Sometimes we all just need a break, and with airlines serving hundreds of destinations directly from Luton Airport, it’s never been easier to go for a short getaway. Thanks to budget airlines, this year I’ve taken breaks to Krakow and Split with my teenage children, and found time for romantic weekends in Corfu, Basel and Alanya with my partner.
What separates a good mini break from a brilliant one are the little details: how you plan, pack, and travel. Here are five travel hacks to help you make the most of your short break, including why taking the train to the airport is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
1. Maximise time with an early departure or late return
Time is everything when you’re only away for 72-96 hours. One of the easiest ways to stretch your holiday without booking extra days off (or an extra night of hotel) is by choosing a flight that departs early in the morning or lands late in the evening.
An early morning flight on day one lets you hit the beach or explore the city before lunch. A late return flight means you get a full final day, ideal for one last swim, souvenir dash, or lingering lunch before heading home. Many low-cost airlines offer departures before 8am and returns after 9pm from Luton Airport.
2. Skip the stress and take the train to the airport
Driving to the airport can be a headache: traffic delays, confusing signage, and parking that often feels closer to home than it is to the terminal. If you’re like me, you know the feeling of regret that you didn’t pay the pre-booking charge on a ride sharing app the night before, only to get a “no drivers found” result when you finally hit the button with no time to spare in the morning. Enter: the train.
Getting to Luton Airport by train is the stress-free choice. Direct, frequent services mean you can stretch out in a spacious seat, enjoy free onboard Wi-Fi to finish planning your trip, and get dropped off just minutes from the terminal.
It’s not only more comfortable, it’s often cheaper too. You can get discounted advance fares and railcards to reduce the cost, and booking via the Thameslink mobile app gives you the best prices, real-time journey updates, and a smooth experience from station to security.
3. Use AI to create a tailored itinerary
Ever landed in a new city and wasted half a day figuring out what to do? Don’t let that happen. Instead, use an AI tool to build a tailored, day-by-day itinerary based on your interests.
Here’s a sample prompt to get you started:
“I’m planning a 3-night trip to Naples with my partner. We love authentic local food, exploring historical sites, and swimming in the sea. We’re staying in the Spanish Quarter and won’t have a car. Please suggest a relaxed but memorable itinerary, with a mix of culture, nature, and local dining.”
AI tools can instantly suggest hidden gems, day trips, and places to eat based on your style of travel. You’ll start your holiday feeling inspired and ready to go, not scrolling through reviews at the airport café.
I should know - I’ve done this successfully whenever I’ve travelled abroad over the past year and every one of my travel companions has, at various times, expressed wonder at my sudden travel genius.
4. Pack like a pro: travel light and smart
Most budget airlines include a small under-seat rucksack in their basic fare. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or convenience, just pack smarter.
Some quick wins:
- Roll your clothes instead of folding to save room and prevent creases.
- Wear your bulkiest items (like a jumper or trainers) on the plane.
- Pack multi-use items, like a scarf that doubles as a beach cover-up or a day-to-night shirt.
- Use vacuum or compression bags to shrink clothes and create space. One downside is that you’ll have to ask for a hoover at reception on your way back to get everything back in.
With the right techniques, you’ll be surprised how much fits into a cabin bag and you’ll save on baggage fees too.
5. Ditch the fees with a travel-friendly card
Even the best short break can leave a sour taste if you’re hit with hidden costs from your bank. Foreign transaction fees and poor exchange rates on debit or credit cards can add up fast. Instead, opt for a travel-friendly card that offers:
- No international transaction or ATM fees
- Competitive exchange rates
- Real-time spending notifications
You can use it just like any other card, but with full peace of mind - and more Euros for gelato or sangria.