Resourceful Traveller Explores Two Countries in 48 Hours for Under £100
A determined holidaymaker from the UK has demonstrated that international travel can be remarkably affordable, exploring both Nice and Monaco over a single weekend for less than £100 and returning home in time for work on Monday morning.
Strategic Planning Makes Two-Country Adventure Possible
Aleksander Sikora, a 41-year-old retail employee trainer from Farnham, Surrey, meticulously planned his two-day European adventure to maximize his experience while minimizing expenses. His total expenditure came to just £99.50, proving that budget travel doesn't have to mean sacrificing adventure.
The father-of-two secured return flights from Gatwick to Nice with Easyjet for only £48, booked a hostel in Nice for £19 per night including breakfast, and packed his own sandwiches and snacks to avoid expensive restaurant meals during his explorations.
Monaco Exploration on a Shoestring Budget
On Friday, March 13, Aleksander departed Gatwick at 8:30am after pre-booking airport parking for £13. Upon arriving in Nice, he immediately caught a £6 train to Monaco, where he spent his first day discovering the microstate's renowned landmarks.
"I saw a lot of historical things," Aleksander remarked. "I studied history for three years, it's a passion of mine and there is lots to discover."
His Monaco itinerary included:
- Visiting The Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate (free admission)
- Exploring the Prince's Palace of Monaco on the hill
- Wandering around the Monte Carlo casino area
- Viewing the Promenade des Champions with gold footballer footprints
Throughout the day, he sustained himself with packed sandwiches and sausage rolls from his rucksack, purchasing only a £3.50 slice of pizza from a market vendor to supplement his provisions.
Nice Discoveries and International Connections
After returning to Nice by train (costing £5), Aleksander visited Notre-Dame de Nice after dark to see the historic basilica illuminated in spectacular colours. He spent the evening at his hostel, sharing accommodation with seven other guests from various countries.
"I am from Poland and somehow one of the other men in the hostel was too!" Aleksander noted, highlighting the international connections made possible through budget accommodation.
Following a hostel breakfast of croissants, baguettes, and coffee, he explored Nice's Russian Orthodox Cathedral (free admission), climbed to Colline du Chateau for sweeping city views, and visited a museum to learn more about the city's heritage.
Return Journey and Work Preparation
Aleksander walked approximately 30 miles over the two days, including a six-mile stroll back to Nice airport for his 9pm return flight to Gatwick. He arrived back at Gatwick by 10pm and was in bed by 11:30pm, fully prepared for work the following day.
"I just relaxed and enjoyed it," he said of his walking-intensive itinerary. "I put my headphones in, and just thought about nothing, enjoying my break from work."
Complete Cost Breakdown
Aleksander's meticulous budgeting resulted in these expenses:
- Return flight ticket: £48
- Car park at Gatwick: £13
- Night in Nice with breakfast: £19
- Train from Nice to Monaco: £6
- Train from Monaco to Nice: £5
- Half a pizza in Monaco: £3.50
- Croissant & Coffee in Nice: £3
- Supermarket water and snacks: £2
Total: £99.50
The traveller emphasized that "the main beauty of the trip was the architecture, all the different cultures" and noted that "every place is unique, and you can find beauty everywhere." His adventure proves that with careful planning and a willingness to walk substantial distances, international travel can be both affordable and enriching.
