The Monday to Friday shift nine to five can sometimes feel a tad mundane so what better way to recharge the batteries than a weekend break. A little relaxation and adventure doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg and you can find great deals on everything from city sight-seeing trips to camping holidays to bus tours and everything in between. When planning a budget weekend break, a little creativity and some foresight can go a long way. Here are a few suggestions on how to spend a weekend away without breaking the bank.
Camping on England’s south coast
If it’s adventure you’re after then what better way to appreciate England’s beautiful south coast than to go camping. With its rugged coastlines, fantastic beaches and an array of picturesque towns and villages there really is nowhere more stunning. There are a number of websites that give advice on camping and caravan sites in the area as well as information on activities and things to see and do. The region is well served with Flybe doing domestic and international flights to and from Southampton airport which is well placed in the heart of the region.
City sight-seeing trips
Staying in cities isn’t renowned for being cheap – however there are bargains to be had if you keep your eyes peeled for deals on hotels. Information is obviously the key when it comes to staying in a city and it really pays to do your research. Once you have decided on a particular city destination it’s time to start planning. Search online for all the best places to eat at reasonable prices and check out a list of things that you can see and do without having to spend over the top. Most cities have a variety of museums and galleries that you can visit for free, numerous tourism boards provide online itineraries for self-guided tours and an increasing number of cities including Vienna, Copenhagen, Brussels and Dublin offer the lend of bikes for free.
House swap
This is a great way to save on hotel and accommodation costs; simply arrange a straight swap with another home owner. Maybe you live in the city and fancy a weekend near the beach, or vice versa. House swaps can also be arranged with overseas residents and your only real expense will be getting there. It even gives you the option of preparing your own meals.
Photo by Paul Willis via Flickr CC
