Budget-friendly travel destinations

As the UK embraces a summer of turbulent weather, the urge to travel to sunnier (and less grey) destinations is prevalent. However, with the cost of living crisis keeping much of the UK public in its grip, people looking for a warm escape are keen to skip notoriously expensive holiday destinations, such as the Greek islands or Ibiza. 

Boasting balmy temperatures and quiet beaches, Albania has seen its tourism skyrocket as a budget-friendly holiday destination, over the likes of Croatia. With affordable accommodation options dotted along its Adriatic coastline, Albania is the perfect destination for a low-cost summer holiday. For intrepid holidaygoers, Albania offers vast mountain landscapes with quaint towns and villages nestled amongst them, making it the perfect option for individuals looking to keep busy whilst away.  

Despite Europe's obvious appeal during the summer season, prices are reaching unimaginable highs, driving tourists away from Mediterranean hotspots. With costs of accommodation, meals, and activities being more budget-friendly further afield, by keeping an eye on flights in advance, individuals can secure (more) affordable long-haul flights to Asia, or Africa for example. 

 Using Google’s flight tracker tool, you can stay up to date with notifications alerting you to the fluctuations in flight prices. Another great option to secure cheaper flights is using external companies such as Jacks Flight Club, which sends its members regular deals on cheap flights across the globe. 

 To avoid steep flight prices in general, avoid flying on peak travel days, like the weekends. Wednesday is notoriously the cheapest day to travel on, so a mid-week trip away to keep the costs down is wise. Furthermore, avoiding the peak holiday season (July-August), and booking your holiday for May/June or September/October will dramatically decrease overall expenditure, whilst still enjoying the Mediterranean summer. 

Looking to head away for a short city break on a budget flight? Avoid the likes of Paris & Barcelona, and head to less popularised destinations, such as the Balkans. Belgrade, the capital of Serbia is becoming increasingly popular amongst travelers looking to enjoy a city break, with cultural hotspots throughout, and when the sun goes down, excellent nightlife.  

Sadly, travel across Europe and the Mediterranean is eye-wateringly expensive these days. However, a positive aspect of this is that it leaves those looking to venture abroad with more desire to head to more budget-friendly destinations which may not have always been at the top of their bucket list! My prediction for the next summer season is an explosion of package holidays and flights to Balkan destinations, so get in there before these beautiful countries become overrun by tourists, sending your holiday prices out of the budget-friendly category.