The Top Ten Cheap Weekend Breaks in August

1 It’s three months at the top for weekend break generator 101 Cheap Weekend Breaks

2 Summer saw everyone getting adventurous with the rise of the Adventure Weekend Break…

3 While City Breaks Abroad also gained in popularity

4 The first UK entry was a healthy, outdoor Weekend in the Peak District

5 A Cheap Weekend in Calabria fell to number five…

6 Yet a good month for Italy, with posts on Venice staying strong

7 A weekend in the seaside town of Brighton profited from the summer sun

8 As did the Scottish Malt Whisky Highlands Drive

9 How to use the London Underground revealed a number of new visitors to London

10 And just squeezing into the top ten was another Scottish treat, A Cheap Weekend Break in Glasgow

That’s all for August, folks. Enjoy planning your next weekend break!

Coloured Houses in Cologne

The city of Cologne suffered substantial damage during World War II. Although much of the city now looks modern and on the up, you can still find atmospheric streets like this.

You can fly to Cologne with a number of budget airlines, or else travel with Eurostar and change at Brussels.

Eurostar Weekend Breaks - More Than Paris

Amsterdam, the Netherlands – 4h16*

Cologne, Germany – 4h11*

Lyon, France – 5h*

Avignon, France – 5h55*

Bruges, Belgium – 3h30*

*From London King’s Cross St Pancras Station

Now, as it turns out, this isn’t quite the journey time from London to the place of interest. It’s the amount of time you spend on a train. So, the trip to Cologne took around two hours to Brussels, where there was a connection to Cologne. That second train lasted another two hours.

Eurostar vs Flights

Looking only at flight times (around 1h30 London to Cologne), air definitely seems faster than travelling by rail. However, for international flights you need to be at the airport two hours before departure, whereas with Eurostar it is only 30 minutes. For the Cologne to Brussels train, as long as you leap onto the train in time, all is well.

The Advantages of Eurostar Weekend Breaks

Explore Europe with Eurostar at the Weekend

Train stations also tend to be in more convenient places. It is certainly easier to travel into London (or to the rest of the UK) from King’s Cross than from any of the London airports. Likewise, the main station in Cologne is right next to its most well-known sight – the Cologne Cathedral. The Gare du Nord in Paris, also allows you to enjoy the City of Lights as soon as you arrive, whereas the airport is outside the city.

The Disadvantages of Eurostar Weekend Breaks

Airports tend to have nicer waiting areas with more options for food, drink and shopping – although this is variable. The new Eurostar terminal at King’s Cross is a fantastic place: light and airy with plenty of facilities and free wifi. Brussels, however, isn’t quite as good.

You don’t need to check your luggage in when travelling by train, which frees you from queues and waiting at baggage reclaim. On the other hand, that means you have it with you all the time, which can become a nuisance.

Eurostar Weekend Breaks - The Overall Verdict?

Consider travelling by train with Eurostar for a weekend break away if you’re based anywhere near London. Remember to check the connection time when comparing train and flight journey times – and enjoy your weekend break!

Visiting London, never mind living there, can be extremely expensive. What makes the situation even worse is the fact that the city has so much to offer and the temptations are too hard to resist!

London's Theatres for Less

One of the things London is famous for is its great theatre shows: drama acts with many excellent improvisations, comedy performances with brilliant black humour and the loveable musicals.

So, what is the best advice for someone who loves London and wants to experience it to the max?  These tips and tricks to get into London’s top theatres for less…

1. “tkts”-

 This wonderful organisation was established in 1980 and since then it has become the most famous “half price” ticket booth in London. tkts is managed by the Society of London Theatre and their main aim is to give every person, rich or poor, the option to go to the theatre. Visit their booth either in the Clocktower building in the centre of Leicester Square or in the Brent Cross shopping center.  To find more locations and information visit their site.

2. “DiscountTheatre.com”-

This is a brilliant way to get a cheaper theatre ticket without even leaving the house! The site offers a secure payment system and a guarantee that you will have the same seat you requested on the reservation form. Visiting their site will not only assure you a ticket to the best show in town, it will also give you the option to explore some hotter deals such as: “buy a theatre ticket and get a free night in a Central London hotel!”

