Have you booked your break yet? If you’ve got a case of wanderlust, it could be time to get planning your next great escape. Still, there’s one problem that we all come up against time and time again…. Holidays are expensive!
Whether you’re looking to save money or on a tight budget, we could have the answer. Forget hitting up major tourist destinations and opt for cheaper alternatives instead. With just that in mind, here are ten of the most inexpensive destinations, according to the Post Office Travel Money report. This is why you should visit them this year.
1. Riga, Latvia
Typical holiday cost: £172.17
Not sure where to head on holiday? Why not check out Latvia’s capital city. Riga has gained popularity in recent years as it is a cheap and cheerful destination that offers a whole load of culture. Highlights from the city include the Freedom Monument, the House of Blackheads, and St. Peter’s Church. You should find plenty of photo-ops!
It’s also one of the most cost-effective places to have a quick break. The average cost of a cup of coffee is £2.72, the average cost of wine is £3.17 a glass (yes, please!) a beer is £2.72, and the average cost of a meal for two is £65.53. That means that you won’t need loads of spending money to have a ball of a time. Nice.
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2. Lille, France
Typical holiday cost: £208.95
Forget spending all of your pennies in Paris – there’s another part of France that you might want to visit. Lille is a beautiful city near the Belgium border which has a gorgeous historic centre as well as a load of restaurants, bars, and cafes where you could choose to dwell. The La Piscine Museum is a real highlight; an old swimming pool, which has been turned into an exciting museum.
So, how much will you end up spending should you head to Lille? Well, a cup of coffee will set you back around £2.62… which isn’t too bad. The wine is also quite cheap coming in at around £3.17 per glass. Sadly, for beer drinkers, though, you might end up paying a little more. The average price of a bottle of beer is £5.34. Yikes.
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3. Barcelona, Spain
Typical holiday cost: £349.77
For a long time now, Barcelona has been a prime destination for holiday-makers. Aside from having some wonderful architecture and beautiful beaches, the city is packed with character and charm. When you choose to hit this city, you get the feel of being in a capital without paying extortionate prices for the pleasure. What more could you want?
The great news is that the booze is super cheap here. The average glass of wine will set you back just £2.72. Beer is even cheaper, coming in at around £2.26. Oh, and coffee might as well be free at around £1.45. Yes, you read that right. Plus, there are loads of cool sights to take in just by walking around the city centre. Bonus.
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4. Moscow, Russia
Typical holiday cost: £199.64
Thinking of heading over to Russia for a quick break? Well, perhaps Moscow should be at the top of your list. The capital city is an exciting, unique, and interesting place to visit. Of course, while you’re there, you will want to head over to St. Basil’s Cathedral. The completely original looking building is one of the major tourist points and you don’t want to miss it. There’s also the historic Kremlin and Red Square.
Eating and drinking in the city won’t set you back all that much. Wine is around £4.21 per glass, beer is about £3.53, and coffee is around £2.17. You can also nab a 48-hour travel card for around £5.63, which means that you can travel around the city without it costing you a small fortune. You know it makes sense!
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5. Budapest, Hungary
Typical holiday cost: £183.51
We’re sticking with the capital city theme for this next one. Budapest is a cool and quirky city that has recently become popular with just about everybody. From families to hipsters, there are few people out there who can deny just how awesome this place truly is. So, where should you start? Well, the Széchenyi Medicinal Bath might be a good place. The relaxing attraction is always busy – it’s clear to see why.
The wine is pretty affordable here. It’ll set you back around £3.52 per glass, which is hardly going to break the bank. However, the truth of the matter is that you shouldn’t be drinking wine when you visit this city. It’s all about the beer. No, seriously. The average cost of a bottle of beer here is £1.53. YES. Let’s get the drinks in.
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6. Berlin, Germany
Typical holiday cost: £282.22
What can we say about Berlin? Well, it’s one of the most interesting cities in Europe. There’s no denying that fact. Rich with history and a massive night scene, this place calls people to it time and time again. Disclaimer: Once you head here, you might find yourself going back every year. It’s hard not to!
Attractions include the historic East Side Gallery, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Topography of Terror. It would also be something of a crime to visit this city without checking out the rather iconic Brandenburg Gate. Aside from the tourist points, you will also find a wealth of flea markets, clubs, bars, and vintage shops. It’s heaven.
Unsurprisingly, beer is the cheapest drink here. The average cost of a bottle of beer is £2.26, while a glass of wine is £3.62. You can also get yourself a 48-hour travel card for around £12.67. Getting around the city centre is super easy too! Wander the streets and see what little gems you find along the way.
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7. Athens, Greece
Typical holiday cost: £200.42
If you’ve never headed over to Greece before now, Athens is a great place to start. The country’s capital city is well-known for its beauty, food, and lively nature. Landmarks include The Acropolis of Athens, The Acropolis Museum, and The Parthenon. In truth, you should set aside an entire day to check out some of the major points of interest here. You’re unlikely to get bored quickly as there is so much to do.
It’s the food that’s super cheap here – which is why you will likely find yourself eating out a whole lot on your holiday. It costs around £37.11 for a meal for two. What’s more, the Greek dishes are certain to wow you more than you might expect. Many of the main heritage attractions are free too! That means that you can spend hours enjoying all that the city has to offer without spending over the odds.
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8. Prague, Czech Republic
Typical holiday cost: £199.86
Dubbed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague is a gorgeously historic place that everyone should visit at least once in their life. Filled with stunning Gothic architecture and a whole load of character, it’s plain to see why so many people end up falling head over heels in love with this place when they first visit. Oh, and there are loads of photo opportunities when you choose to have a break here too.
Highlights include the Old Town Square (which is ideal, especially if you happen to have a selfie stick on you), Prague Castle, and Charles Bridge. There’s also a huge folk scene in the heart of the city, which means that you’re sure to hear some quirky, interesting music as you walk around the metropolitan area.
If you fancy a tipple with your lunch, you should find that it’s a whole load cheaper than you expect. The beer in this city costs an average of £1.35 per bottle while the wine is a little more expensive at £2.62. You can also nab yourself a 48-hour travel card for around £8.23. Basically, you won’t need to spend a lot to have fun.
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9. Kraków, Poland
Typical holiday cost: £164.80
Fancy heading over to Poland for a short and sweet break? You might just be in luck. Another place that’s packed with history – and won’t set you back all that much – is Kraków. Here you can check out some delights including the Stained Glass Museum, salt mine, Cloth Hall, and Wawel Castle. You’re sure to have an unforgettable getaway.
It’s cheap to visit (and get in) some of the top heritage attractions in the city, which is always a major bonus. The coffee will set you back around £1.79 while the beer is actually cheaper at around £1.57. That means that you can sup away until your heart’s content. It’s not all that expensive to eat out, either. It will cost you around £42.72 for a meal for two.
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