With Christmas approaching, many Brits are considering festive getaways, but popular UK destinations like York and Edinburgh can be pricey. According to currency exchange experts eurochange, several European cities offer more affordable alternatives for a holiday between December 23 and December 28.
Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital and engagement at eurochange, said: “People tend to assume that travelling abroad at Christmas comes with a hefty price tag, but our research shows that you can actually spend a lot less compared to booking a UK staycation. For example, you can fly the family to Poland and stay in beautiful accommodation for £727, less than the price of a lodge in the UK.”
Zakopane in Poland is one of the recommended destinations. Flights start from £84 per person, and accommodation for a family of four from £264. Nestled in the Tatra mountains, it offers skiing, Christmas markets with regional foods and mulled wine, and is two hours from Krakow.
Georgia is another option, with flights from £285 per person and accommodation from £531 for a family of four. The Kakheti wine region hosts special Christmas events with wine tastings from traditional qvevri clay vessels, and mild temperatures are a bonus.
Cologne, Germany, just two hours from the UK, has flights from £156 per person. It is known for its festive Christmas markets, with the iconic Cathedral as a backdrop, and scenic walks along the Rhine River.
Courchevel in the French Alps offers flights from £84 per person and accommodation from £766 for a family of four for five nights. Despite its luxury reputation, it is cheaper than many UK staycations, with activities like ski schools, ice skating and dog sledging.