3. Standby-

You will be surprised by the number of theatres that offer standby purchase options- even the biggest shows get cancellations from time to time! Unfortunately for some of you, this opportunity is only available for 60+ retired citizens, students who study full time or members of the theatre union. In order to get a standby ticket, you will need to arrive about an hour before the show starts. If there are any tickets left, you can buy them for up to 70% off the original price!

4. Go with all your friends!

This is by far our favourite solution! If you book tickets for a group of 10 or more people, you can ask for a discount. The more people, the cheaper the price gets! Before buying tickets, call the theatre you wish to go to, tell them your situation, be polite and see if they can make an offer!

5. Move After Lights Out

This is a tricky one indeed, but worth trying. The further you are from the stage, the cheaper the ticket. Wait until the lights are out and the play has started, and then sneak quickly to the front to take up any empty seats. Good luck!

EasyToBook.com specialises in discount rates on hotels all over the world, from simple motels all the way up to celebrated 5-star venues. For more information about hotels in London, visit their site!

Best Summer Breaks

Let’s not hang around. Summer is well and truly here and with the arrival of August comes the list of the top performers throughout July. Drumroll please….

The Top Cheap Weekend Breaks in July

1 101 Cheap Weekend Breaks holds onto the crown for the second month in a row
2 A Cheap Weekend in Calabria leaps straight into the Top Ten with tales of sunshine and beaches in Italy
3 The arrival of the City Breaks Abroad page at number three shows that urban adventure is just as popular during the summer months
4 Party city Brighton is still a hit with Why Brighton Rocks
5 In an interesting twist, the collection of UK City Breaks shows that home may still be where the heart is at the weekend
6 The Top Ten Things to See and Do in Venice proves that romance is still alive in La Serenissima
7 The whole collection of London City Breaks shows how many different ways you can enjoy the capital
8 Yet somewhat bizarrely, Hand Luggage Restrictions still keeps you entertained, staying in the Top Ten for the second month in a row
9 Tasting whisky in the Scottish Highlands squeezes in to number nine…
10 Whereas the last entry travels south for a Cheap Weekend Break in Jersey

Have a great summer, folks!

Woo hoo!

We’re in good company, judging by the other sites in the same category. In the name of giving you, dear reader, the best information about travel in Europe, we thought we’d mention them here as well.

Read, enjoy  – and explore the world one weekend at a time.

Other European Travel Site Award Winners

Explore Europe

Top Travel Content Europe

Travel Calling

Europe Up Close 

Europe A La Carte

Monte Carlo Casino

Stepping into the Casino in Monte Carlo brings about a rush of James Bond fever. After passing rows of luxury cars and stepping beneath the elegant doorway, I entered this world of hushed tones, plush fabrics and polished mahogany braced for vodka martinis and a thrilling car chase.

Of course, I didn’t exactly have the kind of cash that granted me access to those private areas, but for 10 euros and an “appropriate” dress code, I was allowed into the Salon Europe and the Salon des Amériques. There, suitably distinguished others tried their luck at roulette, poker and Black Jack.

Even if you don’t plan on risking a single penny on the games, it’s worth visiting the Monte Carlo Casino to enjoy the architecture, the location and the legend.

Perched on the hilltop of Monaco, one of the world’s richest principalities, the Casino has spectacular views across the harbour of Monte Carlo. Since yachts are as common as cars in UK suburbia (and people aren’t troubled by their latest tax bill), this compact harbour dazzles with the reflections of streetlights on gleaming yachts.

The Casino itself also has no understanding of the word “moderation.” From the fountains and gardens outside, to the Belle Epoque façade and grand inner Atrium complete with marble columns, it’s easy to understand why this place sparked Fleming’s imagination when he wrote Casino Royale.

Find up to date information about the Monte Carlo Casino here.

Paris

Don’t limit yourself to appreciating Paris from street-level when there are so many ways to view the whole city from on high. Here are six of the best ways to view Paris…

1 From the Steps of the Sacre Coeur in Montmartre

The dome of the white Sacre Coeur is the second highest point in Paris (exceeded only by the Eiffel Tower.) This elegant church gazes down at the rest of Paris from the atmospheric, if crowded, area of Montmartre.

2 From the Roof of La Défense

This giant hollow cube at the west end of Metro Line 1 is a “love-it or hate-it” affair, as far as Parisians are concerned, but the view from the top is spectacular. A single line cuts straight through Paris to reveal the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysees, Place de la Concorde and the Louvre.

