The recent
price hike in rail fares has helped to make travelling by train a bit of an
expensive luxury, especially if you are travelling with your family. Not only
is it very expensive, frequently it is highly inconvenient and on the more
popular routes it is often difficult to find a seat. It isn’t surprising that
more Brits than ever are expected to spend their Easter breaks in Europe rather
than the UK; not just because they are hoping for better weather or they are
seeking out new experiences; those are important too, but the main reason is
that today if you search around often it is cheaper than taking a holiday by
train in the UK.
The cost of UK rail travel
Let’s look
at a popular Easter holiday destination in the UK and compare the cost for a
family of two adults and two children travelling by train with the cost for a
similar family travelling by air to popular destinations in the UK.
One of the
favourite Easter holiday destinations for people getting out of London is St
Ives in Cornwall. Checking the prices on Trainline
we see that the cost of travelling to St Ives from London on Good Friday and
returning on Easter Monday will cost around £290 for a second class off-peak
return.
European Destinations
Paris
Springtime
is traditionally the best time of year to visit Paris, the city of
light. It is impossible to run out of things to do and see. Paris has a great
Easter tradition, though Good Friday is a normal working day. The French don’t
just have Easter eggs; they indulge in a huge range of Easter chocolates of all
kinds. Easter Sunday in Paris is very special, especially Sunday lunch so book
your table early.
Getting there
Budget
airlines price for flights to Paris from London for a family of 2 adults and 2
children flying out on Good Friday and returning on Easter Monday the total
cost is £140 including taxes; less than half the cost of going to St Ives by
Train.
Barcelona
Barcelona is
one of Spain’s top Easter destinations. Visit the ancient city; take in the
inimitable architectureof AntoniGaudí including the breathtaking gothic SagradaFamilia; wander
down La Rambla, the most famous street in Barcelona; visit a Picasso
exhibition; visit the Fundació Joan Miró museum; and most of all enjoy the
wonderful food.
Getting there
Flying to
Barcelona is even cheaper than Paris; the same family can fly there an back for
just £127. Also if you are willing to shop around a little you will find that
with a family of four travelling together you can qualify for additional
discounts of up to £20.
Brussels
Brussels
might not be the most romantic European destination, but it is the centre of
the European Commission and there are many interesting things to see and do.
Although the city is famous for its beer and chocolate it also has fantastic food,
the amazing 12th-century Grand Place, huge Gothic buildings, art deco and art
nouveau; and many wonderful open green parks.
Getting there
Getting to
Brussels for Easter couldn’t be cheaper; our family could fly there for as
little as £74 return.
Lille
Lille is
becoming a popular destination for a short city break. Modern Lille is very
different from the industrial city that it used to be. Today it is a thriving
modern city with many historical sites to visit, great shopping, and excellent
restaurants and entertainment.
Getting there
Return
flights to Lille for the family will cost around £200; a little more expensive
than some of the other destinations mentioned, but still considerably cheaper
than visiting St Ives by train. However it is even cheaper if you travelby Eurostar along with the option of adding a discounted hotel booking
Image credit to www.glsvlsi.org, www.bookingexperience.com,www.ourcloudlounge.com
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