A city break is what most of us need when we are looking to get away from the daily routine and get new inspirations. If you already have a bucket list, and a limited budget, you might choose to visit one of the European capitals for a few days.
To make the most out of the limited time and finances, you will have to plan ahead to get the best deals out there. Below you will find a few tips on how to get started.
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Book Flights Early
The sooner you book your flights the better the prices you will get. It is also best to book between Tuesday and Thursday, as this is generally when the prices drop.
If you want to find cheap flights, you might want to sign up for trend alerts. Kayak, for example, will advise you whether or not the price is likely to drop or rise in the next week.
Do your research and always keep your options open. If you pick an alternative airport and a train ticket, or a connecting flight, you might be able to save money.
Stay In the Suburbs
Popular capitals swarm with tourists most of the time, independent of the weather. Therefore, if you are visiting in high season, you absolutely need to look for a suburb as your base and take advantage of public transport.
This will probably give you an extra night’s stay and more time to explore. Even a couple of miles out of the city can help you get a discount of up to 50%, in some cases.
Use a Travel And Tourist Card
Most European cities, such as Amsterdam have their own tourist cards. You can take advantage of free travel on public transport, discounted restaurant, museum, tour, and attraction tickets.
Most of the visitor cards are valid for 24 – 72 hours, so you can use them for the entire duration of your short break and cut your vacation budget.
Check Discount Tours Online
If you want the best prices for the attractions you want to visit, it is important that you check online first. You can not only avoid queueing for hours but also get a discount or an extra service.
Sites like Groupon or Wowcher often feature discount tour and attraction tickets for
Eat at Local Restaurants Outside of the Tourist Area
As you are going to visit some of the most popular and liveliest cities, there will be a well-established tourism industry. If you eat close to attractions, be prepared to pay the surcharge.
It is not uncommon to pay up to £20 for a cup of coffee in the tourist district. Jump on the train, subway, or tram, get out of the main strip, and you can make your money go much further.
If you would like to make the most out of your short city break, you have to avoid tourist traps and make sure you compare the prices of flights and accommodations, as well as walking tours before you arrive.
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Happy Travels