3 From the Top of the Arc de Triomphe

Stand on top of Napoleon’s “triumphal arch” to view the cube of La Défense in one direction and the Champs-Élysees, the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre in the other. The view from the Arc de Triomphe also lets you appreciate the chaos of the roads that radiate away from the central roundabout of Charles de Gaulle Étoile.

4 From the Top of the Eiffel Tower

Look over Paris from the symbol of Paris itself. The view is great, the climb is perhaps more interesting than the others, but there is, of course, something missing. From here, you can’t see the Eiffel Tower itself…

5 From the Tour de Montparnasse

This ugly modern tower block is certainly not worth a visit for its own merits. Yet, take the lift to the 56^th floor to find a great view of Paris – one that includes the Eiffel Tower.

6 From the Roof of L’Institut du Monde Arabe

Accompanied by a great café and restaurant, dripping in deep purple and gold, the top floor of this educational building gives you a great view over central Paris. (It also serves a great citron pressé – a “typical” French drink I’ve been searching for since I read about it at school.)

View from the Arc de Triomphe

So there you have it, the six best view of Paris. Let us know if you know of any more…

Benidorm Skyline

Benidorm may have a reputation in the UK for sun, sand and…er…sangria, but the area around it has plenty to offer the adventurous traveller. Here’s just one example…

4-Wheel Drive Around Benidorm

You don’t need to travel far beyond Benidorm’s skyscrapers to find some open space. After driving for only about ten minutes with Marco Polo, a local 4WD company, we were bouncing right the way up the side of the Sierra Cortina mountain, surrounded by unexpectedly vicious palm fronds.

From the top, you get a great view of the Benidorm skyline, a kind of “Manhattan on the Beach.”

An Adventure Weekend in Benidorm

The return drive passes through traditional white-washed towns, with windows decorated with ornate metallic bars. There’s also an optional excursion to a waterfall, but it’s heavily adapted for tourists and occasionally enhanced with artificial water supplies, so if you’re the adventurous type, you might decide to give it a miss.

You can book a trip for a half or a full day – or if you really want to stretch your legs, you can hike up the mountain yourself. If your driver’s licence is clean enough, you can even drive yourself.

Cheap Weekend Breaksvisited Benidorm as a guest of Land of Valencia, but the views expressed here are our own. Find the full, exciting disclosure policy here.

Top Ten Cheap Weekend Breaks in June

1 First up was the ideas generator, 101 Cheap Weekend Breaks, up seven places from last month

2 The Great Malt Whisky Trail in the Scottish Highlands introduced you to rugged countryside and fiery brews

3 Hand Luggage Restrictions seems to have (curiously) kept you entertained

4 Laura Thayer’s post on a Cheap Weekend in Naples moves down two places to number four

5 An Italian theme continues with the top Venice Attractions

6 While Brighton still rocks, with, er Why Brighton Rocks

7 Old York still charms visitors with Weekend Breaks in York from resident Mike Sowden

8 One of my favourite places, the Gower Coast  makes it into the Top Ten for the very first time

9 How to Use the London Underground - shows you how to get around the capital

10 And last, but not least, a salty adventure break in Jersey beats all those other romantic options

This Month’s Biggest Loser

Seems you’re a reckless bunch, with How To Travel Safely After Dark trailing at the bottom of the table. If something nasty happens to you, we won’t be held responsible!

That’s what’s on offer with the Greatest Holiday in the World campaign, 365 nights to use in a double room in more than 200 hotels all over the world. Even better, you don’t need to leave your job for a year in order to make the most of this, as the prize can be spread over five years and even shared out with friends and family.

Sounds Good – What’s the Catch?

A few of the usual restrictions apply. You must be over 18. There’s no cash alternative and you’re only eligible if you’re a citizen from the EU, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Iceland or Norway.

So, what are you waiting for? Entry is free so give it a try – let us know why you think you deserve a year’s free accommodation.

Sponsored Post - read the full, exciting disclosure policy here.

Valencia's Arts & Sciences Complex

Last year, I visited the Arts & Sciences centre in Valencia during the day, taking in the museums and the aquarium. What I missed, though, was the sight of this stunning complex at night. This year, thanks to the Land of Valencia, I was lucky enough to see it again.

Ciudad de las Artes y de las Ciencias

Best of all, you can wander around the Arts and Sciences complex for free (daytime entry is pretty expensive.)

