Claire Howard, 48, from Birmingham, has found a budget-friendly way to enjoy a full day abroad, and it's cheaper than a typical day out at home.
Claire flew to Beauvais, France, after spotting return Ryanair flights for just £27 on Skyscanner, booking a month in advance. Rather than heading into Paris, which she's visited before and finds pricey and crowded, she chose to explore Beauvais itself for a relaxed day of wandering, eating, and drinking.
Her journey started early, with a 7:30am flight from Birmingham, followed by a quick 15-minute bus ride into town for just £1.80 after her husband dropped her at the airport. She spent the day soaking up the sights before enjoying dinner and wine, then caught an 11pm flight back home.
All in, the entire day, including flights, transport, food, and drinks, cost around £70. Claire says that's a bargain compared to typical spending in the UK, joking that she'd rather skip an overpriced cinema outing and shopping centre lunch for a full day of experiences overseas.
She's since made this kind of budget European day trip a regular habit, having visited five countries this way so far. Claire's approach highlights a growing trend among UK travelers who are turning to quick, affordable flights for spontaneous day trips abroad, proving that a taste of a new country doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag.