We’ve all been there: caught up in the daily grind, with only a few days (or even hours) to spend exploring a new place. Traveling on a tight schedule can be intimidating, whether you’re going for a quick stop on a business trip or a weekend getaway. Nonetheless, it is feasible to make the most of a little travel window and produce enduring experiences with a little preparation and a great deal of flexibility. Here’s how I’ve discovered to make the most of my travels when I have limited time.

1. Prioritize What Matters Most

When you have limited time, it’s critical to prioritize your must-see locations and activities. Make a list of the main things that pique your interest after doing some advance research on your location. Perhaps the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum are the main attractions for visitors to a city like Paris, for instance, but others may choose to explore Montmartre or stop by neighborhood cafes. Instead of attempting to see everything, the secret is to concentrate on what you really want to experience.

I only got a full day to see Prague during one of my recent visits. I chose a few iconic sites—the Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square—instead of packing in every well-known sight. This allowed me ample time to take my time and enjoy each place without feeling hurried.

2. Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible

Having a general plan is essential while traveling on a tight schedule, but maintaining flexibility is equally crucial. Flexibility, in my experience, enables me to take full advantage of unforeseen opportunities. Richer travel experiences are produced by those impromptu street performances, the unscheduled detour along a secret alley, or the opportunity to speak with a local.

For instance, I arranged my day in Tokyo to include a visit to the Meiji Shrine and Shibuya Crossing. But when exploring Harajuku, I happened into a neighborhood food market that I had never heard of in a guidebook. I made the decision to explore, and one of my favorite parts of the vacation was talking to sellers and sampling some delectable yakitori.

3. Use Efficient Transportation

Spending time traveling from one location to another might easily consume your day if you have a limited amount of time. I make it a point to use time-saving, enjoyable forms of transportation whenever possible. While the subway system is frequently the quickest method to get around in cities like New York or London, walking or cycling can be a quicker way to get around tiny streets and canals in towns like Amsterdam or Venice.

I chose to take Barcelona’s hop-on-hop-off bus tour during my brief visit, which spared me the trouble of figuring out the public transportation system and traveling great distances to view the city’s main sites. I was able to see a lot more in a shorter period of time and make the most of my touring time by using this strategy.

4. Keep Meals Simple and Local

The cuisine is one of the best parts of any trip, but eating at well-known tourist destinations can take up valuable time. I suggest eating quick and tasty street food or local cafés that might not be on the usual tourist radar to save time standing in big lines or looking for a table. You will not only save time, but you will also taste real flavors.

Since I only had two days in Hanoi during my trip to Vietnam, I made it a point to sample the city’s well-known pho from a neighborhood stand rather than dining in a restaurant. Although the fast supper didn’t take long, it provided me with a genuine sense of the local food.

5. Embrace the Power of Early Mornings and Late Nights

Getting an early start or staying out late can give you more time to explore if your schedule permits. Early mornings are frequently more serene and less crowded, making them ideal for taking a leisurely stroll in a park or seeing well-known attractions. In a similar vein, many cities have a distinct vibe at night, and you may find undiscovered treasures that aren’t on the usual tourist route.

During my brief 24-hour stay in Rome, I rose early to see the Colosseum before the crowds gathered and then spent the evening exploring the stunning Trevi Fountain, which was even more spectacular and less commercialized at night when it was illuminated in all its splendor.

6. Be Present and Enjoy the Moment

Above all, the secret to enjoying any vacation, no matter how lengthy, is to be in the now and enjoy the experience. Travel is made even more memorable by the moments in between, the conversations with locals, and the sheer delight of being somewhere new, even though it can be tempting to rush from one monument to the next.

I’ve discovered that the most fulfilling aspects of a journey, even when traveling on a tight timetable, can result from taking your time and enjoying the little things. A little journey can become an amazing experience by living in the moment, whether it’s enjoying coffee in a charming café or viewing the sunset over a busy city.