Summer is synonymous with travel and anyone in their right mind will try, even if it’s just for a few days, to escape the rat race. The trouble is that travel can get incredibly expensive. Even a long weekend that starts out with all of the right intentions can add up to being as expensive as a longer trip to further afield. If you live in London and you’re on a budget, it seems crazy to step so far away from home that you’ll be digging deep into your overdraft for months afterwards. Instead, it pays to do your research and travel somewhere closer to home, but somewhere that’s still going to bring you the same kind of excitement and joy as a Caribbean getaway – just at a seriously reduced price tag.
Moscow, Russia
Why: Although Russia undeniably has some of the wealthiest people in the world living in it, its recent limelight in politics means that it’s actually cheaper than ever to travel there. And it’s seriously worthwhile to do so, too: the Moscow cityscape itself is beyond breathtaking and it offers some of the coolest and best restaurants and bars in the world, including this one.
Cost: Travel return from London to Moscow in June for £218.
Must-see: The Red Square, The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral.
Lisbon, Portugal
Why: There’s nothing better than arriving in a city and having the option, whenever you want it, to visit the beach. Think of Lisbon as a perfect small surf town, mixed in with some of the charm (and bustle) of a city like Barcelona. As it stands, Lisbon is relatively untouched and is the perfect city escape – especially when you’re on a budget.
Cost: Travel return from London to Lisbon in June for £133.
Must-see: Belém Tower, São Jorge Castle.
Budapest, Hungary
Why: Budapest is one of the most underrated cities in the world. Split down the middle into Buda and Pest, the city is an incredible mix of old and newer, grand and not-so, but all with an incredible side of beautiful architecture, outstanding buildings and wonderful culture. Budapest is not to be missed, especially as it’s proven to be one of the cheapest cities in the Europe to visit.
Cost: Travel return from London to Budapest in June for £92.
Must-see: Buda Castle, St Stephen’s Basilica, Fisherman’s Bastion.
Warsaw, Poland
(Photo: Adam Kozlowski)
Why: Warsaw is said to be the most affordable city in Europe. Don’t take affordable to mean cheap though, because there is nothing culturally cheap about this city. Think of it as Berlin’s younger and better priced brother, a place where street art and architecture prevail and where the culture and art seems lay largely undiscovered – for now anyway.
Cost: Travel return from London to Warsaw in June for £85.
Must-see: The Royal Castle, Łazienki Park.
Athens, Greece
Why: Athens has to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world – never mind in Europe – so rich with history and filled with such incredible, classic architecture that it’s just not worth missing. The city is in equal measures ancient and modern, mixed with the perfect combination of grunge and grace.
Cost: Travel return from London to Athens in June for £200.
Must-see: Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, Temple of Poseidon.