Every year, millions of British holidaymakers flock to the warmer climates of Europe to enjoy the sun, sea, beautiful beaches and attractions that the UK typically lacks. In 2023, there seems to be a focus on affordable yet diverse, well-appointed holidays, so let’s take a look at the top 5 affordable destinations, as well as some worthwhile money-saving advice to get you off on the trip of your dreams this year.
5 amazing European holiday destinations
1. Majorca
Spain is undoubtedly one of the most popular holiday destinations for British vacationers and while many flock to well-loved locations like Barcelona and Madrid, Majorca is fast becoming a top choice when opting to travel on a budget. There is so much to see and do on the largest of the Balearic Islands, from hiking to family-friendly resorts, that you’ll be spoilt for choice without breaking the bank.
2. Bulgaria
As one of the cheapest European destinations, you may be skeptical about visiting Bulgaria, but it is a fantastic option for an all-round affordable holiday that will tick all of the right boxes. From cheap yet outstanding restaurants and delicious locally-made wines, to a range of beautiful natural attractions that won’t cost a penny, there are so many ways to have a unique getaway at a great cost.
3. Turkey
Best known for being one of the most stunning locations in Europe, not only will you be able to relax on super soft, sandy beaches, but also visit lush national parks, hike on Mount Nemrut and get lost in the unique historical attractions to name but a few options. If you make a point to stay away from the main tourist strips and take a walk into more residential areas, you’ll find that prices will get even cheaper as you go. You may even stumble across local produce markets, traditional architecture and more to really enrich your stay.
4. Poland
An up-and-coming European tourist destination is Poland and you can expect to find long stretches of coast alongside cobbled streets, historical buildings and unique architecture, but it doesn’t stop there. There is an abundance of lakes, forests and mountains to be found as well as a whopping 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so adventure is definitely on the cards. Poland also has a vibrant nightlife for those who love to party, so you can spend long days and even longer nights having fun.
5. Montenegro
The tiny country of Montenegro really is a hidden gem for not only affordable holidays, but an untouched, unbridled experience that won’t disappoint. It has a diverse climate and attractions to meet the needs of all holidaymakers, from typical Mediterranean summers on beautiful southern-coastal beaches, to more continental temperatures as you traverse the tall, tall mountains.
Money saving advice when travelling to Europe
Always decide where and when you want to go on holiday before you begin the proper planning phase. This can help you to set a realistic budget, look for the deals that suit your needs and start saving with a well-defined goal in mind. When you outline exactly what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to choose the perfect affordable destination to have a worthwhile holiday you’ll never forget.
Once you have done this, our top tip for saving money is to make use of all of the comparison tools on the web to ensure you get the best prices for flights, hotels, travel insurance and even additional features like off-site airport Gatwick parking. These platforms will compile and compare the best deals from across the UK for not only the lowest costs, but also a faster, more simplified way to book all the necessary components of your trip.
Not sure if airport parking is a necessary expense? When selecting on-site airport parking, we’d be likely to agree but off-site parking facilities will securely take care of your car with the additional benefits of a private shuttle to the airport, valet parking, car washing, detailing and checkups, luggage help, electrical ports for charging hybrid and electric vehicles, heated/air-conditioned waiting areas with well-appointed facilities and much, much more. What more could you ask for from fantastic services and peace of mind, with a low price tag that defies belief?