The Noughties were the golden age of dirt-cheap flights, with fares as low as £1.99 for a one-way ticket. Budget airlines like easyJet and Ryanair revolutionized air travel, making it accessible to millions of people who had previously considered flying a luxury. However, those rock-bottom prices are largely a thing of the past. Today, the cost of flights has risen due to soaring aviation fuel prices, increased taxes, and other economic factors. Despite this, budget airlines still offer some incredible deals, especially for travelers who are willing to pack light and be flexible with their plans. With Easter just around the corner, now is the perfect time to snag a bargain on a pre-holiday getaway to Europe—or even a little farther afield. From Portugal to Poland, and from Ireland to Albania, there are plenty of destinations to choose from, each offering a unique cultural experience at an affordable price.
Travelers on a tight budget can still find amazing deals if they’re willing to be spontaneous and travel light. For example, easyJet is offering a round-trip flight from Gatwick to Faro, Portugal, for just £34.66. Faro is a stunning destination, with its cobblestone streets, rich history, and proximity to the Algarve coast. For those who want to stay in style without breaking the bank, the 3HB Faro hotel is a great option. This modern hotel offers chic rooms, a rooftop pool, and a restaurant serving authentic Portuguese cuisine, with doubles starting at £151 per night. Another fantastic deal is easyJet’s flight from Birmingham to Palma, Majorca, for £30.98. Palma is a vibrant city with a mix of medieval architecture, beautiful beaches, and a lively nightlife. The Puro Grand Hotel, a former 15th-century palace, is the perfect place to stay, offering luxurious rooms, a billiards table, and a restaurant serving steaks and Spanish wines, with doubles from £173 per night.
For those looking to explore somewhere a bit different, British Airways is offering a round-trip flight from Heathrow to Dublin, Ireland, for £77. Dublin is a city steeped in history, literature, and music, with iconic landmarks like Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse. The Wilder Townhouse, near Camden Street, is a charming Victorian-era hotel with a bohemian vibe, offering comfortable doubles from £167 per night. Another great option is British Airways’ flight to Riga, Latvia, for £92. Riga is a hidden gem, with its stunning Art Nouveau architecture, vibrant markets, and cozy coffee shops. The Hotel Bergs, located in an Art Nouveau building, offers sophisticated rooms with French mirrors and ornate fireplaces, with doubles starting at £80 per night. If Italy is more your style, British Airways is also offering a round-trip flight from Gatwick to Verona for £86. Verona is famous for its Roman amphitheater and Shakespearean connections, and the Delser hotel, a converted Roman water cistern, offers a unique and captivating place to stay, with doubles from £159 per night.
Ryanair is another budget airline with some fantastic deals this season. For just £31.98, you can fly round-trip from Stansted to Frankfurt, Germany. Frankfurt is a mix of modern skyscrapers, historic buildings, and world-class museums. The Libertine Lindenberg hotel, located in the Sachsenhausen neighborhood, offers a youthful vibe with Dutch watercolors, Moroccan carpets, and cozy rooms, with doubles from £78 per night. If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, Ryanair’s flight from Newcastle to Milan, Italy, for £38.48 is a great option. Milan is a fashion capital, home to iconic landmarks like the Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The Aethos hotel, located near the Navigli district’s canals, offers an eclectic interior with velvet armchairs and heavy drapes, with doubles starting at £305 per night. Another Ryanair deal worth mentioning is the round-trip flight from Leeds Bradford to Bratislava, Slovakia, for £33.98. Bratislava is a charming city with a rich history, picturesque Old Town, and a vibrant cultural scene. The Loft Hotel, with its industrial-chic style and craft beer bar, is a great place to stay, with doubles from £85 per night.
Wizz Air is also offering some incredible deals for travelers willing to grab their bags and go at short notice. For just £44, you can fly round-trip from Manchester to Agadir, Morocco. Agadir is a coastal city with stunning beaches, Moorish architecture, and a lively nightlife. The Kenzi Europa hotel, located on a white-sanded bay, offers tennis courts, a heated pool, and comfortable doubles from £86 per night. Another Wizz Air deal is the round-trip flight from Gatwick to Marrakech, Morocco, for £37.98. Marrakech is a sensory overload in the best way possible, with its bustling souks, stunning riads, and vibrant culture. Riad Adore, with its ten sleek rooms, soft Berber rugs, and tiny pool, is a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city, with doubles from £134 per night. For those who prefer a shorter trip, Wizz Air’s round-trip flight from Luton to Tallinn, Estonia, for £32.98 is a great option. Tallinn’s medieval Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with cobblestone streets, Gothic spires, and a charming atmosphere. The Telegraaf hotel, located in a former bank and post office, offers designer rooms and a restaurant serving traditional Estonian and Russian dishes, with doubles from £106 per night.
One of the most affordable deals this season is Wizz Air’s round-trip flight from Luton to Tirana, Albania, for just £24.98. Tirana is a city with a mix of Ottoman, Italian, and Soviet influences, offering a unique cultural experience. The Plaza hotel, located near Skanderbeg Square, offers a warm atmosphere, a spa with a Himalayan salt room, and doubles from £133 per night. Another budget-friendly option is Wizz Air’s round-trip flight from Luton to Gdansk, Poland, for £26.98. Gdansk is a picturesque port city with colorful buildings, historic shipyards, and a rich history. The Gotyk House hotel, dating back to 1463, offers rooms filled with antiques and Chesterfield sofas, with doubles from £59 per night. Finally, Wizz Air’s round-trip flight from Liverpool to Iasi, Romania, for £26.98 is another great deal. Iasi is Romania’s third-largest city, with a rich history, beautiful parks, and a vibrant cultural scene. The Unirea hotel offers comfortable, old-fashioned rooms close to the Bahlui River, with doubles from £82 per night.
In conclusion, while the days of £1.99 flights may be behind us, budget airlines are still offering some fantastic deals for travelers who are willing to be flexible and pack light. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway to a European city, a beach vacation, or an adventure in a less-traveled destination, there’s something for everyone. From the stunning beaches of Portugal to the vibrant streets of Marrakech, and from the historic cities of Italy to the charming towns of Eastern Europe, these deals make it easier than ever to explore new places without breaking the bank. So why not take the plunge, grab your passport, and embark on an unforgettable adventure? With a little spontaneity and a willingness to travel light, you could be sipping coffee in a quaint café, exploring ancient ruins, or relaxing on a sun-kissed beach in no time. The only question is: where will you go next?
