As the festive period rapidly approaches, many will be turning their thoughts to family get-togethers over the holiday period. Families up and down the UK will be finishing off their Christmas shopping and making sure they are well stocked up on food and drink.
Soon many will be tucking into their Christmas turkeys and puddings, washing it all down with a few beverages here and there. For some, though, Christmas can be a time of enormous stress and tension, best avoided. And for those looking to escape the festive stress, there is one destination that provides a perfect retreat at very affordable prices.
Analysts at M&S Travel Money have looked at different destinations around Europe for a last-minute festive break.
Top of their list came Krakow in Poland, with a three-night break between December 27-30 costing as little as £349.
This compares favourably to a trip over the same period to Zurich in Switzerland where prices start at around £897.
The historic Polish city is a short flight from the UK – around 2.5 hours from London. Eating out won’t burn a hole in your pocket either, with the cost of food per day averaging at around £25.
And no festive period is the same without a beer or two, with plenty of brands to choose from.
Krakow’s pub culture spans centuries-old cellars in the Old Town, candlelit boho bars in Kazimierz, and modern taprooms pouring fresh Polish craft.
The most expensive beers are to be found in bars on the Main Market Square, where a pint will set you back between 22-28 PLN £4.54-£5.78).
However, if you are looking for a few quiet drinks back in your hotel room, then head to the supermarket for a selection of local brands.
Budget Polish brands can cost as little as 3 PLN (£0.62) for a 0.5 litre bottle – a real bargain. Popular Polish lagers are a little more expensive, costing 4 PLN (£0.83) for 0.5 litres.