Extreme Daytripping: How To Travel Abroad In A Single Day

In a world where time is scarce but wanderlust never sleeps, a new travel trend is taking off: extreme daytripping.

Picture this: you’re hopping on a flight early in the morning, exploring a new bucket list destination, and returning home before the day is out. This isn’t just a day trip abroad – it’s an exhilarating whirlwind adventure that crams a full travel experience into just a few hours. 

Part of the pull behind this trend comes from the thrill of seizing every day, transforming normal weekends into memorable microadventures. Thanks to the rise of budget airlines, creative itineraries, and faster airport processes, same-day travel has become an exciting opportunity for adventure-chasing nomads without the worries that come with overnight stays. 

Whether you’re looking for new experiences, ticking off bucket list items, or just hoping to break from the mundane, extreme day tripping is a bold, budget-approved way of trekking the globe – one day at a time. 

What is extreme daytripping? 

So, what exactly do we mean when we say extreme daytripping? 

At its heart, extreme daytrips are the practice of travelling to new places – and returning home the same day. Unlike traditional trips that all of us wanderers are familiar with, extreme daytripping condenses the adventure into a few intense hours, turning what would have been a normal weekend getaway into a single, action-packed day. 

This microadventure has become one of the most popular emerging travel trends as people look for the best ways of satisfying their wanderlust without committing to long trips and costly accommodation. 

Its appeal is threefold: it’s cost-effective, offering an alternative to multi-day trips at a much more affordable price; it delivers a thrill, allowing travellers to taste the adrenaline rush of “being somewhere else” in record time; and it’s incredibly shareable, ideal for capturing those Instagrammable moments in multiple cities in record time! 

With travel logistics becoming more and more efficient and airlines offering cheap same-day flights, extreme daytripping is shaping up to be one of the hottest travel trends of 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re a thrill-seeking adventurer, a budget-conscious traveller, or simply looking to add a sprinkle more spontaneity to your calendar, this trend turns every single day of your TEFL journey into a memorable adventure. 

Read more: 15 Genius Teaching Tips And Travel Hacks For TEFL Teachers

Why do people love extreme daytrips?

Extreme daytripping has caught the imagination of travellers across the globe, and it’s easy to see why. From saving those pennies to fuelling adventures, this trend presents a unique way to see the world. 

1. Avoiding accommodation costs

One of the biggest appeals of extreme daytripping is how you’re able to see a new city or country without having to pay for a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb. For travellers worried about their shoestrings, this makes cheap daytrips abroad an irresistible option. With just the price of a round-trip flight, you can tackle a foreign destination and head home the same day, making it one of the savviest budget travel ideas for snappy getaways. 

2. Pack multiple destinations into a short timeframe

Why spend a weekend in just one city when you can tackle two – or even three – in one day? Extreme daytripping allows you to fly overseas for a day or take a same-day trip abroad, maximising the number of destinations you can visit in a short period. As an example, some travellers hop on a flight from London to Paris in the morning and are back by night, whereas others visit Amsterdam on a city-hopping spree.

3. Adrenaline and novelty 

Trying to condense a full-blown adventure into just a handful of hours is a thrilling prospect. The rush of boarding an early flight, seeing a new city, and cramming in sightseeing, meals, and cultural landmarks into one day evokes a type of excitement that even avid travellers won’t experience. This is one of the reasons why extreme daytripping is so often considered one of the most exhilarating extreme travel ideas, and a great go-to for thrill-seeking digital nomads. 

Read more: Adrenaline Travel For TEFL Teachers And Digital Nomads

How to plan an extreme day trip 

Pulling off a memorable extreme day trip does take a bit of planning, but with the right approach, you can make the most of your itinerary. From finding cheap same-day flights to packing efficiently, here’s how to turn your travel dreams into a perfectly executed 24-hour adventure. 

