There are few things British people love more than going on holiday. There’s a nostalgic thrill to it all – just ask any Brit what their feelings are on Fanta Lemon and Lays after a post-sunbathing shower. But the current cost of living crisis means that money isn’t stretching as far as it used to, and those dreamy summer holidays feel more inaccessible than ever. But everyone deserves a break, so we’ve rounded up the most affordable holiday spots for Brits.
Taking into account the average price of a hotel per night, the average price of a return flight, GPI safety score, exchange rates, and the cost of daily items – including coffee, beer, wine, soft drink, water, a three-course meal for two (including wine), insect repellent, and sun cream – here are the top 20 best value holiday destinations for UK travellers in 2023.
The Most Affordable Holiday Destinations for Brits 2023
20. Punta Cana – Dominican Republic
If you can stomach the cost of the flight, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is a dreamy tropical destination to tick off your wish list. Return flights do go for around £893, but the average hotel price of £145 makes it relatively affordable and accessible. While £145 might sound like a lot for a hotel, take into account the number of all-inclusive resorts in lush Punta Cana. Think frozen pina coladas poolside, every meal is taken care of, afternoon snacks on a private stretch of white sand – all included in the price. The hotel price doesn’t seem so eye-watering, then.
19. Montego Bay – Jamaica
The tropical intrigue of Jamaica might seem beyond arm’s length, but affordable daily costs – including coffee, beer, wine, water, a three-course meal, and more – make it a viable option for many. Don’t be put off by the high hotel prices of over £200 a night, the lodging options at Montego Bay are predominantly all-inclusive resorts – put your feet up and let breakfast, lunch, and dinner be taken care of for the ultimate break from the daily grind. Not only is Montego Bay relatively affordable, but it’s also absolutely gorgeous with a fun-loving vibe.
18. Phuket – Thailand
Once you get over the sting of the flight cost (average of £791 for a return flight), Phuket is cheap and cheerful in all the best ways. Get two local beers for just over a fiver and save on dinner by filling up on street food at the night market or sticking to Pad Thai at local restaurants. The average cost of a hotel room is on the lower end too at £44 per night. Use those savings on a boat trip to the Similan Islands for the full Thailand experience – white sand beaches, turquoise waters, world-class snorkelling, and tropical slow living.
17. Tokyo – Japan
Tokyo is on countless travellers’ lists of dream destinations, but the city, backed by the beautiful Mt. Fiji, feels out of reach for many. But after crunching the numbers, it’s surprisingly one of the best value destinations for UK travellers. Bag a decent hotel room for £87 a night, and tuck into a three-course meal for two, complete with a bottle of wine, for £50. Cash-conscious travellers can seek out cheaper meals, with budget sushi restaurants popping up across the city. It’s a big city with heavy traffic, so hopping on the metro is the quickest way to get around – or you can explore the city on foot to save money for sushi. The sterling is also stronger than the Japanese yen, so you get more bang for your buck.
16. Kuta – Bali, Indonesia
A quick scroll on Instagram might give you the impression that Bali isn’t an affordable destination. Beach clubs, bohemian villas, and cocktails in flashy restaurants don’t scream accessibility. But there’s a reason that Bali is so popular, especially with UK travellers – the low cost of average daily items, cheap local food, and affordable accommodation. Kuta is one of the least expensive areas in Bali with the average cost of a hotel at £27 per night. You can also get a three-course meal for two, including a bottle of wine, for under £45 – while this is a reasonable price, you can dial it back even more by eating at local warungs.
15. Hoi An – Vietnam
This fishing town of colourful lanterns and traditional rowing boats might seem out of reach for many UK holidaymakers, but low hotel prices and affordable daily items make it a fantastic choice. Out of the top 20 best value holiday destinations for 2023, Hoi An came out with the cheapest accommodation at just £22 per night for a hotel. Use those savings to treat yourself to affordable tailor-made clothes – the city’s famous for it. Hoi An is also hot on the backpacker trail, so you can safely expect restaurants geared towards cash-conscious travellers.
