Zoos

British cruise line Ambassador Cruises are so confident of the value of their sailings, and the packed schedule of events and delicious variety of food onboard, they challenged me to have as much fun during a day out in London as I would onboard

What would you do if you had £338 to spend on a day out?

That’s the question Ambassador Cruises asked me, and the one I answered last month. The British cruise line’s people are so confident of the value of their sailings, and the packed schedule of events and delicious variety of food onboard, they challenged me to have as much fun during a day out in London as I would onboard.

Armed with £338 (the price of a night’s bed and board for two on an Ambassador ship), I began plotting a big day out in the English capital for my partner and myself, to put their value claims to the test, and to find out if going away on holiday is all a big waste of time and effort.

My philosophy was simple and borrowed classic present-giving wisdom: we’d plump for things we’d never normally do.

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First up was breakfast in The Delaunay. If you’re looking to treat yourself to one of the best breakfasts of your life, then the Covent Garden-based all-day brasserie is the place to go. The grapefruits come sliced into segments and arranged into a bursting flower shape; the fried eggs are perfectly round; and the company, well-heeled lone men, seemingly from another century, reading broadsheets. £71 well spent on delicious food and a novel experience.

Next, we wandered up to London Zoo in Regent’s Park, where entry costs £38 per adult in peak season; which, on that particularly scorching August Saturday, it certainly was. Presumably, the Dudley Dursley imitators are out in lesser force on most days, as the banging on snake vivarium glass and screaming inches from a hanging sloth was relentless.

Beyond the beautiful gorilla babies Venus and Juno, and the excellently creepy bug house complete with a golden orb spider walk-through, there was little at the zoo I can recommend unless you like feeling a bit sad about nature.

Harbouring mixed feelings, we hopped on a bus to Soho and made for Tamarind Kitchen. The small plates restaurant specialises in seriously fancy curries and silver service. It’s a whole different kettle of fish than the poppadom-stacking, waistband-stretchingly plentiful curry houses you find on most UK high streets. We’re talking more tasting bowls of delicate vegetarian curries and £5 sparkling water than a chicken coop’s worth of tikka and a Tiger beer for £10. The damage: £106.

The highlight of the day was next on the schedule and had us slapping down our cash in a hurry and heading to the South Bank for a performance of Nye at the National Theatre. Booked a week in advance, we’d managed to bag two tickets for £38 each. Every seat in the Olivier section of the theatre is excellent, meaning we had a wonderful view of Michael Sheen as he brought the story of the NHS founder to life.

From the lofty peak, things could only go downhill, and so they did. Our night ended with a rejection metres from the front door of Ronnie Scott’s, where our hour of queuing for the non-ticketed 11 p.m. jazz live show proved in vain. Four Negronis in Bar Termini down the road provided good solace for £44.

So how does all of this compare to a cruise?

The major difference is the one-destination nature of our jaunt. The joy of a cruise is most obvious when you wake in the morning and look outside to see a new city or country there, ready to explore. Another big tick in the cruise column is the value of accommodation.

Had my partner and I swapped our flat for one of London’s cheapest hotel rooms, it would’ve cost us at least £100. More likely, £150. As my colleague Sophie Harris discovered on a recent Ambassador sailing on Ambience from London Tilbury to the Netherlands, the junior suites are “gorgeous” and replete with a large dressing area and a balcony.

“The space was super comfortable and cosy, and the outdoor area was perfect for relaxing, breathing in the fresh sea air and watching the waves. We were also treated to fresh canapés every day, fresh fruit and a stocked mini fridge,” Sophie wrote.

Which brings us on to the consumables. Even with £338 bolstering your wallet, drinks in London do not feel cheap. Or certainly not as cheap as they do when ordered on an all-inclusive cruise package, whatever the total is once all is said and done. Food-wise, Ambience ’s Buckingham Restaurant and its 80s-themed night complete with prawn cocktail, chicken Kiev and baked Alaska won major praise from Sophie.

But it’s hard to imagine that the variety and quality of any cruise kitchen could match that on offer in the UK’s major towns and cities. Similarly, London theatres such as the National, Young Vic and Almeida are much more tempting than anything I’ve watched on a cruise ship.

That said, if you’re a Bucks Fizz or Fleetwood Mac fan, Ambassador’s cover shows will likely win your heart. “The live music and shows onboard Ambience were a highlight of my stay, and due to it being an 80s cruise, the themed evening entertainment was incredible,” Sarah concluded.

