In your quest to see as much of Europe as possible within a limited time frame and on a budget, do you get frustrated when the best deals on flights always seem to be to the same destination? For example, Prague, London and Rome are cities to which it’s fairly easy to find a bargain fare. But just try to find a cheap flight to Corsica or Sicily — it’s nigh-on impossible, any time of the year. So what’s a good work-around solution?
If you’re visiting a city for the second time, you’ve probably already seen most of its major sights. Paris and Istanbul could keep a tourist busy for years, but that longing for the discovery of new territory always lingers. So why not use any full day you might find at your disposal for an outing to a lesser-known place? If you do a little research, it should be relatively easy to identify several options worthy of your precious time and travel dollars. Another way to find a great getaway? Just ask a local. Last year, on a flight to Zagreb, my seat mate, who hailed from Croatia’s capital city, suggested visiting Samobor. So the next day, off my friend and I trekked, and we found a town with castle ruins, a craftsman’s market, a charming square, and, lest we forget the country’s recent history, graves of those fallen in Europe’s most recent war.
Other cities I’ve visited as a side trip from a principal destination over the years include: Zakopane and Morskie Oko, Poland, from Krakow; Cesky Krumlov and Kutna Hora, Czech Republic, from Prague; Malmo, Sweden, or Roskilde, Denmark, from Copenhagen; Enkhuizen, Netherlands, from Amsterdam; Ghent, Belgium, from Brussels; Vence, France, from Nice; Windsor from London; Sintra, Portugal, from Lisbon; Verona from Venice; and Frascati from Rome, Italy.
When fate and finances — a visiting friend, or a too-good-to-miss airfare — dictate you repeat a destination before you’ve managed to strike out to your most longed-for European shores, why not add the element of newness by venturing outside the city gates?
In your experience, what other places have made for great side trips from major tourist destinations?
Side Trips
I don't always have time for side trips when I travel, as I usually only travel when I have to work ... but occasionally it is possible to get one in. Here are a few suggestions from personal experience. Some of these are possible in a half-day.
From Lyon, France (where I live): Geneva (Switzerland, not an EU or Schengen country so don't forget your passport!), Grenoble and the Alps, Dijon and the Burgundy region
From Nice: Monaco and Grasse (perfumes)
From Naples: Pompeii and the Vesuvius
From Hannover: Celle, Braunschweig and Hildesheim
From Berlin: Dresden (easily attainable via fast trains now, though once in Berlin, there's so much to see there...)
From Madrid: Toledo (no, not Ohio!)
From Zürich: Lucerne, Lake Constance, Schaffhausen
I really enjoy this blog!!! Best wishes and happy travels!
Jonathan
PS
By the way, I found some pretty cheap flights to and from Corsica at www.aircorsica.com which also has in English version. Their fares are cheapest if you can reserve the tickets at least 42 days in advance. Lyon to Corsica starts at € 38 one way but you have to add airport fees... Easyjet flies to Bastia, Corsica from Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Lyon, so if you're in France already or planning a trip there, you have possibilities. Same thing for Sicily if you are in or going to Italy: Easyjet goes to Catania from Milan-Malpensa and to Palermo from Milan-Malpensa and Rome. Ryanair seems to have plans for direct Frankfurt-Hahn to Trapani (Sicily) service. Happy travels! Jonathan
Fly During The Slowest Time Of The Year
Travelers who are serious about seeking cheap fares should travel only during the slowest time of year. That rules out holidays, as well as spring, summer and winter. What's left? Fall. I recommend traveling anytime between Labor Day and Thanksgiving for the best deals.
Thanks.
Sujan
Australia
Shareasus is right! You can
Shareasus is right! You can never find amazing bargains during the travel period. And another advice for those seeking cheap fares in countries like Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria etc. : is better to plan your trip with the help of an local agency. This is how I usually do it. When I was in Romania I searched for a Romanian agency. I did the same for my tatil (vacation) in Turkey. Everything was cheaper this way and those agencies knew better which places they should include in the tour.