Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by agaw.dilim

The key to planning cheap city breaks, is to first identify what the major costs may be. These are normally to be found in transport, accommodation, and activities. By choosing the most economical way to go about each of these things, weekend city breaks anywhere in Europe become more affordable.

Airline Fares: Landing on the cheapest options

Depending on the destination, the cost of flights can quite often be the most expensive part of a weekend city break in Europe. There are several ways that one can go about reducing the cost though, and all that is needed is a little time and effort. The well-known budget airlines such as Ryanair and Easyjet all have websites that can be browsed through, and from time to time, they also run worthwhile deals. Websites that compare the prices of different airlines can also be helpful in tracking down a cheap flight. Examples of such sites are skyscanner, Opodo, Expedia, Spa Travel, fare compare,etc.

Accommodation: Getting the best deals

After the flights, accommodation can be the next most expensive part when planning weekend city breaks in Europe. Fortunately, the internet can again be of assistance, and it is possible to both view and book hotels for a cheap city break in Paris online. Many hotels will offer some form of discount if staying more than two nights, and so the overall cost per person per night can be reduced.

Activities: Cheap and Cheerful things to do

The French capital has a wealth of things to see and do, and there are several ways to do this in the most economical way whilst not compromising on seeing the attractions themselves.

The first thing to do, is spend a little time in researching Paris, and visit those sites that are grouped together in order to avoid zig-zagging all over the city. Saving travel costs on taxis or other public transport goes a long way to make a cheap city break in Paris. Another idea is to pick the best day to see each attraction. Sundays in particular are a good time to see some places, as the Louvre is free one Sunday per month, and the Sunday organ recital at the Notre Dane Cathedral adds another dimension to the experience there. Paris also has many free museums, such as the Modern Art Museum, Fine Arts Museum and the Paris Fashion Museum. The Rodin Museum is also free on the first Sunday of every month.

Perhaps the most helpful piece of advice when planning cheap city breaks in Paris, or indeed any other city in Europe, is to be flexible. Whilst weekend city breaks might be the most desired choice, it is actually a lot less expensive to travel between Monday and Thursday than it is during the weekend. Early morning flights can also be cheaper than mid morning flights, and occasionally, leaving booking flights and hotels until the last minute can lead to price reductions.

Dave writes for Spa Travel an online travel agent dedicated to offering the cheapest Spa Breaks, flights, hotels and holiday packages for the UK outbound Traveller.

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Ruins of Tintagel Castle – the birthplace of King Arthur / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by IDS.photos

It’s a great spot for both families and the solo traveler; you just have to know what you’re doing in order to make the most of your trip. If you’re planning a Cornish holiday, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Plan for the Weather

Naturally temperate, Cornwall enjoys around 1500 hours of sunshine per year – much more than the average UK country. However, it is on the coast, so be prepared for storms and a few wet weekends. The rainy season generally runs from October to January, peaking in November.

As for temperatures, you can expect them to stay relatively stable at around 10-20C (40-50F).

Find The Right Accommodation

Where to stay in Cornwall depends on your location, budget, and what kind of trip you’re planning to have. Are you looking for high-class hotels or would you rather get your hands a little dirty with an authentic camping experience? Do you prefer luxury or locality?

While there are plenty of places to stay in Cornwall, they generally fall into these types:

• Modern living
• Hotels and b&bs
• Self Catering
• Camping

Beach accommodations

As mentioned, Cornwall is a peninsula, meaning there are three coastlines to explore! You can go for either luxury hotels overlooking the water or inexpensive camps and beach bungalows to sleep right on the shore.

Storybook stay

This is where Cornwall gets creative, offering everything from farmhouses to holiday cottages and even treehouses to experience the real heart of the country. Research the area you’ll be traveling and you’re sure to find your fairytale experience.

Truro Cathedral / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Brian Snelson

Know The Sights

With one of the most fascinating histories in the UK, Cornwall is a great place soak up some culture without sacrificing the fun and adventure of a holiday abroad. Kids will love places like the Witchcraft Museum and the Eden Project. You can also visit Truro Cathedral, one of the most unique architectural designs in Europe, or Tintagel Castle, the birthplace of King Arthur.

Looking to relax?

Laze the day away at one of Cornwall’s many beaches, or take a stroll around the famed Trebah Gardens for a kind of nature you’ve never seen before. Make a trek to the Mên-an-Tol (literally “the hole stone”) for good luck and local blessings.

