by Rail fares in England and Wales are rising by almost 5 per cent despite train cancellations at their highest levels for 10 years.
Public transport campaigners have claimed that passengers are being “punished” and will be “angry” about the price increases.
Why not exchange your anger for some joy? According to Trainline, an open return anytime from London to Manchester costs £369.40. It is exorbitant, when you think that the distance is about 200 miles – or 163 miles as the crows, or Airbus A320, fly.
£370 is a significant amount for anyone. So we thought we’d look at what he buys in terms of travel – from overseas packages to UK breaks to holiday transport.
Here are seven escapes to consider instead of that visit to Manchester. The prices quoted are based on two people travelling.
Majorca low season
The major tour operators have many offers before Easter and the start of the main season. The temperature in Mallorca is already rising by 20C, and wherever you decide to base yourself it’s easy to get around. Palma is a very low-key city, and many of the inland towns feel more authentic (for food, culture, lifestyle) than the popular coastal resorts. Peguera has a large beach and plenty of places to eat and drink; it is also convenient to Palma and to access hiking trails and beautiful mountain villages in the Tramuntana range.
Tui has a seven-night holiday at the Vibra Beverly Playa in Paguera on a B&B basis from £327pp, for a twin room with a “limited sea view” and balcony, including direct flights from Gatwick. Taking place March 15.
The city break in Budapest
The capital of Hungary is one of the most popular short holiday destinations in Europe. It is called the “Paris of the East” because it abounds in architectural refinement, music, art and fine wine; Louis XIV allegedly called Tokaj “the wine of kings, the king of wines”.
The city was cut in half by the Danube. Buda hills rise above the west bank, where the medieval cobbled quarter is. On the other side is the magnificent parliament building and elegant 19th-century houses that house Pest’s shops, bars and cafes.
EasyJet Holidays has a six-night break at the Soho Boutique Hotel in Budapest’s District VII, on a B&B basis from £305pp including flights from Gatwick and hold luggage. Taking place March 9.
Malta beach break
Malta has beautiful beaches, an extraordinary history, a beautiful capital and excellent food and drink. It is also small so you can base yourself anywhere and tour around to see not only Valletta but the so called Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua and the fortress of Mdina. St Julian’s is located out at Ballyhod Bay, which has a neo-Gothic Carmelite Parish Church and several Art Nouveau buildings. A long prom connects the resort to Sliema.
Lastminute.com has a five-night holiday at the So City Hotel in St Julian’s on a B&B basis, from £351pp, including flights from Heathrow. Taking place 21 May.
North Yorks walking tour
The North York Moors National Park has the largest continuous expanse of heather in England, through which run deep valleys and woodlands. A self-guided walking holiday opens up these expanses as well as Whitby Abbey and Robin Hood’s Bay.
HF holidays have three self-guided nights walking holiday in the North York Moors from £339pp, including en-suite accommodation in the company’s own country house, cream tea, bed and breakfast, packed lunches and dinners. Based on the March event (other dates are available).
A social weekend in Linn Dubh
Out of season, the UK’s most popular seaside resort is a great place for a walk – on the beach and the prom – with trams to take you back when you’re tired. There’s no end to heritage sites – the Tower, Winter Gardens, the Great Theatre, three piers – and great food at the Wok Inn (Pan-Asian fusion), Twisted (Indian street food) and Common (bar and tapas restaurant ). The soon-to-open Showtown museum is a great rainy day option. Big Blue, often used by Strictly stars, next to the theme park Pleasure Beach which has just opened, and 150 yards from the beach.
Booking.com has three nights at the Big Blue Hotel for £330 (so £115pp), including breakfast, from 15-18 March.
Get an InterRail pass
Exchange two hours and an hour from Pendolino to Manchester for a month or more swinging around Europe’s vast rail network. Gone are the days when InterRail was just a rite of passage for 18-26 year olds. It’s a great way to travel low carbon and tick off capital cities and random towns that you haven’t managed to see in your travel life. Sleepers still run in many ways, and you can usually get a bed for a small fee. There are a range of passes available but traveling every day for a month is not the best way to do it; it is also cheaper to buy only 10 days.
A 10-day Interrail World Pass Promo for Adults €380 (£325), which allows 10 days of rail travel within two months in 2nd class carriages across 33 countries. You can travel on as many trains as you like on each of your 10 travel days, so it’s perfect for visiting around ten destinations. Note: this offer is on now; the usual price is €447 (£380).
Fly to Barbados
Barbados is great fun, whether you want to party the night away, dine on delicious Bajan fish and seafood, sip rums in a corner bar or explore the island’s history. First colonized by English settlers in 1627 but independent since 1966, Barbados is culturally and historically rich and there is much to discover from the beach. Areas of Bridgetown, the bustling capital, are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Inland – which is easy to visit by bus – you’ll find Anglican churches, plantation houses and botanical gardens. A week’s rent will push you over the Manchester train ticket budget – but not by much.
Tui has return flights from Birmingham to Barbados over six nights (departing March 17) from £303pp, including hand luggage.
