Travel is one of the best ways to experience new cultures, learn about the world, and grow as a person, especially if you are in your 20s.
But for many, there’s one – pretty big – obstacle. Money. Or so you might think.
The reality is that many don’t pick the right destinations (see: cheapest) where they can get the best bang for your buck. There are so many benefits to picking low-cost locations, from potentially extending your trip, booking nicer accommodation and even being able to afford a drink with lunch. It’s the little things!
To give you a head start, Metro and Paul Scott, founder of My Budget Break, put together a list of seven places to travel when you’re young and broke, but suffering from an intense case of wanderlust.
Verona and Lake Garda, Italy
First off, Scott recommends the Italian city of Verona and the nearby Lake Garda. Due to their breathtaking landscapes and the latter’s association with the notoriously exclusive Lake Como, people wrongly assume it’s an expensive holiday hotspot.
Yes, Italy has publicly been ramping up its tourist prices to tackle overtourism, leading many travellers to question the country’s affordability. Case in point: Venice recently doubled its controversial tourist tax following a trial run period last year that ‘slightly’ reduced crowds.
But don’t be so quick to dismiss these Italian jewels. A trip to Verona and Lake Garda is an affordable way to combine a historical Italian city with one of the country’s most beautiful lakes.
Verona – also known as Little Rome – is famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Visitors can marvel at the endless Roman structures, head to the famous amphitheatre Arena di Verona, and gush over the Torre dei Lamberti, also known as the Tower of Love.
The city also has an active nightlife. Veronetta, the university quarter, is a hotspot for cheap Aperol Spritzes. There are also a few clubs in the area, such as Berfi’s (enter for £8.40) and Love Verona (tickets start at £12.60).
As for Lake Garda, check out from real life for a few days in this laid-back paradise. From swimming and sunbathing at the lake’s beautiful beaches to detoxing in Sirmione, a lakeside town with thermal springs, Scott says all can be easily done on a budget.
‘I’d recommend flying to Verona and staying in the city for two or three nights.’ The cheaper hotels are outside of the Old City walls. ‘You can then take the train to Peschiera Del Garda and stay at one of the holiday parks dotted around the lake. They offer very affordable but very comfortable accommodation.’
But don’t get caught out, Scott warns. When taking the train to Peschiera Del Garda, make sure it’s the slower one. The faster option is much more expensive.
How much does it cost to visit Verona?
• Flights from London Stansted or Manchester range between £20-£30
• 1 meal (inexpensive restaurant): €16 (£13.22)
• Beer: €5 (£4.13)
• Coffee: €1.74 (£1.44)
• Soft drink: €2.95 (£2.44)
Antalya, Turkey
Antalya is a city in the Turkish Riviera famed for its cobalt-blue waters and over 200 pristine beaches. The seaside gem is so beautiful that many refer to it as ‘the jewel of the Turquoise Coast’.
‘Antalya is a great combination of a beach and city break,’ says Scott. ‘The beach is within easy reach of the city centre and its Old Town, with hiking and biking trails close by too. Head to Konyaalti Beach for great sunbathing spots and to watch the sunset over the dramatic Bey Mountains.’
But Antalya isn’t just an elite beach destination – it’s also an ancient city. Away from the built-up hotels that cater to the 16.6 million tourists who swarm to its beaches each year, there are many Roman, Hellenistic, Ottoman, and Lycian architectural styles to marvel at.
History lovers will be drawn to Hadrian’s Gate, a dramatic entrance to the Kaleiçi district constructed in 130 AD. There’s also the Archaeological Site of Perge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for being the capital of the Roman province of Pamphylia Secunda.
If you are looking for a night out, Roots or Sponge Pub in Kaleiçi are good options. For a party on the beach, Red & White in Lara has great views.
It won’t cost the world to stay in Antalya, either. Scott recommends checking out guest houses dotted around the city, particularly around the Old Town, as they’re usually cheaper than chain hotels. Plus, they offer more of a local experience.
How much does it cost to visit Antalya?
• Flights from London Luton and London Stansted range between £42-£50
• 1 meal (inexpensive restaurant): 350TL (£7.54)
• Beer: 150TL (£3.23)
• Coffee: 113.47TL (£2.44)
• Soft drink: 44/10TL (£0.95)
Albania
Thanks to TikTok, Albania has been crowned with ‘hidden gem’ status. The country’s stunning Riviera has also been christened the ‘Maldives of Europe’ without the eye-watering price tag. As the Balkan nation has only recently experienced a surge in tourism, flights and accommodation come cheap.
