5 flights for under £30
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
Looking for half-term inspiration that won't cost the earth? Check out these bargain boltholes!
Autumn has arrived, but that doesn’t mean that the holidays are over! Runaway from the rain and take a mini break to one of these beautiful cities for less than the price of a family trip to the flicks.
1. La Rochelle, France from £29
La Rochelle, or ‘the white city’, is famed for its limestone towers and quaint cobbled streets, but keep your eyes peeled for the yachts of the mega-rich that line the modern marina. A chilled bottle of chilled rosé and a seafood platter will help to set the scene perfectly. If you do get a fit of energy, then join the local lads in a game of French cricket or hop aboard a ferry to Île d’Aix for some of the best beaches in France.
2. Frankfurt, Germany from £26
Been there done Berlin? Then give Frankfurt a try! Ok, so the skyscrapers and business suits may not scream exotic adventures, but don’t be fooled by Frankfurt’s impeccable façade. You’ll find your fair share of apple-wine taverns, tucked down winding lanes in the Affentorplatz region. For a spot of culture, step in to the Städel Museum for a glimpse at a Picasso or two. If you’re more bookworm than art lover, then you should know about the Frankfurt Book Fair, the largest event in the publishing industry and held every October in the city.
3. Poznan, Poland from £24
While students may throng the streets, Poznan hasn’t yet been discovered by the majority of tourists. A city that’s full of energy, a night out here could take you from boutique beers at the soviet-inspired Proletaryat bar, to laidback lounges at Johnny Rocker’s jazz club. Be sure to stick your head in at the Motoring Museum, appropriately located under the city’s busiest roundabout, and the Museum of Applied Arts, housed in the 13th century Royal Castle of Poznan.
4. Parma, Italy from £27
Famous for its traditional food industries, Parma’s cobbled streets and piazzas reflect a proud history steeped in tradition. Beyond Parma Ham and Parmigiano-Reggiano, Parma is a beautiful city to wander round, with many attractive old buildings and one of the oldest universities in Italy. November also sees a huge art fair, the Gotha, one of the most prestigious antiquarian shows in Europe showcasing work from 80 galleries and collections.
5. Oslo, Norway from £29
With London 2012 fever slowly subsiding, why not have a look at how Oslo got over the post-Olympic blues after hosting the 1952 Winter Games? Facilities at the state-of-the-art Holmenkollen National Arena and ski jump, used during the Games, are constantly updated, whilst the museum remains the world’s oldest dedicated to 4,000 years of ski history. It’s worth a trip just for the stunning view across Oslo from the top of the tower!
