A savvy traveler from London has shared her secret to jet-setting to European destinations for less than the price of a traditional English breakfast.
Zohra, who used to spend up to £500 per trip, longed for a way to explore new places without breaking the bank. At 28, she discovered a way to satisfy her wanderlust, flying to cities like Milan for less than the cost of a meal at Duck and Waffle, where a full English breakfast is priced at £18. In contrast, her flight to Milan was just £16.
Zohra, a marketing manager, explained to Luxury Travel Daily how she leverages London’s prime location to snag budget flights to Europe. “Living in London, it’s sometimes cheaper to fly to Milan than to take the train to Manchester,” she said.
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Instead of opting for yet another pricey brunch, Zohra now embarks on day trips abroad. These excursions allow her to experience new cultures and sights, all while returning to her own bed by nightfall. “There’s nowhere in the UK that would cost as little as my flights. So why not choose a day trip abroad over a local brunch?” she mused.
Zohra’s strategy for affordable travel includes taking a midweek day off work, which is typically when flights are cheapest. “You just have to make time for it and do the research. If travel is your passion, you’ll find a way,” she advised.
Her trips are meticulously planned to maximize time and minimize costs. For example, her total expenses for a day trip to Milan amounted to £90.50, including transportation and meals.
A visit to Madrid cost her £152.60 in total. She often travels with friends, her partner, or solo, spending up to 16 hours at each destination.
The key to Zohra’s thrifty travels lies in using flight comparison websites like Skyscanner and Google Flights.
She fine-tunes the days and times to snag the lowest prices. “Cheaper flights are usually early in the morning from inconvenient airports, so be prepared for additional costs,” she noted.
She recommends picking smaller, walkable cities for day trips, as these destinations usually have airports close to the city center. “Fly out around six or seven in the morning and return by nine or ten in the evening to maximize your day,” she suggested.
While acknowledging that day trips might not suit everyone, Zohra encourages trying them at least once, especially given the positive impact on her well-being.
“Escaping London and immersing myself in a different environment is great for my mental health. Travel helps me unwind and forget about work and daily stresses.”
Reflecting on her experiences, Zohra shared, “I loved Milan. Italy offers the perfect blend of architecture, atmosphere, and food. It’s truly La Dolce Vita.”
Cost Breakdown:
Milan:
– Flights: £16
– Return coach to Stansted: £24.50
– Food, drink, etc.: £50
– Total: £90.50
Madrid:
– Flights: £88
– Uber to the airport: £24
– Tube back home: £5.60
– Food, drink, etc.: £35
–Total: £152.60
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SOURCE: ‘I’m sick of pricey London brunches – so I scored a flight abroad for less than a full English’
