Looking for a budget getaway? The best destinations from Spain to Albania
It's a good idea to swap popular, high-demand holiday spots for up-and-coming regions, or take advantage of places where currencies are weak.
Fortunately, there are quite a few options to choose from if you want to save money without compromising on sunshine or the quality of experiences.
Here we look at how to escape the price hikes with budget-friendly destinations.
1. Best for beaches: El Gouna, Egypt
Far cheaper than the Canary Islands but with even higher temperatures and more hours of sunshine, this purpose-built Red Sea beach destination has undergone a large amount of development since the first marinas and artificial islands were constructed in the early 1990s.
Now there are 18 hotels and resorts and more than 100 restaurants and bars lining the 10km of coastline. Recently renovated, the five-star Steigenberger Golf Resort has rooms from £67 per person per night with breakfast – a bargain compared to most winter sun resorts. Due to favourable exchange rates, cocktails cost less than £2 while a meal for two is just over a tenner.
A five-night inn break at the Captain's Inn costs from £403 per person including return flights from London. Departs 19 March. Visit lastminute.com.
2. Best for adventure: Albania
Whether strolling through cobbled streets, gazing up at mountain peaks or swimming in sparkly blue waters, it's easy to mistake Albania for its chic neighbour across the Adriatic Sea. But compared to Italy, the beaches are quieter, hidden spots are more plentiful, and the prices are significantly cheaper.
Specialising in trips for 18-35-year-olds, Contiki is the first youth tour operator to offer an escorted journey across the Balkan country. Learn about the past through capital city Tirana's Ottoman, Fascist and Soviet architecture, hike trails in Valbonë National Park and relax on the golden beaches of the Albanian Riviera.
3. Best for families: Galicia, Spain
While the mercury is rising to uncomfortable levels during summer in the southern Med, destinations along the north-western Iberian Peninsula are hotting up in demand. Low-cost flights from the likes of Ryanair and Vueling have made it easier to access areas along Spain's Galician coast, where green hills roll into cool Atlantic waters.
Specialising in villas with pools, Vintage Travel has added several new properties in the region.
Head to the cathedral city Santiago de Compostela to marvel at one of Europe's finest pieces of religious architecture, where dozens of pilgrims gather after multi-day walks. Alternatively, visit the ancient fishing port Coruna, also famous for its Roman lighthouse known as the Tower of Hercules, and dine out on excellent seafood.
How to do it
Casa de Descanso, a newly restored three-bedroomed house in Galician village Mosende, costs from £798 for a week in May rising to £1,150 in August. Visit vintagetravel.co.uk.
4. Best for skiing: Voss, Norway
A few years back, it would have been inconceivable to see Norway feature on a list of 'affordable' destinations. But a drop in the value of the Norwegian krone has made it a more economical and appealing destination to visit – at all times of the year.
Winter tourism to the Nordic country has always been dominated by the northern lights, but glowing reports for the region's many ski resorts are attracting even more travellers. Located 100km from Bergen, Voss is one of the largest ski resorts in Western Norway with 40km of groomed alpine trails and 24 varied descents, including an international giant slalom course and a SuperG course. Yet it's far better value than many Alpine winter resorts and promises good powder with the support of snow cannons.
Being so far north, snow tends to last longer in Norway and some resorts – including Trysil on the Swedish border – even promise a refund on your lift pass, accommodation, ski rental and tuition if the coverage isn't sufficient.
A seven-night half-board stay at Park Hotel, Voss, costs from £1,224 per person (two sharing), including flights. Departs 23 March. Visit inghams.co.uk.
5. Best for nature: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Born from a history as colourful and complex as its diverse landscapes, this relatively undiscovered Balkan nation only attracts 3.6 million tourists per year – almost six times less than Croatia. Yet the scenery, beaches, food and culture are equally attractive, while prices are much lower.
According to flight aggregate site Skyscanner, capital city Sarajevo has seen the largest drop in airfares across Europe, with new routes recently launched from London Stanstead with Ryanair. Set along the Miljacka River and surrounded by the Dinaric Alps, the city features several museums and historical buildings from eras of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian rule. Further afield, it's the country's natural beauty that shines – from the fairy-tale Kravica Waterfall to the never-ending Tara Canyon which runs into Montenegro.
