A British couple has revealed how a spontaneous 14-hour festive day trip to Copenhagen proved more affordable than visiting Christmas markets in their own country.
The Festive Day Trip Breakdown
Sasha Jones and Rhian Ewer, both 33, embarked on their extraordinary Christmas adventure from Manchester Airport, securing a remarkable return fare of just £58 with Ryanair. Their day began with a 6.50am flight, touching down in the Danish capital around 9.30am local time, filled with anticipation for the festive wonders ahead.
Their first and primary destination was the world-famous Tivoli Gardens, one of Europe's most celebrated Christmas attractions. The pair spent their entire day immersed in holiday magic, exploring the intricate stalls and enjoying the thrilling rides the gardens had to offer.
Keeping Costs Surprisingly Low
The savvy travellers managed their budget with impressive efficiency. A return taxi to Manchester airport cost them £52.40, while Copenhagen's efficient metro system transported them to the city centre for only £3.50 each way.
Due to Rhian's disability access requirements, Sasha gained entry as a carer, meaning their full access ticket with rides cost just £45 in total for both of them. They further economised by bringing breakfast bagels from home, spending only £7 on chicken strips for lunch, and approximately £40 for dinner at a burger bar.
An Unforgettable Festive Experience
"Christmas is our favourite time of year," shared Sasha, a pub general manager from Warrington, Cheshire. "We love adventures, and Christmas always feels really magical. The draw for us was the combination of markets and rides."
The couple described the markets as "great, with lots of local sellers and homemade crafts and trinkets," though they noted fewer food and drink stalls within the gardens themselves. Their day included meeting Santa Claus, who remarkably remembered them from their trip to Lapland earlier in the year.
"It was such a fun experience," Sasha continued. "It was great to see how the markets differ from the ones back home and to see a variety of stalls. Once the sun set, it took the place to a whole new level. The city had such a wholesome feel."
Their adventure concluded with a 9.50pm Easyjet flight home, landing back in Manchester at 11pm. The entire trip cost them just £113 each, significantly less than their estimated expenses for visiting London's Christmas markets.
"It's cheaper than travelling to London for the markets," Sasha confirmed. "It usually costs at least £80 for a return from Warrington to London. We explored markets in a completely different country but were in our own beds at the end of the day. It was an amazing day."
