Jet Set on a Budget: How to Plan a Cheap Weekend Date Abroad
Introduction
A spontaneous weekend escape can be the perfect antidote to the daily grind, especially when you share it with someone special. Yet many couples assume that a short trip abroad means splurging on flights, five‑star hotels and pricey restaurants. The reality is very different: with a little planning, clever use of discount transport, and budget‑friendly accommodation, you can enjoy a memorable romantic weekend abroad for under £300 per person.
In this guide we’ll show you how to:
- Choose affordable yet romantic destinations
- Secure the cheapest travel tickets (flights, trains, buses)
- Find safe, cosy places to stay without sacrificing comfort
- Build a flexible itinerary that balances free attractions with a few indulgent treats
- Keep unexpected costs under control
All the advice is tailored for UK‑based couples, using up‑to‑date pricing data from 2024‑2025 and practical examples from popular European cities such as Bruges, Lisbon and Leipzig.
1. Picking the Right Destination
Not every city offers the same value for a weekend break. The sweet spot is a location that:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Example cities (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Proximity to the UK – short travel time reduces transport costs | Less time in transit means more time together and lower fares | Bruges (Belgium), Lille (France), Dublin (Ireland) |
| Well‑developed budget transport network – cheap buses, low‑cost airlines, or rail passes | More competition drives prices down | Porto, Lisbon, Leipzig |
| Romantic ambience without the luxury price tag – historic centres, waterfronts, scenic walks | You can create a romantic atmosphere for free | Catania (Sicily), Kraków (Poland), Tallinn (Estonia) |
| Affordable dining and activities – street food, free museums, public parks | Keeps daily spend under £30‑£40 | Budapest, Sofia, Riga |
When you shortlist a handful of cities, compare the average cost of a round‑trip flight or train (see Section 2) and the typical nightly rate for a private hostel or budget hotel. For 2025, the following average nightly prices were reported by Hostelworld and Booking.com:
- Bruges – £45 for a private double room in a city‑centre hostel
- Lisbon – £38 for a private room in a boutique hostel
- Leipzig – £33 for a private room in a modern hostel
- Catania – £30 for a private room in a historic guesthouse
These figures give you a realistic baseline for budgeting.
2. Securing the Cheapest Transport
2.1 Budget Airlines – Know the Rules
Low‑cost carriers such as Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air and Volotea dominate short‑haul routes from the UK. Here’s how to squeeze the most out of them:
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Book 6‑8 weeks in advance – Prices rise sharply after the “sweet spot”. | Average UK‑to‑Europe return fare: £45‑£70 (2025). |
| Use price alerts – Skyscanner, Google Flights and Kayak let you set alerts for your chosen dates. | A £10‑£15 drop can be caught automatically. |
| Fly from secondary airports – London Stansted, Leeds‑Bradford, and Manchester often have cheaper seats than Heathrow or Gatwick. | Example: Ryanair Leeds‑Bradford → Dublin £29 return. |
| Avoid baggage fees – Pack a small cabin‑only bag; many carriers now charge £25‑£35 for a checked bag. | Stick to a lightweight wardrobe for a weekend. |
| Check “early‑bird” deals – Some airlines release flash sales on Tuesdays and Thursdays. | Sign up to airline newsletters for early access. |
2.2 Trains and Buses – The Eco‑Friendly Choice
If you prefer to skip the airport hassle, consider the train or coach:
- Eurostar – London to Brussels, Lille or Paris for as little as £39 return when booked 2‑3 months ahead (standard class, off‑peak). Travel time 2 h 15 min to Brussels, 2 h 30 min to Paris.
- FlixBus – Extensive network across Europe, fares from £10‑£20 return for routes like London‑Amsterdam or London‑Berlin. Journey times are longer (5‑10 h) but the cost savings are significant.
- Eurail/Interrail Passes – For couples planning multiple stops, a 2‑day Eurail “Flexi‑Pass” costs £94 per adult (2025) and offers unlimited travel on participating trains, often cheaper than buying separate tickets for three cities.
2.3 Car‑Sharing and Ride‑Hailing
For destinations where public transport is limited (e.g., the Algarve region of Portugal), consider car‑sharing platforms such as BlaBlaCar. A London‑Portsmouth‑Lisbon route can be found for around £60‑£70 per seat, split between two passengers.
3. Budget‑Friendly Accommodation
3.1 Hostels with Private Rooms
Hostels have shed the “dorm‑only” image. Many now offer private double rooms with en‑suite bathrooms, often with added perks like free breakfast, rooftop bars, or kitchen facilities. Some top picks:
| City | Hostel | Approx. price (per night) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bruges | Bauhaus Hostel | £45 | Central location, 60+ Belgian beers on tap |
| Lisbon | Sunset Destination Hostel | £38 | Rooftop bar, swimming pool, vibrant social scene |
| Leipzig | Five Elements Hostel | £33 | Private penthouse suites, historic Alt‑Stadt setting |
| Catania | Ostello Degli Elefanti | £30 | 1600s building, rooftop terrace with Etna views |
Booking 2‑3 months ahead and using Hostelworld’s “Early Bird” discount can shave another £5‑£10 per night.
