Many people are searching for cheap holiday destinations this year however there are so many locations to choose from that it can be difficult to find the best value break for you. For budget travelling it is wise to keep your itinerates within Europe but there are many destinations further afield which require so little spending money that it is worth spending extra pennies on the flight costs. Here are a handful of affordable destinations within the UK, Europe and further afield which have plenty on offer for the budget traveller to enjoy.
Cheap UK Holidays
Robin Hood’s Bay - Many people who desire an English seaside getaway immediately think of coastline hotspots such as Blackpool, Brighton and Newquay. Robin Hood’s Bay is a small fishing village located on North Yorkshire’s coastline which is much less crowded and cheaper regarding accommodation and dining out. There is plenty to do in this little village including bike rides, country walks, rock pool crabbing and plenty of beaches to explore. Most of these activities are free and great for the whole family to enjoy whilst taking in the coastal fresh air. Camping and caravanning is a cheap option for accommodation as well as staying in the village’s many self-catered cottages. If you are looking for a UK beach holiday but would rather avoid crowds and high prices then Robin Hood’s Bay is the perfect location.
The Lake District - If you are looking for a cheap countryside break then the Lake District is an ideal destination with hundreds of possibilities for cheap activities and accommodation. Camping out in one of the region’s many reputable campsites is by far the cheapest option with many sites being little more than £5 per night for adults. If roughing it out in a tent is not for you then there are also many reasonably priced hotels and hostels scattered about. The best way to spend your time whilst staying in the Lake District is by exploring the region on foot in order to truly take in its beautiful surroundings.
Torquay - Torquay is another seaside destination located on the south coast of England with plenty to do and see for all types of holiday maker. There are lots of attractions for the whole family including the National Marine Aquarium and Paignton Zoo with tickets all under £15. Eating out in Torquay is ideal for seafood lovers so why not check out Hanbury’s Award Winning Fish and Chips, which is reasonably priced considering its highly regarded reputation. Torquay is another fantastic UK beach destination with many hotels in the area ranging from £20-£30 per night.
Isle of Wight - Widely known for the Isle of Wight Festival, this holiday destination merges some of the UK’s finest entertainment with untouched beautiful landscapes. If music festivals aren’t your thing there are plenty of activities from hiking cross-country to family beach trips to keep you occupied at all times of the year. With over 100 reputable eateries scattered across the mainland there is plenty of choice for dining out. Similarly there are numerous hotels and cheap guest houses with many priced around £20 per night. This is a cheap holiday destination which is easy to get to via hovercraft from England’s mainland for around £23 for an adult return (valid for 90 days).
Cheap European Holidays
Budapest - Budapest is a beautiful city and is well known as one of Europe’s cheap holiday destinations. Getting around is relatively easy via the city’s low-cost transport systems and eating out is great if you enjoy local specialities such as Főzelék, a local delicacy comprising vegetables cooked in a creamy sauce. Why not walk across Chain Bridge or explore the beautiful Andrássy Avenue and Heroes Square. Great Market Hall is also great day out for shopping with the locals and sampling some local cuisine. Unlike some of Europe’s most popular capitals such as Paris and Madrid, this city is much cheaper and has so much to offer for anyone craving a European city break.
Wrocław - Wroclaw in Poland is becoming increasingly popular for tourists and is a top contender for the cheapest European holiday. Often referred to as ‘The Venice of Poland’, this beautiful city sits on the Odra River and is a complex construction of striking bridges and islands. A cost-effective day out in this city is a day spent in Market Square, a medieval venue filled with tonnes of shopping and dining opportunities. Exploring the beautiful architecture and gothic churches in Ostrów Tumski is another well favoured day out among tourists. Again this one of the greatest cheap holiday destinations as there is plenty to do in the city which won’t cost you a penny.
Plovdiv - As the second largest city in Bulgaria this is another beautiful and cost affective location, especially popular with younger tourists due to the city’s student population. Low-cost accommodation can be found with many hotels priced under £20 per night. Food and drink is particularly cheap which again is ideal for students in the area. Take the city’s free tour, from 2pm every day starting at Central Post Station or plan your own tour and visit some iconic monuments including the Roman Theatre or the ancient ruins of Nebet Tepe.
Riga - Riga is the capital city of Latvia and is the largest city of the Baltic States. Latvia is not the first country people think of when planning a European getaway yet it is certainly a great choice for cheap holidays. Explore the quirky streets of Old City where you will find plenty of eccentric eateries and shops for reasonable prices. Alternatively you can climb to the top of St Peter’s Church where you can scan the beautiful city landscape from Old City to the city centre. Riga also has some fantastic museums such as the Motor Museum and The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia - a place of powerful history. Hostels, hotels and rented apartments are your three main options for accommodation with plenty within a very affordable price range.
Cheap Holidays Further Afield
Thailand - For people travelling from the UK, cheap holiday destinations are generally found within South East Asia. Thailand is an extremely popular destination for holiday makers these days because of the cheap standards of living. Meals out with drinks are often available for under a few pounds especially if you opt for eating out at the country’s many street food stalls. Tour operators will often charge quite a lot for day trips which you can organise yourself so be sure to conduct some research. Hostels can also be very high quality for little money so it is no wonder people are choosing Thailand as their cheap getaway.
Mérida, Mexico- As the capital of the Mexican State of Yucatan and the largest city of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mérida is a destination which is great for a tight budget if you can find cheap flight deals. The city is particularly popular for its illustrious nightlife especially within Paseo de Montejo where you can find beautiful monuments and reputable establishments such as the Buena Vista Social Club. During the day time take a trip outside of the city to visit the Mayapan Mayan Ruins where children and grownups alike will love climbing over some of the old ruins and spotting the local iguana population. Great food, great nightlife and great value for money, Mérida is a fantastic holiday destination.
Vietnam - Vietnam is another cheap holiday destination located in South East Asia and a little less touristy than Thailand yet still a top destination for cheap holiday making. Cities such as Hanoi are renowned for being some of the cheapest cities in South East Asia with accommodation costing just a few pounds a night. From beautiful beach locations in Ha Long Bay to French colonial wonders; there is plenty to do in this country especially tailored for backpackers and general travellers. When visiting this country keep a particular eye out for the many ‘dust cafes’ noodle bars which serve meals for under £1!
New Delhi - New Delhi, the capital of the Republic of India is a modern metropolis full of rich culture and is perfect for someone looking for a cheap Indian holiday. There are some mesmerising sites in New Delhi which must be seen, including the Swaminarayan Akshardham, a construction of temples portraying amazing architecture. You can also take a train out of the city and check out the famous Taj Mahal, an iconic sight on most travellers bucket list. Your spending money for a trip to India can vary depending on how much luxury you require for your stay. There are plenty of cheap hotels and hostels which are highly regarded and great places to stay on a budget. Eating out in India can also be cheap if you opt for smaller local eateries and the famous Indian street food.
