If you want a short city break in Europe you might think of Paris, Amsterdam or Brussels because these cities are very easy to reach and the journey won’t eat into your precious holiday time too much.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a wealth of attractions for a traveller to enjoy. There is often an association in people’s minds that Amsterdam is all about loose laws surrounding drugs and prostitution, which can deter some people from visiting. But in fact Amsterdam has far more to offer and makes for a really lovely short break destination with canals and beautiful architecture to enjoy.
Paris
Paris has so many famous sights to choose from, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the markets and the Seine to name but a few. Plus there are fashion houses, fine dining restaurants and pavement cafes aplenty.
But accommodation and entertainment in those cities, as in any major city, can be very expensive and you could find that a three day break costs as much as a cheap fortnight’s sunny all-inclusive beach trip.
Getting there
If it’s a city break you want, though, then there are ways to make it more affordable. Create and adhere to a spending plan, and utilize your money wisely. An easy way to give yourself a bit more to spend on your accommodation or some day trips is to spend less on your journey.
It is possible to take your car on the ferry to Amsterdam (or to Calais, about three hours’ drive from Paris), Even though it scares some people to think about driving on the “wrong” side of the road in a foreign country. Or you could fly to the busy Amsterdam airport or Charles de Gaulle in Paris, which is quicker than the ferry but means considerable time waiting at the airport in London and Amsterdam or Paris to check in and await your luggage.
On the other hand, there are bus lines that run from London to Paris, Amsterdam and several other European city destinations. These are incredibly cheap. You can even use them as travelling overnight accommodation, if you book an overnight journey, arriving refreshed and ready to start your break as soon as you arrive.
Bus lines are generally cheaper than train lines; though beware that their fares can increase considerably as the date of travel approaches. Book with iDBUS at any time before departure and you will get their very best price for the date of travel, plus every fourth person you book for goes free. Arrive in central Paris or Amsterdam and spend the money you have saved on a nice hotel or a few decent meals out without blowing your budget.
If you’re planning on taking the bus, know that you’ll be spending quite a bit of time on the road, but that the destination is well worth the cost. iDBUS can get you from London to Amsterdam (via Lille or Paris Bercy) for about £70 in the middle of August, and to Paris Charles de Gaulle for £35 in comfort and with free Wi-Fi and electrical sockets – well worth the journey time.
