A MAN has revealed how he managed to visit two countries in two days for under £100 – and was back in time for work the next morning.
Aleksander Sikora, 41, wanted to visit both Nice and Monaco on his two days off.
Aleksander Sikora managed to visit two countries in one trip for under £100Credit: SWNS
He spent his first day exploring Monaco before going to NiceCredit: SWNS
He made sure to visit the free attractions to keep costs downCredit: SWNS
The dad-of-two, who lives in Farnham, Surrey, bought return flights from Gatwick to Nice for just £48 which departed on Friday, March 13, and returned the next day.
His pre-trip costs included £13 parking, and be paid £19 for a hostel in before departing as well.
After arriving in Nice, he went straight to by train (£6) to explore the sights of the famous ‘microstate’ – known for its beautiful buildings and wealth.
He visited the area around Monte Carlo’s casino and saw the Promenade des Champions – golden footprints of award-winning footballers.
Aleksander said: “I went to The Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, which was free to enter, and I went to the Prince‘s Palace of on the hill.”
Aleksander fuelled up throughout the day on a packed lunch be brought with him, although did splash out on some pizza from a local market stall.
He got a train back to – squeezing in a visit to the Notre-Dame de Nice in the dark – where he slept and then had breakfast at the hostel the following morning.
The £19-a-night cost amazingly even included a breakfast of croissants, baguettes and for the bargain price.
Aleksander said: “I am from and somehow one of the other men in the hostel was too.
“Another of the men from the hostel suggested to go to the Russian Orthodox Cathedral so the next day that was what I did.”
Entry was free there too, so he explored after stocking up with more snacks and drinks from a local supermarket.
He walked up to the Colline du Chateau, which offers panoramic views of Nice, and took in the sights.
Aleksander then visited a museum to get some more history of Nice, before a gentle walk back to the airport.
He said: “That was another six miles or so, but I just looked around the streets, chilled out and relaxed.
“I put my headphones in, and just thought about nothing, enjoying my break from work.”
After spending his second day exploring Nice, he got back to the airport to catch his 9pm flight back to – and was in bed by 11:30pm, ready for work the next day.
He said it was the best way to see as place – as long as you don’t mind a lot of walkingCredit: SWNS
His hostel even included breakfastCredit: SWNS
Aleksander, a retail employee trainer, said: “I saw a lot of historical things, if you like that kind of it’s great.
“I studied history for three years, it’s a passion of mine and there is lots to discover.
“I walked around 30 miles in two days, but I don’t mind. I just relaxed and enjoyed it.”
And the entire trip cost around £100 thanks to Aleksander’s savvy travelling methods and bringing his own food.
He added: “The main beauty of the trip was the , all the different cultures.
“You can’t compare them but every place is unique, and you can find beauty everywhere.
Full cost of Aleksander's trip
- Return flight ticket – £48
- Car park 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
= £99.50
He was back in time for work the next dayCredit: SWNS
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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