As we wind down after another hectic week at STA Travel Towers, our Experts are still full of beans and ready to tackle your toughest travel predicaments!
Remember, they’re here each and every week to answer your questions, so don’t be a stranger, email us with your travel quandaries, and we’ll put them to the team.
This week’s question comes from Doug in Leeds, who’s looking for a short escape…
I’m looking for a weekend getaway abroad that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg – any suggestions, Experts? Doug in Leeds
A very good question indeed, Doug. Let’s see what our Travel Experts have for you…
Sarah Jones from STA Travel Covent Garden says…
For a cheap weekend getaway that doesn’t involve you spending all your time on a plane, Doug, Europe is your best bet. The hub of history and culture, Europe has an impressive list of places to choose from.
Instead of the usual city hotspots, why not branch out to new horizons? One of my favourite of the lesser-visited is Belgrade in Serbia.
Discover what Belgrade has to offer | Image by Espino Family
This capital city is a soulful mix of eastern and western culture due to its geographical position at the crossover point of the Sava and Danube rivers, adjoining east to west.
Evidence of this impact on the city is seen through its eclecticism; from the dominant Kalemegdan Fortress with its 7,000 year history to the Skadarlija quarter with its 19th century Bohemian culture.
You can learn about the 77 battles of the Kalemegdan and its turbulent past. As an alternative, visit one of the numerous taverns of the Skadarlija, once a hangout for the artists and Bohemian kids of the day, and enjoy great food, drink and traditional Serbian folk music. Top ones to chill: The Three Hats, Two Deer and Two White Pigeons.
Another sight to see is the Royal compounds – not one but two – in the heart of the city. Take a relaxing stroll from St. Mark’s Church down the famous King Alexander Boulevard, Belgrade’s longest street, and soak up the regal Serbian ways in this prestigious neighbourhood and gardens.
If this doesn’t tempt you enough, the city boasts an impressive green scene with around 65 parks and 15 hunting grounds, great for an afternoon away from it all. The best city in Europe? Possibly…
If you’re interested in Serbia, just give one of us a call on 0800 988 4248.
Claire Whittington from STA Travel Brighton says…
Why not head to Sorrento in Italy, Doug, and have a weekend break with a difference? You could learn a new skill and still having enough time to chill out on the beach or make the most of the local night life in the evening.
Escape to Sorrento in Italy | Image by The Consortium
Toss and knead your way to culinary excellence on a 2-day Pizza, Pasta and Gelato Making Course in Sorrento, Italy starting from £270. Not only is your bed and breakfast accommodation included, but you also get to eat all the yummy food you make. Flights start from just £80 to Naples (the nearest airport to this course), and you’d be just minutes away from the stunning Amalfi coast.
If action is more your thing, head to Gibraltar for a 2-day Beginners Kite Surfing Course based in the lively resort of Tarifa, which starts at £156.
Spend 2 days being taught by the experts and flying across the water (or at least attempting to!) as you try out the fastest growing water sport in the world.
On successful completion of your course you will recieve an IKO certificate and then you can hit the bars to celebrate your success with your new kite-surfing friends!
