FROM seeing Shakira perform in Rio to a drinking cocktails in the world’s tallest cocktail bar – it’s fair to say I’ve been to a lot of countries in my career as a travel writer.
Since my first trip abroad 30 years ago, I’ve wracked up 60 countries… and counting.
Yet while I love a far-flung trip, some of my favourite cities are a bit closer to home, and MUCH cheaper to fly to.
So here are my 10 favourites which you can get to in just a few hours, and none of the flights there are more than £20.
Agadir
The Moroccan city is perfect for some cheap, quick, winter sun.
Agadir is ideal for those wanting relaxation and was even named the most affordable summer holiday destination earlier this year.
A highlight is Souk el Had, one of the largest markets in Morocco, and I recommend the White Beach Resort Taghazout just outside of the city for a relaxing stay, right on the beach.
Flights can be found with Ryanair for £14.99 from London Stansted or £17.99 from Edinburgh.
Seville
As one of Spain‘s most southern cities, you can expect some scorchingly good weather (just avoid the summers where it hits 40C).
Watch some flamenco, buy some famous Seville orange perfume or explore the Moorish Royal Alcazar Palace.
Make sure to stay at Only U – stays are around £100pp per night and it felt more exclusive members club than hotel thanks to the rooftop pool, onsite florist and bakery and VERY trendy rooms.
Flights can be found with Ryanair for £14.99 from London Stansted or £17.99 from Edinburgh.
Brussels
It was during a Christmas trip to Brussels that I realised it would actually make the perfect girly trip in summer.
I explored the Rue de Flandre neighbourhood – once named one of the world’s coolest – for noodle bars, pizzarias and cosy drinking spots.
I stayed at the Hilton Brussels Grand Palace hotel, with the fancy breakfast room being a highlight. Prices start at £185 for a double room.
Flights from Newcastle start from £14.99 with Ryanair.
Faro
Faro gets overlooked for just being the gateway to the Algarve, but it’s criminal to skip this stunning Portuguese city.
It has beautiful Caribbean-like islands just off the coast which are ideal day trips, costing just a few euros.
It is also home to 3HB the city’s only five star hotel complete with high spec rooms and rooftop bars with firepits perfect for Love Island style chats. Rooms start at £76 pp per night.
Flights start from £13 with Wizz Air from London Gatwick.
Madrid
The Spanish capital has quickly become my favourite place in the country for so many reasons.
There are fun neighbourhoods such as Malasana with bars and shops (try the fantastically decedant bakes in Santo) or visit on weekends to El Rastro, one of Europe‘s biggest flea markets.
If you’re on a budget you can’t go wrong with the recently opened easyHotel too, with rooms starting at £59 per night. It is an easy few metro stops from the city centre – also easy to use even if not used to underground networks.
Flights can be found with Ryanair from £14.99 from Bristol and London Stansted.
Milan
While Milan can be slated as one of the less-loved Italian cities, it is worth a weekend trip – IF you know where to go.
The street-art lined Navigli is popular with locals for its vibey restaurants lining the canal (go just off the main road to Iter for amazing wine and fun interiors).
Try NYX hotel, with double rooms from £156 per night. It is right beside the train station and has a rooftop terrace.
Flights start £14 with Wizz Air from London Luton or from £14.99 with Ryanair from Manchester and London Stansted.
Marbella
Marbella may be a beach club capital but in my opinion, off season is the best time to visit – as I found when I planned a trip in April.
This meant quiet dinners in the local-populated Taberna la Nina Del Pisto, or bar hopping from La Tienda to Vinalium Castillejos for cheap wine.
The Hard Rock Hotel is a hilarious place to stay – make sure to get the music-themed massage where music is played from speakers to the vibrations of the bed. Prices start at £120 per night for a double room.
Flights start from £14 with Wizz Air from London Gatwick, or with Ryanair from £14.99 when flying from Bristol, Birmingham, Newcastle, London Luton or Bournemouth.
Copenhagen
One of my favourite trips was when I was between jobs, and decided to spend a chic weekend in Copenhagen.
I brunched at Atelier September, explored the Fashion Museum and popped into Tivoli for a step back in time, as well as popped to see the famous Little Mermaid statue and Hans Christian Anderson grave.
Hotel SP34 – from £80 pp per night – is a must, if not just for the free wine and cheese hour ever evening…
Flights from Edinburgh and London Stansted from £14.99 with Ryanair or £16.99 from Bristol and Manchester.
Amsterdam
You might have already visited Amsterdam, but let me sell you on Amsterdam Noord.
Get the free ferry over from the main train station along with all the other cycling locals and before dinner and drinks at Next. Don’t forget some of the amazing art galleries and museums – STRAAT and NXT are worth a visit.
Stay at Bunk for a unique stay, built into a church with some VERY interesting artwork and a vibey bar. If you are on a tight budget a pod for one starts at £25.
Flights from London Southend from £14.99 with easyJet.
Palermo
You can’t visit Palermo without getting a famous Negroni and Bar Timi claim to have the best in the city (best chased by some fresh arancini at the food markets.
There are loads of flea markets and antique markets to explore, although you could also leave the city to find a beach club for the afternoon as well.
When it comes to hotels, there is the new NH Collection Palermo Palazzo Sitano which feels quintessentially Sicilian but is also in a great location. Prices start at around £95pp per night.
Flights from London Stansted start from £16.99 with Ryanair.