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The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
I sold everything I own to go travelling, now I see the world for £35 a day – my lesser-visited cheap spots in Europe
WHEN it comes to travelling, Bobby Bolton dived in headfirst with nothing but £600 to his name, his dog, and a truck. Now, he's been through 41 countries, gained a fiancée and has written a book called T r uck It!. 7 7 Talking to Sun Travel, Bobby revealed all about his adventures, from his favourite islands, to affordable stops and the best way to travel on a budget. Bobby Bolton set off to see the world two years ago, explaining: "Before leaving, I was pretty much broke, at one point I couldn't even buy a coffee on my way to work. "I got the idea to travel in the pub after seeing an old Land Rover pull up and four pints later I told my friends 'I'm going to drive to Mongolia '. "And I literally sold my life to be able to afford it." When Bobby left his hometown of Wigan, he had just £600 and a huge truck, which he converted, being a builder by trade. In his very first destination, France, Bobby met Marie - and they travel together with their two dogs in the kitted out truck. By travelling on four-wheels, the pair can see a lot for not a lot of money. They spend cash on necessities, like food and fuel, rather than forking out on all-inclusive hotels and restaurants. Bobby told us: "What we do is a cheap way of travelling because, roughly, we can do it for £35pp per day." The couple have seen a lot of countries, but when it comes to Europe, there's one place that really stood out: Slovenia. Locals share their best tips for Albania from tropical beaches to 40p dishes… and the tourist traps to avoid 7 7 He told us: "Slovenia is definitely an up-and-coming place, and I couldn't recommend it more to anyone who's outdoorsy. "If you love hiking, white water rafting and climbing, it's beautiful. There's a National Park there called Triglav. "Triglav has been described as being in a 'time capsule' because lots of a lot of buildings are preserved in time - it's beautiful. It's a bit more expensive because it's very near Lake Bled which is relatively famous." For any winter sport enthusiasts who love to ski, Bobby has uncovered one country that you might want to consider for your next trip. " Slovakia was fantastic, especially for winter sports, and in the Tatra mountains, we got ski lift passes for just around £10 a day." As for affordability, Bobby narrowed down five countries that stood out for being especially cheap. He said: "The first is Albania which is affordable and has some underdeveloped coastlines that are amazing. "In Georgia, we had the best bread which we bought for 50p from a woman on the side of the road. "I have to mention Kyrgyzstan too and our favourite was Laos in South East Asia - two people can eat all day there for £10. "And a place I actually haven't been to yet, is Morocco. It has so much history, and I know it's very affordable there." 7 The couple have also touched on a few tourist-y spots too. Bobby told us: "We fell in love with the Greek islands. I know they're well-known, but they're beautiful, especially off-season. "We were there in April a few years ago and managed to park on white sandy beaches. "We went spear fishing and cooked them on a barbecue at sunset with some tasty Greek wine. It was a romantic couple of weeks we had island hopping. I think we hit five of the islands in the end, Chios, Leros, Kos, Samos. Another destination that Bobby raved about was Kyrgyzstan - a landlocked country in Central Asia with huge mountain ranges and crystal clear lakes. Bobby told us: "I would describe Kyrgyzstan as being Switzerland 200 years ago, there's not a lot of development there but the scenery is fantastic. "You can hike up the mountains, swim in the Alpine lakes - it's the best place and it's really not touristy because there's no infrastructure. "It's raw beauty, and it's really cheap. It's a third of the price in the UK in terms of food and fuel, which is what we spend our money on." 7 Bobby and Marie have been driving around the world for almost two years - and they love it so much that they are converting another truck to continue their travels. Bobby spoke very highly of driving rather than flying or exploring by boat and would encourage others to give it a go too. He said: "By renting out a four-wheel drive with a roof tent, or a campervan, you save a massive amount on hotels and you get the ability to mingle with the locals too. "Generally, it's easy to park up anywhere too, and there are apps and maps that help with that. But for example in Kyrgyzstan you could park almost anywhere, by beautiful lake, at the foot of mountains. One place that Bobby revealed is especially suited for travellers on the road is Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. He explains that the country itself is very set up for driving and that you can even do a DIY safari. "You can hire a pick-up truck with roof tent and camping equipment and explore the most beautiful places with wild ostrich, giraffe, rhino, to the Skeleton Coast. "It's actually called a self-drive safari and I'd definitely recommend it. My dad isn't very well-travelled but he came to Namibia, hired a four-wheel drive and the week he was there he kept saying 'I'm going to come back here'." Bobby is back in the UK but only for a short while as he and Marie are heading back on the road. "We're doing up another truck, then we're going to the Arctic Circle, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, then Africa on the other side. "Then we'll probably do the Americas, and then Australia to finish - potentially." To find out more about Bobby's book Truck It! head to Amazon. And to keep up with his travels check out his social media account For more travel and money saving tips, Race Across the World winner Alfie Watts gives Sun Travel his best advice. And these are Europe's cheapest places for family holidays this summer – package breaks in stunning locations from £282.