At the end of it all, I’d say honours are pretty even. But, if you’ve recently had your fill of cruising or a package break, why not try a “holiday at home”? It’s a great way to unearth new local delights and see a new side of where you live.

Wizz Air UK managing director Yvonne Moynihan has warned that passengers will be hit with higher luggage fees if new EU hand luggage legislation is implemented

Wizz Air has launched seven new routes, including to a little-known region filled with natural beauty.

As of last month, Wizz Air is flying four times a week from Gatwick to Wroclaw in Poland. It will be flying from the same London airport to Warsaw in Poland and Medina in Saudi Arabia from the beginning of August.

Over in the West Midlands, Birmingham is now linked up with Rome three times a week as of June, with new flights to Sibiu and Suceava in Romania later this year.

When it comes to the Suceava route, the budget carrier will operate flights three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with fares starting from £17.99.

Corporate communications manager at Wizz Air Olivia Harangozó said: “We are delighted to be adding Suceava to our route network from Birmingham. The city and surrounding region offer incredible natural beauty and historical significance, making it an ideal destination for travellers hoping to discover somewhere off the beaten track.”

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This week the recently appointed head of Wizz Air UK, Yvonne Moynihan, conceded that the airline would have to raise luggage fees in response to a potential new European Union regulation. In an interview with the Mirror, Moynihan outlined how Wizz Air UK might adapt to new hand luggage rules.

While the regulation is still pending, it could force budget airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air to abandon steep additional fees for secondary cabin bags.

The decisive element for budget airline passengers lies in the EU’s Transport and Tourism Committee’s stipulation: “Passengers should have a right to carry on board one personal item, such as a handbag, backpack or laptop (maximum dimensions of 40x30x15 cm), and one small hand luggage (maximum dimensions of 100 cm and 7 kg) without an additional fee.”

In practical terms, it means that budget airlines could no longer demand high fees for a supplementary cabin bag. Despite the UK’s exit from the EU, the new directives would still influence UK travellers as EU-headquartered airlines, such as Wizz Air, fall within their scope

Airline executives have spoken out against the proposal, fearing it will lead to pricier tickets or additional baggage fees in order to compensate for lost revenue.

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“We highly object, along with the other airlines. It essentially erodes consumer choice,” voiced Ms Moynihan regarding the decision. The head of the fledgeling budget carrier drew parallels to Ourania Georgoutsakou’s critique, the managing director of Airlines For Europe, who said that the policy is akin to “going to the cinema and being forced to have Coke and popcorn with your ticket.”

Ms Moynihan anticipates the EU legislation will be diluted before passing into law but warned that carriers like Wizz Air may ultimately raise their luggage charges to makeup for decreased profits. At present, ancillary services such as seat selection and baggage fees contribute nearly half of Wizz Air’s revenues.

Lowestoft is a popular UK seaside town that is further east than anywhere else in England – it boasts sandy beaches, a pier, sand dunes and a zoo on it’s doorstep

Labelled ‘the most unsung location in Suffolk’, the coastal gem of Lowestoft boasts the easternmost point in England. Not only does it feature a classic pier, sand dunes and even a zoo nearby, it’s an unmissable spot.

Frequently gracing rankings for top seaside destinations, Lowestoft’s breathtaking sunrises might just be one of its standout lures. The award-winning South Beach, also known as Victoria Beach, has repeatedly earned the Blue Flag for its outstanding environmental quality and pristine waters.

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Railway enthusiasts can delve into history at the East Anglia Transport Museum or broaden their maritime knowledge at the Lowestoft & East Suffolk Maritime Museum.

With a plethora of sights and activities, Lowestoft is a family favourite – whether you tire of the stunning seafront views and venture to Pleasurewood Hills theme park or enjoy an evening with the esteemed Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the local theatre.

Why not savor a pint of the region’s Adnams beer at the highly regarded Jolly Sailors or Spring Tide pubs? The accolades are abundant, with both pubs amassing approximately 2,000 reviews celebrating their hearty fare and vibrant vibes, reports the Express.

Tourists often express their fondness for the town, enjoying strolls along the pier, observing the boats, and exploring the promenade.

