Cheap 2 or 3 day European Breaks at very short notice.

[trastevere]

2008 has been an 'annus horribilis' and my wife and I want to put it behind us. Only today, the opportunity has arisen for us to take a 2 or 3 day break from next Thursday or Friday (Wednesday at an absolute pinch)
I've spent the past three or four hours on-line trying to find a flight/hotel break in a European city for under �200 each for two days. Plenty of those ubiquitous 'From' �125 etc but this turns into �350/400 for the dates we want next week. I appreciate that with budget airlines prices start low months before departure and rise to as much if not more than some national airlines in the days before departure. To accomodate a wider choice I don't mind flying from Liverpool, Leeds/Bradford, or even Blackpool in place of our preferred choice of Manchester.
In past years we've always booked foreign holidays and short breaks well in advance but haven't been able to this time. Cost is the major consideration and we can only afford a bargain. What chance do we stand or do I start looking at UK breaks now?
All advice appreciated.

[Hawkwalk]

you can get to Dublin and back with Ryan air from Manchester for �91.90 for two people leaving on Wednesday evening, coming back Saturday afternoon. That leaves you �108.10 for a hotel.

[coccinelle]

Quite honestly, instead of paying a high price for flights when you're only going to be away one or two nights I'd look for a nice hotel with health spa where you and your loved one can relax and get pampered and forget your annus horibilis. Cornwall can be quite nice at this time of year.

[PatriciaH]

Try this site http://uk.travelzoo.com/
or try http://www.holidaywithgo.travel/

good luck on finding something

[mrs_overall]

We're off to Amsterdam on Monday. A 3 day trip (2 nights on the ferry and a day in the city) is costing us �22 each, sailing from North Shields. (It's sold out for that date now).
A friend is going to Belgium next Tuesday, sailing from Hull(I think) and it's costing them �150 for 5 of them.
Last time I mentioned this my question was banned for advertising because I stated the name of the company.
Google "mini breaks to Amsterdam" and you'll get a link to a certain ferry company whose name is 4 capital letters.

[trastevere]

Thanks for replies. Followed up Hawkwalk's recommendation and booked before mrs_overall posted re Amsterdam. Got flights from Manchester �129.90 and 4* hotel 3nights �184 (winter offer - 3rd night free)