14. Colombo – Sri Lanka
Stroll through wide boulevards lined with colonial-style buildings, explore the countless eateries and cafes popping up across the city, and visit shimmering temples in Sri Lanka’s beautiful capital, Colombo. And all for an affordable price. Stay in a hotel for £48 per night and cool down from the heat with a nice, cold beer for just £1.80. Treat yourself to a bottle of wine and a three-course meal for two for just under £55 or save the cash and fill up on lip-tingling street food at one of the many night markets.
13. Cape Town – South Africa
Every night is date night in Cape Town – a three-course meal for two, complete with a bottle of wine, is just £35.80. The city’s low daily costs coupled with reasonable hotel prices make it one of the most affordable destinations for UK travellers. If you can stomach the £600+ flight, you might be pleasantly surprised by the prices here. You also get more bang for your buck (or Sterling) – convert £500 into South African Rand and make a gain of £67.79. And some of the best activities here, including climbing Table Mountain, visiting beaches, and hiking up to Cape Point are conveniently free. Not bad to visit such a sought-after destination.
12. Sliema – Malta
Cash-savvy travellers should look to Sliema for their next holiday destination – one of Malta’s top seaside towns. Explore historic cathedrals, climb up watchtowers, sip coffee in chic coffee shops, stroll around forts, and of course, relax on the beach – without the guilt of going outside of your budget. Grab a beer for under £3 or treat yourself to a glass of local wine for under £5. A meal for two, including a bottle of wine, is on the pricier end of £60, but the local spots will have the best deals. Fancy visiting Valletta during your Malta trip too? The ferry is just a few euros – cheap and cheerful.
11. Mombasa – Kenya
With surprisingly affordable flights, low daily costs, and reasonable hotel prices, Mombasa is one to watch for UK travellers. The city is the gateway to Kenya’s incredible wildlife and white sand beaches – in fact, Mombasa’s Nyali Beach is one of Kenya’s most beautiful. It’s also just over an hour’s drive from Diani Beach – one of the most pristine beaches in the world. Such beauty isn’t just reserved for the likes of the Maldives or the Seychelles. It can be affordable and accessible. Even a three-course meal for two, including a bottle of wine, is just over £40 in Mombasa. The sterling is stronger than the Kenyan Shilling too, with gains of 3.10%.
10. Paphos – Cyprus
Chock full of history and pristine beaches, Paphos is popular among UK travellers for good reason. As the birthplace of Aphrodite, you won’t be short of ancient ruins to visit - Kato Paphos Archaeological Park is our favourite, and it’s just €4.50 per adult to visit. A trip to Cyprus guarantees that you’ll be eating and drinking good – pop into a local bar and spend around £2.90 on a beer, then save on dinners by tucking into street-side gyros for the ultimate Greek Cypriot experience. In terms of accommodation, Kato Paphos is the main tourist hub, but you’re likely to find better deals in Ktima Paphos.
9. Corfu – Greece
Greek islands have a bit of a reputation for being pricey, but Corfu is the most affordable – according to the Post Office’s 2023 Holiday Money Report. Sun cream tends to be expensive here, with an average bottle costing nearly £14. Bring it from home and save the money to spend on gyros and nice, cold beers – although the average price of a beer is only £3.16. Hotels are relatively affordable, and a return flight is around £165. Most of the activities in Corfu revolve around relaxing on a beach, which is conveniently free. Head to Agios Gordios for the most affordable hotel prices.
8. Majorca – Balearic Islands – Spain
The Balearic Islands are a hot destination for UK sun-seekers, and Majorca has it all. Think of quiet, charming villages, sprawling beach resorts, side-street tapas spots, flashy seafront beach clubs, and untouched beaches. There’s something for every kind of traveller in Majorca, and we recommend the beach resort of C’an Picafort for its budget-friendly accommodation options. This doesn’t mean compromising, either – most of the restaurants in C’an Picafort are along the beach with amazing sea views. Beautiful coastal scenery goes perfectly with a glass of wine – especially when it’s just over £3.50. The average cost of a return flight is a good price too at £102.