Valencia At Night

And if you follow any other travel blogs, you might just spot Wild Junket in this one:

Valencia at Night - with Wild Junket

A Weekend Break in Glasgow

Why Glasgow? 

Glasgow from Queen's Park - by John Lindie

Coming from Glasgow, I am slightly biased about the city. In fact, I would go as far as to say I love it. I live in Edinburgh now and often find myself pining for Glasgow at the weekend, there is just something about the city that anyone from Glasgow will tell you, you can’t find in any other city in the world. I can’t quite pinpoint it, but if you do visit if for a weekend break you will see what I mean. 

For most tourists, I guess it is normal to immediately think of Edinburgh as the place to visit when you come to Scotland, it is our capital city after all, and with architecture and history that will take your breath away, I can see why! In actual fact, letting you into a secret, you really want to go to Glasgow or be greedy and visit both. But travelling can become expensive, so this is my insider’s guide to visiting Glasgow on the cheap. 

An Insider’s Guide to Glasgow on the Cheap 

Weekend Accommodation in Glasgow 

Accommodation – Glasgow is fast becoming the business centre of Scotland and with this brings demand for cheap accommodation. You don’t need to stay in youth hostels to get a cheap night’s sleep, there are plenty of great value hotel chains right in the heart of the city. Premier Inn, Travel Lodge and Ibis all operate in the city centre and offer great value hotel rooms close to everything you need. If there are more than two of you and you want to keep accommodation costs at an absolute minimum, then Euro hostel, which is by the riverside, offers clean low cost accommodation two minutes walk from Central Station. 

Weekend Travel in Glasgow 

Ghosts of Glasgow - by atomicjeep

Bus

 - Glasgow has a very efficient public transport system. The cheapest way to get around the city is by bus. An all day bus ticket for First Bus costs around £3.50 and will take you to all parts of the city. Buses are frequent and quick (although it’s worth noting that there is more than one bus company and tickets are not interchangeable) 

Underground – The city also has an underground system, which will take you to some parts of Glasgow. It is ideal for taking you quickly to the west end and the start of the south side of Glasgow. Again you can buy a low cost all day ticket for this which is under £3.00 

Train - There is also a good rail network that will take you to most suburban areas of Glasgow (It is worth noting that the train is more expensive than the bus, and the bus will take you to everywhere the train does). If you are coming on a day trip from Edinburgh and there are more than 4 of you, make sure you ask for a ‘group ticket’. You cannot buy this at the ticket machines in the train station, however it gives you 4 tickets for the prices of 2 on the Glasgow – Edinburgh line, which is quite a big saving. 

Walking – One of the best ways to see Glasgow though is to use your feet. There are some parts that are quite hilly, but overall it is easy to walk around and the city centre is built in a grid of streets so you will struggle to get lost. 

Weekend Things To Do in Glasgow

Weekend Museums in Glasgow

Glasgow School of Art, by zawtowers

Unlike many major cities, all the council run museums and galleries are free to enter in Glasgow. Glasgow has a huge number of free places to visit and you can easily spend a weekend going around them alone. Tourist hot spots include – The Gallery of Modern Art, Kelvingrove, Scotland Street School and the Burrell Collection, but there are many, many more. Find a full list here. 

Weekend Theatre in Glasgow

Glasgow also has a good theatre scene, with shows on most nights at the Theatre Royal, Citizens theatre, Tron Theare and Kings theatre. The best way to find out whats on when is to buy yourself a copy of The List magazine, which includes everything that is on in Glasgow and Edinburgh. You can buy it in most newsagents and it costs around £2.00. The Theatre Royal normally offers heavily discounted tickets if you show up at the box office prior to the start of a show, so it is worth chancing it. 

Architecture in Glasgow

One of the great things about Glasgow is the architecture. Really it is a stunning city, built on the profits of previous, extremely wealthy generations. One of the best things to do in Glasgow is to walk around and look up and you will see some of the best examples of Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian architecture the country has to offer. 

Most people visit the city to see the Charles Rennie Mackintosh architecture. Some of his most famous building are also free to enter as well, such as The Lighthouse, The Art School and The Huntarien. There are a number of others than you can pay to enter if you want a Mackintosh overload. 

Parks in Glasgow

Botanical Gardens, Glasgow - by bicameral

If you have picked a nice weekend to come, then either head along to the Botanical Gardens or Kelvingrove Park, (both of which are in the west end.) Other parks include Glasgow Green in the east end, near the People’s Palace (another free gallery), and Queen’s park on the south side. 