Telegraph
7 hours ago
- Telegraph
How ‘murder capital' El Salvador became one of the world's hottest (and safest) destinations
One year, you're a 'murder capital', echoing to the sound of gunshots, the next you're a booming tourist magnet. El Salvador, according to the latest United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) statistics, is the world's third fastest-growing holiday destination, behind only Albania and Qatar. The small Central American country has seen tourist numbers jump an impressive 80 per cent since 2019. Some 3.2 million international visitors arrived in 2024, including more than 1.2 million US tourists. Having visited in 2013 and 2017, I'm actually not that surprised. While El Salvador is unlikely to knock Costa Rica off its perch as an entry-level Central American destination, it has plenty of diverse delights to offer the curious tourist. Let's start with the attractions. For nature-lovers, the El Imposible National Park is a great starting point. The name refers not to the chances of rescuing a lost tourist but to a steep gorge that was a much-unloved slog for local farmers with their mules. The hiking here is pretty good, if hot, but the park's main attraction is the birdlife. Among the 300 or so species are glittering hummingbirds, multi-hued motmots, orioles and parakeets; it's the only place in the country to see the critically endangered great curassow. Surfers have been loving El Salvador for decades. In 2024, the country hosted six major international surf events – including the prestigious World Surf League competition, cementing its reputation as one of the top surfing destinations in the world. Punta Roca and Las Flores are world-famous – and stunning to look at if you're not a surfer. La Libertad, Playa El Tunco, El Sunzal, and El Zonte, all in the west, attract lots of wave-addicts, but there are scores of less promoted spots on the coast. Because distances are relatively small, it's easy to hop from break to break. San Salvador is a sprawling, modern, American-looking city – better for burgers and pizzas than for pupusas, the delicious flatbreads filled with pork, cheese and beans that are Salvadorean's favourite snack. It doesn't have big-capital drawing power, but to be frank, apart from Antigua in Guatemala and Panama City, Central America is not big on urban attractions. The plazas and backstreets down town are worth a wander, with coffee shops to refuel, and cool down, in. The brutalist El Rosario church is eye-catching; the rainbow-coloured interior has been dubbed the 'stairway to heaven'. Marte, the main art museum, is always hosting interesting themed shows; it has a section on the 1979-1992 civil war. It's also the site of the striking Monument to the 1948 Revolution. A safe bet The main point here, though, is that, apart from the airport, foreign tourists never really came to San Salvador. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) puts it plainly: 'Security in El Salvador has improved considerably with significant reductions in crime'. The gang crackdown and controversial draconian security measures imposed by the government of president Nayib Bukele – who won a second term in 2024, with 84 per cent of the vote – has seen the national homicide count fall from 6,657 in 2015 to 114 in 2024. It has gone from having one of the highest murder rates in the world (106.3 per 100,000 in 2015) to one only slightly higher than the UK's. Last year, as a consequence, the United States Department of State upgraded El Salvador's travel advisory status from Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) to Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution). Just 30 miles to the north of the capital is my favourite place in El Salvador. Suchitoto, set amid rich, rolling agricultural land, is not grand or swoon-inducingly pretty, but it is cobbled, quaint and polished. A bolthole for middle-class Salvadorans escaping the big city, it has cultural spaces, cafés and restaurants and a gorgeous church on the plaza. It hosts an international film festival every autumn, and I can heartily recommend its lively and fun-filled fiesta honouring Santa Lucia, the town's patron