The cheaper airplane tickets and the dwindling fees charged by hotel operators have led to a rise in demand for weekend holidays abroad, bringing a few million euros into the accounts of travel agencies.

European capitals Vienna, Rome, Paris, Budapest and Prague, which can be visited over a three-day period for 200-300 euros (the price includes airplane travel expenses and accommodation at a three-star hotel), have been this year's most sought after destinations.

"City breaks are a product that has preserved its growing trend this year thanks to costing less than last year. We sold almost 2,000 weekend holiday packages to European capitals," said Sorin Vaduvoiu, chief executive of Perfect Tour travel agency, with almost 24.6 million euros in turnover last year.

Vaduvoiu added that last year the airplane ticket alone cost as much as a two-day holiday package does this year, but that airlines' offers resulted in lower fares.

This year traditional operators launched airplane ticket offers that compete with those of low-cost operators. For instance, national operator Tarom put up for sale airplane tickets costing between 150 and 200 euros (taxes included) to various European destinations. Hungarian operator Malev, which flies on the Bucharest-Budapest route, has, since August, offered weekend packages, which include both transport and accommodation. The airline company sealed contracts with all five-star hotels in Budapest, as well as with travel agencies in Romania.

"People are looking for direct flights when it comes to weekend packages, they usually opt for traditional companies, considering that paying an extra 50 euros is not a major expense for them. Such clients see a weekend break as an extra holiday because they can afford to go on holiday more than once," said Mircea Vladu, owner of Prestige Tours travel agency, which derives