September in Glasgow

If you are coming to the city in September, try to make it the Doors Open Weekend. This gives you free access to lots and lots of normally closed buildings and makes for a fascinating trip to the city. 

 Highlights include the Panoptican, Royal Hall of Physicians, The City Chambers and the Arches,  (It is worth noting that the City Chambers offer a free daily tour, and this really should not be missed. This outstanding building on George Square is incredible inside) 

 Weekend Markets in Glasgow

Another not to be missed thing to do is to visit the Barrowlands market on a Sunday. Glasgow’s infamous market sells everything and anything! 

Eating Out in Glasgow

Eating Out in Glasgow - by atomicjeep

Glasgow also has plenty of bars and restaurants, so you will be spoilt for choice. You will find lots of cheap places to eat just by wandering around. Most places offer a ‘pre-theatre’ menu if you eat between set times in the evening. If you are in to anything in particular, then The List magazine has a section on eating out which will give you some ideas. 

Vegetarian in Glasgow

And if you are vegetarian like me, then there are a few excellent veggie restaurants, but virtually every restaurant has a great selection of vegetarian food anyway, so you don’t need to worry. 

An Insider Secret to a Weekend in Glasgow

However a little insider secret to getting an ultra low cost meal is to check out this website before you head out http://www.5pm.co.uk/ . Here you can book meals at really low prices, so it is worth a look before you head directly to a restaurant.

Inside the Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Tiomphe in Paris

is the largest triumphal arch in the world and it sits in one of the most devilish traffic junctions in the world. The Arc may look ancient and distinguished but in European terms it’s actually quite young. Emperor Napoleon commissioned the work so that his troops could “return home beneath triumphal arches,” but the work wasn’t finished until 1836.

Visiting the Arc de Triomphe

As it turns out, there’s more to see at the Arc than just the traffic or the engravings. The Arc de Triomphe has become a memorial to those lost in battle, from officers of France’s Imperial Army, to more recent conflicts in Korea.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

An eternal flame burns over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War One, a symbol of remembrance for all those who cannot be identified.

View From the Arc de Triomphe – The Best in Paris

It’s a hefty climb to the 50 metre high summit of the Arc de Triomphe (although those with young children or wheelchairs can take the lift.) From the top, however, the vision in the layout of Paris becomes clear.

You can see straight down the Champs-Elysées to Place de la Concorde in one direction and straight to the modern arch La Defense in the other.

View Along the Champs Elysees

View to La Defense

You can see the creamy curves of the Sacré-Coeur on the hills of Montmartre.

View Across Paris to the Sacre Coeur

And you can also see this other monument:

The Eiffel Tower - from the Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe – Practicalities

Sadly, a visit to the arch is not cheap and you’ll often have to queue to buy tickets. Entry includes a museum, housed in the upper portion of the Arc, that illustrates its history: triumphant Imperial processions, the invasion of the Nazis and the subsequent visits from US presidents.  

To see the Arc de Triomphe, head to Charles de Gaulle Étoile on the Paris Metro.

Devil's Dyke, South Downs

I grew up near the South Downs – which means that I completely took them for granted. Don’t make the same mistake, as the South Downs actually make a great place for (you guessed it) a cheap weekend break.

The South Downs

The South Downs are a series of gentle, chalky hills that roll over Hampshire and East and West Sussex. Covered with soft grass and offering frequent glimpses of the coast, The Downs, as they’re called locally, provide an easy path into outdoor adventure.

Easy-going adventure in the South Downs

You don’t need to pack well and prepare for the elements, as you do in the Peak District or the Brecons. You don’t need specialist equipment. You can walk, fly a kite, cycle and run – or you can stop for lunch and a pint at one of the many atmospheric English pubs.

It’s called Devil’s Dyke (to much sniggering across Sussex classrooms). Legend has it that the devil carved the valley up like this in order to flood the inhabitants of the Weald. Geologists have a few other theories, but either way, it’s a stunning viewpoint.

South Downs: Gentle, rolling hills...

The South Downshave even more reason to be pleased with themselves than usual, since they became Britain’s 15th National Park earlier this year.

You can find a full and helpful guide to the South Downs here. Photo Credits: Dominic & Travelcwb