But that's not always a bad thing. Some of the best city experiences happen when you wander into a neighbourhood you haven't heard of, stumble across a local market, or swap a packed attraction for somewhere a little more unexpected.

Travelling with confidence isn't about having a backup plan for every possible scenario. It's about feeling prepared enough to handle whatever comes your way, whether that's a sudden change in weather, a closed attraction, or simply deciding to follow a recommendation that wasn't on your itinerary.

The key isn't planning every detail. It's giving yourself enough flexibility to enjoy the city when plans change. A little preparation can help you feel confident, but leaving room for spontaneity is often what turns a good city break into a memorable one.

No matter what's on your itinerary, it helps to have a reliable base to return to.

With convenient city locations, comfortable rooms and friendly teams who know the local area, ibis makes it easier to adapt when plans change. Whether you need directions, recommendations, or simply somewhere to recharge between adventures, you'll always have a place to regroup and decide what's next.

Travelling confidently isn't about avoiding problems altogether. It's about knowing how to handle small setbacks when they happen. Here are some common city-break mishaps and simple ways you can keep your trip on track when they happen.

You forgot an essential item

It happens to everyone. Unless it's something critical such as medication, your passport or bank card, most forgotten items can be replaced quickly and easily. Rather than letting it derail your trip, treat it as a small detour and focus on the experiences ahead. Chances are you'll be back to exploring within the hour!

Your phone battery dies at the worst time

Running out of battery can be frustrating, especially when you’re relying on your phone for directions. Downloading offline maps, saving your hotel address and carrying a power bank can help you stay prepared. With these simple precautions, a dead battery becomes a minor inconvenience rather than something that disrupts your day.

The weather flips mid-day

A sunny morning can quickly turn into a rainy afternoon, especially in unfamiliar cities. Instead of cancelling your plans altogether, think about how you can adapt to them. It might be the perfect opportunity to visit a museum, browse a covered market or settle into a café and watch the city go by for a while.

You get lost in an unfamiliar area

Getting lost can feel frustrating in the moment, but it's often part of the adventure. Rather than panicking, stop and work out where you are before deciding on your next move. You never know, a wrong turn could lead you to a hidden square, an interesting shop or a neighbourhood that wasn't on your itinerary.

Your plans get cancelled or an attraction closes

Every city has its surprises, and not all of them are listed in the guidebooks. If a restaurant shuts unexpectedly or a museum is closed for the day, think about what you were hoping to get from the experience and look for an alternative nearby. Often, the places you discover by chance become the most memorable parts of a trip.

You lose travel documents, including a passport

Losing important documents is stressful, but acting quickly can make the situation much easier to manage. Retrace your steps, contact your bank if payment cards are involved and get in touch with your embassy or consulate if you've lost your passport. Keeping secure digital copies of important documents can also save time if you need to replace them while travelling.

A little preparation can make it much easier to handle the unexpected. Before you travel, take a few minutes to check you've covered the essentials. What you pack might also vary depending on your destination.

A winter weekend in Berlin will call for warmer layers than a summer city break in Barcelona, while a rainy forecast in Amsterdam might make a lightweight waterproof essential.

If you're travelling light, the ibis guide to creating the perfect carry-on packing list can help you pack smart without overloading your bag.

Essential travel documents for a city break

- Passport or ID, plus any required visas

- Travel insurance details

- One payment card and a backup stored separately

- Any essential medication in its original packaging

- Secure digital copies of important documents

- Offline maps covering the city centre and hotel area

- Screenshots of tickets, bookings and accommodation details

- Portable power bank and charging cable

- Contactless payment set up before you travel

- A small amount of local currency

- A compact umbrella or lightweight waterproof layer

- Comfortable shoes suitable for different weather conditions

Transport and emergency information

- Two routes from your arrival point to your accommodation

- Local transport apps downloaded in advance

- Extra time built into timed bookings and transfers

- Emergency contact information, embassy details and booking references

Some of the most memorable city experiences happen when you leave a little room for spontaneity. Rather than trying to fit every attraction into your itinerary, give yourself time to explore at your own pace and see where the day takes you. Wander down a side street that catches your eye, spend longer in a neighbourhood you’re enjoying or follow a recommendation from a local. Sometimes, stepping away from your original plans is the best way to discover a different side of a city.

If plans do change, see it as an opportunity to try something new. A rainy afternoon might lead you to a museum you hadn’t considered, while a missed tram or last-minute recommendation could introduce you to a new neighbourhood, café or local favourite. With a little preparation and the confidence to stay flexible, unexpected moments can become some of the best parts of your trip.

Every city offers something different, from iconic landmarks to local neighbourhoods waiting to be explored. Wherever your next trip takes you, ibis provides a comfortable and convenient base to return to between adventures. Explore ibis destinations and start planning your next city break.

Start with a few must-see places or experiences, but avoid planning every hour of your trip. Leaving some free time in your itinerary gives you the flexibility to explore interesting neighbourhoods, follow local recommendations and adapt your plans if something unexpected comes up.

It helps to plan the essentials in advance, including accommodation, transport and any attractions that require advance booking. Beyond that, keeping part of your itinerary flexible gives you more freedom to change your plans or explore somewhere unexpected.

Explore beyond the main tourist areas, visit local markets and neighbourhoods, use public transport and ask for recommendations on places to eat, drink and visit. Walking between nearby areas can also help you discover places you might otherwise miss.

Check your travel documents, accommodation and transport details before you leave. It’s also useful to download offline maps, save digital copies of important documents, check the weather and make sure you have suitable payment methods, a power bank and any essential medication.

Walk between nearby attractions, use public transport and look for free things to do, such as parks, viewpoints, markets and self-guided walking routes. You can also save money by looking for local lunch deals and choosing accommodation with good transport connections. Find more tips in the ibis guide to exploring a city on a budget.

The best city break destination depends on what you're looking for, whether that's world-famous landmarks, thriving food scenes, cultural attractions or a chance to explore somewhere new. ibis hotels can be found in a wide range of destinations, from major capitals to lesser-known urban gems, making it easy to find a stay that suits your travel style and budget.