- The research examines the expenses related to airfare, dining at restaurants, purchasing coffee, and consuming local beer.
- EXPLORE FURTHER: I put an all-inclusive vacation to the test to see if it truly justifies the cost.
A recent research has identified the top budget-friendly vacation spots for travelers from Britain.
Based on the latest report from Mintel and eurochange In 2025, an Eastern European nation offers the most budget-friendly destination for British vacationers.
The specialists examined flight prices, a three-course dinner, and a pint of beer to determine the top budget-friendly vacation destinations.
1. Bulgaria
Officially, Bulgaria emerges as the top choice for Britons aiming to maximize the purchasing power of their pounds this year.
For two people, a three-course dinner costs around £27.08, whereas an average domestic beer typically sets you back £1.42.
For those looking at return trips to Sofia originating from the UK with prices beginning around £28, this location provides excellent value for money-minded British travelers.
Laura Evans Fisk, who leads digital and engagement initiatives at EuroChange, remarks: "Bulgaria is gradually emerging as a favored destination for holidays among UK travelers. According to research, there has been an 8.8 percent rise year-over-year in British tourists going to Bulgaria in 2024."
'It’s straightforward to understand its appeal when you consider the remarkably affordable rates paired with breathtaking vistas. This place offers terracotta-roofed houses and shores that evoke memories of Croatia but come at a significantly lower cost.'
2. Turkey
Turkey falls short of claiming the top position, yet it still provides excellent value for British shoppers looking for deals.
A dinner for two consisting of three courses is priced at only £26.71, whereas a domestic beer costs £3.03.
Return trips to the coastal town of Dalaman from the UK begin at only £52.
Laura shares: "Highly favored by British travelers, Turkey" offers numerous attractions for those seeking a vacation spot .
Regardless of whether you're looking for a laid-back beach vacation, an adventurous hike, or a urban getaway in Istanbul, Turkey has it all '. Your money will also stretch quite far here.'
3. Portugal
In Western Europe, Portugal offers the most affordable option, where a three-course dinner for two costs £42.64.
A pint of local beer is priced at only £2.30, whereas a cup of coffee goes for £1.74. Additionally, travelers in Britain can find return flights for as low as £28 from the UK to Faro.
Laura states: "In Europe, your money will stretch farther in Portugal."
'Offering quite affordable flight and lodging costs, the Algarve makes an excellent vacation spot for families alike.'
There are numerous family-oriented resorts, especially in Albufeira. If you prefer a urban getaway, Lisbon has become increasingly popular lately. considered one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Western Europe.
4. Hungary
Just missing out on the top three, Hungary stands as one of Europe’s most budget-friendly vacation spots for travelers from Britain.
A dinner for two consisting of three courses costs £35.69, and a domestic beer is priced at only £1.78. Round-trip flights from the United Kingdom to Budapest begin at £28.
Laura clarifies: "The Hungarian Forint stands out as one of the most valuable currencies in Europe when compared to the British Pound."
For £10, you could purchase at least four beers and a coffee would be priced under £2.
5. Thailand
People from Britain who want to venture farther abroad will discover the most attractive offers in destinations like Thailand rather than within Europe.
Even though return tickets from the UK to Bangkok begin at £476, a dinner for two people comes out to only £18.43.
A local beer is priced at only £1.82, whereas people in Britain can get a coffee for merely £1.39.
Laura notes: "Thailand is known for offering great value to British travelers. Nonetheless, due to its distant location, it often gets underestimated."
Despite accounting for airfare and lodging expenses, a seven-day trip to Thailand might total approximately £900, covering additional costs as well. In contrast, a one-week stay in Spain could easily exceed £800 per individual during high season.
6. South Africa
South Africa ranks as the sixth most affordable option for British diners, with a three-course meal for two priced at only £25.46.
Outbound trips from the UK to Cape Town cost more, beginning at £452, however Laura asserts that low costs in South Africa imply Britons will 'recoup their expenses' upon arrival.
Laura clarifies: "Be it a coastal getaway, an unforgettable wildlife expedition, or a journey through its famous vineyards," There is an abundance South Africa can provide. A complete three-course dinner for two people only costs £12.50 per person, which is typically the cost of an appetizer at most restaurants in the UK.
7. Costa Rica
Although its name may be interpreted as 'Rich Coast,' Costa Rica emerges as one of the most cost-effective travel spots for British tourists, based on recent studies.
A dinner for two consisting of three courses is priced at £38.97, whereas a domestic beer comes to only £1.95.
Laura remarks: "Costa Rica has become more popular with travelers from the UK. Actually, the United Kingdom stands as Costa Rica’s third biggest European supplier of visitors, and the number of British tourists visiting Costa Rica rose by 5.5 percent in the first six months of 2024 when compared to the corresponding timeframe in 2023."
8. Montenegro
A rising star among European destinations, Montenegro stands out as one of the continent’s most affordable attractions for British travelers.
A dinner for two consisting of three courses totals £38.61, whereas a local beer is priced at only £2.32.
Laura Adds: 'A more secluded option compared to Croatia, this destination features equally charming towns, beautiful beaches, and an impressive coast, all at roughly 20-30 percent lower costs.'
9. Poland
Poland offers an excellent option for British shoppers looking for deals, as a three-course dinner for two people costs only £33.76.
A local beer typically costs about £2.45, whereas round-trip flights from the UK to Gdansk are priced at approximately £26.
Laura mentions: "Visiting a city in Poland for a short trip can as low as £200 covering flights, accommodations, and pocket money .'
10. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, another far-flung destination, completes the top 10 list. For a three-course dinner shared between two people, you'd pay approximately £15.33, whereas a local beer can be had for as low as £1.43.
Outbound return trips from the UK to Colombo cost £636 per individual; however, Laura mentions that British travelers will find they receive good value for their money when in Sri Lanka.
She states: "Sri Lanka boasts an exceptionally varied array of breathtaking scenery, picturesque shores, verdant tea estates, historical ruins, exceptional wildlife observation possibilities, and luscious culinary delights—all encompassed in a fairly small region."
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