1. Book cheap, well-timed flights 

Your extreme daytrip relies on dependable flights. The goal? Maximise the amount of time you have at your destination whilst keeping your costs down. 

• Look for budget airline travel hacks, such as booking midweek flights or taking off from smaller airports where the fares tend to be more affordable. 
• Use flight comparison tools to spot early-morning departures and late-night returns – this gives you a full day abroad without the need for any accommodation. 
• Consider low-cost carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, or Wizz Air in Europe, or Southwest and Spirit in the US, which sometimes offer cheap same-day flights perfect for these snappy adventures. 

2. Choose the right destination 

Not every city works well for extreme daytripping. Browse for short international trips that are quick and affordable to reach. 

• Prioritise destinations that are two hours or less away from you. 
• Airports with easy access to city centres. Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Lisbon are some of our favourites, and are great for maximising your time on the ground! 
• Research the best destinations for a day trip, taking into account things like transport, attractions, and food options close to the airport. 

3. Pack light and stay organised 

You’ll be moving fast, so keeping things simple is key. 

• Bring only the essentials with you in a small carry-on backpack to skip any luggage delays. 
• Wear comfortable shoes, keep electronics charged, and pack portable snacks for when time is tight. 
• Download maps and tickets in advance – every minute saved counts when you’re working out how to travel abroad without staying overnight. 

4. Plan a realistic itinerary 

The secret to a great extreme day trip is a balance: plan just enough to stay efficient, but leave room for some spontaneity. 

• Focus on one or two must-see attractions instead of trying to do everything. 
• Cluster activities by location to avoid any unnecessary time travelling. 
• Book skip-the-line passes or timed entry tickets for the most iconic landmarks. 

Mini checklist: The extreme daytripper’s guide 

• Book an early flight out and a late flight home
• Choose a destination within two hours of travel 
• Only carry hand luggage
• Plan 2-3 must-do activities ahead of time
• Download your maps, apps, and tickets beforehand
• Keep essentials (charger, passport, water, snacks) with you
• Allow buffer time to get back to the airport 

With the right blend of timing, preparation, and flexibility, extreme daytripping can feel spontaneous yet seamless. Whether you’re sipping an espresso in Milan before brunch or wandering through Amsterdam’s canals by the time the sun sets, smart planning turns your whirlwind day into an unforgettable travel experience. 

Best extreme daytrip destinations 

One of the reasons why extreme daytripping is so popular for our TEFL teachers is that a new experience is always closer than you think. Thanks to budget airlines and short-haul routes, it has never been easier to tackle another country and be home in time for bedtime. Here are some of our favourite cheap city breaks in Europe (and beyond!) for your next same-day adventure – complete with realistic flight times and what you might expect to pay. 

1. London to Paris 

• Travel time: >1-hour flight (or 2 hours by Eurostar)
• Approximate cost: £50-£100 (depending on flights/Eurostar deals)
• What to do: Begin with a pastry near Montmartre, check out the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, and take a stroll down the Seine before your evening train or flight home. 
• Why it works: Easy connections and reliable departures = easy life! 

2. Barcelona to Tangier 

• Travel time: >2-hour flight 
• Approximate cost: €60–€120 return
• What to do: Take a wander through Tangier’s colourful medina, sample a mint tea overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, and explore the historic Kasbah. 
• Why it works: Barcelona to Tangier allows you to sample a whole different culture in a single day – Europe in the morning, Africa by lunch. 

3. Rome to Athens 

• Travel time: >1-hour 45-minute flight
• Approximate cost: €70–€130 return
• What to do: Scale up the Acropolis, take a stroll around the Plaka district, taste souvlaki before catching your flight home. 
• Why it works: Two ancient cities, filled with wonders, one unforgettable same-day trip abroad.

4. Amsterdam to Copenhagen 

• Travel time: >1-hour 20-minute flight 
• Approximate cost: €60–€100 return
• What to do: Visit Nyhavn’s colourful waterfront, tour the city by bike, and enjoy some local Danish pastries at a cafe. 
• Why it works: Walkable attractions, delicious foods, and a cheap, easy city break in Europe. 

