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Today’s sponsored post brings us all the way back to the UK where Europe’s delectable cities are just a short hop and jump away. While living in London 5 years back, I used to grab every opportunity I could to travel in the region – spending one weekend in Munich, the next soaking in history in Athens and another lounging by the beaches of Barcelona. Thanks to the extremely affordable budget airfares and free airport parking, going on short weekend breaks are easy, cheap and fuss-free. Here are some quirky ideas for a short weekend getaway from the UK:

Malta

As a popular summer destination, Malta is chocked full of stunning bays, turquoise bays and charming medieval towns. It is reminiscent of Sicily, Italy, yet retains a strong sense of its own identity. Skip Valletta and head straight to the charming town of Gozo instead and you’ll find a taste of authentic Malta. Easyjet offers return fares from Manchester to Malta from as low as £90 return (taxes not included). To park Manchester Airport, Holiday Extras provide a comprehensive selection of packages. Check online for the full airport parking fees.

Flickr photo by eurodrifter

Latvia

Located next to the Baltic Sea, Latvia is a rare gem that’s waiting to be discovered by European travelers. Few know about its charming coastal towns, eclectic medieval cities and rich nature, which is what makes it all the way attractive. Ryanair flies from Bristol to Riga, the capital of Latvia, with prices starting from £14.99 (taxes not included.) Holiday Extras provide you with a good range of Bristol Airport parking, simply pre-book on-site or off-site parking and avoid lengthy transfers and additional hassles.

Morocco

Washed in gorgeous colors and studded with chaotic bazaars, Morocco is a sensory overload. As one of my favorite countries in the world, Morocco has so much to offer to a traveler – from beautiful beach towns to desert landscapes and vibrant cities. Easyjet and Ryanair and several budget airlines fly from London to Marrakesh and Casablanca in under 3 hours.

Iceland

It’s unfortunate that Iceland is close to bankruptcy, but this is good news for travelers. What used to have the most expensive McDonalds in the world is now cheaper than before, and prices are definitely more affordable now. Iceland Express and Iceland Air can fly you straight from the hustle and bustle of London straight to the glaciers of Reykjavik.

Flickr photo by Stuck in Customs

Norway

Stretching from the cosmopolitan capital of Oslo to the fjord country of Trondheim and the arctic circle, Norway is blessed with some of the world’s rawest landscapes ever seen. It comes as a surprise to many that it’s just a 3-hour flight from the UK and you don’t have to break a limp to fly there for a weekend! Ryanair flies straight from London Stansted, Liverpool and Newcastle to Oslo, airfares starting from £19.99 one way (taxes not included).