With Christmas just around the corner, many Brits will be thinking about booking out a big house in the UK for the family to gather around in – but it can be very pricey.
For a family of four to stay in a lodge in the UK in December, it can cost over £1,600, according to eurochange – however, you could save hundreds by jetting off abroad.
Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital & engagement at eurochange, says: ‘Everyone has their own Christmas traditions, whether that’s staying at home or choosing to travel.
‘People tend to assume that travelling abroad at Christmas comes with a hefty price tag, but our research shows that you can actually spend a lot less compared to booking a UK staycation.
‘For example, you can fly the family to Poland and stay in beautiful accommodation for £727 less than the price of a lodge in the UK.
‘If the price of travelling abroad over Christmas has been putting you off, then it’s time to think again.’
We reveal the European destinations that are much cheaper than a staycation for a family of four – and you may even get a white Christmas!
Zakopane, Poland
Zakopane is one of Poland’s best ski resorts. Nestled in the stunning Tatra mountains, the dramatic snowy mountain backdrop creates the ultimate cosy festive vibe.
Whether you’re a family of skiers, or just want to enjoy some authentic Polish festivities in a beautiful setting, Zakopane is a fantastic place to celebrate Christmas.
Easily reachable and just 2 hours from Krakow, the resort has a remote feel but is very accessible.
In the town itself, the Christmas markets are filled with regional foods like oscypek (smoked sheep cheese), mulled wine, and local crafts.
UK flights: Starting from £84pp (£684 for a family of four) 23rd – 28th December
Accommodation: Starting from £264 for a family of four 23rd – 28th December
Total flight and accommodation cost for a family of four: £948
Cologne, Germany
Cologne is known as one of the most festive cities in the world, and for good reason.
You’ll find multiple Christmas markets in the city, but the main one has Cologne’s iconic cathedral as a backdrop.
Here, the German Glühwein (mulled wine) is flowing, and traditional German snacks, including Reibekuchen (potato pancakes), Bratwurst and Printen (Cologne’s version of gingerbread), are served up.
Outside of the markets, the banks of the Rhine make for a stunning festive walk. The city is very well connected by train to other European cities, if you fancy a multi-destination trip, too.
UK flights: Starting from £156pp (£640 for a family of four) 23rd – 28th December
Accommodation: Starting from £545 for a family of four 23rd – 28th December
Total flight and accommodation cost for a family of four: £1,090
Courchevel, France
What could be more festive than spending Christmas in the Alps? During the festive season, Courchevel is transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights and Christmas decorations throughout the villages, which are dotted with chocolate-box houses.
Although it’s often at the higher end of the holiday price range, there are ways to make a Courchevel Christmas affordable.
With accommodation starting from £766 for a family of four for five nights, and flights starting from as little as £84 per person, it is already cheaper than many staycations.
Despite its luxury reputation, there are plenty of family-friendly activities, including ski schools for children, ice-skating, dog sledging and Christmas markets with live entertainment.
UK flights: Starting from £84pp (£336 for a family of four) 23rd – 28th December
Accommodation: Starting from £766 for a family of four 23rd – 28th December
Total flight and accommodation cost for a family of four: £1,102
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed old town really does look straight out of a fairy tale book, and it’s all the more magical at Christmas.
The Christmas market in the Town Hall Square (Raekoja Plats) claims to be one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to 1441. Here, you can sample traditional Estonian snacks including blood sausage (verivorst), sauerkraut, gingerbread and mulled wine.
For those who want to experience an authentic, Eastern European Christmas without the crowds, Tallinn is the perfect place to visit.
Plus, it tends to snow over Christmas, too – an added bonus along with the low prices!
UK flights: Starting from £183pp (£732 for a family of four) 23rd – 28th December
Accommodation: Starting from £436 for a family of four 23rd – 28th December
Total flight and accommodation cost for a family of four: £1,168
