Here is a sampling of airfare offerings gleaned from the Web site Skyscanner.net. Be sure to check with the airline for the latest update on security and delays.
Next weekend — Oct. 27-30Nantes, France: 50.92 pounds round trip
Fly Ryanair from London Stansted to Nantes.
Visiting Nantes is an adventure in top-quality living with fashionable shopping and divine wines.
While you may only be able to window shop on Rue Crebillon, the town’s most chic shopping street, it leads to Passage Pommeraye, a 19th-century shopping arcade with original boutiques where you can purchase just about anything. For bargains, head to Place Viarme where artists and craftsmen have their workshops and the Saturday market is held.
If shopping has left you parched, enjoy a trip along the vineyard trail. Many tours are available, including several stops for tasting and exploration. According to the Nantes tourism bureau, Nantes vineyards make up the largest vineyard group in France, having 750 wine producers and 20 wine merchants.
Next month — Nov. 24-26Salzburg, Austria: 34.21 pounds round trip
Fly Thomasonfly from London Gatwick to Salzburg.
Weekend trips to Salzburg should start with an exploration of the Old City and a visit to No. 9 Getreidegasse, the birthplace of Mozart. You also will find stylish fashion houses and shoe boutiques in the neighborhood.
From here, head to Fortress Hohensalzburg, where its museum contains a collection of medieval art. Here you’ll find the Welt der Marionetten exhibit, showcasing the world of puppets, and the Rainer’s Museum with arms and armor.
Now cross the Salzach River to visit Mirabell Palace, whose remains include a chapel, the marble hall where a young Mozart and his sister gave concerts, and the marble angel staircase with sculptures by Georg Rafael Donner. From there, stroll to Mirabell Gardens. Enter through Rainerstrasse and start up Rosebush Hill and you’ll arrive at the top of the steps where Julie Andrews and her charges showcased their singing ability in “The Sound of Music.”
Six months from now — April 27-29Lodz, Poland: 46.81 pounds round trip
Fly Ryanair from London Stansted to Lodz.
Lodz is Poland’s second largest city and primarily an industrial town. However, over the years and through several large restoration programs, it has turned into a dynamic daytime cultural center with an exciting nightlife.
One place to start is at the Museum of Textile Industry where the supposed largest collection of fabrics in Europe is displayed. Visit the Museum of Art to explore one of the oldest museums of modern art or the Historical Museum of Lodz for a glimpse at the history of this manufacturing city.
Stroll the longest shopping promenade in Europe, Piotrkowska, often referred to as Pietryna by locals. It is here you will find shops, banks, tourist information, cinemas, restaurants and more. Piotrkowska also is home to the thrilling nightlife Lodz offers, with more than 100 clubs, pubs and discos.
Airfare prices are courtesy of the Web site www.skyscanner.net and are subject to change depending on availability. Prices include estimated taxes.