Or maybe you’re looking for something a little more exciting? Try any of Cornwall’s adventure tours or music festivals. Catch a show at the Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre that performs right on the cliffs of Land’s End. If you’re into outdoor adventures, Cornwall also has bungee jumping, horseback riding, and a surprising number of surf schools. Whether you’re looking for unique thrills or just a tranquil getaway, Cornwall can offer a great trip and an unforgettable family holiday. Keep these tips in mind and you’re sure to make memories with your loved ones that will never fade… much like Cornwall and its castles.

Sarah is a travel author who has a particular love of finding unique and beautiful places to stay! Whilst exploring the highs and lows of the UK she is looking into high quality Cornish cottage holidays as somewhere to stay when exploring the coastline of Cornwall.

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Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Draco2008

New English Town

In the 1960s government priorities focussed on alleviating housing over-crowding in London by establishing new towns in England, within easy reach of the capital.  The small towns of Bletchley, Stony Stratford and Wolverton, in north Buckinghamshire, were marked out as a potential site for one of these cities.  Prior to this, in the 1950s Bletchley had already been the site for new construction for housing designed to take the strain parts of London.  New Towns have long been controversial, and Milton Keynes was no exception.  The newly built city, featuring excellent road networks and built on “Garden City” ideals, was considered by some to be a soulless place.  But new towns on the block grow up – and MK as it is fondly known by its residents – is no exception.

The Attractive Plan

The cunning plan behind the location of Milton Keynes was that it would eventually grow into a regional centre.  The city is located at an equal distance, roughly, between London, Birmingham, Coventry and Leicester.  Today, that plan has come to fruition as Milton Keynes is a city that has become a centre of business, technology, culture and sport.  Unlike many older cities it is also an attractive city in which to work, rest and play.

Entertaining Options

• With 4,500 acres of parks, woodlands and waterways incorporated into the design, you don’t have to go far to get away from it all.  Walking and cycling around the city are pleasurable experiences, compared to most cities.  The waterways and lakes that form part of this countryside in the city theme were designed to mitigate flood risks from the Trent, something that today’s town planners are going green with envy over.
• Shopping in Milton Keynes offers something for everybody.  The city hosts a range of shopping malls, some of the first to be established in the UK.  Today these contain well over 400 shops, including high fashion and high street names.  Not far from Milton Keynes itself, the surrounding villages have proved popular locations for boutique shops and the area’s rural roots have not disappeared and can be found at a of farmer’s markets.
• Leisure was a key part of the design when Milton Keynes was still largely located on a drawing board.  As the city has grown so have the opportunities.  Sports facilities include water-sports centres and a skiing centre.  The skiing centre is of the indoor type, although it does boast real snow.  Close to the city you will also find Silverstone Formula One race track and Towcester’s more traditional horse racing track.
• The construction of Milton Keynes did not mean that the historic attractions of the area were bulldozed.  Far from it.  Bletchley Park was home to the wartime code-breakers who helped to defeat the Nazi’s and the site is now open to the public.  Buckinghamshire’s typically English countryside is also home to a range of stately homes and ancient abbeys.  Always an important location in English history, the county has plenty to offer for fans of historic sites.

High Standards for Visitors

When it comes to accommodation, Milton Keynes does not suffer from many old, poor quality lodging houses.  In fact the majority of the accommodation to be found – whether for business travellers or tourists – is of the highest quality.  Boutique hotels, apartments or guesthouses, all are characterised by excellent standards, modern fixtures, fittings and services.  Milton Keynes is a new city and it has consistently set new standards for work, leisure and play.

Finding a serviced apartment Milton Keynes style is not difficult, the previously maligned New Town is now a vibrant regional centre with opportunities for leisure and entertainment to suit all tastes.

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Maastricht claims to be the oldest city in the Netherlands (a claim it shares with Nijmegen). There are some magnificent buildings, lots of old houses, lovely cathedrals and a spectacularly cobblestoned town centre.

What to see in Maastricht
City Center

• Two town squares in the centre of the city
  • The Vrijthof, which features the massive St Servaas Church and St Jan’s Cathedral. It hosts large festivals also in autumn and winter. The Carnaval before Lent is an amazing occasion that everybody should see
  • The Markt, which features the Town Hall (Stadhuis) and on Wednesdays and Fridays, markets

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