Think you need a long weekend or several days off work to enjoy a city break abroad? Think again. The 24-hour holidays is the latest TikTok travel trend turning heads—and yes, it’s absolutely doable.
Forget the myth that travel has to mean a long itinerary. With cheap flights and fast connections, you can book travel to an exciting destination, explore it, and still be home in time to feed the cat. With so many flights departing from the UK’s busiest airports, there’s never been a better time to go plan your trip and experience a city in a single day.
We analysed flight times, frequency, local attractions, and online hotel booking options across the top UK airports to reveal the best destinations for a 24-hour getaway. Whether you want culture, sunshine, food or fun, there’s something for everyone. Here are the best cities to explore for a whirlwind break abroad.
Dublin: Quick, Easy, and Packed With Charm
Less than 90 minutes from almost every UK airport, Dublin is perfect for a fast-paced but memorable trip. With multiple cheap flights daily and easy access from the airport to the city via the Dublin Express, you’ll be sipping Guinness and snapping photos of Dublin Castle before lunch.
Stroll around Trinity College, grab a bite at a local pub, or explore Phoenix Park. Booking hotel rooms isn’t necessary for such a short trip, but if you extend your stay, online hotel booking websites offer plenty of affordable options in the city centre.
Lisbon: Sun, Sea, and Spectacle
Portugal’s capital is a feast for the senses. With flights under 2.5 hours and low-cost carriers serving Heathrow, Stansted, and more, it’s easy to book cheap travel. Once you land, buses and metro lines offer cheap, quick access into the city.
Explore Lisbon Cathedral, ride the iconic yellow tram to Belem, and indulge in Pastel de Nata. With comfortable shoes and a loose schedule, you can take in much of this vibrant city in just a day. Don’t forget to enjoy a seafood lunch featuring Cataplana.
Palma: Sun Yourself by the Sea
Craving sun and sand? Palma offers blue skies, Mediterranean views, and cultural gems just a few hours away. With regular flights from airports like Belfast, East Midlands, and Newcastle, you can easily get a room at a low price hotel for an overnight or enjoy a day trip.
Taxi straight to the Catedral de Mallorca, explore ancient alleyways, and dive into local markets like Mercat de l’Olivar. Grab a quick tapas lunch, then wind down with a cool drink and sea views before heading back home.
Marrakech: Exotic, Affordable, and Electric
Looking for a culture-packed adventure outside Europe? Marrakech is within reach for a 24-hour trip. Flights from Manchester and London Gatwick are frequent and cheap, with short airport transfers via taxi or shuttle bus.
Spend your day exploring the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and the bustling souks. Don’t forget to haggle for mint tea, tagine cookware, or Argan oil. The sensory overload is worth every second.
Faro: Hidden Treasure in Portugal
With flight times under 3 hours and some of the cheapest travel booking UK options available, Faro is a budget traveller’s dream. Once you arrive, a taxi gets you to the Old Town fast.
Explore cobbled streets, the marina, Arco da Vila, and the haunting Bone Chapel. Grab lunch, enjoy the views, then make your way back for an easy return flight. If you want to stay longer, use the best booking site to book hotel stays at great rates.
Eastern Europe Gems: Budget-Friendly and Beautiful
From London Luton, you can get cheap flights to lesser-known spots like Vilnius, Bydgoszcz, and Wroclaw. These cities are full of hidden wonders, from quaint old towns to exciting food scenes, all within reach on a small budget.
Use an online hotel booking website if you’re tempted to extend your trip. These cities offer some of the cheapest websites to book hotels, so staying overnight won’t break the bank.
Final Thoughts: Book My Trip, Fast!
Whether you want a quick cultural fix or a sun-drenched beach break, there are more 24-hour destinations than ever before. With the rise of online travel booking, international flight booking UK options, and top hotel booking websites, you can book rooms, plan travel, and get a room in just a few clicks.
From cheap hotel deals to best travel packages, the tools are there to make your one-day adventure smooth and unforgettable.
So, what are you waiting for? Book cheap hotels online, pack your bag, and book a vacation you’ll never forget — even if it only lasts a day.
Methodology: How We Chose the Best 24-Hour Holiday Destinations
We looked at the top 15 international destinations (excluding mainland UK) ranked by 2023 passenger numbers from major UK airports to find the best spots for a 24-hour holidays. Destinations with a flight time under 240 minutes were shortlisted, making them perfect for a quick getaway. Rankings considered flight time, number of daily departures, weather, cost of meals, airport proximity, TikTok popularity, and the availability of hotel room online reservation options.
Use this list to inspire your next 24-Hour Holidays, whether you’re looking to book hotel stays, compare travel service options, or just enjoy the thrill of the cheapest travel booking UK has to offer. With a little planning, your perfect 24-hour holiday is just a flight away.
Discover the rise of 24-Hour Holidays—from Dublin’s charm to Lisbon’s sunshine, Palma’s beaches, Marrakech’s exotic flair, Faro’s hidden gems, and Eastern Europe’s budget-friendly cities. Book hotels online and see the world in a day!