Somewhere cheap in Europe over new year?
Discussion
First off, I've never really travelled (outside of the UK) and always wanted to so I thought why not now?
Some of the flights to Europe look dirt cheap, somewhere in Eastern Europe appeals. Looking to go for about 4-7 nights, is about £250-300 for flights and accomodation (not including food/anything I spend whilst there) realistic or am I asking too much? Any suggestions? Was looking at going somewhere in between boxing day and the 9th of January.
Cheers
Some of the flights to Europe look dirt cheap, somewhere in Eastern Europe appeals. Looking to go for about 4-7 nights, is about £250-300 for flights and accomodation (not including food/anything I spend whilst there) realistic or am I asking too much? Any suggestions? Was looking at going somewhere in between boxing day and the 9th of January.
Cheers
Cluj in Norther Romania is worth a look. It's a university town so plenty of cracking nightlife, the scenery is pretty good too with some stunning countryside (especially at that time of the year) and the city centre is very pretty. Have stayed at the Hotel Oscar which is just outside the centre (10mins walk). V. Cheap but very well appointed and comfy.
Bucharest is good too - very busy and buzzy although decent hotels will be more than Cluj. Howard Johnson Hotel probably the best in the city and not too pricey.
Sofia in Bulgaria is also worth considering. Very pretty city, small so you can walk anywhere with some lovely parks, decent shopping, ultra cool bars and clubs. The Arena de Serdica hotel is excellent and very good value. If you are into Skiing, you can catch a bus from the city centre to Mt Vitosha (30mins) for some piste action.
WizzAir, Easy Jet fly to all of the above direct for not a lot of money and your budget should be plenty.
As you can tell, I love this part of the world. It does require a little effort as a quick look suggests you have landed at the arse end of Tilbury but scratch the surface and you'll have a cracking time!
Bucharest is good too - very busy and buzzy although decent hotels will be more than Cluj. Howard Johnson Hotel probably the best in the city and not too pricey.
Sofia in Bulgaria is also worth considering. Very pretty city, small so you can walk anywhere with some lovely parks, decent shopping, ultra cool bars and clubs. The Arena de Serdica hotel is excellent and very good value. If you are into Skiing, you can catch a bus from the city centre to Mt Vitosha (30mins) for some piste action.
WizzAir, Easy Jet fly to all of the above direct for not a lot of money and your budget should be plenty.
As you can tell, I love this part of the world. It does require a little effort as a quick look suggests you have landed at the arse end of Tilbury but scratch the surface and you'll have a cracking time!
Agree with above that Romania is a great place to visit, with pleny of great scenery (of many kinds 
) but if it is your first time abroad, then maybe try somewhere a little more civilised first, as StevieBee says it can look a bit grim in Romania at first impression and you need your wise travel hat on to avoid being ripped off.
I have just come back from Berlin, and loved it. It has a lot of the Eastern Europe feel, but linked with german infrastructure. Is pretty cheap too, beers around €2 and great nightlife. Ryanair flight was about 50 quid, hotel about 65 euro per night (that for a reasonably fancy one - many much less than that though). Might be less extreme than Romania - depends how much of an adventure you want.
Dont forget about places like Lithuania - Vilnius is a great city and Latvia, Riga has a party atmosphere as well. Such a lot of choice, so decide if there is an exact criteria you want, and I am sure between us all, we can suggest somewhere.
All are damn cold in winter though - go further south if you dont want snow/ice etc
Alternatively, just go to Ryanair/WizzAir/EasyJet and see which of their cheap flights take your fancy - cant go wrong in many places really, especially if it is your first time away - all of it will be an adventure you will remember.
) but if it is your first time abroad, then maybe try somewhere a little more civilised first, as StevieBee says it can look a bit grim in Romania at first impression and you need your wise travel hat on to avoid being ripped off.I have just come back from Berlin, and loved it. It has a lot of the Eastern Europe feel, but linked with german infrastructure. Is pretty cheap too, beers around €2 and great nightlife. Ryanair flight was about 50 quid, hotel about 65 euro per night (that for a reasonably fancy one - many much less than that though). Might be less extreme than Romania - depends how much of an adventure you want.
Dont forget about places like Lithuania - Vilnius is a great city and Latvia, Riga has a party atmosphere as well. Such a lot of choice, so decide if there is an exact criteria you want, and I am sure between us all, we can suggest somewhere.
All are damn cold in winter though - go further south if you dont want snow/ice etc
Alternatively, just go to Ryanair/WizzAir/EasyJet and see which of their cheap flights take your fancy - cant go wrong in many places really, especially if it is your first time away - all of it will be an adventure you will remember.
Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff