A few months from now, beaches worldwide will feature beautiful Latvian women and other holiday tourists rocking their bikinis and men in tank tops. How do we know that? Well, it’s because summer is around the corner!
Summer is one of the most cherished times of the year because it is an opportunity to unwind and enjoy the sun’s warmth on your skin. However, people have wondered if it is possible to travel to different parts of Europe after COViD-19’s devastating effects.
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, has assured people that they can travel as long as they are fully vaccinated. So now that traveling is no longer an issue, here are some places to get the best European city breaks without breaking the bank:
1. Portugal
Portugal is at the top of our list because it is currently the cheapest place to travel to in Europe. In addition, traveling to Lisbon is cheap because it is geographically closer to the United States, so jet fuel costs less. A reasonable airfare deal to Lisbon will cost an estimate of $482.
As Portugal reopens its borders to tourists, they have promised to do tourism more responsibly, sustainably, and resiliently. So for one of the most adventurous cheap city breaks in Portugal, visit Fortaleza de Sagres. It is a three-sided fort on the southern tip of the Algarve’s Sagres peninsula. You can also enter Ponta de Piedade, a series of natural caves and caverns in Lagos.
2. Iceland
The second place to get one of the best weekend trips in Europe, and perhaps one of the best in the history of European city breaks, is Iceland. After Iceland announced its reopening plans, roundtrip airfares from the US dropped by 21%. So airlines reduced the price to $550 from $697. However, only vaccinated travelers will be allowed into the country. Also, Reykjavik’s proximity to the United States keeps the airfare prices down.
To get the most out of your trip to Iceland, visit the Sky Lagoon, an artificial geothermal spa with views of the Northern Lights and the Atlantic Ocean. If you are a first-time tourist, you can have the tour operator, Hidden Iceland, help you find your way around.
3. Ireland
With $623, you can get quick Europe trips to Dublin, Ireland. Apart from the cost of traveling, the country also has a lot of good things going on. Recently, Ireland ranked amongst the top 10 bucket-list destinations. Its popularity among tourists is due to its castles, notable historic sites, and hot food scenes.
However, it is easy to get confused about where to visit in a place like Ireland. So, to make fun memories, we advise that you visit West Cork which is rich in history. Also, check out The Guinness Storehouse, which happens to be one of the world’s best brewery tours, or Kinsale, which is the gourmet capital of Ireland.
4. Madrid, Spain
If you want to travel to the Spanish capital, you need around $623 for a roundtrip. Spain also plans to make traveling safe this summer, using vaccine passports to attract travelers. However, foreigners have mixed feelings about the approach, and how well they will adopt it is still unclear.
But before you travel, make a list of some historical places to visit. We recommend visiting the Mandarin Oriental Ritz (formerly Hotel Ritz) in Madrid. Afterward, bask in the Golden Triangle of Art or the El Retiro Park, located beside the hotel. You can also check the neighborhood of Lavapies, a typical hotspot every summer, thanks to its cafes and cultural scene.
5. Barcelona, Spain
Apart from the cheap roundtrip airfare of $636, Barcelona is the second most popular destination for North Americans this year. It is the ideal place for food lovers, as it is famous for its vibrant food scene. Some of the most popular restaurants are Camping Mar, a waterfront restaurant that serves paella, and La Xarxa, one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Finally, visit the Esquerra de l’Eixample neighborhood, which many believe is among the coolest in the world and is famous for its buzzing bars, restaurants and terraces.
Conclusion
Many people have feared for the future of traveling and tourism after the pandemic. But presently, as long as you are fully vaccinated, you can travel to any part of Europe. If you are working with a budget, our writers have compiled a list of the top 5 cheap cities in Europe. You can visit any of them for the ultimate vacation without ending up broke. To make the most out of your trip, research the safety guidelines for each country. We have also included the best places to visit in each location mentioned in our list, so feel free to pack your bags and enjoy your summer break.