saint, in December. The former mansion where I like to stay here, Los Almendros de San Lorenzo, was built in 1805 when El Salvador was still part of the Spanish Empire. Owners Joaquín Rodezno and Pascal Lebailly have created somewhere comfortable, even luxurious, but which still feels aged and atmospheric. Tropical gardens and a pool mean you have to make an effort to wrench yourself away from the place and go and explore. In 1983, Joan Didion's short sharp Salvador brought the bloody story of the civil war to an international readership. It was reported in the UK – the BBC's Jeremy Bowen started his career in El Salvador – but, like almost all things Latin American, it was always a remote affair. Liberation theology, Marxist guerrillas and US and USSR machinations in the region were exotic topics in the Britain of Margaret Thatcher. Ordinary Britons easily got confused about the so-called 'Contras' and what was happening at the time in Nicaragua, Panama, Honduras and, even, Grenada. El Salvador's Oriente region is the place to head for a basic understanding of the conflict that made El Salvador infamous. Up at Perquín – where the Farabundo Martí Popular Liberation Forces (FMLN) leftist guerrillas had their headquarters – are memorials to the fallen. Shrines and burial sites are dotted here and there, and commemorative parades are as routine as religious ones. The Museo de la Revolución contains a collection of war memorabilia, rocket launchers, downed helicopter fragments, a preserved radio station, propaganda posters and photographs of guerrillas. Nearly 1,000 people were slain in a massacre that took place in December 1981 in El Mozote. Visiting such places might sound like the very definition of 'dark tourism', but the people I encountered were welcoming and kind; they want the world to know what happened here. The journey up to the sierras around Perquín – known today as the capital of the Peace Route – was also quite magical. A bright future UK tour firm bosses are very upbeat about its future prospects. 'I recently returned from a trip full of highlights,' says David Horwell, founder of Select Latin America. 'Sunset dinners by Lake Coatepeque, volcano hikes, artisan workshops, watching surfers at El Tunco, and drinking in atmospheric bars in San Salvador's historic centre. 'It's a perfect blend of thrilling adventures, laid-back moments, rich history, and immersive local experiences, all within a small, accessible country. Over the past year, we've witnessed a rise in interest for El Salvador as a travel destination, and it's no surprise. The country's improving safety record and steadily expanding tourism infrastructure are drawing a wide variety of travellers.' He highlights coffee tourism and the pre-Columbian ruins of Tazumal and Joya de Cerén as attractions with major potential for UK travellers. Steve Wilson, founder of sabbatical specialist LiNGER, adds: 'Having spent time back in El Salvador for the first time in 25 years, I can safely say it is one of the most inspiring, unique and safe countries to travel at the moment.' John Faithfull, a Central America specialist at Steppes Travel, concurs: 'As the security situation improves on the ground, the appetite for travel to El Salvador grows. Typically, our clients are aged 50-plus, well-travelled and driven by an interest in El Salvador's people and culture, as well as a curiosity about the civil war and its legacy. The warmth of the people and the stories they share are what our clients find most captivating about El Salvador.' The fabled Pan-American Highway has always gone arrow-straight through El Salvador, but for years many travellers halted at the border and wondered if it was worth the risk. Bukele's heavy-handed approach to crime will continue to be divisive, but it has opened up the country to mainstream tourism. This in turn is drawing investment. Intriguingly, in sheer visitor numbers, El Salvador is already ahead of Costa Rica – which had 2.9 million visitors in 2024, a drop of 7 per cent on 2019. Perhaps, post-pandemic, we're all a bit braver, or at least more curious. I am already scanning the crime stats for this year's 'murder capital' to plan my next holiday.
