Rail fares in England and Wales are rising by around 5 per cent despite train cancellations being among the highest in 10 years.
Public transport campaigners claimed passengers were being “punished” and would be “angry” at the price increases.
Why not replace your anger with some joy? According to Trainline, the open return fare from London to Manchester at any time is £369.40. This is an exorbitant figure when you consider that the distance is around 200 miles (or 163 miles when flying a Crow or Airbus A320).
£370 is a significant amount for anyone. So we thought we’d take a look at what he’s buying travel-wise, from overseas packages to UK holidays and holiday transport.
Here are seven escapes to consider instead of visiting Manchester. Prices stated are valid for two people traveling.
Low season Majorca
Major tour operators have many offers before Easter and the start of the main season. Temperatures are already reaching 20C in Mallorca, and wherever you decide to settle, getting around is easy. Palma is an underrated city, and many inland towns feel more authentic (in terms of food, culture, lifestyle) than the popular coastal resorts. Peguera has a wide beach and many eating and drinking places; it is also useful for Palma and for accessing hiking trails and beautiful mountain villages in the Tramuntana region.
Tui is running a seven-night break on a bed and breakfast basis at Vibra Beverly Playa in Paguera from £327 per person for a twin room with “limited sea views” and a balcony, including direct flights from Gatwick. It departs on March 15.
Budapest city break
The capital of Hungary is one of Europe’s most popular short break destinations. It has been called the “Paris of the East” because it is full of architectural elegance, music, art and fine wines; Louis XIV allegedly called Tokaj “the wine of kings, the king of wines”.
The Danube River divides the city into two. The hills of Buda rise above the western shore, home to the cobbled medieval quarter. On the other side, there is the magnificent parliament building and elegant mansions from the 19th century, where Pest’s shops, bars and cafes are located.
EasyJet Holidays, Budapest’s VII. A six-night break at the Soho Boutique Hotel in the District, From £305 per person on a Bed and Breakfast basis, including flights from Gatwick and luggage storage. We are leaving on March 9th.
Malta beach holidays
Malta has beautiful beaches, extraordinary history, a beautiful capital and excellent food and drink. It’s also tiny, so you can set up anywhere and wander around to see not only Valletta, but also the so-called Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, and the fortified Mdina. St Julian’s is next to Balluta Bay, where the neo-gothic Carmelite Parish Church and many Art Nouveau buildings are located. A long prom connects the resort to Sliema.
Lastmonth.com offers a five-night break at the So City Hotel in St Julian’s from £351 per person on a bed and breakfast basis, including flights from Heathrow. We are leaving on May 21st.
North Yorks walking trip
North York Moors National Park has the largest area of heath moorland in England, with deep valleys and woodland. A self-guided walking holiday opens the door to these vast areas, as well as Whitby Abbey and Robin Hood’s Bay.
HF holidays include a three-night self-guided holiday hiking vacation Prices start from £339 per person, including en-suite accommodation in the company’s own cottage on the North York Moors, cream tea, bed and breakfast, packed lunches and dinners. Based on March releases (other dates available).
Luxurious weekend in Blackpool
Out of season, the UK’s most popular seaside resort is a great place for walks along the beach and prom, with trams to bring you back when you’re tired. There’s no end to the heritage sites – the Tower, the Winter Gardens, the Grand Theatre, the three piers – and amazing food at Wok Inn (Pan-Asian fusion), Twisted (Indian street food) and Common (bar and tapas restaurant). The soon-to-open Showtown museum is a great option for rainy days. Big Blue, frequently used Definitely Stars is located next to the newly opened Pleasure Beach theme park and 150 meters from the beach.
Booking.com is offering a three-night stay in a double room at the Big Blue Hotel from 15-18 March for £330 including breakfast (that’s £115 per person).
Buy an InterRail ticket
Change the two-and-a-half-hour Pendolino to Manchester for a month or more of navigating Europe’s extensive rail network. Gone are the days when InterRail was just a rite of passage for young people aged 18-26. It’s a great way to travel low carbon and tick off capitals and random towns you haven’t seen in your travel life. Sleepers still run on many routes and you can usually get a bed for a small fee. Various passes are available, but traveling every day for a month isn’t the best way to do it; It’s also cheaper to buy just 10 days.
10 days Interrail Global Pass Promotion Adult It costs €380 (£325) and allows 10 days of rail travel over two months in 2nd class carriages in 33 countries. You can travel by train as many times as you want on each of your 10 travel days, so it’s perfect for visiting around ten destinations. Note: This offer is valid now; regular price is €447 (£380).
Fly to Barbados
Whether you want to party the night away, eat delicious Bajan fish and seafood, sip rum at the corner bar, or explore the island’s history, Barbados is full of fun. First colonized by British settlers in 1627 but independent since 1966, Barbados is rich in culture and history and has plenty to do away from the beach. Parts of the busy capital Bridgetown are on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. In the interior, which is easy to visit by bus, you’ll find Anglican churches, plantation houses and botanical gardens. A week’s rental will put you over your Manchester train ticket budget, but not by much.
Tui has return flights from Birmingham to Barbados for six nights (from 17 March) from £303 per person including carry-on luggage.