The fast-paced nature of modern working life means that our holidays are now more important than ever. Unfortunately, most of us don’t get the chance to go on a two-week trip anywhere near as often as we’d like.

Thankfully, improvements to travel have made short breaks much easier to research, arrange and book. They’re a particularly great option for holidaymakers like me who want to see as much of the world as possible but struggle to find the time to do it all. Plus, you’re far more likely to get a group of people to go on a weekend away as there are fewer difficulties in taking time off of work.

However, there’s still the little matter of deciding what to do and where to go. With the next Eid holiday just around the corner, I’ve been having a think about short vacations ideas and thought I’d share!

City Breaks

It’s pretty impossible to be disappointed with a city break, most cities have so much to see and do, and even if activities and sights are limited, simply sitting in cafes and trying local foods while watching the daily life go on around you can be one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture. Often, a couple of days is enough to see and do all of the major things that a city has to offer, this is when a short break with friends is a great option to satisfy the need for an escape with fun and adventure.

I am personally rediscovering my love for European cities, after fantastic breaks to Milan and Barcelona, and my most recent trip to Amsterdam (blog post to follow!) I am currently swaying towards Munich for the upcoming Eid holiday as I have been dying to visit Oktoberfest at its home (check out my post about Oktoberfest in Dubai!)

Whether it’s a one-night stay or a long weekend, a city break is a great option.

Beach Resorts

We all love an adventure fuelled holiday, it’s normally my break of choice, but sometimes you can’t beat a few days of sun, sea and sand.

Life is pretty hectic nowadays, so a chance to recharge the batteries is one that every holidaymaker should take from time to time. All you need is a good book, a couple of bikinis, and the right suncream.

There are various great beach destinations around Europe (after seeing that list, I’ve now added a fair few to mine!) and many are cheap and easy to get to, saving you money to enjoy while you’re there.

Whilst sitting on a sun lounger might not be the most exciting of holidays, it certainly beats sitting in the office, or gazing out at beautiful beaches which you cannot enjoy because of the heat (welcome to summer in the Middle East).

Ski Holidays

If you’re like me, when you go on a longer vacation, you want to combine elements of adventure AND relaxation. However, you don’t have to sacrifice either of these elements just because you’ve only got a few days away.

Skiing holidays are the perfect solution to create some really unique lasting memories. They offer a chance to enjoy a life of luxury (I’m seeing cosy chalets and log fires) with stunning scenery, action and adventure, which is why I am desperate to do a ski trip myself! Unfortunately all of the group ski trips that get planned always seem to be when I’m committed elsewhere, so perhaps this Eid should be the time I finally make it happen!

I’ve done some initial research, for a short stay, it seems that it’s much better to book a package to save time booking passes and equipment. Then it’s just to decide where to go, I’ve been toying with the idea of a local trip to Iran or Lebanon, or whether to head back to Europe in order to get an authentic apres-ski experience, and maybe combine with some time in Europe too. Within Europe itself there are so many options, I’m liking the look of momentumski.com as they specialise in ski weekends and short breaks to the Alps.

Decisions, decisions, it’s a beautiful world out there and there’s so much to see and do, it’s just what order to do it in! Let me know if you have any other suggestions or advice, and keep following to know what I decide!