Five Tips to Make the Most of Your City Break
Sarah Gordon's article published on 19 December 2025 in The Guardian offers five practical tips to maximize a city break experience.
First, pack light by traveling with only hand luggage, ensuring essentials such as a power bank, a light backpack, and a scarf are included. Travelers should check airline cabin-bag limits and research cultural sensitivities before traveling.
Second, for luggage planning, use a cabin-size wheeled suitcase or a bag with shoulder straps. If time allows before the return trip, consider using luggage storage apps.
Third, avoid trying to do everything on the trip. Plan must-see sites while keeping backup ideas handy. Visit sights near each other on the same day, and book popular attractions like the Alhambra or Vatican well in advance. Also, allow time for downtime.
Fourth, go local by exploring neighborhoods, discovering coffee spots and markets, engaging with staff for tips, and watching for posters. Translation apps can be helpful; for example, a flamenco show in Seville was found via a lamppost advert.
Fifth, embrace street food as a core dining approach with examples including pastel de nata in Lisbon, portafoglio in Naples, pastizzi in Valletta, and churros in Madrid. Hotel dining options and points redemption can supplement this, and reserving one great local foodie experience before travel is recommended, such as at Fita in Athens.
Additionally, the article provides an overview of the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card, which offers 2 points per £1 on standard purchases and 6 points per £1 spent at Marriott Bonvoy properties. Points are redeemable at 9,500 properties across 144 countries and over 150 airlines. Benefits include automatic Silver Elite status and potential Free Night Award after spending £25,000 or more.