‘Fly into Tirana and head down south for some incredible views. Places like Drymades Beach can get busy but are beautiful, offering sea views and a dramatic backdrop of the Ceraunian Mountains,’ Scott says. Alternatively, head up towards Durres (north of Tirana) for more seaside towns.
Albania’s rise from obscurity to holiday hotspot has not come without its challenges, though. Metro’s Alice Murphy visited the country last year, and noted how the tourism boom is a double-edged sword.
While people are lured by viral videos of turquoise waves and pristine white sand (who wouldn’t be?), the unprecedented spike has ‘spawned a flurry of construction that threatens to overshadow the spectacular scenery’.
Still, travel experts say the best time to visit Albania is in shoulder season: late spring (April and May) and early autumn (September and October). This way, you can beat the crowds and contribute towards a more sustainable tourism approach.
Scott adds: ‘I’d highly recommend hiring a car to get the most out of your holiday in Albania. Rates start from as little as £6-£7 per day.’
Albania’s affordability also means that upgrading from a hostel to a hotel is definitely an option.
How much does it cost to visit Albania?
• Flights from London Luton or Stansted start from £22
• 1 meal (inexpensive restaurant): 1,000LEK (£8.34)
• Beer: 250LEK (£2.08)
• Coffee: 163.18LEK (£1.36)
• Soft drink: 145.33LEK (£1.21)
Krakow, Poland
For those looking for a city break steeped in history, Krakow is the perfect choice. As one of Poland’s oldest cities, the medieval Old Town was one of the first sites chosen for UNESCO’s original World Heritage List. It’s here you’ll find a mixture of Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic architecture; notable buildings include the Town Hall Tower, and the Church of St. Wojciech.
With some planning, your culture fix could be very affordable. Most museums and galleries are free to visit one day a week, usually Tuesdays. If you are looking for something alternative, the Arcade Museum and the House of Attractions are good options.
No trip to Krakow is complete without a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau. It’s the largest of the WW2 German Nazi concentration camps, where over one million men, women and children lost their lives. Though a stark and sobering experience, Auschwitz demonstrates the importance of the fight against discrimination and hate.
It’s free to visit the grounds of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, but you must reserve an entry card in advance. Local trains (€3.50 each way) link Krakow Glowny with Oswiecim every hour, with the journey taking an hour and a half. From the station, Auschwitz is a 25-minute walk. However, you can also reach it by bus or taxi.
But this is not the only cheap day trip available. Scott also recommends walking up Józef Piłsudski’s Mound (for free) and the surrounding woodland or taking the train to Katowice and enjoying the cable car through Silesia Park.
How much does it cost to visit Krakow?
• Flights from Liverpool cost £28. You can also fly from Birmingham for £34. From London Luton, you can bag a one-way ticket for £39
• 1 meal (inexpensive restaurant): 40ZL (£7.91)
• Beer: 15ZL (£2.97)
• Coffee: 14.55ZL (£2.88)
• Soft drink: 8.55ZL (£1.69)
Hammamet, Tunisia
If you’re looking for an affordable package holiday in the sun, Tunisia is a great option and one of the cheapest places to travel right now, according to Scott.
He recommends Hammamet, a northeastern coastal hotspot ‘with plenty to offer including historical sights, beaches, nightlife and great hotels’.
One Google search of the place and you’re met with charming whitewashed traditional villages, palm-lined promenades, white sands, and glistening azure waters, perfect for swimming and water sports.
Hammamet is also dripping in history, with settlements dating back to the 1st century.
To take advantage of the Mediterranean climate, Scott says all-inclusive beach packages are very affordable here.
They’re also beneficial to budget-conscious travellers, as you don’t have to worry about any extra costs while you’re there. For example, a one-week holiday in April (temperatures average at a comfortable 20°C) travelling from Bristol airport with easyJet costs £649pp. Budget airlines also tend to run regular sales where you can often bag an extra £100 off your total bill.
How much does it cost to visit Hammamet?
• Flights to Tunis Carthage, 38 miles from Hammamet, cost around £78 from London Luton.
