City Getaways: They Don't Have to Break the Bank

City getaways are widely regarded as one of the most expensive types of getaways, with a seemingly higher pricetag on everything - from food and accommodation to activities. City transportation alone can set you back a chunk of change as cab fares start to add up, while flying into certain cities can be costly.

But don’t let the pricey reputation of large cities scare you off from planning a city break. Sure, city travelling can be expensive - but it doesn’t necessarily have to be. Keep a few travelling tips in mind when planning your break - and once you arrive at your destination - and you’re sure to be able to enjoy an affordable city holiday.

The first thing you’ll need to do is choose your city destination - a seemingly simple task. But if you’re trying to save on an international city break, you might want to consider exchange rates. You’ll instantly end up spending more if you choose a destination with currency that towers over the UK pound. So you might want to stick with visiting countries and cities where the pound will take you further - for instance, New York City or Miami.

Next, you’ll need to search for flights. There are many deals on offer at any time of year, and it pays to keep an eye out for these. If your travel plans are flexible, consider choosing your destination and travel dates based on the deals currently available on the market. Of course, you’ll still want to keep exchange rates in mind when searching for flights using this method.

After you’ve found your flights, you’ll want to start thinking about accommodation. It might be worth booking your flights and hotels together as a package deal, as it usually works out to be cheaper that way. However, if you’d rather book them separately, ask hotels for any specials they might have on at the moment. No matter what time of year, hotels usually have a set of deals or packages on offer - so it’s worth seeking these out.

After all travel bookings have been made, you might want to consider some of your holiday activity options. The best way to go about planning a cheap city break is to make a list of free or low-cost activities in the destination of your choice, such as visits to free museums, gardens, parks, and free festivals - not to mention good old fashioned sightseeing. It’s also a good idea to scope out cheap eateries or dining options, so that you don’t end up spending over your budget eating out. Another great way to save on eating is to grab a sandwich from a deli and picnic in the park, rather than eating in a pricier restaurant.

Finally, you’ll undoubtedly have to get around your city destination at one point or another. Opt to use metros, subways, undergrounds, and buses rather than cabs, which can add up quickly. It might even be worth looking into car rental, based on where you’re travelling and how long your city break will last.

Whether you’re looking for cheap hotels in New York or affordable flights to Miami, planning ahead with an eye towards saving will help you take that city break you’ve been dreaming of.