With so many travel and flight hacks out there, it can make life so much easier when going away – but experts have urged people not to take part in a new trend popularised online
Travellers have been urged to not follow a viral social media trend that sees people going on a city break in under 24 hours.
With over 2.1 billion posts of people sharing a whirlwind city break trip being done in a day, experts have told people to be mindful in taking part. Google searches for “extreme day trips abroad from UK” have surged by 367% in the past year , proving the trend is booming with people opting for 24-hour trips to maximise adventure. save annual leave and cut costs by skipping pricey hotels.
There’s no denying a quick and affordable trip is very tempting, and with Christmas markets all over Europe popping up, the trend is set to continue through to winter too.
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But experts at Travel Republic have warned that while they may seem fun, they could leave people stranded, exhausted or facing upfront costs.
With the surge in people documenting their 24-hour adventures on the likes of TikTok and Instagram, where their trips are condensed into one clip, people are jetting off to Ibiza, Dublin, Barcelona, Paris and Milan for the day. Sharing jam -packed itineraries that fit sightseeing, dining, and nightlife into just one day – often without booking any accommodation.
But while these 24-hour adventures look fun online, experts warn they come with real-world risks and the city break experts at Travel Republic are urging travellers to think twice before embarking on a getaway without accommodation. They commented: “What may seem like a quick, fun getaway can quickly become stressful, costly, or risky.”
Firstly, they say you could be denied return boarding, as airlines have a legal duty to not allow intoxicated passengers to fly, and many airports are cracking down on alcohol consumption. “Travellers who overindulge during a 24-hour trip could find themselves refused boarding and stranded at the airport (or in need of last-minute accommodation) until they sober up.”
There are also unexpected costs that could rack up, as missed flights, last-minute hotel bookings or emergency transport can quickly wipe out any savings made by skipping the accommodation. They said: “What may start as a ‘budget trip’ can end up being more expensive than a traditional weekend break with a hotel.”
Those who are trying to cram everything into one day may also feel extremely rushed and stressed, and not enjoy the trip. You may end up watching the clock too much and the experts noted: “The pressure to fit everything in can make the experience stressful rather than memorable – and for those who lose track of time completely, it can mean a last-minute dash to the airport just to make their flight.”
You may also be a lot more vulnerable without any accommodation, as there is no base to safely store bags or even freshen up. “Tired or distracted travellers are also more vulnerable to theft, scams, or accidents, especially late at night in unfamiliar surroundings.”
So while it may look fun and spontaneous, 24-hour trips can be risky, leave you feeling stressed, or even stranded. Booking a place to stay, even just for one night can make you feel much more at ease, and far less likely to have a travel disaster.