When you’re planning a day out, you want it to be unforgettable. There’s no sense in creating a complex and detailed itinerary for a day out unless you’ve mapped out your perfect day fully and completely, after all. Only you can possibly know what makes a truly perfect day out, but there are some tips you can follow to make sure that you enjoy yourself no matter what. Here’s how you can plan your perfect day out, whether you’re solo or with your friends or family!
What’s your budget?
First, it’s naturally a good idea to figure out what your budget is. If you’ve got cash to burn, then of course, you’ll find plenty of things you can do, but you can equally have a great time without spending very much at all. Your budgetary decisions will determine what kind of day you’re able to plan, though, so be sure to talk at length with those with whom you’re travelling to figure out how much you’re able to spend.
If you’re hitting the town with a group, then make sure to look out for group discounts where you can. Platforms like Groupon and LivingSocial can help by providing money off things like sauna days, restaurant trips, and nightlife events, as well as tours that will take you around some of the most beautiful spots in the world. Make sure to check those sites before you make any decisions, as you could find your new favourite destination!
What do you want to do?
Although deciding how much you want to spend on your day out is important, you might find that even the more expensive and lavish options don’t necessarily match what you actually want to do. That’s why it’s a good idea to decide exactly what activities you want to pursue before you set out. This will also help you to create an itinerary; you’ll be able to map out where you’re going and when, allowing you to cram as much as possible into your day.
Some starting options for you could include an event in your home city, a museum or art gallery you’ve always wanted to visit, or a concert you want to go to. Make sure to take a look at sites like TimeOut and EventBrite to see what’s going on, either in your home city or in the place you’re travelling to. Once you’ve decided what you want to do and noted down the time, then you can take a look at what else is happening in that city so that you can plan a more detailed route through all the activities you want to tackle.
Make sure to pack smart
Any day out requires supplies and provisions. After all, you’re going to get hungry and thirsty at some point, and you won’t always be able to stop at a shop or restaurant to keep yourself hydrated and fed. That’s why it’s important to pack smart. Take a look at the itinerary you’ve created for yourself, and with the help of anyone else you’re travelling with, try to determine exactly what you’re going to need in order to enjoy all of those activities.
If you’re travelling via public transport – buses, trains, or any other mode of public conveyance – then taking a backpack or tote bag, preferably a large one, will stand you in good stead. If you’re driving, make sure to take a look at rooftop cargo carriers as a storage solution, as you can simply throw your gear onto the carrier, strap it down, and forget about it until you’ve got to where you’re going.
How are you travelling?
Adjacent to the packing process, you should also be thinking about how you’re going to travel on your perfect day out. If you’re travelling within your home city, then you’ll probably only need to avail yourself of whatever public transport network is available to you. However, if you’re going further afield, then it might be a good idea to drive, especially if there’s no train station close to where you’re going. As this is a day trip, you may not want to move too far from where you live, either, as that could eat into your schedule.
Before you travel, make sure that you’ve planned your route extensively. This includes looking for any changes that have been made to the route; roadworks if you’re driving, for example, or train stations that aren’t currently in use. There’s nothing worse than a trip being ruined because a particular quirk of the route wasn’t factored in, after all. Sometimes, your journey might be interrupted because of factors beyond your control, so it’s a good idea to plan as much as you can beforehand.
Still stuck? Here are some ideas
If you’re still stuck for what to do on your perfect day out after these tips, then don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here are some ideas to help you plan the perfect day out!
- Have a spa day. There are few things more relaxing than being pampered in a spa with your best friends. Once you’re done at the spa, grab some cocktails or a meal and complete your self-care routine.
- Go cycling or hiking. Are you the outdoorsy type? Do you want to incorporate an exercise regime into your day out? If so, cycling or hiking can be a great way to do this, followed by a drink or a meal at a rustic country pub.
- Visit your hometown. Whether you’ve lived in your hometown for a week or ten years, you’ve almost certainly not seen everything it’s got to offer. Why not go on a tour of underrated locations where you live?
- Go to an art gallery or a museum. Art galleries and museums are great places for a day out, offering an educational way to spend a few hours. There’s bound to be something interesting showing near you!
- Head to the beach or a park. If the weather is clement, then why not visit the beach or a park? These outdoor environments are the perfect way to make memories with your friends or family in the blazing sunshine!