• 1 meal (inexpensive restaurant): 12.50DT (£3.13)
• Beer: 5DT (£1.25)
• Coffee: 3.05DT (£0.76)
• Soft drink: 2.10DT (£0.53)
Portugal Atlantic Coast and Lisbon
Last year, Lisbon was named the cheapest city in Western Europe, beating 173 other cities analysed by the Economist Intelligence Unit. There’s so much to love about the Portuguese capital, from the Mediterranean climate to the friendly locals, and all can be done on a small budget.
Love to experience a city’s nightlife? Head to Pink Street in Cais do Sodre. The concrete floor has been painted pink, and is lined with vibrant bars and clubs, many of which have live Fado music – the traditional music of Portugal.
Top tips for travelling on a budget
- Check the whole holiday cost when comparing prices: Don’t forget to include airport transfers, check-in luggage and additional extras. ‘These services aren’t always included with tour operators and sometimes the up-front cost can be a little misleading,’ says Scott. If you’re booking to travel to a destination that has extra visa requirements, such as the USA or the new ETIAS visa for Europe, you will also need to take these costs into consideration.
- Look out for tour operators introducing new destinations: For example, Jet2 just announced its biggest-ever Greek programme, with holidays to Aegina, Poros and Leros in Greece from May this year. These three destinations are true hidden gems and are relatively unknown to UK holidaymakers. This means there is much less demand, and potentially cheaper deals to be had, explains Scott. ‘You’ll also be contributing to the local economy in these areas and experiencing the destination’s true culture.’
- Be flexible with your destinations and dates: For those who find it difficult to get time off from work last minute, consider planning in advance and booking an extended amount of time off around the dates you want to go away. When it comes to booking your holiday, you then have some flexibility to move the dates around within that time frame. Scott also recommends being flexible with your location, as you’ll have access to more deals.
- Consider flying in and out of different airports: Living in London makes this hack easier thanks to the great public transport system. However, it’s still worth considering for those living outside the capital – when booking flights online, tick the option to include nearby airports.
For the foodies among us, Lisbon has a blossoming food scene, and the TimeOut Market is a good place to start. The huge food hall is packed with countless cuisines, all of which won’t break the bank.
Once you’ve eaten your body weight in pastéis de nata, you’ll want to take a deep dive into the city, from aimlessly exploring the charming neighbourhoods, to checking out iconic landmarks including the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.
Lisbon is really easy to get around, too. Scott recommends grabbing a Lisboa Card as it gets you free and discounted entry tickets to a range of attractions. It also includes free travel, including to and from the airport, and out to gorgeous towns like inland Sintra and coastal Cascais. Cards start at €27 (£22.35).
Speaking of which, experiencing the lapping waves of the Atlantic Coast is non-negotiable. Cascais is a gorgeous place to visit for a combination of Old Town, beach and marina. Scott says: ‘Consider venturing up and down the coast for stunning beaches such as Praia do Pinheirinho in the south and Baleal.’
How much does it cost to visit Lisbon?
• Flights from London Stansted cost £27
• 1 meal (inexpensive restaurant): €13.22 (£10.91)
• Beer: €3 (£2.48)
• Coffee: €2.50 (£2.06)
• Soft drink: €1.85 (£1.53)
Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia is a modern and youthful city with plenty of culture. ‘It’s a fantastic alternative city break with plenty of budget-friendly options, including travel and accommodation,’ says Scott.
From a flourishing food scene to a thriving nightlife, you can also unwind at the Sofia Central Mineral Baths. Other notable landmarks include the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the National Palace of Culture, Vitosha Boulevard, and the Bulgarian Parliament building. Active travellers might also want to hike up Vitosha Mountain on the outskirts of Sofia.
Scott adds: ‘Take advantage of the free Sofia tour which takes place every day to ensure you don’t miss anything. Whilst it is free, a generous tip can go a long way and you’ll also have the opportunity to find out more about the city from a local expert.’
Sofia is also well-known for its clubs, with many options both in the city centre and the student quarter (also known as Studentski grad). The latter is the perfect place to discover ‘chalga’, Bulgaria’s traditional pop-folk music. Entry to nightclubs is very cheap, with most charging between £4-7.
How much does it cost to visit Sofia?
• Flights cost £34 from London Luton, and £38 from Birmingham
• 1 meal (inexpensive restaurant): 20BNG (£8.46)
• Beer: 5BNG (£2.11)
• Coffee: 4.43BNG (£1.87)
• Soft drink: 3.04BNG (£1.29)
*All average costs were taken from Numbeo.
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