Budget solo short break ideas needed!

[freshstartdreamer]

Unexpectedly I have a week off coming up (w/c 4th May). Apart from a very stressful trip with my ex (part of the reason we’re not together 😅) at the end of last year which wasn’t relaxing at all, I’ve not had a holiday in about three years and desperately need a break.

I can’t afford to do much (budget probably £400 all in). Any ideas?

I’m pretty adventurous and have done tons of independent travel so going on my own doesn’t faze me. I like sun, culture, walking and exploring (including cities), I’m veggie so somewhere veggie friendly would be good.

I have a dog so my options are:

• do something in the UK and bring him along (but as he’s reactive with other dogs, being out with him is not easy so I might not get the relaxation I need - plus it limits where you can go, especially when alone).

• put him in kennels, which will add a significant amount to the cost of the holiday but will mean I can relax, and go somewhere warm and sunny to recharge my batteries properly!

In terms of travel connections, I live close to Gatwick and can also reach Eurostar easily enough.

I was considering a cheap easyJet flight to Lisbon, Alicante or somewhere similar, perhaps?! (I’ve been to Alicante before and can speak some Spanish so that would be a stress-free option).

Any inspiration, tips or deals you’ve seen very welcome!

Does the £400 have to cover kennels as well? If so, how much would you have left for your trip?

And does your all-in budget have to cover meals, drinks and activities on your trip?

I think I'd look for a cheap package to Costa del Sol, say Benalmadena which is very nice these days. Then you could take the train to Malaga city (short journey) and enjoy the shopping and the tapas etc. You'd have the best of both worlds then, the beach and the city.

I love Malaga city, but it's even nicer combined with a beach place down the coast.

No, I’ve budgeted separately for that - the £400 is just for the trip. And hoping to include meals and extras in the budget if possible. I’m good at doing things on a shoestring if need be! Fancy restaurants not needed!

Easyjet Holidays has 4 nights 4th - 8th May from Gatwick to Alicante, £363 at an Ibis 5 km from the centre or £399 at the Travelodge Puerto. Small underseat bag only - cabin bag £65 extra. Current offer code CITIES20 gives you £20 off. Seat allocated by airline.

ETA I've always found Ibis hotels satisfactory. Never used a Travelodge abroad but I use them in the UK.

You could look at flights and accommodation separately.

On Hostelworld.com there are plenty of beds in dorms and Urban Rooms in the centre of Alicante has single rooms with shared bathroom for around £50 - £55 per night. No idea what they're like - don't do hostels.

Start with Skyscanner. You can put in your dates, and for destination put anywhere.
There are flights mon-sat that week to Málaga, Seville, Dubrovnik, Montenegro and dalaman all well under £100 return.
I reckon I'd go for Montenegro out of those.
Or Seville tagging on Cadiz and/or Granada or Cordoba.
A bit more expensive using kennels but much more of a holiday for you (I'm also the owner of a loveable but reactive dog).

You can do a quick 2 days to St Malo with the dog?
It’s £30 return plus a cabin for each journey from Portsmouth . Then a night in France. Beautiful inside the walled area - you can walk from the ferry and it’s surrounded by beaches.
Edited to say the ferry has dog friendly cabins and walking areas. They have food drinks and activities on board like a little mini cruise!

It’s leaves 8pm, you get a whole day and a night in France and leave after a breakfast at 10.30am, back at 6pm

Or book a four days package with TUI somewhere in budget.

This sounds fun but dog doesn’t have a pet passport unfortunately and it would likely be quite expensive, especially for such a short trip. But I am making a mental note of this as something to do in the future, as I’d like to travel more in Europe, with him tagging along if possible.

I did Porto, Riga, Faro and Lanzarote on my own so far. I’m veggie. All safe, clean and cheap.
if you on the British Airways website and search for city breaks, there’s loads dor around £200 (including flights and hotel).