Looking for an affordable getaway without the tourist crowds? While classic European destinations like Paris and Rome can be expensive, there are plenty of hidden gems offering incredible experiences at a fraction of the cost.
Whether you're after stunning beaches, historic cities, or breathtaking landscapes, these budget-friendly destinations are perfect if you're looking to stretch your holiday budget that little bit further.
1. Albania – Europe’s Best-Kept Secret
Why Visit? Albania offers stunning beaches, rich history, and fantastic food—often for half the price of neighbouring Greece or Italy.
Budget Highlights:
- Accommodation: Budget hotels and guesthouses from £20 per night.
- Food: Enjoy fresh seafood and traditional dishes for under £5 per meal.
- Transport: Public transport is cheap, and intercity buses cost as little as £3.
Top Places to Visit:
- Ksamil & the Albanian Riviera – Pristine beaches without the Santorini price tag.
- Gjirokastër – A UNESCO-listed Ottoman-era town with stunning views.
- Berat – Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” a perfect stop for culture lovers.
Getting There from the UK:
Flights to Tirana from London, Manchester, or Birmingham can be found for as little as £50 return if booked in advance.
2. Poland – Affordable Charm in Central Europe
Why Visit? Poland boasts medieval cities, vibrant culture, and hearty food—all at budget-friendly prices.
Budget Highlights:
- Accommodation: Hostels from £8 per night, hotels from £25 per night.
- Food: Traditional Polish meals, like pierogi or zapiekanka, cost as little as £3-£5.
- Attractions: Many museums and historic sites offer free or discounted entry.
Top Places to Visit:
- Kraków – One of Europe’s most beautiful (and cheapest) historic cities.
- Wrocław – A fairytale-like town with colourful buildings and tiny hidden gnome statues.
- Zakopane – Perfect for affordable skiing or hiking in the stunning Tatra Mountains.
Getting There from the UK:
Flights from London, Bristol, and Edinburgh to Kraków, Gdańsk, or Warsaw can cost as little as £30 return.
3. Bulgaria – Low-Cost Beaches & Mountain Escapes
Why Visit? Bulgaria offers everything from cheap beach holidays to adventure-filled mountain escapes, all at unbeatable prices.
Budget Highlights:
- Accommodation: Budget hotels and Airbnbs start at £15 per night.
- Food: A hearty meal with drinks costs around £5-£8.
- Transport: Intercity buses cost as little as £3-£5.
Top Places to Visit:
- Sofia – A historic capital with plenty of free attractions.
- Plovdiv – One of Europe’s oldest cities, perfect for history lovers.
- Sunny Beach – The go-to spot for cheap all-inclusive beach holidays.
Getting There from the UK:
Budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air offer direct flights from London, Manchester, and Birmingham to Sofia or Burgas for under £40 return.
4. North Macedonia – The Balkans' Best-Kept Secret
Why Visit? North Macedonia is an affordable paradise for nature lovers and history buffs.
Budget Highlights:
- Accommodation: Hotels from £15 per night, hostels from £7.
- Food: Traditional dishes like burek and ajvar cost as little as £3-£5.
- Activities: Hiking, lake tours, and wine tasting are all incredibly cheap.
Top Places to Visit:
- Lake Ohrid – A stunning UNESCO-listed lake, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
- Skopje – The quirky capital, filled with statues and a blend of cultures.
- Mavrovo National Park – Ideal for budget-friendly hiking and skiing.
Getting There from the UK:
Direct flights from London to Skopje start at around £50 return.
5. Romania – Medieval Towns & Budget Skiing
Why Visit? Romania offers breathtaking castles, charming medieval towns, and some of Europe’s most affordable skiing spots.
Budget Highlights:
- Accommodation: Budget hotels from £20 per night, hostels from £8.
- Food: Traditional Romanian meals cost around £4-£6.
- Skiing: Ski passes in Romania are 70% cheaper than in France or Austria.
Top Places to Visit:
- Brasov & Bran Castle – Visit Dracula’s Castle for a fraction of the cost of Western Europe.
- Bucharest – A vibrant and affordable capital city.
- Transfagarasan Highway – One of the most scenic drives in the world.
Getting There from the UK:
Flights to Bucharest from London, Birmingham, and Glasgow often cost as little as £30 return.
Final Thoughts: Affordable Adventures Await!
If you're a UK traveller looking for a cheap holiday destination, these hidden gems offer unbeatable experiences without the high costs. Whether you want affordable beach holidays, budget city breaks, or low-cost ski trips, there are plenty of incredible destinations beyond the usual tourist hotspots.
Top Tips for Budget Travel:
✔ Use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner to find the cheapest UK departures.
✔ Travel outside peak season (spring and autumn) for better deals.
✔ Book accommodation in advance on Booking.com or Hostelworld to secure the best prices.
✔ Use public transport instead of taxis to keep costs low.
Don't forget, our Travel Backpack fits perfectly within the budget airline cabin bag restrictions, meaning you can take all that you need for your trip, without worrying about unforeseen extra baggage charges!