Get away for Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank
Is the only thing you can afford to give this 14 February a hand-made card and some flowers you’ve stolen from the neighbours’ garden? Want to do something special but terrified of the not-so-lovely prices surrounding the festival of love? Panic not, a romantic break doesn’t have to cost the earth. The Cheapflights team has put together a few tips to help you woo your loved one with the perfect holiday, without walloping your wallet…
Timing is everything
Valentine’s Day falls on a Thursday this year, which means prices will rise for travel for that specific weekend. If you can wait to take your break a week later you might find prices up to 50 per cent cheaper. Alternatively, you could have a drop-the-shopping-let’s-fly-away break on the day. Read our last-minute flights tips on how to land the best late deal).
Off the beaten track
At this time of year, everyone wants to go to a “romantic city” – so flights to Paris or Venice are going to be more expensive. The more unusual your choice of destination is, the least likely it is to be affected by price hikes. Try Budapest or Vilnius for more unique getaways. For more ideas on planning your holiday, see our guide to the perfect romantic getaway.
Alternative airports
OK, we know we go on about this all the time at Cheapflights, but flying to alternative airports really can save serious money on flights. Ryanair flies to airports further out of town, and the cheapest flights available with many of the low-costers are to secondary airports. Check flights to places close to your chosen destination, even nearby towns if necessary. Though you will need to add extra time to your holiday to get to the place you want to be, you could save a lot of money by avoiding the most popular airports. Just don’t forget to take bus or train fares into consideration and try and avoid flights that arrive late at night. If the public transport has stopped and a taxi is the only way you can get into town, you might find you end up saving little money.
Hoover up discounts
City breaks in Paris or city breaks in Rome can cost a pretty penny so save where you can. Paris has the Paris Visite card (free transport and discounts on sites such as the Arc de Triomphe), Rome’s version is called the Roma Pass (free public transport and free or reduced ticket prices to museums and major sites) and if you’re taking city breaks in Amsterdam, you’ll need an I Amsterdam card and for those going across the Atlantic and taking city breaks in New York you’ll want the New York Pass.
Stay local
If you want to discover the roots of Valentine’s Day, two cities where you can brush up on the history are close to home. Rome was the site of the martyrdom of Saint Valentine, a priest who was said to have been persecuted by the Emperor Claudius. Persecution and martyrdom aside, the city is an ideal destination for romance. Dublin houses a shrine of St Valentine where relics of the Saint are supposed to be buried. Stay even more local and take city breaks in London where prices can be high but the attractions are free (for the most part). Taking city breaks in Manchester is another option. It’s not as rainy as you think and there’s a vast array of attractions, from Roman ruins to the Old Trafford stadium, a Colosseum for our times.
Stay in
If you want to save money while you’re on holiday, don’t stay in a hotel but choose self-catering accommodation. Paying to eat out for every meal is one of the most expensive parts of any break. Don’t spend money on activities either. Use a site such as What’s on When to find out about free events, museums, galleries or sites of interest before you go. And remember, if all else fails, take a long romantic walk. Just pack your umbrella in case of rain.
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