Off the beaten track: 8 winter trips that won't break the bank

Instead of Copenhagen, try Gdansk

Routes from Ireland to Poland are among the most connected and best value in Europe, which is why the country should be on everyone’s getaway shortlist. 

Krakow is the most popular choice for international visitors, but don’t overlook gorgeous Gdansk on the Baltic coast for a winter break. 

From its Renaissance architecture and yacht-lined marina, to its ambient bars and concept restaurants, you’ll even find shades of Amsterdam and Copenhagen here. 

Stay right in the heart of the city with weekend rates from €75 per night at options like Scandic Hotel. 

• Fly direct from Dublin, Cork or Belfast. ryanair.com

Instead of Reykjavik, try Bergen

If you’re looking for a great Nordic escape — without the price tag of a trip to Iceland — consider a weekend away to Norway’s second city, Bergen. 

Thanks to a new direct route from Dublin aboard low-fares airline, Wideroe, Bergen can now be reached within a 90-minute scoot north. 

The historic town with vibrant maritime and mountain influences is stacked with attractions from its UNESCO old town, lively food and arts scene and its scenic funicular. 

And as a gateway to Norway’s fjord region, you could even work in an epic day cruise to your trip. 

Flights, which operate at a weekend-friendly Thursday and Sunday, cost from €250 return, and you’ll find many fine hotels in Bergen from €140 per night.

• wideroe.no

Instead of St Moritz, try Livigno

When the Swiss are heading somewhere else for their own ski breaks, you know it’s a good sign of a destination. 

Tucked into the Italian alps, the Lombardy resort of Livigno has been offering bargains for, well, centuries. 

An incentive to spur prosperity in the remote region has seen Livigno being a duty-free zone as far back as the 16th century. 

For the modern-day snow bunny, that means excellent value in everything from hotels to ski passes and gear rental to tax-free shopping everywhere from Emporio Armani to Lego. 

A three-hour transfer will get you here after flying from Milan, Zurich, or Bergamo but consider the scenic ride a build-up to your high-altitude adventure. 

Go DIY or book a week-long package with operators like Crystal Ski from €734pps.

• crystalski.ie

Instead of Paris, try Lisbon

With great accessibility, budget-friendly accommodation and guilt-free pastel de nata (at least on your pocket), you can see why the Portuguese capital has been billed as Europe’s best-value city. 

A three-course dinner with a bottle of house wine costs an average of €50 (for two) here, while you’ll find a huge range of affordable options from charming neighbourhood Airbnbs to boutique city-centre hotels. 

The only drawback? Perhaps those hilly streets, so choose your base wisely! 

• Aer Lingus, Ryanair, and TAP all fly from Dublin meaning competitive fares.

Instead of Rome, try Athens

In terms of epic European breaks, it’s almost impossible to beat the wow factor of Athens. 

And while you may pay a little more to get to the Greek capital, you’ll bank those savings on the ground. 

Visitors can be wowed by blockbuster sites like the Acropolis, the Pantheon, and the original Olympic stadium while the lively restaurants which flank the streets of Plaka and Monastiraki serve the Greek food and wine of your dreams. 

Budget accommodation is abundant, but you may be tempted to splurge in Athens: Acropolis-view rooms at the likes of the five-star Grand Hyatt are available from just €140. Winter return fares from Dublin with Aegean start from €220.

• aegeanair.com

Instead of Prague, try Riga

After cracking down on its reputation as stag party central, Riga is emerging as an excellent option for a relaxing, bargain trip to the Baltics. 

And we do mean bargains. Weekend hotel rates are available from €50 a night in the Latvian capital this winter while you’ll find four-star spa hotels like the Wellton Centrum available from €100 per night — the perfect sanctuary from the nippy Baltic Air. 

Out on the streets, marvel at Riga’s fairytale architecture, attend the city opera and don’t forget that Christmas market season starts off from early December. 

• Fly there from Dublin with AirBaltic or Ryanair with flights from €190. ryanair.com

Instead of London, try Bath

Could this be the UK’s finest urban retreat? 

The magical city of Bath, famed for its Roman baths, has been drawing tourists for centuries and nowadays this bougie Somerset town seems to offer tourists more than ever. 

There’s the phenomenal architecture you’ll find at the likes of The Royal Crescent, an incredible food and arts scene and those historic baths, which today even offer a vibey rooftop hot tub, offer an excellent wellness touch to a break here. 

Get here via Bristol from Dublin, Belfast, and thanks to a new Aer Lingus service, from Cork too. 

• The Air Decker service will take you straight from Bristol Airport to Bath in about 45 minutes. aerlingus.com

Instead of Venice, try Treviso

While winter may be your best chance to experience Venice with diluted tourist numbers, if you’re seeking a cheaper alternative in the Veneto region, think Treviso. 

The compact city, reachable with direct flights from Cork and Dublin, packs a cultural punch with its canal-flanked streets, rich history, and mouth-watering gastronomy where specialties include risotto alla trevigiana made with sautéed red chicory. 

And did someone say “prosecco”? Just north of the city lie the rolling hills which are home to the sparkling wine and make the perfect excuse for a winery tour. 

You’ll find rooms at waterside properties like Le Camere Di Palazzo Bortolan from €105 per night. 

• ryanair.com