For all its excitement, New Year can be a serious hit to the wallet: expensive entertainent, travel costs, rip-off hotels… the whole experience can be ruined by a concerted financial assault. But New Year doesn’t have to be like this – save on travel cost by looking for cheaper holidays. Going for a relaxing getaway that fits your budget is definitely a good choice. So what are your options?
Choose a cheap destination
Edinburgh
Although there’s no such thing as a free holiday (particularly at New Year), there are ways of making sure your holiday doesn’t break the bank. For example Edinburgh is one of the iconic New Year destinations, with tens of thousands of people flocking to the city to experience a Scottish Hogmanay. If you book in advance you can get a cheap train ticket (if you take the East Coast line it sometimes works out cheaper to go first class!), and this is a much better option than the coach. Once in Edinburgh, avoid the over-priced and over-rated street party and head up to Arthur’s Seat (the ancient volcano in the heart of the city), for a free night of fireworks, fun and New Year frolicking.
Paris
Another affordable location – though potentially more glamorous – is Paris. The Eurostar is by far the easiest way to access the French capital, with the boulevards and beautiful buildings just a couple of hours from London. The image of a firework-illuminated Eiffel Tower is synonymous with New Year celebrations, and with an excellent public transport system it is perfectly straightforward to take budget accommodation in the outskirts of the City and travel in to the centre. Check out the hill around the Sacré Cœur for a particularly beautiful celebration, with stunning views.
Host a fondue party
If travelling still feels a little excessive, why not stay at home and host a fondue party? They are evocative of cosy, winter evenings, while the communal atmosphere is enhanced through the sharing of the hot oil. Fondue sets can be purchased relatively cheaply online and are easy to set up. In terms of meat, there is a huge amount available at budget prices after Christmas but I like to go to Smithfields Meat Market in London on Christmas Eve. There is such a vast amount of meat to sell that they are almost literally giving it away – for £20 it is possible to buy several large steaks and a turkey and they will throw in a large ham for free. So stock up and invite your friends over to cook some meat!