively—your destination should feel like an old friend you're revisiting.
- Skip guided tours: They're often filled with fluff and cater to various paces. Take control of your itinerary for
maximum efficiency.
- Avoid side trips: It pains me to say this, as I love detours, but if you're aiming to see as many cities as possible, skip the day trips. You could be exploring a whole new city instead!
These tips should help you zip through your destinations.
But here's a word of caution: if your body needs rest, it will take it.
I once dozed off on a bench in an art museum because I was pushing too hard. I was physically there, but mentally? Miles away. It was essentially a wasted visit.
On the
other hand, there's no right or wrong way to travel. Travel in a way that feels right for you. Fast-paced travel is perfect for those who are always on the move and want to maximize their time due to constraints like limited vacation days.
