Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Ideas for short break?

25 replies

RinonaWyder · 19/08/2017 10:47

I have a week off work at the end of September and quite fancy having a few days away by myself. DH is not off work but happy for me to go away somewhere, he's not into travelling anyway. Thinking a city break or similar, also would consider UK, I just want wherever I go to have plenty to do or places to see. Anyone got any ideas? Happy to spend up to maybe 400 ish.

OP posts:
juliasalinger · 19/08/2017 11:36

You could do a lot for that budget in Eastern Europe. So Prague, Budapest, Krakow? Budget airlines (ryanair/easyJet/wizzair) have loads of flights if you check where you can fly to from your nearest airports. Your money will go a lot further than in western/southern Europe and it's still usually mild and sunny at the end of September.

Original poster
RinonaWyder · 19/08/2017 14:31

Good ideas, thanks. I'll need to do some research and see how easy they are to get around, getting to and from airports, hotels etc. Toyed with the idea of a mystery break but I'd hate not knowing anything until the last minute!

OP posts:
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 19/08/2017 14:50

Prague. Berlin. Belfast. Edinburgh. London. Plenty to keep you entertained in all of those, I'd think. Or maybe a few days in Harrogate/York with a day at the baths?

Maverick66 · 19/08/2017 15:03

Belfast. Short flight. Fab culture, architecture and shopping.

Original poster
RinonaWyder · 19/08/2017 18:37

Been to Prague and Berlin before, with school though so might be worth going myself. Was in London 6 months ago and live in Scotland so would rule out Edinburgh, have been umpteen times. DH is from NI so we get the ferry over when we visit, but I've never actually been to Belfast properly! I do quite fancy visiting the Titanic museum so might be worth thinking about.

I had a look at Groupon getaways but they want to sell them in twos which is no good!

OP posts:
flissfloss65 · 19/08/2017 18:44

Paris, lots of galleries, walks and people watching.

Iceland always looks fun but maybe too expensive.

Amsterdam

SwedishEdith · 19/08/2017 18:49

Lisbon, Palma, Liverpool. I'd possibly look for the cheapest budget airline flights and take it from there.

OlennasWimple · 19/08/2017 18:54

Amsterdam

Or maybe Bruges and Brussels?

Barcelona or Valencia

Original poster
RinonaWyder · 19/08/2017 19:30

Thinking about Rome, I've always fancied seeing Italy. Will start on the budget airlines and see where I can get. Did find cheap flights to New York with Norwegian Air! Hmm, maybe Oslo or Copenhagen? Might be a bit chilly though.

OP posts:
juliasalinger · 19/08/2017 20:01

Since you've already done Prague then I think Budapest is your best choice. There are cheap flights from Glasgow and it's such a beautiful and friendly city that you'd be fine on your own. And you could laze around all day in one of the thermal baths. Am jealous at the thought!

Original poster
RinonaWyder · 19/08/2017 20:09

I'm looking through all the destinations at the moment on the airport websites, will have to try to make a shortlist! Why is there so much world!!

OP posts:
frazzled3ds · 19/08/2017 20:27

An off the wall suggestion - youth hostels are fab! Spent 4 days in Ironbridge last week with the kids (they offer private rooms these days as well as dorm type accommodation) and there are a number of really interesting museums there covering the industrial revolution. Had two nights in Cardiff this week, again in a YHA (this one was more like a hotel!), and there's loads to see and do in Cardiff!

One thing that did strike me during our stays was just how many 'older' folks use youth hostels (by older I mean anyone who isn't a teenager...!) - some were walkers, others exploring the local area and much more. Could be a thought for something a bit different!

Original poster
RinonaWyder · 19/08/2017 20:31

Youth hostels are a good shout, have stayed in one in Glasgow a few times when I've been to shows and things. Lots of great suggestions, does anyone know how easy it is to get around these places? If they have something similar to the tube that's ideal.

OP posts:
Potcallingkettle · 19/08/2017 20:32

Vienna is perfect for a city getaway. Lots of beautiful architecture, coffee shops and trams/underground to get around. Really easy access from the airport via a short bus ride.

Liz38 · 19/08/2017 20:34

Bergamo in northern Italy. Budget airlines fly to Milan bergamo and then it's a half hour bus to bergamo Alta which is a stunningly beautiful medieval walled city. Recommend staying in the cita Alta rather than the lower city if you can. Amazing food in bergamo, it's a foodie trip for sure!

Themostannoyingperson · 20/08/2017 16:12

For me the nicest thing to do at the end of September is Southern Europe. Just gives you that last feel good hit of sun whilst we wind down.
Rome is a fantastic mini break for a lone traveller. Lots and lots to see see and walkable so no worrying about getting on the right bus or tram or train. Great in the evening because so many places have stools by the bar so you don't need to take up a table. Cheap flights ( usually, haven't checked for September) and plenty of hotels to choose from.

Can't think of anywhere in the uk that would be remotely good fun on your own, sorry.

itsmehello · 21/08/2017 09:20

ATO-Tours are doing great mystery breaks. They tell you the destination seven days prior to departure, so you don't have to wait until the last minute. You can also give them your budget and they guarantee to stick to it which helped us a lot.

Misty9 · 21/08/2017 20:20

Google 'surprise me' tour operator. I can't remember the exact website (something like www.sprsme.) but I read about it in the paper and they organise it all for you. Sounded intriguing...

I'd recommend Valencia for lots to do and see. Lovely time of year for Spain too. Enjoy!

Original poster
RinonaWyder · 21/08/2017 21:58

Thanks for all your suggestions everyone. Got myself booked to go to Rome!! Just under 300 (plus another 70 for baggage still to pay) so pleased with that. Excited!

OP posts:
juliasalinger · 22/08/2017 05:08

Glad to hear you got something booked, Rome will be fab. However, £70 on bags? I would just do clever carry on packing. Unless it's one of the airlines who no longer allow a wheelie carry on (like wizzair) then a week city break in mild weather is totally do-able with a normal size carry on. Save the £70 for Rome!

Original poster
RinonaWyder · 22/08/2017 06:58

It's Ryanair, will need to check out their rules.

OP posts:
Misty9 · 22/08/2017 16:12

They definitely still allow hand luggage without paying extra (for now) but you often have to stow it (for free) due to everyone trying it and filling up the racks Smile

Lenl · 22/08/2017 16:17

I loved Rome. We went Thursday - Sunday and there was plenty to see. We also hired a car and drove down to Pompeii which was cool but not especially well looked after.

A drink by the pantheon in the evening when it's all lit up is wonderful

juliasalinger · 23/08/2017 12:28

Ryanair is a full size carry on plus a small handbag for free. However, unless you pay for priority boarding or manage to be in the first 90 (including priority) you are likely to get your wheelie bag tagged and stowed at gate so make sure you have your valuables in the smaller bag.

Original poster
RinonaWyder · 23/08/2017 22:22

Definitely will do that. I don't have a case that's the exact right size and I'm loathe to buy one as then I'll have a total of 4 cases.....I have a tiny one and I'm wondering if I can manage with that, I usually just use it for weekends, but if I get shampoo etc when I'm there that might save some room. I'll work it out somehow Smile

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page