Europe on a Shoestring

For quite a few years now several of the so-called “budget airlines” in Europe have been taking part in a price war trying to offer the lowest air fares to a host of European cities. It’s quite normal to read that one of the leading budget airlines for example Ryanair or Easyjet is offering return flights from Britain to France, Germany or Spain for £1 (approx $1.45). There could be taxes and airport landing fees to be added to the fare, but it remains an absolute bargain if you’re looking to see a variety of cities throughout Europe. One of the major drawbacks of these flights is that they often fly to the smaller rural airports rather than the better known biginternational ones. This can mean that a flight that is advertised to a big European city actually lands some 50 miles away. In fact there are a number of advantages with this situation, the regional airports will normally provide a much slicker service on check-in and luggage since they’re catering for a lot less flights. The disadvantage is that public transport serving these airfields can be patchy at best and a very popular alternative is hiring a car from the airport. Here are a variety of the wonderful cities that we’ve visited with flights from the budget airlines. We are sure that you will enjoy visiting any of these fine areas, without doubt they have a lot to offer to visitors to their shores.

Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow, once known for its hard, unforgiving living conditions has seen a Renaissance and has become a fascinating, architecturally diverse city attracting a huge number of visitors throughout the year. The chic West part of Glasgow is the home of the fourth oldest university in the U.K.. Perched on a hill amidst the Medieval part of the city, the students contribute greatly to the fun loving and vibrant atmosphere of that area. The budget carriers utilise Prestwick Airport some 51 km (35 miles) north east of the centre of the city and there is an excellent road between the airport and Glasgow city centre. It’s a popular area for sightseeing, so it is advisable to rent a car at Prestwick Airport before setting out on your trip. A congestion free 30 minute journey from Prestwick along the M77 motorway brings you to the centre of the city. Glasgow is an ideal base for a journey to the Trossachs National Park. Just 13 mile (20 km) journey out of Glasgow and you might discover sensational countryside on the back of a pony, whereas a 50 km (30 mile) drive east along another excellent motorway will find you in Edinburgh together with its ever popular festivals, shopping in Princes Street, the historic Castle and Holyrood Palace.

Florence, Italy

Without doubt one of Europe’s most stunningly beautiful locations, Florence is served by Pisa Airport, some 84 km (50 miles) west of Florence. Rent a car at Pisa airport and you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore Pisa’s leaning tower, majestic Florence and some of some of the most picturesque countryside in the whole of Europe, that of the majestically beautiful Tuscany. Thus it is hardly surprising that Florence is high in the popularity stakes when looking at European cities. When you arrive in Florence you will find that a large proportion of the centre of the city is pedestrianized protecting the many ancient architectural treasures and statues from the pollution and vibrations associated with heavy traffic. The complete lack of traffic brings a sense of tranquility as you wander from one fragment of history to the next. You do not need to stray too far before being hit by the evil, ear splitting roar of the scooter riders of Florence. Apart from the Ponte Vecchio all of the bridges leading to city centre are noisy, polluted places, thus providing an added reason to stay within the ancient alleyways and tranquil inner sanctums of Florence’s beautiful piazzas.

Tours, France

Tours is the ideal base for touring France’s wonderful Loire valley and its stunning chateaux The perfect centre for exploring the Loire Valley famed for its wonderful selection of palatial residences, the city has quite a few of its own charms. Although the little airport is only a couple of miles out of town, you really need to rent a car in the Loire Valley in order to explore a selection of the most stunning towns and villages in the whole of France. Along the banks of the River Loire between Chalonnes and Sully-sur-Loire, a host of cultural treasures are presented for the visitor to feast their eyes on. The Loire valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers scenic countryside, heaps of flamboyant castles plus a good scattering of historic villages. Originally the “Retreat of Kings” back in the days of the Renaissance and the middle ages, the Loire Valley was a firm savourite of the French monarchy. Built originally as working fortified castles, the buildings were transformed into the palatial chaeaux that you will find today. Visitors from all over the world are attracted to the historic towns that are situated along the banks of the Loire. Towns such as Blois, Chinon and Tours have so much to see and do whilst the most popular chateau is possibly that on the Chambord Estate. Throughout the region you will find small, family owned vineyards selling a variety of great wines at very low prices. Keep your eyes skinned for the word “degustation”, which means sampling I guess, and as long as ‘Le Patron’ is not in the middle of a long leisurely lunch you will be made very welcome and he will be more than willing to offer you a tasting of all his wines. Of course, it is strongly advised that you take a tee-totaller as your driver, some of these tasting sessions can become extremely alcoholic!.