How many places can you really see in a week?

By the Nexara Holidays travel desk · 2 min read

The most common planning mistake is trying to see too much. Every move costs time, energy and money.

A simple rule

For one week (six or seven nights), aim for two or three bases. For two weeks, four or five.

Why fewer is better

• Every hotel change takes half a day: checking out, travelling, checking in.
• You spend more time enjoying places and less time packing.
• Fewer transfers mean lower costs.
• You have time for unplanned discoveries.

Examples

• Kerala in a week: Kochi (1), Munnar (2), Thekkady (1), Alleppey houseboat (1), Kovalam (2). That is five bases, which works because distances are short, but many travellers prefer to drop one.
• Rajasthan in a week: Jaipur (2), Jodhpur (2), Udaipur (3).
• Thailand in a week: Bangkok (2), Phuket or Krabi (5).
• Switzerland in a week: Lucerne (3), Interlaken (4).

When more bases make sense

• Road trips where the journey is the experience.
• Destinations with short transfers.
• Travellers who enjoy moving.

Use day trips

Instead of moving hotels, take day trips from a base, such as Ayutthaya from Bangkok or Nara from Kyoto.

See How to pace a holiday itinerary so you actually enjoy it and our Customised private tours page.

Signs your itinerary is too packed

• Most days start before 7 am.
• You change hotels every day or every other day.
• Travel time is longer than sightseeing time on several days.
• There is no free afternoon in the whole trip.

If you see these signs, remove a stop. You will not regret it.

Two-week trips

For fourteen nights, four or five bases is comfortable. Add a beach or rest stop at the end.