Nonetheless, not every visitor has been equally enthralled. One disappointed tourist described their experience as “Shocking. Dirty. Grim”, highlighting the prevalence of youngsters on the streets and inebriated individuals occupying doorways.

Alas, it seems that Lowestoft isn’t immune to the less favourable stereotypes typically associated with port towns. Like numerous town centres, Lowestoft has seen better days, with shop closures and a dip in social buzz leaving it feeling somewhat neglected.

The term “ghost town” has been bandied about by some, yet they still commend its stunning beachfront.

There’s a consensus that the area holds promise as an attractive spot, and fingers are crossed that ongoing refurbishments will breathe new life into it.

Whitby in North Yorkshire has been named one of the UK’s best seaside entertainment spots, and it’s easy to see why with its sandy beaches, historic landmarks and top-rated restaurants

Recognised as one of the UK’s top seaside amusement locations, this charming coastal town has long been a hit with those yearning for a traditional beach holiday. Nestled at the mouth of the River Esk, Whitby in North Yorkshire is steeped in a rich history rooted in maritime, mineral and tourism trades.

Its appeal as a tourist hotspot is further amplified by its close proximity to the North York Moors national park and the heritage coastline, not to mention its eerie link to the horror novel Dracula. The town’s most iconic landmark is undoubtedly the ruined abbey perched on the East Cliff.

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Other notable features include the swing bridge spanning the river and the harbour, safeguarded by the grade II listed East and West piers.

Whitby’s nautical history is honoured through statues of explorer Captain Cook and whaler and scientist William Scoresby, as well as the whalebone arch that graces the West Cliff, reports the Express.

The town also boasts a robust literary tradition, having been featured in numerous works, television programmes and films, most notably Bram Stoker’s renowned novel, according to Yorkshire Live. If Whitby doesn’t tickle your fancy, you might consider this stunning town on the Welsh coast.

A recent survey ranked Whitby seventh on the list of the UK’s top holiday entertainment destinations.

The survey considers factors such as the number of pubs, restaurants, museums, parks, zoos and aquariums, water and amusement parks, arcades, beach review scores, hotel prices, Google searches, average temperature, average rainfall and local train stations.

Whitby boasts a variety of highly-rated dining establishments, ranging from cosy coffee shops to gastropubs and sea-view restaurants. There are three five-star rated eateries on TripAdvisor, ideal for those seeking a delicious meal.

First up is Lush Coffee on Silver Street, which earned the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice award for 2023.

Promising a ‘warm welcome’, this coffee shop offers freshly brewed coffee, quintessential Yorkshire Tea, hearty full English breakfasts, hot and cold sandwiches, toasties, burgers, and an array of homemade cakes and treats.

They also provide outdoor seating and welcome dogs. For those in search of a more upscale dining experience, Ditto, another five-star rated establishment and recipient of the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice award for 2023, could be just the ticket.

Situated a mere stone’s throw from the beach on Skinner Street, this family-run restaurant is the perfect spot for food enthusiasts looking to indulge in a special meal while visiting the town.

Just around the corner, Beckett’s has scooped up the bronze for top-notch dining in Whitby, with an impressive 875 TripAdvisor reviews lauding its selection of hot beverages, savoury treats, breakfasts, brunches, and cakes, all acclaimed for their “excellent quality”.

Make sure your itinerary includes Cranberry Swamp – a firm favourite among breakfast aficionados, Al Taco for some Mexican flair, and The Postgate Country Inn for a slice of British tradition.

No coastal getaway is complete without sipping on a cold beer, a glass of prosecco, a sophisticated cocktail or a refreshing mocktail under the warmth of the sunshine.

Whether you’re seeking a serene spot to relax or a lively evening filled with karaoke entertainment, Whitby’s varied pubs and bars cater to all tastes.

Whitby is dotted with hotels and B&Bs suitable for every budget, some with stunning sea views that are truly unrivalled.

TripAdvisor heralds Hillcrest as the crème de la crème of hospitality, ideally situated close to the bustling town centre and easily accessible from a treasure trove of local shops, eateries, pubs, and attractions.

The establishment is not only bike-friendly, offering secure storage, but with their insider knowledge, they’re ready to point you towards exceptional spots for cycling, rambling, and watersports such as paddle-boarding and surfing. On top of that, their luxurious rooms offer ample space for families.

Other establishments in Whitby receiving high praise include The Stables, The Penny Hedge Lodge, and The Belfry.

