On a tight budget? Here’s how budget travelers can dream their way to Europe

If you’re planning a trip to Europe, where would you go? The Czech capital Prague, home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offers travelers a chance to rediscover another world. (Provided by YouTai Travel)

For those who want to experience European charm without breaking the bank, budget travelers can make Central or Eastern Europe their first stop on their European dream journey. These regions rival Western Europe in terms of scenic beauty and cuisine, yet offer more economical prices. Plan a Christmas holiday to visit Europe and immerse yourself in the most festive atmosphere; or head to the Czech Republic, rich in historical significance and recognized as one of the world’s new top travel destinations. Depart from Songshan Airport and enjoy the convenience of a group tour at the price of a flight-and-hotel package, taking your time to explore the romantic charm of the “City of a Hundred Spires.”

Every year-end, Christmas is undoubtedly a globally celebrated highlight, and its joyful atmosphere has also sparked a Christmas market craze in Taiwan. The China Times Travel Germany-Austria-Czech Republic Premium Tasting 10-Day Tour will visit European Christmas markets from November to December. The itinerary includes two consecutive nights in Prague covering all six districts, visits to the dreamy Alpine lake region and fairytale towns, with the Christmas markets being the biggest highlight. From late November until Christmas Eve, you can stroll the markets any time of day.

The Germany-Austria-Czech Republic region, where Bavarian and Bohemian cultures blend, boasts numerous scenic spots, delicious food, and affordable prices. The original price of the China Times Travel Germany-Austria-Czech Republic Premium Tasting 10-Day Tour + Christmas Markets is NT$63,998. Sign up before September 30 to enjoy an early bird price of NT$59,998 — perfect for flying to Europe for Christmas and New Year’s, and exploring the captivating cities and towns of Europe.

If you’d rather focus on exploring just one European country in depth, the Czech Republic is a must-visit spot for budget travelers. There are no direct flights from Taiwan to Prague; flight times including layovers exceed 16 hours, and all depart from Taoyuan Airport. However, if you take the Sichuan Airlines flight departing from Songshan Airport, not only do you save time for travelers in the Greater Taipei area traveling to Taoyuan Airport, but the flight from Songshan Airport to Chengdu takes about 3 hours and 50 minutes, and the flight from Chengdu to the Czech Republic is only 10 hours. The time difference isn’t significant, but the tour cost is much lower — saving both time and money, making it a great deal.

YouTai Travel takes full advantage of airline hub advantages. The inaugural tour from Songshan Airport to the Eastern European capital of Prague will depart on November 10. The Czech Light Travel ‘Wander Prague 10-Day’ fully inclusive package is available at an early bird price starting from NT$47,900. For the price of a flight-and-hotel package, you can enjoy a fully inclusive group tour.

The Czech Light Travel ‘Wander Prague 10-Day’ itinerary includes four major Czech UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Kutná Hora, where you’ll visit the must-see St. Barbara’s Church and the unique Bone Church with its alternative art style; the Český Krumlov Historic Centre, named by TIME magazine as a must-visit destination in the Czech Republic; and the Prague Historic Centre, known as the “City of Architecture Museums,” where you can admire its rich historical, literary, musical, and artistic heritage. The city is surrounded by classical towns atop hills and nestled among forests and lakes, with Renaissance-style cottages dotting the surroundings.

Beyond Prague, the Czech Republic has many other romantic and picturesque towns... (Text garbled, unable to provide accurate translation)