As Europe’s summer travel destinations shut down for the winter, you may be left pondering where to head to in the colder months. Germany, one of Europe’s biggest countries and one of the most modern, could be just the ticket.

With cheap flights from companies like Flybe, discover the famous German culture of beer halls, markets and delicious cuisine without breaking the bank. Thanks to its bohemian style and liberal attitude, Berlin tends to garner the most press. However, cities like Hamburg, Munich and Dusseldorf have a lot to offer too.

In recent years the number of stag groups heading abroad has risen exponentially, and Hamburg has become a popular destination. Despite the rise in these types of holidays, Hamburg has retained its culture and remains a beautiful and modern city. Low cost flights from Glasgow airport connect the north of the UK, so flying doesn’t have to mean a trip via London.

No trip to Hamburg would be complete without casting a wary eye over the Reeperbahn, the city’s red light district. However, this part of the city isn’t solely about the seedier side – there are plenty of great bars, clubs and restaurants hidden away, and finding them is all part of the experience.

During the day, Hamburg is best seen from the saddle of a bike. The city has a cycle hire scheme that allows you to enter your credit card details and go. So saddle up and ride around the lake before making a stop at the Kunsthalle Museum to swot up on modern art.

Munich is a must for your itinerary, if possible. Located in the heart of Bavaria, the city is steeped in tradition. Flying into Munich is easy with its good links to the UK, and you can fly in from numerous locations across the country, including Norwich, Cardiff and Edinburgh airport.

Munich is an exciting city, with clean air, modern transport and pristine architecture. The people are warm, gregarious and extremely appreciative of those who respect their town. This makes the city a great place for families to visit, as they can enjoy the open-air restaurant gardens (under heaters, of course), cafes and nearby forests walks.

Possibly the least visited city out of the three German cities covered is Dusseldorf. However, that’s no reflection on the city itself and you’d really miss out if you didn’t visit. If you want a totally different German break, then you should go to Dusseldorf.

Witness the art and architecture of the likes of Frank Gehry in Medienhafen, an up-and-coming creative area, or dive right into the nightlife. Dusseldorf is the proud owner of ‘the longest bar in the world’, and finding a decent drinking spot shouldn’t be hard. The city is home to over 300 bars and clubs and it even serves its own specialty beer known as Altbier (or ‘old beer’ to you and me).  Dusseldorf is bright, modern and happening, and there’s no doubt its popularity is on the rise.

So when you think of heading off on an autumn or winter break, bear in mind that Germany is as accessible as the rest of Europe.

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Germany is one of the most fascinating countries in Europe, with a huge amount of geographic diversity from soaring mountains to the fertile valleys of great rivers such as the legendary Rhine. With cheap car hire so easily available these days, Germany makes the perfect destination for a budget getaway. A road trip on a shoestring here will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe and the loveliest towns and cities on the planet, fairly dripping in history and oozing fairytale charm.

The great news is that Germany is not as expensive as you might expect and many regions are really cheap, making it one of Europe’s most affordable countries for visitors wanting to stretch their budget.

It’s always best to rent a car online in advance of your arrival as you’ll be able to take advantage of some of the many great deals on offer, and then you can turn your attention to the all-important matter of accommodation.

German hostels are second to none, expertly and professionally run and with a very high standard of Teutonic cleanliness, all at a great price. Both single and double rooms are usually available from between 40 and 90 Euros per night, which is peanuts, and they’ll have private facilities as well. Don’t imagine that hostels here are just for backpackers, either, although if you really want to do it on the cheap you can often share a dorm room with other travellers for even less.

Germany is also good when it comes to eating out on a budget, as its numerous ‘Imbiss’ eateries will testify. These are effectively small stalls that you’ll find in the streets of every town and city. They specialise in the likes of Kartoffelsalat, which is a type of potato salad, and if you like sausages you’ll be in seventh heaven. Currywurst and Bradwurst are particular favourites, the latter consisting of a sliced pork sausage dipped in curry sauce, for just a couple of Euro. You can also get Doner Kebab, Falafal and a whole lot more at these handy little eateries and eat like a king on next to nothing.
If you’re planning to explore a few of Germany’s great cities it’s a good idea to pick up a city card. These are travel cards that you get from the local tourism office to claim discounts not only on the public transport but on places such as hostels, museums and swimming pools too.

Lots of museums across Germany charge you to get in, but most of them have an entry-free day each week so check when this is and have a look around for nothing. There are also lots of free festivals throughout the country, like the traditional Christmas markets that are found in every town and city in the week leading up to Christmas. Here you get to enjoy an authentically Germanic Yuletide atmosphere and there are usually free glasses of hot mulled wine (‘blue wine’) on offer, along with the ubiquitous sausages.

For a budget holiday, Germany is the obvious choice if you don’t want to compromise on comfort and enjoyment.

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