Thousands of people will be packing a suitcase right now in preparation for a week or two in the summer sun. But with Europe right on our doorstep, some savvy Brits are taking advantage of cheap flights to explore a city and return home on the same day in time for bed. Extreme day trips, or EDTs, as the trend has been dubbed, have emerged as a revolutionary new way to explore destinations.
According to their fans, one-day overseas adventures offer the same fun as longer-stay holidays but without the hassle and hefty price tags of hotels, checked luggage and arduous itineraries. “EDTs are for all ages,” said Rick Blyth, 45, who runs a website called Extreme Day Trips, which offers like-minded adventurers a range of travel advice and information. “I’ve been on one with my daughter, aged nine, where we went to Malaga and walked the Caminito del Rey [a famous narrow gorge]. I’ve also done a few with my 79-year-old mother.” The trend has become so popular that more than 300,000 travellers have joined a Facebook group to share experiences.
Among them is Deborah Jackson, 49, who first stumbled across the EDT Facebook group last summer and finally plucked up the courage to make her first day trip in December. She loved the experience so much that she has set herself the challenge of visiting 50 cities by her 50th birthday on December 5. And in the past six months she’s already halfway there.
In the month of May alone, Deborah managed to fly to three different European destinations – Vienna, Baden-Baden and Prague. “I realised that I actually like the old towns, walled cities, cobbled streets, the quaint places,” said Deborah. “So places like Bergamo in Italy and Gdansk in Poland stood out to me as stunning locations, as well as larger cities like Berlin that blew me away. But my absolute favourite was Oslo.”
Deborah says EDTs offer an alternative to the holiday norm. “I love holidays but I hate planning all year and waiting for one big trip,” she said.
“This year in particular, we’ve actually chosen not to do a family holiday in favour of going on more day trips. Sometimes we go all together, sometimes I’ll go just with one or the other of my children – having some quality one-on-one time – or with my husband.
“We’re all getting so much out of it that we’re not actually fussed by going on a longer holiday this year.”
Deborah has shared some of her top tips for those considering jetting off on their own EDT.
“If you’re new to this check the airport is the closest one available to where you are visiting because a lot of people get caught out,” she says. “For example, Oslo Torp is 90 minutes away from the city.
“Planning is everything so make sure you know how long it will take to get to and from the airport and attractions. After that the world is your oyster.”
You too can join EDT fans like Deborah, with this Express insider guide, which has narrowed down some of the best options for those just starting out and those looking for a bit more adventure.
Beginner EDT – Dublin, Ireland
A literary city home to historic pubs, Georgian squares and plenty of Irish charm, Ireland’s capital, Dublin, is the perfect first stop for an EDT newbie.
Just a short flight across the Irish Sea and you could be exploring Dublin Castle, the Guinness Storehouse and the legendary Temple Bar Pub via a walking tour by 8.30am, giving you around 12 hours before heading back to the airport. (And there’s no language barrier for your first trip!)
How to get there: 1hr 20min flight from Stansted to Dublin (DUB) with Ryanair for £32 return. Then hop on the Airlink Express 747 bus to the city centre for £5.90.
Unwind at a spa – Therme Bucharest, Romania
Europe’s largest wellness and relaxation centre, Therme Bucharest, offers a year-round tropical escape 25 miles north of Romania’s capital.
The complex spans seven acres and features three distinct zones: Galaxy, The Palm and Elysium, with access to wave pools, themed saunas and relaxation areas. Three-hour visits range from £13.50 to £30, while one-day passes are
£25 to £37 – a fraction of a typical spa day in the UK.
How to get there: Take a 3hr 10 min flight from Stansted to Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) with Ryanair for £47 return. Then take the 40min Express Bus 783 to the city centre for £1.26 and the free shuttle bus from Piata Romana bus station to the spa.
Classic City Break – Milan, Italy
One of the most popular types of EDTs is a classic city break – and Milan is a favourite with travellers.
Italy’s fashion and design capital is also home to world-famous landmarks, the Duomo di Milano cathedral and Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper.
Milan also has a thriving food scene from traditional restaurants to world-food street vendors to covered markets.
You could extend your trip overnight and hop on a one-hour train to the stunning Lake Como, favoured by celebrities including George Clooney.
Now you’ve ticked off two bucket list destinations in one trip!
How to get there: Take a 1hr 55min flight from Stansted to Il Caravaggio International Airport (BGY) with Ryanair, £30 return. Then hop on the Malpensa Express train to Milano Centrale for £10.95.