Key Points
- Bolton resident Lee Kershaw spent £250 on return flights from Manchester Airport to Paphos, Cyprus, for a six-hour holiday.
- The trip took place on a Wednesday, with flights departing at 6:30am and returning at 8:30pm.
- Kershaw enjoyed a full English breakfast, beach time, and a Cypriot meal during his short stay.
- He described the experience as “worth every penny” despite the short duration.
- Flights were booked via Ryanair, with total costs including £215 for flights and £35 for food and transfers.
- The story highlights rising trend of ultra-cheap flights enabling spontaneous day trips abroad.
Bolton(Manchester Mirror) April 14, 2026 – A Bolton man made headlines by jetting off to Cyprus for a mere six-hour holiday, returning home the same day after spending £250 on flights and essentials. Lee Kershaw, 35, flew from Manchester Airport to Paphos International Airport on Ryanair, turning a budget flight deal into a spontaneous adventure. As reported by Adam Maidment of Manchester Evening News, Kershaw stated:
“I saw the flights were really cheap and thought why not? It was worth every penny.”
The journey began with a 6:30am departure from Manchester, landing in Cyprus around 11:30am local time after a four-hour flight. Kershaw maximised his time with a full English breakfast at a beachfront cafe, followed by sunbathing and swimming at Coral Bay beach. He then dined on traditional Cypriot meze before heading back to the airport. His return flight departed at 4:30pm Cyprus time, arriving back in Manchester at 8:30pm.
Why did the Bolton man choose a six-hour holiday in Cyprus?
Kershaw’s decision stemmed from spotting an unbeatable Ryanair fare. According to the Manchester Evening News article by Adam Maidment, published on April 14, 2026, Kershaw explained: “The return flights were just £215, and I couldn’t resist. I’ve always wanted to visit Cyprus but never had the time for a full holiday.” He added transport costs of £10 each way via taxi and £35 for meals, totalling £250.
No other media outlets reported additional details on his motivation, but Kershaw shared his experience on social media, posting photos of the beach and his breakfast. He told Manchester Evening News:
“The weather was perfect, about 25C, and the sea was crystal clear. It felt like a proper holiday even in six hours.”
How did the Bolton man’s Cyprus trip unfold step by step?
Kershaw woke early to catch his Ryanair flight from Manchester Airport’s Terminal 1. The outbound FR1716 departed on schedule at 6:30am BST, covering 2,200 miles to Paphos. Upon arrival, he took a 20-minute taxi to Coral Bay, where he started with a £10 full English breakfast overlooking the sea.
Next, he spent three hours on the beach, swimming and relaxing under the Mediterranean sun. For lunch, Kershaw opted for a £25 Cypriot meze platter with halloumi, souvlaki, and fresh salads at a local taverna. As per Adam Maidment’s reporting in Manchester Evening News, Kershaw said:
“The food was amazing, authentic and fresh. It was the highlight.”
He returned to Paphos Airport by taxi for the 4:30pm departure on FR1717, landing at Manchester at 8:30pm. Total time in Cyprus: six hours. Kershaw confirmed no delays affected the itinerary.
What costs did the Bolton man incur for his £250 Cyprus flight?
Breakdown of expenses, as detailed by Manchester Evening News journalist Adam Maidment:
- Return Ryanair flights: £215 (booked last-minute via Ryanair app).
- Taxi to/from Paphos Airport: £20 total.
- Full English breakfast: £10.
- Cypriot meze lunch: £25.
Kershaw carried only hand luggage to avoid fees, keeping costs low. He noted:
“No checked bags, just my backpack with swim shorts and sunscreen.”
Is a six-hour holiday to Cyprus from Bolton feasible for others?
Ryanair’s low fares from Manchester to Paphos, often under £100 one-way, make such trips possible. Kershaw’s story aligns with post-pandemic trends in budget travel. Manchester Evening News reported no similar trips from Bolton recently, but comparable day trips to Spain and Portugal have occurred from UK airports.
Kershaw advised:
“Check Ryanair deals early morning. It’s doable if you plan light.”
He experienced no issues with visas or entry, as UK citizens enjoy visa-free access to Cyprus for short stays.
What reactions has the Bolton man’s trip received?
Social media buzz followed Kershaw’s posts, with users praising his spontaneity. One commenter wrote:
“Inspiring! Might do Dublin next.”
Kershaw responded:
“Go for it, life’s too short.”
Manchester Evening News coverage drew 5,000 shares within hours. No criticisms emerged regarding environmental impact or airline practices in the reports.
