Extreme day trips: What you need to know

Planning an extreme day trip? Learn how they work, what they cost, and why travel insurance is essential to protecting your plans before and during travel.

What is an extreme day trip?

Extreme day trips are a quickly growing travel trend. Basically, it’s a round trip to another country - and back - all in under 24 hours.

Most people go for early morning flights to destinations no more than 3 hours away. That way, you can land around 10am, spend 6 to 8 hours exploring, and still make it home the same day

Why are they becoming so popular?

Extreme day trips are growing in popularity as a quick and easy way to explore somewhere new.

According to Confused.com data, 30%* of Brits have already been on one, with a further 13%* having done so multiple times. 

For keen travellers, extreme day trips offer a way to explore somewhere new and get a hit of adventure, without having to sacrifice days of annual leave. They can also have a money-saving advantage - removing the need to buy accommodation in your chosen city, or extra baggage with your plane ticket. 

Most popular destinations for Brits

Among UK holiday-goers, France, Spain and the Republic of Ireland are the most popular countries to visit for an extreme day trip abroad. 

Cities such as Dublin, Paris and Amsterdam work particularly well for these types of adventures. You’ll find regularly scheduled flights from most major UK airports and you can expect speedy, sub-two-hour flight times.

But, with the right planning, an extreme day trip can take you even further into Europe and beyond. The key is to look for destinations with lots of sightseeing options within a small radius, so you can properly maximise your time away. 

How much does an extreme day trip cost?

Even though you’re skipping the hotel, extreme day trips can add up fast. On average, Brits spend around £579* on a 24-hour trip, with flights, food, and sightseeing all contributing to the total.

It might seem steep for a single day, but when you’re racing against the clock, convenience often comes at a price. Early or late flights, grabbing a bite to eat at the airport, and taking taxis instead of public transport might save time - but not money.

Want to keep costs down? Be flexible with your travel dates and destinations to snag better flight deals. You can also save on taxis by picking cities with easy bus, coach, or train connections to and from the airport. Use our airport journey planner to help decide which airport you travel from in the UK, as that could help save time and money as well.

Can travel insurance cover an extreme day trip?

Yes, you can - it works just like travel insurance for a longer holiday.

Even if it’s only a one-day adventure, you can get single-trip travel insurance that covers exactly that. Just pop your trip details into our quote form, choose a policy, and you’re sorted.

It’s best to get cover as soon as you book anything. That way, if something happens that stops your trip going ahead, you won’t be left out of pocket - and you avoid last-minute stress before you set off.

Already have annual travel insurance - or travel a lot?

If you already have annual travel insurance, your extreme day trip is likely covered. Most policies have an upper trip limit (often around 31 days), so a one-day adventure usually fits. You’ll just need to check that your policy covers the region you’re visiting - for example, Europe.

If you travel frequently but don’t yet have a policy, an annual multi-trip plan could be a handy option. These policies can cover multiple trips throughout the year, including your extreme day out.

But, it’s always best to check your policy info before you set off, just to be sure you’re covered.

What can travel insurance help with?

Even if you're only heading away for a day, travel insurance is still worth it.

If your trip gets cancelled or your plans change for reasons outside your control, you won’t be left covering the costs yourself.

It can also help if:

• Your bag goes missing
• Your phone or wallet is stolen
• You accidentally lose your passport (insurance can help cover the cost of an emergency replacement)

A one-day trip might feel low risk. But with no wiggle room, one delay or cancellation could wipe out the whole experience. That’s where having travel insurance with cancellation cover in place counts.

Heads up for last-minute bookings: if you buy insurance on the same day your trip starts, most insurers trigger a short waiting period (usually 48-72 hours) to prevent fraud. So it’s safest to get your cover before your trip begins.

^{*Research carried out by OnePoll on behalf of Confused.com of 2,000 UK adults, conducted between  30th January and 4th February 2026.}