3.2 Airbnb & Short‑Term Rentals
If you prefer a more “home‑like” feel, look for entire apartments or private rooms priced under £60 per night. Filter for “Superhost” status and read reviews carefully. In many cities, an Airbnb in the historic centre can be cheaper than a 4‑star hotel.
3.3 Discount Hotel Chains
Budget chains such as Ibis Budget, Premier Inn, and Travelodge often run weekend specials (e.g., “Stay 2 nights, pay for 1”). Keep an eye on their loyalty programmes – a free night after a few stays can offset costs for a future trip.
4. Crafting a Romantic Yet Cheap Itinerary
4.1 Prioritise Free or Low‑Cost Experiences
- City walks & self‑guided tours – Download a free audio guide from Rick Steves or use Google Maps “Explore” feature. Bruges’ canals, Lisbon’s Alfama alleys, and Leipzig’s Clara Zetkin Park are all free to explore.
- Public parks & gardens – Vienna’s Schönbrunn Gardens (free on the first Sunday of the month), Lisbon’s Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara (free panoramic view), and Catania’s Villa Bellini (public garden).
- Museums with “pay‑what‑you‑wish” – Many European museums offer free entry on specific days (e.g., the Louvre on the first Saturday of each month after 6 pm, the Museum of Modern Art in Lisbon on Wednesdays).
- Street markets & food stalls – Sample local delicacies without the restaurant markup. Try Belgian waffles in Bruges’s Markt, Portuguese pastel de nata at a Lisbon pastelaria, or German pretzels at Leipzig’s weekly market.
4.2 Allocate a “Splurge” Budget
Reserve a small portion (£20‑£30 per person) for a memorable treat:
| Experience | Approx. cost | Why it feels special |
|---|---|---|
| Sunset river cruise (Lisbon) | £22 | Romantic views of the Tagus at dusk |
| Canal boat ride (Bruges) | £15 per couple | Intimate glide through medieval waterways |
| Wine tasting (Leipzig’s local cellar) | £12 | Discover regional German wines |
| Live music or Fado show (Lisbon) | £18 | Authentic cultural immersion |
4.3 Sample 2‑Night Itinerary: Bruges, Belgium
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive via Eurostar (London‑Brussels) + 1‑hour train to Bruges (£70 total) | Check‑in at Bauhaus Hostel, explore Burg Square & Markt (free) | Dinner of mussels & fries at a local bistro (£25) |
| Day 2 | Rent a bike for 2 hours (£8) – ride along the canals | Boat tour of the canals (£15 per couple) | Walk to the Belfry for sunset, then share a Belgian chocolate tasting (£12) |
| Day 3 | Breakfast at hostel (included) | Souvenir shopping at the flea market (optional) | Depart Bruges, train back to London (£70) |
Total approximate cost per person: £215 (including transport, accommodation, meals, and activities).
5. Money‑Saving Hacks for Couples
| Hack | How it works |
|---|---|
| Split the “big ticket” – One partner books the flight, the other books the train; share the total cost. | |
| Cook one meal – Use hostel kitchen to prepare breakfast or a simple dinner; fresh supermarket produce in Europe is cheap (≈ €3‑€5 per meal). | |
| Travel off‑peak – Mid‑week departures (Tuesday‑Thursday) are usually 15‑30 % cheaper than weekend flights. | |
| Leverage loyalty points – Many UK credit cards offer travel rewards that can be redeemed for airline miles or hotel stays. | |
| Carry a reusable water bottle – Tap water is safe in most EU cities; saves on bottled water (≈ £1 per day). | |
| Use city tourism cards sparingly – Only buy them if you plan to visit multiple paid attractions; otherwise, free alternatives are cheaper. |
6. Managing Unexpected Costs
Even the best‑planned trips can hit a snag. Keep a small contingency fund (≈ £30‑£50) for:
- Late‑night transport – Last‑minute bus or taxi fares.
- Weather‑related changes – Umbrellas or indoor activities.
- Currency fluctuations – A sudden rise in the Euro‑to‑Pound rate can affect cash withdrawals.
A prepaid travel card (e.g., Revolut, Monzo) lets you lock in exchange rates and avoid ATM fees abroad.
7. Staying Safe and Connected
- Travel insurance – A basic policy covering medical emergencies and lost luggage costs around £12‑£15 per person for a weekend.
- SIM cards – Buy a local EU SIM (e.g., Three UK’s “Go Roam” or a prepaid EU SIM from Vodafone) for £10‑£12 with 5 GB data.
- Emergency numbers – 112 works across the EU; keep a copy of your passport and insurance details in both paper and digital form.
Conclusion
A cheap weekend date abroad is entirely within reach for UK couples willing to plan smartly. By selecting a value‑rich destination, hunting down discount transport, staying in quality hostels or well‑chosen Airbnbs, and focusing on free cultural experiences, you can craft a romantic escape for less than £300 per person. Use the tips, hacks, and sample itineraries in this guide to start ticking off those wanderlust dreams without draining your bank account. Pack your bags, grab your loved one, and jet set on a budget – unforgettable moments await!