Where to go in April on a tight budget?

bbsparkles

It's my husbands 30th birthday in April and he would really like for us to go away for a couple of nights to celebrate.

In 10 years together we have never been able to afford a holiday abroad. So this is a big deal for us, the problem is, we still can't really afford it!

We have worked out that we should be able to scrape together about £500 for a 2 night break.

It has been left to me to book it and surprise him, but I have never booked a flight in my life! I haven't a clue where to start, let alone where to go.

So, I was hoping some wise MSEers could help me out, e.g - with where to look for flights, hotels/B&Bs, should I look for a package deal or try to design it myself? And most importantly, where to go! Where is nice in April?

We're looking for a culture/sightseeing/areas of outstanding natural beauty type break, rather than a beach/party type break.

I don't think I've been very clear or concise so far (I blame the panic), so just to break it down:

- 2 people
- £500
- in April
- We'll go anywhere!

Any and all ideas more than welcome...

realised

How exciting!

I'm not sure I'll be much help without knowing where you want to go, but i'd say a package holiday might be best if you're on a tight budget.. it'll take away all the hassle of you having to book flights/hotels/transfers

Try Expedia.co.uk, which will help with booking everything together

and I would also try looking on trip advisor.. they have a section with holiday ideas if you're not too sure where to go

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Inspiration

Lincoln_Imp

could i suggest looking at Majorca
You could stop in Can Pastilla cheap and its only 10 mins bus ride (or even push bike) away from Palma
Its a very nice resort at that time of year ,not busy or noisy at all

estimate ..flights £200 ish and you should be able to get 2 nights bed /breakfast/evening meal for less than £100 for you both

can look round for you if you give some dates and what airport to fly from

zenmaster

Where are you starting out from?

I'd suggest Eurostar to Paris or Ryanair to Prague or Bergamo.

markandkate

Eurostar would be good and Bruges is also a good option as it is very atmospheric and hter are lots of good hotels and restaurants without feeling like you have got to see loads of sights. You may also want to consider a 3 night taster cruise they come in at about £300 each but that willinclude all your meals.

PolishBigSpender

Go East. I'd recommend Krakow at that time of year - it won't be expensive (book an en-suite room in a hostel via hostelworld.com) and the weather should be better than in the UK. It's full of what you're looking for, and if you go midweek, you'll find the place much more charming than at the weekend. Poland is also very cheap if you avoid the 'tourist hell' places - shouldn't be a problem to get decent meals for two including drinks for around 20 pounds - and it's quite possible to get decent meals with wine for less than 15.

Flights should also be very cheap midweek All in, you could do it for 200 pounds for both of you easily.

cclarke12

markandkate wrote: »

Eurostar would be good and Bruges is also a good option as it is very atmospheric and hter are lots of good hotels and restaurants without feeling like you have got to see loads of sights. You may also want to consider a 3 night taster cruise they come in at about £300 each but that willinclude all your meals.

P&O have a 2 night cruise from Southampton to Bruge on Artemis in mid April at around £230 each. Not as romantic as say going to Rome, Venice or Paris. However, for a first trip abroad and a special birthday it might be a nice thing to do. All your meals and entertainment are included and it's a chance to dress up and go for a lovely meal each evening. Less stressful than flying etc. but depends how far you are from Southampton (you can get Megatrain seats for £1 each way from London Waterloo to Southampton).

Other than that Paris, Barcelona, Madrid etc. are all good, the only issue at the moment is the poor exchange rate which means all the extras like taxis and meals out cost more than they used to.

Gollom

Don't underestimate the value of your local travel agent. Someone who does not do their own holidays (Thomas Cook, Going Places etc) but rather someone who does them all like Coop Travelcare.

Tell them your budget and see what they come up with. And always ask for a further discount as you can of course find it cheaper online if you really try.... :rolleyes:

bbsparkles

Wow, thanks for all the replies. So many ideas to think about!

We are starting out from Brighton, if that helps.

I don't think we can do a cruise because my husband has a fear of sea travel! Though I do appreciate the idea of taking some of the stress out of it all.

But I love the idea of going East! Krakow looks really beautiful. (I had to google it :embarasse) And you're right PolishBigSpender, I checked flights with easyjet and prices on hostelworld.com and it can easily be done for £200! Which would leave approx. £300 spending money! :T

I'm getting very excited now!

Zazie

Budapest is also a nice city. But Paris and Barcelona are also great. Let us know what you finally decide!

MaxTheDog_2

I'd go for Krakow as suggested already, was there 2 weeks ago, beautiful place, plenty to do and see locally. Food and drink cheap, public transport really cheap. I stayed in an apartment from here http://www.warsawshotel.com/krakow-hotels.htm I believe http://www.sodispar.com/ is also very good as well. You should be able to get a decent apartment easy for under £100 all-in for 2 nights if you didnt want to go down the hostel/hotel route. All in all a great choice, quite a few of them are right miserable sods though lol.