Jun 27

Jun 27 In praise of short breaks. Why less can be more.

The idea of a two-week holiday, or even something longer —lounging on exotic beaches, exploring ancient ruins, or soaking up vibrant cities is wonderfully appealing. But there’s a lot to be said for the rejuvenating magic of a short break as a way of adding a sprinkle, rather than a hefty helping, of adventure to your routine.

With my lovely friend Debs on my most recent short break in the Algarve in Portugal

I’m a big fan of the quick getaway for a whole host of reasons, which I’ll get to in a minute, not least because of the way they hit the reset button on daily life and pressures. I’ve done many city breaks, in the UK and abroad, including York, Vienna, Rye and Budapest; spent long weekends in destinations as varied as the Norfolk coast and Stockholm; visited sweeping beaches and book festivals; travelled on my own, with my partner, with family and with friends; stayed in hotels, Airbnbs (my favourite short break accommodation), traditional B&Bs and in friends homes. And I’ve never returned from any short break feeling anything less than more refreshed and restored than I expected from three or four days away rather than one or two weeks.

Here then are the reasons why I think short breaks can be just as beneficial and enjoyable, indeed, whisper it, sometimes more so, than longer holidays.

They recharge your mind as well as your body

A few days away from the demands of daily life provides a valuable mental detox. You don’t have to worry about the long build-up, wind down and, let’s be honest, come-down phases of longer holidays. Instead, you get straight into relaxation mode, and that, in turn gives your brain a quick and effective break.

They’re easier to plan and execute

Having just gone through the flight, hotel, car hire, restaurant booking process for a week long holiday later this summer, never mind organising what I need to with work and at home to take the break, it can sometimes seem that planning a longer break is more effort than its worth. Short breaks feel easier to organise. And they’re less likely to feature packing problems and travel fatigue than longer trips (I’ll admit I’m still trying to master the art of packing light, but practice makes perfect!)

Visiting Schloss Schonbrunn - summer home of the Hapsburgs - on a long weekend in Vienna

They’re kinder on your bank balance

The cost of long holidays can add up quickly. Short breaks are much more gentle on your wallet - especially if you’re staying with friends or sharing the cost of the accommodation with your travelling companion/s. On a quick trip it somehow feels less of an indulgence to splurge on a pricey meal or a special experience.

They’re a great way to discover places nearer to home

A short break definitely doesn’t have to involve travelling long distances. Indeed doing that positively negates the benefits of a quick getaway. Mini-adventures just a couple of hours from home allow you to explore places you might otherwise have overlooked. Plus, there’s the added bonus of supporting local businesses and the economy.

Cycling at Holkham Hall during a mini-break in Norfolk

They allow you to get away more often

As they costs less and take less of your holiday allowance or time, you can sprinkle several mini-holidays throughout the year meaning you always have something to look forward to, which is a great spirit-booster. Having several getaways across a year is also good for your work-life balance and stokes your enthusiasm for travel.

They’re less disruptive to daily life

Taking a long break means a chunk of time away from work and the demands of daily life which can lead to a stressful backlog when you get back. Short breaks make managing work and other commitments easier and have the bonus of not resulting in an overwhelming pile of tasks to tackle when you get home again.

They mean you can be flexible and spontaneous

Whilst they can, of course, be planned and booked in advance, one of the fab things about short breaks is the flexibility they offer. Feel like escaping this weekend? Just do it! Short trips allow for spontaneous decisions, giving you the delight of an impromptu adventure.

Trying out a Segway tour on a weekend away with my daughter in Stockholm

They’re a perfect way to try new experiences

A mini-break is a great opportunity to try a new activity or take part in an event. Plan your few days around something you want to see, do or visit and you get twice the bang for your getaway buck.

They’re a lovely way to spend time with people

Whilst it’s perfectly possible to thoroughly enjoy the recharging properties of a short getaway on your own, they’re also a wonderful chance to be together and create memories with people you care about - whether they’re family or friends. My oldest friend lives on the other side of the country so each year we meet up for a mini-break together, often in a European city. If you’re staying in someone’s home though, you might want to bear in mind the old adage ‘ guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days’!