Top 10 Ways to See More in Less Time
Top 10 Ways to See More in Less Time: AKA An Introduction to Flashpacking
1. Know what you want. Instead of trying to cram in every sight you were told you must see, decide what kind of trip you are after. Are you looking for sun, sand and surf? Do you want art, culture and sophistication? Or is it nightlife, entertainment and cocktails that draw you in? Pick one area to focus on and you’ll get a lot more out of your short break.
2. Research before you go. It might seem like a chore but it really is a handy tool. If you know where you’re going, what it has to offer and where most of the stuff you want to do is, then you’ll spend less time scratching your head and running round in circles.
3. Make Repeat Visits. Flashpacker’s generally go away for a long weekend. They might stretch it out to a week or 10 days if they’re feeling adventurous. However they’re not the type to rough it and leave a stable job behind, so when they find a place they like, they come back. Each time you visit you learn a little bit more.
4. Explore Online Communities. There are a whole host of communities that link you with other people in faraway places. One of the beautiful things about this is that you can meet people who will offer to meet, show you the sights and take you on a tour only a local would know about. This is a particularly good option if you can’t handle going to the top of one more tall building for a ‘breath-taking’ view.
5. Go Where Your Friends Are. Visiting friends and family not only gives you a free place to stay but it also means you get to enjoy the place together. Alternatively get someone to take you on a road trip.
6. Splash Out On Accommodation. You won’t necessarily see more just by booking a nice hotel, but getting a good night of rest will make you much more energetic and make it easier to get out there and see as much as possible.
7. Try Something New. Let’s face it. If you’re going to a destination dominated by a beach culture, then you’re not likely to do much exploring. So why not learn something? Go parasailing, deep-sea diving, rock climbing, or surfing. Just take advantage of all the things you can learn.
8. Bring a Laptop With A Wifi Connection. More and more hostels, hotels, coffee shops and bars are starting to provide free wireless hook-ups. Why not take advantage, especially if it helps you make the most of where you’re staying?
9. Wake Up Early. Like getting a good nights rest, an early start will help to get you out and about. This way you can see the city as it wakes up, get to all the top spots before the queues form and catch a sneak peak at the locals in their natural habitat. Avoid the crazy crowds that sap your energy. The morning is a beautiful thing so embrace it.
10. Plan A Picnic. Buy food and bring it with you. Not only will this save you money, it will also save you time and allow you to graze your way through the day. This way you can stop at your leisure and not interrupt your sight seeing too severely, by having to look for somewhere to grab a meal. But at the same time, be sure to get into local places for a bite to eat now and again. Food and alcohol are huge parts of most cultures.