The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
Looking for a budget getaway? The best destinations from Spain to Albania
Still recovering from an expensive period of the year, most of the country will want to save their pennies during these first few months of 2025, yet still have their eyes on a holiday. It's a good idea to swap popular, high-demand holiday spots for up-and-coming regions, or take advantage of places where currencies are weak. Fortunately, there are quite a few options to choose from if you want to save money without compromising on sunshine or the quality of experiences. Here we look at how to escape the price hikes with budget-friendly destinations. 1. Best for beaches: El Gouna, Egypt Far cheaper than the Canary Islands but with even higher temperatures and more hours of sunshine, this purpose-built Red Sea beach destination has undergone a large amount of development since the first marinas and artificial islands were constructed in the early 1990s. Now there are 18 hotels and resorts and more than 100 restaurants and bars lining the 10km of coastline. Recently renovated, the five-star Steigenberger Golf Resort has rooms from £67 per person per night with breakfast – a bargain compared to most winter sun resorts. Due to favourable exchange rates, cocktails cost less than £2 while a meal for two is just over a tenner. A five-night inn break at the Captain's Inn costs from £403 per person including return flights from London. Departs 19 March. Visit 2. Best for adventure: Albania Whether strolling through cobbled streets, gazing up at mountain peaks or swimming in sparkly blue waters, it's easy to mistake Albania for its chic neighbour across the Adriatic Sea. But compared to Italy, the beaches are quieter, hidden spots are more plentiful, and the prices are significantly cheaper. Specialising in trips for 18-35-year-olds, Contiki is the first youth tour operator to offer an escorted journey across the Balkan country. Learn about the past through capital city Tirana's Ottoman, Fascist and Soviet architecture, hike trails in Valbonë National Park and relax on the golden beaches of the Albanian Riviera. 3. Best for families: Galicia, Spain While the mercury is rising to uncomfortable levels during summer in the southern Med, destinations along the north-western Iberian Peninsula are hotting up in demand. Low-cost flights from the likes of Ryanair and Vueling have made it easier to access areas along Spain's Galician coast, where green hills roll into cool Atlantic waters. Specialising in villas with pools, Vintage Travel has added several new properties in the region. Head to the cathedral city Santiago de Compostela to marvel at one of Europe's finest pieces of religious architecture, where dozens of pilgrims gather after multi-day walks. Alternatively, visit the ancient fishing port Coruna, also famous for its Roman lighthouse known as the Tower of Hercules, and dine out on excellent seafood. How to do it Casa de Descanso, a newly restored three-bedroomed house in Galician village Mosende, costs from £798 for a week in May rising to £1,150 in August. Visit 4. Best for skiing: Voss, Norway A few years back, it would have been inconceivable to see Norway feature on a list of 'affordable' destinations. But a drop in the value of the Norwegian krone has made it a more economical and appealing destination to visit – at all times of the year. Winter tourism to the Nordic country has always been dominated by the northern lights, but glowing reports for the region's many ski resorts are attracting even more travellers. Located 100km from Bergen, Voss is one of the largest ski resorts in Western Norway with 40km of groomed alpine trails and 24 varied descents, including an international giant slalom course and a SuperG course. Yet it's far better value than many Alpine winter resorts and promises good powder with the support of snow cannons. Being so far north, snow tends to last longer in Norway and some resorts – including Trysil on the Swedish border – even promise a refund on your lift pass, accommodation, ski rental and tuition if the coverage isn't sufficient. A seven-night half-board stay at Park Hotel, Voss, costs from £1,224 per person (two sharing), including flights. Departs 23 March. Visit 5. Best for nature: Bosnia and Herzegovina Born from a history as colourful and complex as its diverse landscapes, this relatively undiscovered Balkan nation only attracts 3.6 million tourists per year – almost six times less than Croatia. Yet the scenery, beaches, food and culture are equally attractive, while prices are much lower. According to flight aggregate site Skyscanner, capital city Sarajevo has seen the largest drop in airfares across Europe, with new routes recently launched from London Stanstead with Ryanair. Set along the Miljacka River and surrounded by the Dinaric Alps, the city features several museums and historical buildings from eras of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian rule. Further afield, it's the country's natural beauty that shines – from the fairy-tale Kravica Waterfall to the never-ending Tara Canyon which runs into Montenegro.
