When it comes to embracing the festive spirit, there is no better way than exploring Europe’s traditional Christmas markets.
One woman has taken her love for Christmas to the next level by visiting 12 Christmas markets across three countries in 72 hours.
Hayley Merconi visited European hotspots Austria, Bratislava and Prague in the space of a long weekend, and spent less than £100 a day.
And with flights from London to Vienna costing as little as £36, the 45-year-old mum from Preston certainly did it on a budget.
Travelling with her son Jamie, sister-in-law Terri, nieces Huni and Maya, and pal Kristyn, Hayley even managed to bag accommodation for under £65 per person.
‘We went to 12 Christmas markets, went ice skating, rode Ferris wheels and went to an opera, which was phenomenal,’ Hayley said.
![Story From Jam Press (Christmas Market Tour) Pictured: Jamie and Hayley in Slovakia. ?I hit the best of Europe?s Christmas markets by travelling to three countries in 72 hours - and it cost me less than ?100 a day? A woman has revealed how she went to 12 Christmas markets in just 72 hours - and it cost her less than ?100 a day. Hayley Merconi visited European hotspots Austria, Bratislava and Prague in a space of the long weekend. And with flights from London to Vienna costing as little as ?36, the 45-year-old mum, from Preston, certainly did it on a budget. Travelling with her son Jamie, sister-in-law Terri, nieces Huni and Maya, and pal Kristyn, Hayley even managed to bag acommodation for under ?65 per person. ?We went to 12 Christmas markets, went ice skating, rode ferris wheels and went to an opera, which was phenomenal,? Hayley told What's The Jam. ?[We] took a horse drawn carriage through the centre, saw the Christmas Krampus and drank lots of Gl?hwein.? Day one involved a direct, two-hour flight from London to Vienna in Austria. The family rented an apartment for two nights in the centre close to Rathaus, and spent the whole of the first day and night enjoying all the city had to offer. She said: ?From Vienna we travelled by train and it cost less than ?12 per person for a round trip to Bratislava in Slovakia. ?We caught an early train, taking just over an hour, and soaked up the incredible city for the full day. ?Then we caught a late train back to our apartment in Vienna.? On the third and final day, Hayley took a second train to Prague in the Czech Republic. She said: ?The following day was an early start. ?We caught the train to Prague and we only booked one way as we had two nights in Prague. ?The trip took around four and a half hours. ?There are private family cabins and a restaurant on the train.? Hayley said if anyone is looking to experience the European Christmas markets this year, this route comes highly recommended. She added: ?It?s is really difficult to determine which city we liked the best. ?They are all absolutely stunning but so very different in many ways. ?Vienna was bustling there was so much for the children to do. ?The Christmas markets are the most famous and most visited in Europe, there are so many in Vienna city. ?The biggest being Rathaus with over 200 stalls, a huge ice skate rink and a ferris wheel. ?The markets themselves are beautifully lit and come alive at night. ?Bratislava was more traditional, like Munich we got to see Krampus make an appearance. ?Much smaller but a lot more authentic especially when it came to the incredible food and traditional costume. ?Prague I think architecturally speaking gets my vote. ?The markets are huge and Prague I think, boasted my favourite Christmas tree close to the clock tower. ?We have had the absolute best time.? ENDS](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_233074193-6021-e1734176488119.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
[We] took a horse-drawn carriage through the centre, saw the Christmas Krampus and drank lots of Glühwein.’
The family kicked off the Christmas adventure with a direct, two-hour flight from London to Vienna in Austria.
The family rented an apartment for two nights in the centre close to the Rathaus (Vienna’s city hall) and spent the first day and night enjoying all the city had to offer.
She said: ‘From Vienna, we travelled by train, and it cost less than €12 (£9.99) per person for a round trip to Bratislava in Slovakia.
‘We caught an early train, taking just over an hour, and soaked up the incredible city for the full day.
‘Then we caught a late train back to our apartment in Vienna.’
On the third and final day, Hayley took a second train to Prague in the Czech Republic.