Whitby is home to one of Yorkshire’s most pristine and secure beaches, recently honoured with a Blue Flag. This international recognition is bestowed upon well-kept beaches boasting superior water quality.

There’s an array of other beaches to explore as well. Whitby West Cliff Beach, a favoured sandy location interspersed with rocky patches, is supervised by lifeguards from May through September.

The beach extends from Upgang Beach to the River Esk’s mouth and is conveniently situated on Whitby town’s northern fringe, just a brief stroll from the town centre.

Access points to the beach are scattered along Cleveland Way, North Terrace, and North Promenade. On sun-drenched days, families gather on the sandy stretch between Upgang Beach and West Pier.

A line of colourful beach huts are available for hire, and deckchairs and windbreaks can be found near the slipway at West Pier.

From May to September, a seasonal dog ban is enforced on Whitby West Cliff Beach. However, dogs are permitted all year round on the nearby Tate Hill Beach.

Other popular beaches in Whitby include Sandsend Beach and Runswick Bay.

In 2022, Robert Ellis pledged $200,000 to create a garden in the Los Angeles Zoo’s bird theater.

By January, the city of Los Angeles had sued its nonprofit partner, the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Assn., amid longstanding tensions over spending and other issues.

Ellis, a GLAZA board member, redirected his donation to a fund for the nonprofit’s legal fees.

At stake in the messy divorce between the city and the association is a nearly $50-million endowment that each side claims is theirs and that funds much of the zoo’s special projects, capital improvements and exhibit construction.

The city’s contract with GLAZA, which governs fundraising, special events and more, ends Tuesday, leaving the zoo in a precarious place, with no firm plan for how to proceed.

The elephant exhibit is empty after the last two Asian elephants, Billy and Tina, were transferred to the Tulsa Zoo.

(Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times)

The zoo, which houses more than 1,600 animals, has become increasingly dilapidated. Exhibits including the lions, bears, sea lions and pelicans have closed because they need major renovations. The last two elephants, Billy and Tina, recently departed for the Tulsa Zoo after decades of campaigning by animal rights advocates over living conditions and a history of deaths and health challenges.

The 59-year-old zoo, which occupies 133 acres in the northeast corner of Griffith Park, is struggling to maintain its national accreditation, with federal regulators finding peeling paint and rust in some exhibits.

U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors and the Assn. of Zoos and Aquariums found a “critical lack of funding and staffing to address even the most basic repairs,” L.A. Zoo officials wrote in a budget document in November 2024.

A sign designating a closed exhibit is posted in an animal enclosure at the Los Angeles Zoo.

(Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times)

Meanwhile, attendance has declined to a projected 1.5 million visitors in 2024-25, down about 100,000 from the previous year, the zoo said, citing “outdated infrastructure” and closed exhibits as part of the reason.

“We’re not vibrant like we should be,” said Karen Winnick, president of the city Board of Zoo Commissioners.

GLAZA has been the zoo’s main partner since it opened in 1966, handling fundraising, special events, membership, publications, volunteers and sponsorship.

The zoo’s $31-million operating budget comes largely from tickets and other sources, with only 1% to 2% directly from the association, according to City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo.

But the indirect amount is higher, since GLAZA raises money through membership and special events, depositing some of it in a fund that covers most of the zoo’s budget.

Outside of the operating budget, the group also raises money for facility renovations and programs such as animal care, conservation and education.

Through a spokesperson, Ellis and other GLAZA board members declined to comment.

Devin Donahue, a lawyer for GLAZA, said in a statement that the nonprofit “spent more than 60 years building up an eight-figure endowment that the City of Los Angeles is now attempting to seize without concern for the intent of the donors who chose to give to a trusted charity, and not to a city running a billion-dollar deficit. To remove GLAZA’s safeguarding hand from Zoo funding would be catastrophic for both the LA Zoo and its animals.”

A flamingo basks in water at the Los Angeles Zoo.

(Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times)

One GLAZA insider blamed the conflicts on Zoo Director and CEO Denise Verret, saying she has tried to take power away from the association since she assumed the role in 2019.

Another source familiar with the relationship said that zoo officials believe they don’t need GLAZA and have wanted to end the partnership for years.

