City escapes offer a great way to explore somewhere new without taking a week off work or spending a fortune. Whether you fancy discovering local food or visiting famous landmarks, a few days away can give you plenty to look forward to.
However, rising accommodation prices and expensive flights can quickly stretch your budget. With a little research and some careful planning, you can enjoy an exciting city break while keeping your finances firmly under control.
Choose a destination where your money goes further
Your choice of destination can make a huge difference to your overall spending. Popular cities such as Paris and Copenhagen often come with high accommodation and restaurant prices, while destinations such as Kraków, Budapest and Sofia generally offer better value.
Look beyond flight prices and consider what you’ll spend once you arrive. For example, a £40 return flight might seem tempting, but expensive hotels and meals could make your trip costlier than visiting somewhere with higher airfares.
Don’t forget to check typical hotel rates and public transport fares before choosing your destination.
Be flexible with dates and travel times
Travelling outside peak periods can help you save considerably. Airlines and hotels often charge more during school holidays and popular weekends when demand rises.
If your schedule allows, consider travelling between Tuesday and Thursday rather than over a weekend. You might also find cheaper accommodation during quieter months, such as January or November, although prices depend on the destination.
Use websites like Skyscanner to compare fares across an entire month rather than searching for fixed dates. Check arrival times carefully, too. A cheap flight that lands after midnight could leave you paying extra for a taxi when public transport stops running.
Compare packages with booking separately
Booking your flights and hotel together sometimes costs less than arranging everything independently, but you shouldn’t assume packages always offer better value.
Start by finding a suitable flight and hotel separately, then compare their combined price with packages from holiday providers.
Make sure you compare equivalent options, including baggage allowances, hotel locations and transfer costs. A package that costs £30 more might actually save you money if it includes checked luggage and airport transfers.
Also consider whether the package offers financial protection through ATOL when you book a flight-inclusive holiday.
Keep daily spending under control
Small purchases can quickly add up during a short trip, particularly when you eat near popular attractions or rely on taxis.
Set yourself a daily spending allowance after covering accommodation and travel. You can reduce food costs by visiting bakeries and local markets instead of eating every meal in restaurants. Many cities also offer free museums, public parks and walking routes.
Finally, use a bank card with no foreign transaction fees where possible, and pay in the local currency to avoid unnecessary conversion charges.
