A move towards reopening the economy has seen many sectors, including travel, return to the forefront. This time of year, assignments build up and mid-semester stress begins to kick in. What better way to pick yourself up than by booking a well-deserved city break! We have narrowed down our favourites and outlined the travel restrictions in place, to ensure a fun and safe trip.
Edinburgh
With flights lasting just over one hour from Dublin, this beautiful historic city is ideal for those who want to minimise travel time. You must possess proof of vaccination to travel to Scotland. If you aren’t vaccinated you must take a test three days before your arrival, and have your negative results to hand.
Flights vary in price depending on peak or off-peak times. Ryanair offers affordable rates with return tickets from €20 to €60. Accommodation also caters for a wide range of budgets. Websites such as Trivago are great and will give you the most up to date deals on hotels.
Edinburgh is known for its history, if this is something that interests you I would recommend checking out the underground walking tour of the city, where a local guide takes you through the Edinburgh Vaults. If you are looking for something more relaxing there are plenty of cafes and restaurants around to enjoy. Edinburgh has an amazing nightlife with plenty of bars and clubs like “The Raging Bull”, a cocktail bar with perfectly instagramable decor!
London
London is another superb option for anyone wanting to avoid long flights. You must have proof of vaccination to avoid the need to isolate for ten days. If you are fully vaccinated you do not need to take a test when you arrive.
Return flights from Ryanair are only €20, even at peak times. However, accommodation in London is expensive. Cheaper hotels such as Premier Inn’s are €70 a night. Airbnb is suitable for larger groups or for a more luxurious experience.
There is no shortage of things to occupy yourself within London. I would strongly urge you to visit the Victoria and Albert Museum. They offer free entry to many of the exhibitions. Camden market, described as a “haven of counter-culture” is also a must-see for tourists. Expect stalls of hip, indie art and fashion along with fresh, vibrant food. You can’t visit London without going to Buckingham Palace. I suggest attending the changing of the guard ceremony. This happens at 10:30 am outside the palace on certain days. It’s free to watch and popular among tourists so be sure to get there early. London also has a great club and bar scene so you can guarantee amazing nights out.
Lisbon
For anyone looking to go further afield Lisbon is the perfect destination. You must present your digital covid certificate as proof of vaccination. If you are not vaccinated you must take a test 72 hours before your departure and have proof of a negative result.
Flights to Lisbon are more expensive than others on our list at €116 for a return ticket. Hotels are available for a range of prices, the most affordable being €90 per night. However, deals are often available on TripAdvisor.
Kick off your trip in the most enjoyable way with the ferry boat sunset cruise, a two-hour cruise along the Tagus River. This is budget-friendly at only €29 per person. If you’re a foodie you will love the food and wine walking tour of Lisbon. In the company of a culinary guide, you will spend three hours sampling the best Portuguese cuisine. This is definitely more expensive at €45 per person.
For a more casual option, be sure to stop by “Scoop n’ Doop”, an ice cream shop with the best vegan doughnuts!
Budapest
If you’re looking for a festive getaway Budapest is perfect. The city is dotted with Christmas markets throughout December. The Christmas market at Basilica attracts thousands of visitors. The beautiful fair is adorned with artisanal food, drinks and crafts. This year the market is taking place from 29th November to 2nd January.
When travelling to Hungary you are required to show proof of vaccination. If you’re not vaccinated you must pass a Covid test 72 hours before your arrival. Ryanair offers return flights to Budapest for just €20. Accommodation is ideal for students with hotels available near the markets for €30 a night.
After nearly two years of lockdowns, you probably can’t wait to get away. Hopefully, you feel inspired to check out some of the destinations on our list. Wherever you choose to visit, be sure to review the travel restrictions so we can continue our journey back to normality. Happy travelling!