She added: ‘The following day was an early start. We caught the train to Prague, and we only booked one way as we had two nights in Prague.
‘The trip took around four and a half hours. There are private family cabins and a restaurant on the train.
Hayley said if anyone is looking to experience the European Christmas markets this year, this route comes highly recommended.
![Story From Jam Press (Christmas Market Tour) Pictured: Jamie in Vienna. ?I hit the best of Europe?s Christmas markets by travelling to three countries in 72 hours - and it cost me less than ?100 a day? A woman has revealed how she went to 12 Christmas markets in just 72 hours - and it cost her less than ?100 a day. Hayley Merconi visited European hotspots Austria, Bratislava and Prague in a space of the long weekend. And with flights from London to Vienna costing as little as ?36, the 45-year-old mum, from Preston, certainly did it on a budget. Travelling with her son Jamie, sister-in-law Terri, nieces Huni and Maya, and pal Kristyn, Hayley even managed to bag acommodation for under ?65 per person. ?We went to 12 Christmas markets, went ice skating, rode ferris wheels and went to an opera, which was phenomenal,? Hayley told What's The Jam. ?[We] took a horse drawn carriage through the centre, saw the Christmas Krampus and drank lots of Gl?hwein.? Day one involved a direct, two-hour flight from London to Vienna in Austria. The family rented an apartment for two nights in the centre close to Rathaus, and spent the whole of the first day and night enjoying all the city had to offer. She said: ?From Vienna we travelled by train and it cost less than ?12 per person for a round trip to Bratislava in Slovakia. ?We caught an early train, taking just over an hour, and soaked up the incredible city for the full day. ?Then we caught a late train back to our apartment in Vienna.? On the third and final day, Hayley took a second train to Prague in the Czech Republic. She said: ?The following day was an early start. ?We caught the train to Prague and we only booked one way as we had two nights in Prague. ?The trip took around four and a half hours. ?There are private family cabins and a restaurant on the train.? Hayley said if anyone is looking to experience the European Christmas markets this year, this route comes highly recommended. She added: ?It?s is really difficult to determine which city we liked the best. ?They are all absolutely stunning but so very different in many ways. ?Vienna was bustling there was so much for the children to do. ?The Christmas markets are the most famous and most visited in Europe, there are so many in Vienna city. ?The biggest being Rathaus with over 200 stalls, a huge ice skate rink and a ferris wheel. ?The markets themselves are beautifully lit and come alive at night. ?Bratislava was more traditional, like Munich we got to see Krampus make an appearance. ?Much smaller but a lot more authentic especially when it came to the incredible food and traditional costume. ?Prague I think architecturally speaking gets my vote. ?The markets are huge and Prague I think, boasted my favourite Christmas tree close to the clock tower. ?We have had the absolute best time.? ENDS](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_233073954-8103-e1734176885453.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
As for which city they enjoyed best, Hayley said: ‘It’s really difficult to determine. They are all absolutely stunning but so very different in many ways.’
She added: ‘Vienna was bustling; there was so much for the children to do.
The Christmas markets are the most famous and most visited in Europe, there are so many in Vienna city – the biggest being Rathaus with over 200 stalls, a huge ice skate rink and a Ferris wheel.’
Hayley described the markets as ‘beautifully lit’ and said they ‘come alive at night’.
She described Bratislava as more ‘traditional’ and they got to see Krampus make an appearance.
‘[They’re] much smaller but a lot more authentic especially when it came to the incredible food and traditional costume.’
Architecturally speaking, she gave Prague her vote.
She explained: ‘The markets are huge and Prague I think, boasted my favourite Christmas tree close to the clock tower. We have had the absolute best time.’
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
MORE: I tried 22 supermarket mulled wines and this ‘weird’ flavour was the best
MORE: Meet the UK’s favourite Christmas heartthrob – no, it isn’t Hugh Grant or Jude Law
MORE: I fell in love with the ‘Caribbean of Europe’ — but this island has a tragic past