You’re in denial if you don’t know that one of the main benefits of apprenticeships is the fact that you are paid to learn and become qualified in your favourite industry! 🔥🔥🔥
We have previously written about how to manage your money, but it is also great to treat yourself! I’ve travelled quite a bit since I started my apprenticeship, I’ve been to Amsterdam and I’m about to go to Milan. Last year I went to Prague and Zurich. You can reward yourself for all your hard work. Like me, you can also choose to save money. If you want to travel, here’s my Top 10 most affordable City Breaks – you might be surprised!
Amsterdam – The Netherlands
Amsterdam is one of the cheapest places to book up now due to its popularity and it is very well priced once you are there. Almost every person you bump into is a tourist which means that if you want to do something, like go on a canal cruise, there will always be another company that does it cheaper. It is a beautiful city with canals running throughout – watch out you don’t fall in one of them! There was an unfortunate man who did fall in when I visited last year, in December – it must have been so cold! It is a place that you can go to be cultured, with plenty of museums but also you can relax along the canal. Of course, who would go to Amsterdam without having a walk around the Red-Light District! That’s one that you won’t forget!
Milan – Italy
Although the flights to get to Milan aren’t the cheapest, accommodation is well priced and it is reasonably well priced whilst you are there. Milan is Italy’s capital for fashion and has plenty of gorgeous restaurants – treat yourself when you’re there! Milan has a very gothic feel, with a beautiful cathedral standing proud in the centre of the City. A brilliant destination for anyone interested in photography. Also, to anyone interested in shopping, Milan is perfect for you, with a massive shopping centre, it’s a great place to have a look around the shops. Although, it is incredibly expensive so you may have a wait a few years before getting the Jacket that you so desperately want! You could even capture a glimpse of da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” while you’re there!
Prague – Czech Republic
Prague is one of the most affordable City Breaks that I have been on. Not only are flights cheap, but accommodation is cheap, and food is even cheaper. How does this sound – going away with a friend for 3 days and the whole break for both of you coming to a minimal £250!! That includes staying in a 5* hotel with his & hers sinks! Prague is a city with poise, but also a very fun side! There are plenty or bars around, but due to the nature of the city, every street you walk down reminds you of where you are – it is a must for any traveller! Much like Amsterdam, Prague is full of tourists which means that to get a great experience. They even offer Segway tours around the city! Just a tip; it pays of to be an early bird and have a walk around the city before the City awakens!
Zurich – Switzerland
You don’t think of Zurich and think of a cheap holiday, but you’d be surprised. Zurich is a massive hub for engineering and businesses and so there are regular cheap flights there and equally cheap hotels. Zurich is a vibrant city full of wealth, honestly, about 3 Aston Martins drive past you each hour! There is an amazing lake that is lovely to sit near home to about 70 swans, a massive shopping street full of extravagant items and a viewing point. Although sometimes windy, it is amazing to see the city from the top of the hills in Switzerland. The train climbs the hill almost vertically! The best time to go to Zurich would be around Christmas, as there is a dozen or so Christmas markets across the city!
Berlin – Germany
Berlin doesn’t exactly sound the most exotic of places that your apprenticeship wage could take you, but it is worth it. If you want a holiday with your friends, why not drive over there and spend a few nights in the City? Alternatively, you could go over to have a look at all the fantastic attractions that are there to see. As the Capital of Germany is does have its stories. Why not go to have a look at the remains of the Berlin wall? Have a look at Museum Island – a fantastic thing to see, or even the government building - the Reichstag. Berlin is not a destination that you would forget in a hurry.
Paris – France
You don’t even have to fly over to Paris! You could just get the Eurotunnel. You don’t even have to stay in Paris! You could go for a day and come home that evening! There are so many opportunities. And, it is the ‘City of Love’ – why not treat you partner to a romantic trip to Paris – I’m sure they’d love that. I would! *hint**hint* 😉 Apart from the classic things to see in Paris such as the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame, there are so many different things to delve into. You could taste your first ever snail, or just have a stroll around the gorgeous city. There are so many places to eat that you can easily find somewhere within your budget!
Barcelona – Spain
Now, that’s impressive. Being in employment and having one of your first breaks abroad without your parents to Barcelona! Barcelona is reasonably priced, and for the quality of food that you get out there, it’s hard to convince yourself out of going! Although Barcelona is relatively close to Britain , it feels incredibly exotic, it’s colourful, with a gothic feel and has so much available to you for just one holiday! Barcelona also has its own fantastic beach which holds a massive festival in the Summer – it is not to be missed!
Dubrovnik – Croatia
Dubrovnik is one of the cheapest places that you can go to, with both cheap flights and accommodation it’s difficult to think of a reason not to go! It is so picturesque, pretty much wherever you are in the city you can see the sea! All of the buildings have reddish architecture, giving a ‘Game of Thrones’ feeling. In fact – part of Game of Thrones was filmed in Dubrovnik! When you’re there don’t miss out on walking the city walls. I would also definitely recommend going to the beach and going up Mount Srđ, you get a breath-taking view of Dubrovnik from the top of that mountain! I’m speaking very highly of Dubrovnik – mainly because I want to go there some time this year – see you there!
Athens – Greece
You think of Athens – you think Greeks, the Olympics and ruins of magnificent buildings! Next time someone mentions Athens, consider their cheap holidays that you can get your hands on! It is incredibly hot –in terms of demand AND temperature! It is an incredibly picturesque city, so once again, if you love photography – bring your camera with you! When you’re there, you must have a look at the Acropolis of Athens but also have a look at Plaka, it is fantastic neighbourhood to walk through with plenty of shops!
Krakow – Poland
Krakow doesn’t exactly sound like your first choice of city break, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t go – it is a city with a lot on offer! The town square is the largest medieval commercial square in Europe – have a look at some pictures, it’s ridiculous! It is also incredibly cheap once you get to Krakow. Other than going to the main square there are several things to have a look at, it’d be worth looking at the old city walls aswell as the Salt Mine and Wawel Castle – just because the name is something else!
I do hope that even if you’ve taken none of that in, that you think about going away somewhere for a long weekend. Package holidays are always cheap, but also consider other options which may be even cheaper! Such as booking flights and a hotel / B&B separately, or using the air b’n’b app!
Let us know if you decide to go on a City Break – we’d love to hear about your adventures! If you’re doing an apprenticeship, tweet your holidays snaps to @GetMyFirstJob
