Festive Finds: Your Budget-Friendly Christmas Travel and Shopping Guide

We’re barely through October, and already the ‘C-word’ is sneaking its way into office chit chat and radio jingles. Shops are decked out with trinkets & chocolates, and it’s starting to feel suspiciously nippy outside. In a nutshell, Christmas is creeping its way in, whether we like it or not!

And if you’re toying with the idea of a festive getaway, or on a mission to find affordable gifts, our shopping guide is here to lend a hand. We’ve answered some of the top Christmas-related queries to help you make the most of the festivities and get prepared early.

Where to Travel This Christmas?

Nothing screams Christmas spirit quite like a trip to a European Christmas Market! If you’re truly after that festive feeling, you’ll find it in abundance in places like Vienna, Prague, Berlin or Paris.

Imagine bustling markets overflowing with festive trinkets. The scent of fresh delicacies and mulled wine wafting through the air – Tempting?

If ticking off a Christmas City Break is on your 2023 to-do list, you’re in for a treat. For the best deals, book early. Jet2Holidays or TUI have you covered on all fronts. Want to sort out your hotel, flights, baggage, and transfers in one go? You’re covered. And with a whole section dedicated to Christmas Markets in Europe, you’re spoilt for choice.

For those holding out for a last-minute deal as the season approaches, a bargain might just be waiting for you on Lastminute.com. And if you’re the type to book your accommodation and flights separately, try hotels.com or eBookers to compare and contrast prices.

Keep an eye out! Deals, promotions, and voucher codes for Christmas City Breaks will start popping up soon. Don’t miss out – stay updated by checking our Travel Category for the freshest deals as they land.

Where are the Best UK Christmas Markets?

The UK is renowned for its enchanting Christmas markets. From the vibrant stalls of Manchester to the historic charm of Bath, there are tons of top spots where you can find unique gifts, seasonal treats and create festive memories.

Edinburgh, London and Manchester typically spring to mind as some of the most sought after locations for festive fun in the UK. But if you’re after a more quaint Christmas experiences, destinations like York and Lincoln are perfect.

Fancy a Xmas retreat with family, friends or your loved one? Avoid the hustle and bustle of busy trains and delays by opting for a coach trip with guaranteed drop off and pick up times, to and from a wide choice of destinations in the UK. National Holidays have got you covered with affordable coach trips with regular promotions on offer.

If you’re turning your adventure into a cosy night away, for hotel deals, believe it or not, booking direct is a good way to snatch a deal. We often see great promotions for for stays at Travelodge or Raddisson Blu hotels, or if you want to compare prices, head over to Hotels.com.

When Should I Start Christmas Shopping?

Good question. The truth is, there’s no right or wrong time to kickstart your Christmas shopping. But with that being said, as a money-saving expert, what I can say is – the earlier the better! Preparation is key, not just for your sanity, but for your pocket too.

Many shoppers like to start their Xmas shop around Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in the hope of snatching some bargains on big ticket items. While this is a great idea, we advise our users to keep their eyes out for sales, promotions and voucher codes throughout the whole of November.

Now deemed as ‘Cyber Month’, in the past couple of years, we’ve seen sales dropping as early as the beginning of November. And if you have your eyes set on some expensive purchases like iPhones, Headphones, Tablets and TVs – we definitely recommend signing up for newsletters. 

Popular stores like Very, Argos, Curry’s and AO.com almost always participate in Black Friday, or ‘Cyber Month’, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled on their page.

And in short, don’t stress too much! Don’t overspend or buy unnecessary items because it’s ‘on sale’. Keep in mind that stores may tend to inflate their RRP, to make their sale prices more attractive. So shop around and do your research to ensure your getting a good deal.

How to Enjoy Christmas on a Budget?

Christmas is without a doubt an expensive time of year. Spending can quickly spiral and for many, Christmas can be a financial burden. To help take the pressure off, we’re sharing some of our expert tips to help you navigate Christmas on a budget this year:

1. Shop the Sales: Take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals for early Christmas savings.
2. Gift Vouchers for the Win: When unsure of gifts, vouchers provide recipients with choice and flexibility.
3. Shop Early: Beat the December rush. Early shopping = better deals and less last-minute splurges.
4. Handmade with Love: Crafty gifts can mean more and cost less. Time to get creative!
5. Plan & Budget: Establish a clear budget for the season and adhere to it.
6. DIY Decor: Instead of buying decorations, consider creating your own for a personalized touch and potential savings.

For the full scoop on all our expert shopping tips, check out our Christmas on a Budget guide for all our insider tips & tricks.

Christmas at NetVoucherCodes💚

Keep your eyes peeled on our Christmas Collections page for all the latest discount codes, sale offers, deals and more as and when they land!