7. Funchal – Madeira – Portugal
The lush Portuguese island of Madeira is a melting pot of beautiful hikes, a year-round spring climate, and jutting cliffs. Transport yourself to the likes of Costa Rica on a budget and explore the evergreen Laurissilva Forest – a rare subtropical forest. Otherworldly Madeira feels a long way from being a budget destination, but with affordable return flights, the relatively low average price of £86 per night for a hotel, and the reasonable cost of daily items – it should be high on your wish list. The local wine is famously delicious too. Good thing it’s only £4 a glass.
6. Sharm el-Sheikh – Egypt
A new addition to this year’s affordable destinations, Sharm el-Sheikh is one to watch. Combine the Red Sea lapping onto golden soft-sand beaches with affordability and you have the sun-drenched Sharm el-Sheikh. A three-course meal for two, including a bottle of wine, comes in at an average price of £46.39, and the average price of a hotel room per night is £73.32. And what’s the best bit? Sterling is currently very strong against the Egyptian Pound, so cash-happy travellers gain a whopping £174.08 when converting £500 into Egyptian Pounds. The average cost of a flight might be on the pricey end of £319.99, but the savings make up for it.
5. Costa del Sol – Spain
The Costa del Sol’s appeal is boundless. With an average cost of £94 for a return flight, a daily spend of £73.99, and an average hotel pricing up at £109 a night, it’s the fifth most affordable destination for UK holidaymakers. Not bad for on-top sunshine, tapas galore, and sandy shores. Other Costa del Sol highlights include historical old towns, national parks, and although on the pricier end, flashy marinas. Cash-conscious travellers should look at Estepona accommodation for top deals.
4. Poreč – Croatia
The Istrian Peninsula is full of charming coastal towns, but Poreč is the most affordable choice – it’s also one of the most beautiful. It has a lovely Old Town, 22 Blue Flag beaches, historic buildings that represent the town’s turbulent history, and plenty of delectable local wines to sample. The daily cost might be £88.08, but the low price of £74 for an average return flight makes it an affordable and great value holiday option.
3. Algarve – Portugal
There are endless reasons why the Algarve should be on your holiday wish list. The craggy coastline is dotted with golden coves and beaches to explore, it has some of the best surfing in Europe, super-fresh seafood, bustling party towns, and cute traditional villages. With so much on offer, you might be surprised that it’s the third-best value destination for UK travellers. The average cost of a return flight is £74, the average hotel is £64 per night, and daily spend is on the lower end too – get a coffee, a beer, a meal for two, insect repellent, and sun cream for just £59.95. Not only is the Algarve affordable, but it’s also a safe, family-friendly destination with a GPI score of 1.3.
2. Marmaris – Turkey
Marmaris has long been a favourite among UK travellers for its glorious weather, food, beaches, and of course, reasonable prices. The average cost of a flight is on the pricier end of £126, but the Turkish Lira continues to be a huge gain for the Sterling Pound. Currently, converting £500 into Turkish Lira will buy you £80 more and the average price of a hotel per night is one of the lowest at £50. The daily spend is also on the lower end – the total cost of a coffee, beer, soft drink, three-course meal for two, sun cream, and insect repellent comes in at just £57.59. Excellent savings all around.
1. Sunny Beach – Bulgaria
Blazing sunshine, soft sand beaches, mountainous backdrop, and booming nightlife – Sunny Beach is a great value hot spot without compromising on what makes a holiday special. We’ve collated information on the average hotel cost per night (£48), the GPI safety score, the cost of daily items, and the average cost of a return flight – of which Sunny Beach was the cheapest at £49 – and found it to be the best value destination for UK travellers in 2023. All roads lead to Bulgaria!