“They [the city] believe they could do this on their own,” said the second source, who was granted anonymity to speak candidly about the partnership amid the ongoing litigation. “There’s a lot of animosity, as opposed to it being a healthy relationship or one of gratitude.”

The relationship between the zoo and GLAZA has been fraught for decades, stemming from issues regarding money and power, said Manuel Mollinedo, who was zoo director from 1995 to 2002.

“They would make the zoo literally beg for money,” Mollinedo said. “The problem with GLAZA is they see themselves as an entity only responsible in answering to themselves. They don’t see themselves as an organization there to support and work with the zoo.”

Mollinedo said he always thought the zoo would be better off taking some power away from GLAZA and instead partnering with different organizations.

GLAZA has accused the zoo of not properly spending the money that the association raises.

“Notwithstanding red flag warnings of disrepair at the Zoo, enclosure and exhibit closures, and troubling risks to the health and safety of the Zoo’s animals, the City has failed to spend money raised by GLAZA and available to it for necessary remediation,” the nonprofit said in court papers.

In 2023, more than 20 years after Mollinedo left the zoo, city officials announced that they would open up “requests for proposals” for organizations interested in performing GLAZA’s functions, in what they described as an effort to promote fairness and transparency and ensure that the zoo was getting the best services.

By initiating the application process, the city showed that it had no interest in continuing its “overarching partnership” with the organization, Erika Aronson Stern, chair of the GLAZA Board of Trustees, said in a letter to Mayor Karen Bass in October.

GLAZA declined to apply and announced that it would be walking away, along with its nearly $50-million endowment.

A giraffe watches as people pass by its enclosure at the Los Angeles Zoo.

(Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times)

Some of the endowment money still needed to spent on the zoo, according to donors’ wishes, and GLAZA would transfer that money to the facility — but it refused to cede control of the fund.

Late last year, the city sued the association, arguing that it was the rightful owner of the endowment.

“GLAZA has only been permitted to raise funds on behalf of the City, never on its own exclusive behalf,” wrote Deputy City Atty. Steven Son.

GLAZA said it does have the right to raise funds for itself and asserted that the city has been mismanaging zoo money for years.

Los Angeles Zoo Director Denise Verret stands in front of an area of the zoo slated for redevelopment. The 20-acre expansion would include a new hilltop Yosemite lodge-style California Visitor Center with sweeping views of a 25,000- square-foot vineyard.

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Verret, the zoo’s director, spent exorbitant amounts on activities unrelated to the zoo, GLAZA alleged in court documents, including $22,000 on a party celebrating her own appointment in 2019, $13,000 improving her office and $14,000 on the assistant director’s office.

The association also said in court documents that it provided at least $1.7 million at Verret’s request for conservation organizations that are “separate and distinct” from the zoo.

Verret argued in court papers that her use of the money was appropriate. She modernized “1960s-era” administrative offices, and her welcome party helped “strengthen relationships.” Conservation is one of the zoo’s “core purposes,” she said, noting that GLAZA didn’t raise the spending questions until after the city sued.

In a statement, Verret said the zoo is prepared to be on the international stage for the Summer Olympics in 2028.

“With the new structure and … new business partners in place, the L.A. Zoo is in a very healthy place now and continues to focus on its mission,” she said.

As for fundraising, she was less clear.

“Although we are still developing plans to establish a new fundraising model, we are future-focused with our priorities and efforts grounded in the gold-standard care and well-being for the animals at the zoo,” she said.

On Wednesday, a judge ruled that GLAZA cannot solicit donations “that are not for the exclusive benefit of the Los Angeles Zoo” and may not use funds from the endowment without the city’s permission. The question of who controls the endowment is still open.

Donahue, the GLAZA lawyer, called the judge’s ruling “wrong on the law and facts, deeply flawed analytically and not in the best interest of the Zoo, its animals, its donors, or the people of Los Angeles.” He said was confident that an appellate court would reach a different decision.

As the lawsuit moves forward, the City Council is working to approve new contracts with other organizations to handle concessions, memberships and other functions. City employees perform many core jobs, such as feeding and caring for the animals, but volunteers supplied by GLAZA, including the docents that gave tours, played a major role in the zoo’s day-to-day operations.

“It’s really a shame that it has devolved to this point,” said Ron Galperin, a former city controller who conducted a special review of the relationship between the nonprofit and the zoo in 2018 and found it “cumbersome and confusing.”

