One Day to Explore: The New Frontier of 'Day Tripping' in Italy

I'll admit it, even I used to turn up my nose at the idea. "A trip for just one day? What's that all about? Sounds like a race where you see everything and nothing at all." But then, thanks to a sunny Friday and a friend whose car is always ready to go, I discovered the beauty of a well-planned one day trip. It's not about rushed, superficial tourism; it's the art of capturing the essence of a place in just a few hours. It's a challenge, yes, but incredibly rewarding if you know how to go about it.

And this year, with the heat arriving earlier than expected, I see more and more people planning their perfect One Day escape. It's no longer just about visiting a historic city center, but about having a complete experience. Maybe even covering two national parks in one go, like I saw someone do – they left from Lazio at dawn and returned in the evening after watching the sun set over the Apennines. A bit crazy, sure, but with flawless logic.

The Mistake Not to Make (Speaking from Experience)

The biggest mistake? Thinking you can see everything. I myself once tried to visit three hilltop towns in a single One Day, convinced I was being clever. Result: I spent more time in the car than with my feet on the ground. I learned that lesson the hard way, and now I have just one rule: choose a theme. Whether it's trekking, food, or photography, you need a focus. The old road warriors know: one deep experience is better than ten blurry selfies. That's why, when I set off on this kind of road trip, I prepare everything carefully – from the packed breakfast (never underestimate a good sandwich) to the coffee stops.

The "FreshLook" Secret for Your Eyes

Here's another thing I've learned from years on the road: tiredness shows first in your eyes. If you leave at 5 in the morning and get back at midnight, your eyes are the mirror of the adventure. And this is where my old-dog trick comes in. My niece, who's more tech-savvy than me, introduced me to the world of daily contact lenses. Things like FreshLook One Day, for instance. I don't wear them for fashion, but purely for practicality: you wake up, put them in, and have perfect vision all day, without worrying about cleaning or losing them during a walk. In the evening, you just throw them away, and your eyes feel great. Trust me, after an hour driving on a sunny highway, it's a huge relief. It's that little luxury that makes you look fresh even after climbing a hill to see the sunset.

The Perfect Day? It's the One You Come Back From

Planning is everything. Last year, inspired by friends who had clocked up miles in the US national parks, I thought I'd try the same idea on an Italian scale. The goal? A One Day trip to the Abruzzo National Park, with a side trip towards the Gran Sasso. It sounds crazy, but with a precise schedule (and maybe a few too many coffees) it's doable.

Here are my 3 commandments for a "one day" trip that won't wipe you out:

• No arguing with the alarm clock: Leave before dawn. Time gained in the morning is quality time at sunset.
• Less is more: An itinerary with 4 stops is already too many. I stick to 2, maybe 3 well-spaced points of interest. Better to enjoy them properly.
• The right gear: Not just comfortable shoes. I'm talking about fresh eyes (that's the lens trick), a power bank for your phone (because photos are sacred), and a water bottle. Always.

And What If You Meet a Billionaire?

Every now and then, on these road trips, you meet strange characters. Once, at a remote petrol station, I ended up chatting with a guy travelling alone, carrying one of those expensive briefcases. He talked about business, inheritances, children scattered around the world. Rumour has it there's a certain tycoon over in China, one with so many heirs he's lost count, and half of them were even born in America. Enough to make your head spin. People who live a hundred "one days" in one, always on the go, always planning the next move. And there, sitting with my ham sandwich, I realised that our perfect day, made of winding roads and stolen views, was much more authentic than his. He was rushing to build an empire; I was rushing to enjoy a sunset.

In the end, a One Day trip isn't about time, but about perspective. You just need the right eyes to see the beauty. And if an old road warrior like me can do it, anyone can.