The cost of living crisis has forced many Brummies to tighten their purse strings and for some, that will mean skipping a holiday abroad this year. There’s no doubt holidays can be expensive, but there are a few destinations with flights from Birmingham Airport for less than £50 for a return.
Nabbing cheap flights is one sure-fire way to cut down on costs. If you’re able to travel off-season, even better, as you’ll benefit from lower air fares and hotel rates. Otherwise, choosing a destination that’s off the tourist radar will likely save you a few quid.
Fortunately, there are a few beautiful and intriguing cities you can fly to directly from Birmingham Airport for a budget-friendly break. One of them is a beer-drinkers dream, with the average pint costing half that of the UK.
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Another boasts sun-soaked sandy beaches and a world-class drinking and dining scene. See below for some of the most affordable flights abroad from BHX. All flight prices were accurate at the time of the writing.
Warsaw
Sometimes called the ‘Paris of the East’, this underrated city has well-and-truly risen from the ashes after it was deliberately destroyed by Nazi German occupiers during the Second World War. The Polish capital has a lot to offer tourists – unique architecture, interesting museums, delicious food and a thriving nightlife.
Its charming old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and many of the quaint little coffee shops and restaurants transform into bars at night. Visitors can explore the shops along the 2km-long Royal Way, eat the finest Polish dumplings at one of the city’s food halls, take a walking tour to learn about Warsaw’s haunting history or spend an afternoon in the lovely urban park of Lazienki.
Those travelling on a tight budget will be happy to hear that Warsaw is one Europe’s cheapest holiday destinations. A pint of beer here costs nearly half the price charged in the UK – an average £2.70 compared to £5 back home – and you’ll pay even less if you venture out of the centre.
It’s not only the booze that’s cheap, either. Unlike other European capitals, accommodation in Warsaw is also super cheap, with some private apartments costing as little as £20 a night, while public transport is also extremely affordable, with taxis typically charging just 60p per kilometre.
Return flights from Birmingham Airport to Warsaw cost as little as £48. Ryanair has flights leaving on October 6 and returning on October 13 for less than £50.
Barcelona
One of Europe’s trendiest cities, Barcelona is a city break and beach holiday rolled into one. The Spanish hotspot is home to impressive museums, picture-perfect parks, pristine beaches and excellent restaurants.
The Sagrada Família is a sight not to be missed and is one of the world’s most visited basilicas for good reason. The pretty Park Guell offers breathtaking hillside views over the city, while Barcelona’s most famous street, La Rambla, is a bevvy of shops, flower stands and terraces.
Prices in Barcelona itself are more expensive than other regions in Spain, however it is still possible to visit the city on a budget – by dining away from the main tourist street, booking your trip out of the peak summer season and taking advantage of public transport.
Savvy travellers can get return flights with Ryanair from Birmingham to Barcelona this July for just £49. Jet off on July 8 and return to Brum on July 17.
Berlin
Germany’s vibrant capital city is a must-visit destination for history buffs, art lovers, beer connoisseurs and party animals alike. Berlin’s fascinating history extends much further back than the World Wars and its museums total around 175 in all.
The city’s unusual street art is iconic and free to admire, while its nightclub scene attracts revellers from all over the globe. Germany is known for its beer and Berlin is a hub for craft beer bars, breweries and pubs, while its traditional Christmas markets are some of the best in the world.
Berlin is a busy city that rarely sleeps, but it’s also home to several parks and there are gorgeous lakes and hiking trails on the outskirts. Ryanair has flights from Birmingham to Berlin leaving on September 5 and returning on September 12, priced at just £42 for a return.
If you’re planning your next trip, Travel Republic has deals on package holidays to a range of destinations in Europe from as little as £155pp. Want to upgrade your luggage? Luxury suitcase brand Antler is selling a Jet2 and TUI-approved cabin bag with 800 five-star reviews and it comes in four colours, priced at £170.