Trip snacking, extreme day tripping and microcations - these travel trends reflect the creative ways people are maximising their time away without using up too much precious annual leave.
From whirlwind European day trips to carefully-planned long weekends, travellers often rely on one thing more than anything else: cheap flights!
But just how cheap are the budget airline flights that go hand in hand with these tiny trips?
With additional charges for luggage, seat selection and other extras, that bargain European getaway might not be quite as cheap as it first appears.
Travel News Blitz writer Renée Cottle takes a closer look at the additional costs of budget flying and how passengers can avoid paying more than they need to.
Baggage fees and other extras
Budget airlines are known for offering tempting fares to destinations across Europe, but the advertised ticket price doesn’t always tell the whole story.
While a small personal bag is generally included in the basic fare, passengers wanting to bring a larger cabin suitcase will often have to pay extra.
Seat selection, checked luggage and priority boarding can also come with additional charges, potentially turning a bargain flight into a more expensive journey.
Travellers should also check whether optional extras are charged per flight or for the entire return journey.
A baggage fee that initially seems reasonable could become considerably less appealing when added to both legs of a trip.
The airport transfer trap
It’s not just airline extras that travellers need to consider.
Some airports served by budget airlines are located considerable distances from the cities they serve, meaning passengers could face additional transport costs to reach the city centre.
Take Paris, for example.
Travellers tempted by a bargain flight to the French capital might discover they’re actually landing at Paris Beauvais Airport, approximately 85km from the city centre.
Compared with Charles de Gaulle Airport, which is around 25km from central Paris, the additional journey from BVA could mean more time and money spent on airport transfers.
For people planning an extreme day trip, that could mean losing precious hours of sightseeing before they’ve even reached the city.
How to keep the cost down
For travellers embarking on an extreme day trip, packing everything into a small backpack could eliminate the need to pay for additional luggage.
Those planning a longer break should check baggage allowances before booking and consider whether purchasing a fare bundle offers better value than paying for add-ons individually.
Accepting an automatically-assigned seat rather than paying to choose one is another way passengers can keep flight costs down.
It's also worth researching airport transfer options, especially when a destination is served by more than one airport.
Budget airlines can still offer excellent value, particularly for those travelling light.
But before snapping up a seemingly irresistible fare, it’s worth considering the total cost of the journey.
After all, the cheapest advertised flight isn’t always the cheapest way to travel.
READ MORE FROM RENEE COTTLE: Paris travel news: Five free things to do in Paris - Famous gardens, rooftop views and more
