As the chill of winter approaches, those yearning for a budget-friendly getaway are in luck, for a travel guru has shared her top three picks for winter city breaks that won’t break the bank.
Em (@emsbudgettravel), a seasoned traveller who’s already explored 15 countries in 2024 without spending more than £200 per trip, took to TikTok to guide her 72,000 followers to the best value destinations for the season. “These are my favourite three city breaks for an affordable winter holiday,” she starts off in her latest video.
She describes her first recommendation as a hidden gem and confesses it’s one of her top cities.
Yerevan, Armenia
Firstly, Em recommended Yerevan in Armenia. She said: “You can find really cheap connecting flights here – I’d recommend combining this city break with an overnight stopover in a city like Milan or Rome. It’s an amazing option if you’re on a budget – the accommodation is so affordable.”
She then showed her apartment with views of the city’s prime attraction, noting she paid only £12 per person per night. Em also highlights the metro cost at just 20p per ride. “It’s also surrounded by beautiful mountains and scenery and it’s very easy and cheap to take a trip into the countryside, which will most likely be snowy if you visit in the winter months,” she added.
Poznan, Poland
Next, Em praised the charming Old Town of Poznan in Poland, noting the cuisine was “really delicious and affordable”. She added: “There’s loads to do here on a budget, like the Palm House or the largest spa in the country and costs just £16 for a three hour pass.”
She recounted her impressions of the city: “I thought it was such an underrated city,” stating that it held up against more well-known destinations. “Just as good as some of the more popular city breaks including Krakow or Gdansk, but I found it to be a little bit cheaper too.”
Tallinn, Estonia
For her final recommendation, Em pointed towards Tallinn in Estonia, which has been offering “really affordable” flights recently. “It’s probably one of the most picturesque cities I’ve ever visited, and the accommodation is really affordable – we recently paid £21 to stay in an Airbnb in the centre of the Old Town,” she proclaimed.
Summing up her thoughts, she said: “It’s one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities and every street is so photogenic. I’d say it’s the perfect destination for a snowy weekend away and I’ve also heard it’s got a lovely Christmas market.”
Em’s followers didn’t hesitate to express their gratitude for her tips, with one commenting: “Super advice.” Another concurred about Tallinn: “It was so good! ” A third from Poznan chimed in on her TikTok with their own recommendation: “Greetings from Poznan,” also sharing a helpful hint: “Many museums here are for free one day during week – usually Tuesday or Wednesday.”
Whilst a fourth follower eagerly requested Em for more content: “Please make a video of how to book flights and hotel.”