You’re in a strange emotional place at the beginning of the year.
You’re sad about going back to work after the Christmas break but you’re hopeful for the changes a clean slate promises. You also feel kinda guilty for overindulging during the holidays so you try to be healthy, but then you’re bored because you’re trying to avoid tasty food and booze!
It’s a struggle, but there is a way to make yourself feel better — book your next holiday immediately.
Organising your next big trip abroad is made even more pleasant when you’re able to get to your destination for free; that’s why we’ve teamed up with Circle, a peer-to-peer payments app that lets you send money to friends as easily as sending a text, to give a lucky member of our audience free flights and transfers for two to one of the destinations we’ve listed in this article. We’re nice like that.
For your chance to win this great prize, simply enter using the box below.
Now, let’s have a look at all the wonder places that you can choose from if you’re the lucky winner of our competition…
Warsaw, Poland
The 400-year-old Polish capital is bursting with history.
Dive into its rich heritage with a visit to the Royal Castle, the Palace of Culture & Science and the Warsaw Rising Museum.
While you’re there you need to check out the Old Town, dating back to the 13th Century, to see its charming medieval architecture, impressive fortifications and wide open squares.
Where to drink: The Taps
Where to eat: Stary Dom
Budapest, Hungary
Architecturally magnificent, Budapest is the kind of place that demands to be explored thoroughly.
In order to fully appreciate the grandeur of the city you must venture up Castle Hill, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll find cobblestone streets, Gothic arches and the breathtaking Buda Castle.
And, of course, no trip to Budapest is complete without a rejuvenating dip in one of its numerous thermal baths.
Where to drink: Szimpla Kert
Where to eat: Arnyas Restaurant & Garden
Bratislava, Slovakia
If you want to enjoy the great outdoors while still having the convenience of city living close to hand, Bratislava is for you.
This urban area is overflowing with green spaces, so you can lose yourself for the day on hiking or biking trails in its lush parks before heading to a local beer hall for the evening.
And if find yourself beckoned by the wild landscape surrounding this city so near the Austrian border, you can always see more of it by taking a river cruise down the Danube.
Where to drink: SPIN Me Around
Where to eat: Nobile
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
So many cultural influences have converged to make Sarajevo the unique and unforgettable place that it is today.
Its history has been one of strife, as recently as the 1990s it was close to destruction, but it has come through these troubles a more vibrant place than ever.
Make the pilgrimage to the ‘Jerusalem of Europe’ to discover its winding flagstone alleys, its countless minarets and fascinating history.
Where to drink: Birtija
Where to eat: Klopa
Rīga, Latvia
A trip to the largest city in the Baltic states is definitely worth considering.
There’s a wonderful contrast in the city between its sombre Gothic spires and vibrant art nouveau district, where the old world and new seem to collide.
While here, make it your business to check out the architectural marvel that is Alberta Iela, learn about Latvian independence at the Freedom Monument or haggle with locals at Rīga Central Market.
Where to drink: I Love You
Where to eat: Valtera Restorans
Split, Croatia
This seaside city, the second largest in Croatia, is the kind of place you’d love to call home.
Founded by the ancient Greeks and home to a palace erected for Roman emperor Diocletian, the rich history of the city remains palpable.
There’s a wonderful energy pervading its public spaces, bars and restaurants, with the Dalmatian zest for life proving infectious for visitors.
Where to drink: To Je To
Where to eat: Konobi Matoni
Vilnius, Lithuania
What’s that, you’ve never even heard of Vilnius? Allow us to educate you.
In this pretty city you can experience Lithuanian culture at the Vilnius Picture Gallery, walk the grounds of the Palace Of The Grand Dukes Of Lithuania, or visit the jewel in its crown, Gediminas Castle & Museum.
It really is an underrated gem.
Where to drink: Skybar
Where to eat: Lokys
Tallinn, Estonia
One Eastern European city you’re sure to fall in love with.
This photogenic spot is a joy to explore with sights to stumble upon around every corner like the Town Hall Square, the Estonian Open-Air Museum and the Great Guild Hall.
It even boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its Old Town, being one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe.
Where to drink: Shvips
Where to eat: Tchaikovsky
Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
Backpackers flock to this tiny town, where it takes less than half an hour to walk from one side to the other, and it’s easy to see why.
Surrounded by woodland, this picturesque town boasts a historic centre that’s been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Český Krumlov plays host to a number of exciting festivals throughout the year, like the medieval themed Five-Petaled Rose Festival, International Music Festival Český Krumlov and Open Air Krumlov.
Where to drink: Festi:bar
Where to eat: Papa’s Living Restaurant
Santorini, Greece
In this idyllic spot you’ll find cliffs tiered with colourful houses overlooking waters of crystalline perfection.
There’s no shortage of things to do during a stay here, such as exploring the recently discovered ancient city of Akrotiri, step inside the fortress of Skaros Rock or visit the colourful fishing port of Ammoudi.
As you watch the sun go down on this beautiful island, you can’t help but feel that this might be one of the closest places to paradise on Earth.
Where to drink: PK Cocktail Bar
Where to eat: To Pinakio
Here’s your last chance to win free flights to one of those destinations!
To celebrate the arrival of the app Circle, we’re giving away flights for two plus transfers to one of the lovely destinations we listed above. Circle has been taking off in Ireland in the last few weeks as it lets you pay your friends back instantly when splitting the cost of travel, nights out and meals.
If you still haven’t entered yet, simply click on the box below to be in our draw. Best of luck!
