Ensuring your festive getaway doesn’t cost the earth. Planning affordable festive adventures can be thrilling, but the struggle of keeping costs under control can often leave us feeling like our breathtaking break is a real-life reconstruction of Scrooge.
Yet finding the route to a Christmas escape we all crave is possible, providing you plan in advance… and start now!
Timing
Probably the most important aspect of all, booking at the right time and choosing dates carefully can and will save big-time at the bank. With a majority of people paying a premium to be away on Christmas Day itself, maybe consider changing your excursion to just before or after the big day. You’ll save money, spend the 25th at home, and will, in effect, have a second break where you can do all the gifts, holly and Slade renditions all over again.
The Right Destination
Travel distance can significantly impact budgets. Flying further usually costs more, so perhaps aim your festive getaway closer to home. Paris at Christmas is a dream, while festive markets in Germany, Netherlands and Belgium are all accessible by Eurostar.
House-Sitting
Imagine starting your New Year in a fresh location in any part of the world while caring for someone’s home. Not only do you get a level of comfort you cannot replicate in a hotel, but house-sitting exchanges are hugely cost-effective and often free of charge.
Lapland
For many kids, the lure of Lapland cannot be rivalled. While this is still one of the pricier ways to spend Christmas, opting for November dates rather than the peak period Christmas is a way to savour the icy magic without it freezing your funds.
Different Traditions
Travelling to a country that doesn’t celebrate Christmas helps provide a budget-friendly holiday, avoids peak season prices, and gives a unique cultural experience to the season. Japan, Turkey and Morocco offer rich histories and beautiful landscapes without the festive crowds, making a holiday there both economical and memorable.
Cabin Fever
If you do want a festive getaway, save money by heading off the beaten track. A remote cabin in the wilds of Scandinavia may take you well outside your comfort zone, but it’ll also afford you a famously festive experience without the premium prices of capital cities.
Additional Tips for Affordable Festive Adventures
Of course, it could be you’re happy to splash the cash, yet you can still cut back on the luxuries if you’re determined to save. So instead of taxis, use buses, trams or bikes; avoid extra baggage fees by packing only what you need; and explore the free concerts and festivals that many capital cities offer.
