Finding cheap weekend breaks
After a hard week at work, everyone wants a break. And now, thanks to the proliferation of budget airlines, competitive prices and great deals, a weekend can be spent exploring a new city. Travelling within Europe should give enough time to explore an entire city by departing Friday night and returning Sunday evening. But if two days don’t seem like a long enough period of time, it is always possible to take a day or two off work and go for a long weekend. Either way, there are plenty of destinations that can be fully discovered in a short period of time, and by taking note of the following advice, weekend breaks can be a great way to see all those cities you’ve always wanted to.
Keep Your Eye on the Ball
Keep an eye out for special offers. If you want to book a city break but don’t mind where you go, the best way to keep the costs down is to stay on the look-out for super deals. Sign up to budget airline newsletters and keep checking their websites. When you find a good deal, check that you are aware of the full price, including taxes and charges, and if you’re happy with it, book straight away as prices can go up without any notice.
If you have a specific location in mind, signing up to newsletters is equally helpful. Just remember, when new deals are advertised, the cheapest tickets usually sell out on the same day. For a chance to bag a bargain, don’t hesitate.
Go Off Peak
Travelling during the high tourist seasons is generally more expensive. Airlines hike up the prices because of high demand, and so do hotels, attractions, car hire, etc. Weekend breaks are the perfect opportunity to take advantage of lower prices, not to mention a way to split up the long, dreary months between Christmas and summer holidays.
Before booking your flight, do some research on your chosen destination, to check that it is off-peak there as well. The last thing you want is to get a great deal on the price, only to find that hotel prices are skyrocketing because of some annual local festival.
Travelling during the low tourist season is always going to be the best time to visit the attractions and see the sights. Queues will be shorter, galleries less crowded and tickets generally cheaper.
Plan, Plan, Plan
Taking a short trip makes some people panic. Having paid for flights and hotels, they are determined to see and do everything. While wanting to fully explore a place is a good thing, remember that this is a holiday. It should be enjoyable. Although seeing every little thing would be nice, it’s generally not worth the rush and exhaustion. Rather, research your destination and come up with a detailed itinerary containing your top attractions, leaving plenty of time to visit them. It’s best not to overpack the schedule; instead leave time for shopping, eating and soaking up the culture. If you spend the entire holiday worrying about fitting everything in, it’s unlikely you’ll enjoy the sights as you see them.
Choose your destination depending on the time of year. If you’re hoping to see the northern lights in Iceland, be sure to go between November and March, which are the most likely months for them to appear. If you are hoping to cycle through tulip fields in The Netherlands, book a trip for the spring. If you’re hoping to catch some winter sun, be sure to check the weather forecast for your destination and ensure it will be warm when you want to travel.
Travel Light
A great way to keep costs down and get as much time out of your weekend break as possible, is to carry hand luggage only. Not only will you avoid paying extra for a piece of luggage, but you’ll be able to leave the airport quickly and get sight-seeing straight away.
If you’re embarking on a shopping expedition, try packing an empty piece of luggage inside your hand luggage. That way you can travel light on the way there, and come home laden with goodies. Just be sure to book a piece of hold luggage for the return journey.
