5 Reasons Why A 48-Hour Holiday Abroad Is A Good Idea (And 5 Reasons Why It's A Bad One)

Jumping on a plane and seeing where the world takes you is fun, but it isn't always the smartest thing to do in the eyes of many travelers. So, in order to balance out the scales a little bit, we thought that we'd take a look into the mind of those who enjoy quick, impulsive breaks that last around 48 hours - and to counter it, we'll also take a look at the reasons why folks might oppose it.

It's a crazy concept to just forget about your troubles for two days and then return to normality as if nothing has happened, but people do it every single day.

10 GREAT - Spontaneous

“Come fly with me, let’s fly, let’s fly away”. Yes please.

That sensation of being spontaneous is hidden deep within all of us, and rightly so. There are so many variables when it comes to just hopping on a plane and committing to the idea of forgetting about all your troubles, and while it may seem a little bit scary, it certainly gives you a few good stories to tell in the years to come.

In all seriousness, though, everyone needs to let loose and go where your heart takes you every so often.

9 NOT GREAT - Can’t Get Settled

It usually takes a day or two to settle in the way that things work overseas and there’s nothing wrong with that. To put it as bluntly as possible, it isn’t your home and it isn’t quite as familiar, which ensures a period of adaptation is required.

That can’t happen in 48 hours, which could lead to you becoming a little bit uncomfortable. Sure, you may have been there before, but even then it’ll leave you questioning why you didn’t decide to book an extra few days to make it easier.

8 GREAT - Forces You To Be Active

There’s going to be an awful lot that you’ll want to get done in an incredibly short space of time, so what better way to get around than by throwing on the walking boots and strolling around?

There’s always the temptation to be a little bit lazy on holiday because after all, you’re there to chill out and avoid the hustle and bustle. However, if your inner body clock is ticking away knowing that the return flight is right around the corner, then that could easily increase the stress levels and force you to turn into Mo Farah.

7 NOT GREAT - Too Much To See

Monuments are monuments and the majority of them are going to be there for a very long time, if not forever. However, if you don’t know when the next time you’ll be heading over is, then your instinct is to get everything done as quickly as possible.

It’s never going to be possible to get round everything, which will cause you to reflect on the holiday and say “yeah, well it would’ve been nicer if we had been able to get across to see X, Y & Z, so that’s a shame”.

6 GREAT - Cheaper

A shorter holiday often means cheaper flights, especially if the holiday is taking place during the week, and it also means the accommodation will not be quite as strenuous.

Oh, and instead of bringing way too much spending money, you can just bring a smaller amount and top it up as you go.

There’s a very good chance that you’ll spend a lot of time simply looking around the sights, too, only spending money when it’s absolutely necessary, which is a great way to save and plan ahead for what funds will be available once the holiday is over.

5 NOT GREAT - More Likely To Get Ill

If you’re going to be rushing around all over any given resort or city for 48 hours, which is exactly what should be done on a holiday like this, then getting ill is just part of the chaos.

This is especially true of cold holidays because being exposed to that much cold air just isn’t good for the human body.

It’s all about asking the question of whether or not it’s worth the hassle and the scrutiny your body goes through. If the answer is yes, then be our guest.

4 GREAT - Encourages City Breaks

A lot of people won’t commit to the idea of a city break because it doesn’t follow the trend of what they usually enjoy doing on a holiday. We can completely understand the logic behind that, but let’s face it, you’ll literally get nothing done if you head on a resort-type holiday or somewhere that isn’t quite as active.

Cities are supposed to be hectic and they’re supposed to be a little bit chaotic, so in some ways, you could argue that this would be entirely on-trend.

Throw your name into the hat and get behind the whole city idea – you won’t regret it.

3 NOT GREAT - Not As Relaxing

Picture being on a beach holiday for a week, not having to care about a thing, enjoying the sunshine whilst sipping on cocktails by the pool.

Now, imagine only being able to sit down or go to sleep for a few hours at a time before awaking and doing it all over again.

Perhaps we have to consider redefining what a holiday actually is because in the form of a 48-hour extravaganza, it probably can’t function under the definition of being relaxing. Just ask Richard Ayoade, or watch his show.

2 GREAT - Reasons To Come Back

If you’re a glass-half-full kind of guy or girl, then this is the correct way to view a holiday of this nature.

When walking past lots of nice things to see and do, but not having the time to do them, you can simply jot them down and suggest that they’ll be visited when you return to the destination at some point in the future.

The list will eventually start to stack up, giving you much more of a purpose and a reason to book the flights in the first place.

1 NOT GREAT - The Packing Dilemma

Firstly, deciding whether to bring a full-on suitcase for just 48 hours or cramming everything into a small carry-on bag is a stress in its own right.

Secondly, how is it going to work when you arrive? It doesn’t seem logical to take everything out of your bag after packing it all, because you’re just going to be packing it all up again before you know it.

Then again, living out of a suitcase it’s always pleasant, especially if what you want to wear is buried deep at the bottom. These are first world problems, but they’re still notable.

NEXT: 5 Reasons To Say Yes If A Flight Asks For Volunteers To Leave (& 5 To Say No)