The fab thing about low cost airlines is that it makes a cheap getaway somewhere exciting within reach of most of us. Jump on a plane on a Friday and be back to work Monday morning. Wouldn’t those ‘how was your weekend?’ conversations much more interesting?

Of course, there’s nothing stopping you flying away for longer. Each of these destinations offers enough to keep your attention for some time.

So, these are five new routes for 2015. With more of the world being opened up by low cost flights, where will you go next?

Essaouira

“Essaouira, Morocco (8141909225)” by yeowatzup from Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany – Essaouira, Morocco
Uploaded by russavia. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

This year, easyJet is becoming the first UK airline to fly to the bohemian Moroccan city of Essaouira. This port city, according to Lonely Planet pronounced ‘essa-weera’, is the perfect place to escape from the dreary British winter. It might be 8 degrees today in Kent, but it’s 18 degrees in Essaouira.

Jet away to Essaouira from Luton from just £40.99 each way with easyJet.

Ponta Delgada (Azores)

“Açores (7776709530)” by Abspires40 from Cape Town, South Africa – IMG_9486
Uploaded by tm. Licenced under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

If you’re more of an outdoors girl, then the Azores could be the perfect getaway. Just 4 hours from the UK, this volcanic archipelago offers a mild climate all year round and a ridiculous amount of outdoor activities to keep you busy. You’ve got hiking, canyoning, kayaking and paragliding if you’re feeling energetic, or if you prefer to chill out on your island paradise, why not go whale watching, enjoy a spa treatment or laze on one of the dark sand beaches. The whole thing sounds pretty idyllic.

Fly to Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel from Stansted from £44.99 each way with Ryanair.

Rhodes

“Pláž 4“. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons.

From May, Monarch is adding Rhodes to its list of destinations. For long sun-drenched days this summer, head out to Greece where temperatures are usually in the high 30s. Spend your days reading next to the pool or swimming in the crystal blue waters while in the evenings you can explore the white-washed villages and hilltop acropolis.

With flights starting at £39.99 each way, you can jet off to Rhodes from Gatwick or Manchester.

Porto

“South view from Clérigos Tower-2” by User:Wafry – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

The colourful and romantic city of Porto nestles on the steep bank of the Rio Douro. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can explore to your heart’s content. Wine lovers can disappear into the world’s oldest demarcated vineyards for tastings. Porto is becoming a popular weekend break destination because of the low cost flights. Go there now before it gets too busy!

Fly from Luton to Porto with easyJet from £36.99 each way.

Krakow

“7409vik Wawel. Foto Barbara Maliszewska” by Barbara Maliszewska – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 pl via Wikimedia Commons.

Once the royal capital of Poland, Krakow is now a lively city with as much nightlife as there is history. Be the queen of culture during the day and then party the night away. Don’t forget to visit Wawel Castle, the Renaissance palace that was the political and cultural hub of Poland until the end of the 16th century.

British Airways are flying to Krakow from Heathrow from a super £72 return. Bargain!

Share your thoughts – if you could fly anywhere for next weekend, where would it be? Leave a comment!