As Christmas approaches, the spirit of the holidays is slowly creeping into European cities: Christmas trees are decorated, fairs, concerts and many other entertainments are organized. Since prices are usually high during the Christmas period, experts share their tips on where to spend a fun and inexpensive weekend this year.
According to the data of a representative survey conducted this year by the digital financial solutions company IPF Digital, almost half (46%) of Lithuanians manage to save and set aside a small part of their savings from their salary every month, and every fifth set aside more than 20%. your income. However, 4,4 percent have taken out a consumer loan for vacation.
"Thus, during the festive period, the vast majority of Lithuanians can really think about a gift for themselves - a trip. And you really don't need an expensive trip for which you would need to borrow, because there are great inexpensive destinations in Europe that are in no way inferior to the more expensive ones," says Donata Stoškuvienė, head of regional customer service for the Creditea brand in the Baltic countries.
Inexpensive holiday destinations
Riga, Latvija
Riga is not only famous for its Christmas market in the old town, but also the legend of the first Christmas tree. Latvians claim that the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree originated in Riga in 1510, when members of the Blackheads Guild put up a decorated tree in the city square on Christmas Day, which they later burned. It is possible to fly from Vilnius to Riga to see the location of possibly the first Christmas tree in Europe from 45 EUR, and the overnight stay can be as little as 20 EUR.
London, United Kingdom
A visit to the "Winter Wonderland" located in London's famous Hyde Park is a must during the Christmas period in London. Some say it's the world's premier destination for holiday fun, with tons of adrenaline-pumping rides, family-friendly shows, holiday treats and more. During off-peak hours, entry to this wonderland is free, and plane tickets to London from Vilnius can be purchased from 40 EUR. Accommodation can be found from 20 EUR.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Last year, Bratislava shone in The Times' TOP 24 list of the best Christmas markets in Europe, where the wooden toys and gourmet treats sold there were rated the best. You can now fly from Kaunas to Bratislava to purchase these goods from 50 EUR, and to stay overnight - from 20 EUR.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is famous for its sunny days. During the Christmas period, the weather there is similar to Lithuanian spring, as the temperature rarely drops below 10 degrees Celsius. You can fly from Kaunas to Lisbon to enjoy the sun and taste the local Christmas dishes "Bacalhau à Consoada" (ham with cabbage), "Filhós" (Christmas pancakes) or colorful Christmas cake "Bolo Rei" from 80 EUR. Accommodation prices start from 15 EUR.
Valencia, Spain
Valencia boasts a mild and warm climate all year round. Although there is no shortage of humidity in this city on the seashore, it rarely rains and even in winter the temperature is around 10-15 degrees. It is worth coming here to see the spectacular Cabalgata de Reyes (Procession of the Three Kings) and to taste the traditional turron (nougat) and polvorón (butter cookies). Tickets from Kaunas to Valencia can be purchased from 80 EUR, and accommodation from 15 EUR.