Galperin has advocated for the zoo to be run as a public-private partnership, with the city leasing the land and animals to an organization like GLAZA that would run it, similar to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art or the Hollywood Bowl.

The city previously explored that option after the 2008 financial crisis, but it was opposed by unions that represent zoo workers, as well as by animal rights activists who believed there would be less transparency surrounding the care of the animals.

About 73% of accredited zoos are managed by non-government entities — 57% by nonprofits and 16% by for-profit organizations, according to a study by the Assn. of Zoos and Aquariums.

Winnick, the Zoo Commission president, believes a privately run zoo would raise funds more effectively and save the city money.

“We need new governance for our zoo, and this is the time to do it, with our city overwhelmed by so many problems,” she said. “It would serve people of L.A. and the community for us to go into public-private partnership.”

Instead, the city will run the zoo piecemeal, with at least two organizations taking over what GLAZA once did.

The city recently came to an agreement with SSA Group, LLC to run membership, special events and publications, while The Superlative Group will run sponsorship programs. The city plans to manage volunteers itself.

But the zoo still has not found a fundraising partner.

“For the city to lose a fundraising partner at this point in time, with the deficit we have and visitors we’re expecting to L.A., is sad,” said Richard Lichtenstein, a former member of the GLAZA board and a former zoo commissioner, who said he was speaking as an individual and not on behalf of the association.

“The city does deserve, and its residents deserve, a first-class facility, and without a funding partner, it is difficult to see how the zoo is going to be able to maintain itself as a world-class facility,” he said.

A weekend break in Debrecen, known as Europe’s cheap pint capital, is a fine idea for those seeking a value-packed city break, as well as a thirst for a cheap pint

Europe’s most affordable city for a pint continues to offer beer at five times less than the UK average – and it’s just a short, budget-friendly flight away. Located in Hungary’s Northern Great Plain region, Debrecen isn’t merely known for its inexpensive beverages. It’s an excellent choice for a weekend escape and with careful planning, it could be the best value trip you’ve ever taken.

According to price comparison site Skyscanner, return flights from Luton Airport to the city can cost as little as £23 if you choose the right time of year. The journey is well under three hours, and Debrecen has earned its title as Europe’s cheap pint capital.

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Thirsty travellers can enjoy a Soproni lager for a mere 79p, with the average lager costing around 82p. This is a staggering 6.6 times cheaper than the average price of a pint in London, where a drink now costs a hefty £5.90 on average.

Even Derby – deemed the UK’s cheapest place for a pint in one study – can’t compete with these prices, with the average cost in the Midlands city being £3. But Debrecen offers more than just affordable drinks; it’s a captivating city in its own right.

The vibrant university town boasts the grand yellow Reformatus Nagytemplom cathedral, an extensive museum dedicated to Hungarian culture, a zoo, and a theme park.

The inflationary pressures of recent years have significantly impacted the cost of alcoholic beverages in the UK. Data from the Office for National Statistics released last year revealed that the average price of a pint of draught lager in a pub rose by 12.1% between August 2022 and August 2023, from £4.12 to £4.65.

With many people’s wages failing to keep up, an evening at the local might start to feel like an indulgence.

However, there’s good news – Debrecen isn’t the only place in Europe where you can find a bargain pint, and we’ve highlighted a few other destinations here. But if you’re looking to avoid places where you’ll be charged an arm and a leg for a beer, you might want to give Iceland a miss – a pint there now costs an average of £8.33.

Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife – £1.60 a pint

A tried and true favourite, this Canary Island gem continues to offer excellent value for money. With stunning sea views, a tranquil atmosphere, and incredibly cheap pints, it’s no wonder why.

If you visit in June before the school summer holidays, you’ll find pleasant weather and great value for money on-site, all while avoiding peak season airfares and hotel rates.

Faro, Portugal – £2.18 a pint

The Algarve is known for its crystal-clear waters, sunshine, delicious cuisine, and budget-friendly drinking spots. Consider Faro for your next European getaway for wallet-friendly prices on flights, hotel stays, and in-destination expenses – beers start at just £2.

Zagreb, Croatia – £2.44 a pint

Zagreb conjures images of sun-soaked beaches during the day and lively socialising with mates at night, all made more appealing by a remarkably affordable pint price of just £2.44. To make the most of your savings, steer clear of the school holidays and plan your visit for May-June.