As the trend of extreme day trips grows, travelers are discovering how to explore new cities in just a few hours, providing a fresh perspective on travel amid tight schedules.
Extreme Day Trips: The New Way to Explore Europe in Just One Day

Extreme Day Trips: The New Way to Explore Europe in Just One Day
Forget long holidays—more travelers are opting for extreme day trips, where a quick flight allows them to experience new destinations in a single day.
Monica Stott, a 37-year-old travel blogger from Wrexham, has embraced the idea of extreme day trips enthusiastically. For her, traveling abroad typically means packing a suitcase and committing to at least a weekend away; however, she opts for a different approach. With names like Milan, Lisbon, and Amsterdam as recent destinations, Monica flies out, explores, and returns home by bedtime. "People are often surprised at how you genuinely feel like you've been on a holiday," she shares.
Monica's initial plunge into the world of extreme day trips began during work travels to Ireland. "I would frequently drop by for short meetings and realized I could extend my time for a full day of exploration," she explained. Discovering various Facebook groups dedicated to sharing experiences has fueled Monica's inspiration and adventure planning.
She emphasizes the notion that most of our best travel memories are often made in the first couple of days of a trip. "You arrive in time for breakfast and pack as much as possible into your day before heading home at night. It’s a whirlwind experience," she says.
On the other side of the spectrum is Luka Chijutomi-Ghosh, an 18-year-old engineering student from Cardiff. Luka has taken extreme day trips to another level, having flown to Prague for a mere £15 on Christmas Eve. He cleverly navigated the city overnight after landing. "I found that just six hours is enough time to feel satisfied with exploring a city," he adds. His adventures continued with a trip to neighboring countries like Luxembourg and Brussels, utilizing trains instead of flights to make the most of his time.
Their experiences are not just about thrill-seeking; it also offers a budget-friendly escape from routine. "Many express a desire to see cities like Paris but lack the time and funds for longer trips. This is a great solution," Monica suggests. Luka remarks on the comparative cost-efficiency of these trips over a typical night out in the UK.
Despite the excitement surrounding extreme day trips, the environmental ramifications cannot be ignored. Air travel contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Both travelers acknowledge the issue but argue that their options often stem from financial and time constraints. Monica reminds us, "It's important to recognize different travel needs and perspectives."
Luka stresses the importance of alternative transport methods, highlighting that travel doesn't always have to rely on flying. Both passionate travelers agree that public transport in the UK is often considerably more expensive than flights abroad.
While the thrill of extreme day trips is captivating, Monica advises potential adventurers to remain calm and organized. "Choosing destinations within a two-hour flight really helps keep the travel stress manageable," she concludes.
As more people discover the flexibility and excitement of these whirlwind adventures, the debate about the sustainability of such travel practices continues.
Monica's initial plunge into the world of extreme day trips began during work travels to Ireland. "I would frequently drop by for short meetings and realized I could extend my time for a full day of exploration," she explained. Discovering various Facebook groups dedicated to sharing experiences has fueled Monica's inspiration and adventure planning.
She emphasizes the notion that most of our best travel memories are often made in the first couple of days of a trip. "You arrive in time for breakfast and pack as much as possible into your day before heading home at night. It’s a whirlwind experience," she says.
On the other side of the spectrum is Luka Chijutomi-Ghosh, an 18-year-old engineering student from Cardiff. Luka has taken extreme day trips to another level, having flown to Prague for a mere £15 on Christmas Eve. He cleverly navigated the city overnight after landing. "I found that just six hours is enough time to feel satisfied with exploring a city," he adds. His adventures continued with a trip to neighboring countries like Luxembourg and Brussels, utilizing trains instead of flights to make the most of his time.
Their experiences are not just about thrill-seeking; it also offers a budget-friendly escape from routine. "Many express a desire to see cities like Paris but lack the time and funds for longer trips. This is a great solution," Monica suggests. Luka remarks on the comparative cost-efficiency of these trips over a typical night out in the UK.
Despite the excitement surrounding extreme day trips, the environmental ramifications cannot be ignored. Air travel contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Both travelers acknowledge the issue but argue that their options often stem from financial and time constraints. Monica reminds us, "It's important to recognize different travel needs and perspectives."
Luka stresses the importance of alternative transport methods, highlighting that travel doesn't always have to rely on flying. Both passionate travelers agree that public transport in the UK is often considerably more expensive than flights abroad.
While the thrill of extreme day trips is captivating, Monica advises potential adventurers to remain calm and organized. "Choosing destinations within a two-hour flight really helps keep the travel stress manageable," she concludes.
As more people discover the flexibility and excitement of these whirlwind adventures, the debate about the sustainability of such travel practices continues.