The 48-hour rule: make a tiny trip feel longer.

The trick is not squeezing more into a weekend. It is reducing the number of times you have to mentally start over.

1. Pick one anchor

Choose the one meal, hike, show, spa booking or event that gives the trip its identity. Everything else should support it rather than compete with it.

2. Protect the first evening

Arriving and immediately rushing into a timetable makes a short trip feel compressed. Check in, walk, eat nearby and let the destination arrive before the itinerary does.

3. Avoid unnecessary transfers

Changing hotels, neighbourhoods or transport modes carries a bigger cost on a short trip. Stay close to the things you care about and use one base whenever possible.

4. Leave half a day empty

Unplanned time is not wasted time. It is where repeat cafés, spontaneous swims, long lunches and actual rest happen.