How do you make the most of a short break? We consulted travel experts and real travelers to get their tips for making a long weekend holiday just as much fun — and just as satisfying — as a week-long vacation. The surprising thing? Our go-to advice for saving on hotels and airfare when on vacation could actually ruin your short trip.

Mistake #1: Booking a hotel too far from the action

Yes, saving money by staying a bit outside of town is usually smart advice, but on short trips it’s a bad idea. After you do the math, chances are that even paying $50 more per night for a more centrally located hotel can end up being worth it for the time you’ll save.

Mistake #2: Checking a bag

Nothing is worse than arriving in Manchester, New Hampshire, and finding out that your bag is on its way to Manchester, England. It could take four days to get it back-meaning you’ll have it just in time to check it for your flight home. With all the savvy packing tips out there, there’s usually no reason why you should check a suitcase for a short break.

Mistake #3: Trying to make the most of every second

Instead of rushing between Chelsea and Midtown — two neighborhoods in opposite parts of town — to see five different art exhibitions during a short trip to New York City, your time might better be spent really delving into just one or two spots during your stay. And be realistic about what you can actually see in just a couple days.

Mistake #4: Booking a flight with multiple connections

The flights that float to the top when you’re looking for cheap airfare are usually the ones that involve switching planes at an airline’s hub. It’s a fine way to save some dollars — until you find yourself spending extra hours on layovers and facing potential delays. It’s also worth avoiding destinations that require various forms of transportation to reach, such as islands only accessible by an infrequent ferry or resorts that require a private shuttle ride.

Mistake #5: Forgetting to prepare for a new time zone

If it’s already nighttime in your destination when you step on the plane, pass on the in-flight meal and movie and pop in the earplugs for a snooze instead — that way you’ll be waking up with the locals, instead of feeling like it’s time to sleep when you touch down. Plan lots of outdoor activities for your first day in a different time zone, too — the sunlight and fresh air will keep you energized. If there’s no avoiding a snooze, try to limit yourself to a 20-minute power nap.

What are other mistakes that weekend travelers make? Enlighten other travelers by sharing your ideas below!

Source: CNN Go

Image: Viking Travel Service