One of the many reasons we wanted to relocate to the UK was because of its proximity to the rest of Europe. We thought exploring Europe would be a lot easier if we lived in it and, with the plethora of cheap fare airlines available, exploring Europe might also be financially feasible. For example, we recently found airfare to Frankfurt-Hahn, Germany from Edinburgh for only £42 (including taxes and fees). Sadly, and something we never would've considered possible when dreaming of our life here while still in the states, we didn't purchase the flight.
One of the reasons we passed on the trip was due to time constraints. With Mike's school schedule our travel dates aren't flexible at all, only allowing the weekends for travel. Leaving Dundee on a Friday afternoon or evening and returning that Sunday, best case this still gives us less than 48 hours at our destination. Of course, we must also consider travel time to/from Edinburgh airport. Plus, since discount airlines often use rural airports to keep costs down (Hahn is about 2 hours outside of Frankfurt) we need to consider time to/from the destination airport to the destination city, too. Given these details, in this example an additional 6 hours taken up by travel to/from airports, we would have less than 36 hours at our destination.
Another reason we passed on the fare was due to cost considerations. We budget £50 per day trip (any admission costs, food, travel) when we explore the area around Dundee. Applying that number to a mini-break and adding lodging, our budget would need to be about £200 per trip plus airfare. So, that £42 airfare to Frankfurt-Hahn would wind up costing us £242, if we stuck to our budget, for less than a day and a half in Germany. Is that enough time to do more than say you've been there and is it worth the price?
We've decided we're going to hold off on any weekend flights for the time being. With plenty to see around us in Dundee we can explore more for less by just renting a car or jumping on a bus or train. We'll allow ourselves this first semester to acclimate to our surroundings and reconsider taking advantage of these fares after our return from Paris in the new year. £42 for a weekend in Germany (or anywhere for that matter) is hard to say no to.
2 comments:
Hard to say no to indeed. Don't worry, we'll be taking advantage of those cheap flights soon enough.
You know, if you guys ever need cheap flights to anywhere the Orange Express (easyJet) takes you, just get in touch. I can organise discounted flights (if staff seats are available) and they are guaranteed places on the flight - none of this 'standby' travel uncertainty.
Post a Comment