Sometimes we just need to get away from it all for a little bit. Whether it’s mounting pressures at work or at home, everyone deserves a mini-holiday at one time or another, just to get their head back on straight. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to square that need with the reality of our budget.

It’s still hard times for the average household in the UK, thanks to ever-lingering after-effects of a once-in-a-generation cost-of-living crisis and ongoing wage stagnation. In such times, and when emergency savings are more important than ever, it can be hard to justify even a weekend city break to decompress. But the ability to enjoy such an escape should be a non-negotiable thing – so let’s talk budgeting.

1. Planning And Travel Timing

There are many little budgeting mistakes that can be made in the planning of a holiday, but it all, ultimately, comes down to judiciousness. How judicious are you about the decisions you make at each step of your planning?

Starting with the basics, even the timing of your trip can have incredible consequences for its final cost. In the ‘on-season’ of a given country, you’ll find it much more expensive to book travel and accommodation than in the ‘off-season’ – much like travelling at off-peak times can dramatically cut costs overall. For city breaks that give you the respite you deserve, at a cost you can afford, consider timing it so your travel (air, rail or otherwise) takes place mid-week or late at night.

2. Accommodation

Accommodation is the biggest cost you’ll have to contend with besides travel to and from your target city. As such, shrewd decisions can dramatically reduce initial cost outlays. Try not to look at Airbnb, tempting as it may be; most city listings are either woefully inadequate for individual needs, or not priced competitively against hotels. Instead, use comparison sites to find hotel room deals, and shop around for independent lodging houses and hostels you might be able to contact directly.

3. Eating, Drinking & Tourist Attractions

Another mistake holidaymakers make when making their holiday is to act just like that: holidaymakers. In so doing, you open yourself up to the predatory costs of tourist-targeted food, drink and attractions. London is a fun example.

As a tourist in London, you’ll spend, cumulatively, hundreds of pounds riding the London Eye, touring the dungeons and seeing the Crown Jewels; as a local, you’ll eat breakfast at a local caff, lunch at Borough Market and spend an evening touring Dalston for cool bars. Who’s had a more ‘London’ experience, and who’s spent more money? Take this same essential mission – act like a local – and apply it to your destination. You’ll have a cheaper time, and a better one too.