How to plan three days without rushing them
One anchor per half day, neighbourhoods in clusters and one evening left open: the method behind the 72 hours series, for short trips that feel generous.
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Travel Guides
Planning, seasons, arrival and transport: the craft behind a good short trip.
Three days go quickly. These guides explain how we plan them: one anchor per half day, neighbourhoods grouped together, the right month for the right place and an honest comparison of train and plane for short distances in Europe.
When to go: seasons, shoulder months and crowds
Spring and autumn in the south, long June days in the north, festivals that fill a city: how to choose the right month for a short trip, and the right days within it.
Train or plane for a short trip in Europe
Door to door time, night trains, luggage and booking windows: a calm comparison to help you choose the right way to travel for a short break in Europe.
Try the tool
72-Hour Planner
Pick a city and get nine slots for three days. Reorder them, add notes and keep the plan in your browser.
More in Explore
The other sections
- City TripsCities in three unhurried days: neighbourhoods, sights and the hours locals keep.
- Places to StayBoutique hotels, unusual stays and holiday homes, and how to choose for three nights.
- Food & Local LifeMarkets, meal times, coffee rituals and the everyday rhythm of the places we visit.
- ExperiencesExcursions, mornings on the water and hands-on workshops that become the memory of a trip.
- Nature & EscapeCoasts, islands, mountains and walks for a long weekend outdoors.