5. New York to Washington, D.C. 

• Travel time: >1-hour flight
• Approximate cost: $80–$150 return
• What to do: Check out the National Mall, Smithsonian museums, and the Lincoln Memorial before departing the capital.
• Why it works: Perfect for US travellers looking to sample an extreme day trip without crossing the border. 

Whether it’s sipping coffee in Paris, bartering in Moroccan markets, or stepping into the past in Athens, these extreme daytrips show that the biggest adventures don’t need big budgets. 

Pros and cons of extreme daytripping 

Every travel trend has its perks and its pitfalls, and the art of extreme daytripping is no different. It’s a thrilling, spontaneous and affordable adventure – but also one that requires energy, planning, and a realistic understanding of your limits. So, is extreme daytripping worth it? Here are some of the major pros and cons to keep in mind before you book that 5 am flight. 

Pros of extreme daytripping

1. It’s cheap and convenient 

Undoubtedly, the biggest plus of extreme daytripping is the cost. By skipping the accommodation and focusing on cheap, same-day travel, you can indulge in a full adventure for a fraction of the price of a weekend away. It’s perfect for impulse travellers or anyone looking for a budget-friendly hack that still gets the adrenaline pumping.  

2. It’s one for the adventurous

If you’re someone who craves energy and movement, extreme daytripping is for you. On a one-day trip, every hour counts. That sense of urgency can make things feel more vivid. It’s a way of travelling that rewards curiosity – and is often described by nomads as the ultimate micro-adventure. 

3. It’s accessible and flexible 

Travel is only becoming more efficient, which means that taking day trips to other countries has never been easier. You can fly out in the morning, get a flavour of your destination, and be back in your own bed by the time the sun comes down – no need to take any of your annual leave. 

Cons of extreme daytripping 

1. It’s usually exhausting 

Trying to condense a whole trip into one day requires early mornings, tight schedules, and not a lot of rest. It requires stamina, particularly if delays or queuing eat into your time. 

2. It often feels rushed 

You cover a lot of ground with daytripping, but this travel trend is the one if you want to feel immersed in your surroundings. If you’re someone who prefers deep cultural experiences over periods of transit spent in airports, daytripping might not be for you. 

3. Its eco-impact 

Flying frequently – particularly short-haul – leaves a significant footprint on the environment. The eco-impact of daytripping is something you should keep in mind when you’re in the middle of planning. If you’re a traveller who prides themselves on sustainability, you may want to consider alternatives. 

How to balance thrills with practicality 

Here’s our top tips on how to make the most of your day trips whilst keeping things sustainable and enjoyable: 

• Opt for shorter destinations that are accessible by train or shorter flights. 
• Blend trips together – Rather than embark on several day trips, map out several micro-adventures in one go. 
• Stay flexible: treat every trip as an experience, rather than a checklist. 

Ultimately, extreme daytripping is an experience that leaps out as a thrilling, affordable adventure for some, and a stress-inducing, exhausting experience for others. The key is to plan a trip that isn’t going to burn yourself (or the planet) out. Strike the right balance, though, and you can rock up to the classroom on Monday morning with the ultimate bucket list weekend behind you. 

Author Bio

Written by

James Metcalfe

James Metcalfe is the SEO Team Lead for The TEFL Academy and has been with the company since 2022. With nearly a decade of experience writing online, he brings a passion for storytelling and digital strategy to the role. A keen travel enthusiast, he is committed to travelling sustainably - focusing on slow travel, supporting local communities, and uncovering hidden cultural gems. Whether through conversations with locals or exploring off-the-beaten-track destinations, James is always eager to share fresh perspectives on the world of travel and TEFL. His dream destination right now is Athens, Greece. Read James Metcalfe's story →