It’s cheaper to fly to a foreign country for New Year’s Eve than have a night out in London

WHY not welcome 2024 in a different city this year?

With hundreds of return flights costing less than £100pp, Brits could jet off somewhere else for the day.

With hundreds of return flights costing less than £100pp, Brits could jet off somewhere else for a day - as it will be cheaper than partying in LondonCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

Brits wanting to celebrate New Year's Eve in London are predicted to spend an average of £300pp on December 31, including transport, a dinner with a bottle of champagne, and admission to a fireworks display in the capital.

Trains alone could set you back over £100, with single tickets from Manchester to London costing £148 in December.

Most return flights will depart early on January 1, contributing to their low cost - but you could party all night and head straight to the airport.

Alternatively, for those who don't want to risk it, flights later in the day will set you back around an extra £30.

To make the most of your day trip, we've only rounded up the cheapest short-haul destinations, with flights up to 3 hours from the UK.

Although you could bring a backpack and party all night without booking accommodation, we've also found cheap stays for every destination.

Belgium

The cheapest flights we've found are to Brussels in Belgium, costing from £38pp return.

The Winter Wonders Christmas Market is the place to be, with light displays, laser shows, and 360° audio-visual experience above the city's architecture.

The city also has a yearly fireworks show, the Atomium Fireworks Display, which is free and starts just before midnight.

Those wishing to go all out should attend the biggest party in town, the FCKNYE Festival.

The 'crazy' event is held in an indoor stadium that can host 15,000 people, with four stages, 35 international acts, hours of rap, drum 'n' bass, and more.

Hotel rooms in Brussels on December 31 start from £134.

The cheapest flights we've found are to Brussels in Belgium from £38 and there are some huge parties happeningCredit: Getty

Portugal

Return flights to Faro in Portugal cost from £46pp - and it is predicted to be much sunnier than the UK.

With highs of 17C, you might spend the day roaming under the sunny skies.

To make it even better, most of the parties in the Algarve are free to enter - and Faro has New Year's Eve celebrations by the harbour with fireworks, live music and some 'surprises'.

This year's event is called 'Revenge of the 2000s', so you can expect the best music for the past two decades.

Make sure to sip champagne and 12 raisins at midnight, as it's Portuguese tradition to make one wish for each raisin you eat as the new year begins.

There are many more events across the Algarve, so those wishing to move away from Faro can also find music, light displays and more.

Hotel rooms in Faro on December 31 start from £58.

Those wishing for a sunnier New Year's Eve should head to Faro, with 17C highs and cheap flights from £46Credit: Getty

Hungary

Brits could head to Budapest for New Year's Eve from £60 this year.

Budapest's New Year's Eve is described to be like 'London and Paris', just smaller and more personal.

Plus, the city is way less expensive than other European destinations but boasts plenty of end-of-the-year celebrations.

The Hungarian capital has events across its famous squares, with street food stalls open until the early morning, fireworks and hours of 'czarda' dancing - the country's traditional dance.

Budapest also has many clubs hosting New Year's Eve parties, but book these in advance to secure entry.

That said, the most popular activity is the New Year's Eve Cruise on the Danube.

On board, you will witness the city light up at midnight and have dinner and drinks included in the price.

Hotel rooms in Budapest on December 31 start from £65.

Budapest has cheap flights from £60, and it's described as a smaller and more personal version of New Year's Eve in Paris and LondonCredit: Getty - Contributor

France

Bordeaux might not be the first destination to come to mind when thinking about New Year's Eve in France, but it has plenty of things to do.

Return flights to Bordeaux are available from £72, and take your pick from the city's parties.

Those who like to see fireworks to commemorate the new year can do so without going to parties, with many rooftop locations to get the best views.

You could also see the famous 'Le Grand Cirque Gruss', with acrobats, clowns, trapeze artists, and illusions.

Hotel rooms in Bordeaux on December 31 start from £45.

Bordeaux has £72 flights, and there are parties and circus showsCredit: Getty

Italy

Surprisingly, return tickets to Rome cost from £74.

During the day, you'll be able to browse around the famous Italian shops in Via del Corso and see the Colosseum, the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain.

Rome has a massive fireworks show yearly, with the best fireworks in Piazza del Popolo, the Circus Maximus, and along the Via dei Fori Imperiali.

Speaking of Circus Maximus, there will be a massive concert from 9:30pm, with performances from Italy's biggest artists and DJs - also completely free.

Those looking for a unique way to spend the night might want to look into the party bus trips across the city aboard a vintage British double-decker.

The bus has a DJ, karaoke mics and a dance floor with panoramic city views.

Hotel rooms in Rome on December 31 start from £71.