FAQs
Got questions about Europe Unlocked? Here you'll find the answers you need to get started on your getaways.
Definitions
What is a Europe Unlocked getaway?
A Europe Unlocked getaway is a complete short trip built from cheap budget flights: out from your local airport, a night or three away, and home again - sometimes from a different city entirely. Every itinerary we show is non-stop flights only, priced as a whole trip, with sensible time on the ground in every city. Because we hunt through low-demand budget flights and every date combination, a proper European break often costs less than a night out.
What's the difference between a short break, a cheap return, and a multi-city hop?
🛌 Short Breaks are one to three nights away - out and back around a normal working week. 💷 Cheap Return Trips are simple there-and-back city breaks to a single city, sorted cheapest first. 🌍 Multi-City Trips visit two or three cities on one trip - instead of flying home between cities, you fly on to the next one. You book each flight directly with the airline.
Why do some trips return to a different airport?
Sometimes the cheapest way home lands at an airport near the one you left from - flying out of Manchester and home into Liverpool, say. We only suggest sensible alternatives within striking distance of your departure airport, we always label them clearly on the trip, and you choose which ones you're happy with in the search filters.
Getting Started
How do I find a getaway?
Head to the Search Getaways page, choose your local airport, and set your dates - or pick a preset like school half terms or "weekend warriors". Then filter by price, nights away, and single-city or multi-hop. ✈️
Where can I go?
Browse the Destinations page to see everywhere on the board right now, or start from your local airport's page to see what's available near you. 🌍
How do I book?
We're a search and comparison tool, not a travel agent. When you've found your trip, use the booking links on each itinerary to book each flight directly with the airline (or through Google Flights / Skyscanner). Your money goes straight to the airline, and you deal with them directly if anything changes.
Are the prices live?
Each itinerary shows when its price was last checked. Budget airline fares move quickly - especially the very cheapest seats - so if you see a bargain, it's worth booking sooner rather than later. ⏰
Travel Planning
How much time do I need at the airport?
Plan to arrive 2 hours before your flight. Security lines can vary from 10 minutes to an hour, so give yourself plenty of time to avoid stress. ⏰
What size bag can I take on a budget airline?
Each airline has slightly different rules for cabin bags. Here's a quick reference: 🎒 Ryanair: 40 x 30 x 20 cm 🎒 EasyJet: 45 x 36 x 20 cm 🎒 Wizz Air: 40 x 30 x 20 cm 🎒 British Airways: 56 x 45 x 25 cm Always check the airline's website before packing! ✅
Where can I find cheap airport parking?
Try YourParkingSpace or JustPark for affordable spaces on private property near airports, like someone's driveway! 🚗 Official airport parking can be expensive but bargains can be had too, especially if you book ahead for the length of your break. 🅿️ On a multi-city hop, remember to check where your trip lands back before booking parking - if you're coming home to a nearby airport instead, public transport might be the smarter move.
What about accommodation?
We find the flights; where you sleep is up to you. Each stay on an itinerary shows how many nights you'll spend in each city, so you know exactly what to book. Book refundable rates until your flights are locked in, and check your hotel's location against the airport you arrive at - some cities have more than one. 🛌
Travel Tips & Tools
What apps can help with my getaway?
Some essential apps for your getaway: - Google Maps for navigation 🗺 - Citymapper for local transport in major cities 🚎 - Flighty for real-time flight tracking and updates 🛬 - PackPoint for smart packing lists 💼 - Revolut/Monzo for better exchange rates abroad 💸 - GetYourGuide for quick booking of local experiences 🎫 On a multi-city hop you may fly three different airlines - install each airline's app and screenshot every boarding pass the night before. 📱
What if a flight is delayed or cancelled?
Delays happen, but here's how to be prepared: - Stay at the gate for updates 👀 - Pack a charger and power bank 🔋 - Check the airline app for rebooking info 📱 - Don't forget to apply for compensation if eligible! 💰 On a multi-city hop each leg is a separate booking, so a delay on one leg doesn't automatically protect the next - leave sensible gaps (our itineraries show the ground time in every city) and consider travel insurance that covers missed connections on separate tickets.
Special Considerations
How do I plan for kids, babies, or elderly family members on a trip?
Getaways can be family-friendly! Consider the needs of your travel companions. 👨👩👧👦 Choose shorter flights and accessible cities with attractions that suit all ages, and use the school-holiday presets in the search to line trips up with half terms. The "avoid early flights" and "avoid late flights" filters are your friend when travelling with little ones. 🍪
Can I do a multi-city hop with the family?
Absolutely - two cities over a long weekend works brilliantly with older kids. 🎢 Use the "min per city" filter to make sure every stop has enough time to actually enjoy it, and keep the party to cabin bags so nobody is dragging a suitcase over cobbles between cities! 🧳