Claire Howard, a 48-year-old teacher from Birmingham, flew to Beauvais, northern France, for a day of food, sightseeing, and sunshine, and was back home by midnight. She claims the entire trip cost just £70, making it more affordable than a standard day out in the UK.
Flight and Travel Details
Howard secured return Ryanair flights for £27 a month in advance. The early morning flight departed Birmingham at around 7:30am, with the return flight leaving Beauvais at 11pm. Her husband drove her to the airport, and she took a £1.80 bus to the city centre, a 15-minute ride.
Day's Itinerary and Expenses
Howard spent the morning exploring Beauvais' weekly Saturday market, enjoying a coffee and pain au chocolat for £4. She then relaxed in the town square with a drink while listening to live music. She took a £10 Uber to Plan d'Eau du Canada, a lakeside spot, where she had an £8 French-style picnic of baguette, cheese, and wine. She also visited Beauvais Cathedral and the Musée de l'Oise, both free. The day ended with a £10 Pad Thai dinner at a Thai restaurant and an £8 bracelet souvenir.
Comparison to UK Costs
Howard stated, "I don't want to pay £50 to go to the cinema and lunch here in a shopping centre when I can go and experience so much more abroad for a very reasonable price." She believes the trip could be done even cheaper but was satisfied with the cost.
Addiction to Budget Day Trips
Howard has become addicted to budget day trips from Birmingham Airport, traveling almost every month. This year, she has visited Bergamo (Italy), Malaga (Spain), Valletta (Malta), Poznan (Poland), and Porto (Portugal). She has already booked return flights to Poland and Berlin in August for £70. She finds the best prices four to six weeks in advance and uses her Tuesday off work for these trips.
Howard said, "I'm just led by what is possible and affordable. I can't take time off at all in term time but I have Tuesdays off so I do like to make use of them. I just love the way you can do and see so much in the same time that you might waste a day at home just watching Netflix and doomscrolling."
