Going on a cheap holiday doesn’t mean sacrificing fun in the sun or cultural experiences abroad. There are plenty of incredible places across the world to experience this year that won’t drain your budget. Ready for some inspiration? Let’s go.

Only a short hop across the channel and home to heaps of incredible destinations, it’s no surprise that France is one of the most affordable countries to travel to from the UK. Lush wine regions, sparkling coastlines and history-packed cities are all on the cards. Paris is a popular pick – and it doesn’t have to be pricey if you’re flexible with your travel dates and don’t stay right in the very centre.

Accommodation per night: Hostels (€25-40), guesthouses (€40-70), hotels (€70+)

Eating out: Street food (€5-10), local restaurant (€15-30), high-end dining (€50+)

Transportation: Get a Navigo pass for unlimited travel (€31.60 per week)

Museums: Louvre (€22)

Look out for:

• Stay in farther-flung towns for cheaper accommodation.

• Consider a more affordable shoulder season trip.

• Shop for bargains at local markets.

Morocco is perfect for UK travellers looking to branch away from European holiday destinations. The North African gem is not too far away by plane but it’s bursting with fascinating Berber culture, desert landscapes and bustling bazaars. Casablanca and Marrakech offer a mix of ornate architecture and craft markets, while Essaouira on the west coast is ideal for some beach time. Or head into the Atlas Mountains or down to the ochre swathes of the Sahara Desert.

Accommodation per night: Riads (250-500 MAD), hotels (500+ MAD)

Eating out: Street food (30-50 MAD), local restaurants (50-150 MAD), high-end dining (200+ MAD)

Activities: Sahara Desert tour (500-1200 MAD), hammam experience (100-250 MAD)

Look out for:

• Souvenirs and crafts in Marrakech or Fes’s medinas.

• Budget-friendly treks through the Atlas Mountains.

• Bustling souks full of unique items.

History, culture and (almost) guaranteed sun… Turkey really does have it all! The country is a bridge between Europe and Asia – with plenty of captivating ruins, bustling cities and stunning coastal scenery to entice visitors. It’s long been one of the cheapest countries to visit from the UK, whether you’re searching for sunshine on a budget or an affordable cultural escape.

Accommodation: Hostels (250-500 TRY), guesthouses (500-850 TRY), hotels (850+ TRY)

Eating out: Street food (50-120 TRY), local restaurants (120-250 TRY), high-end dining (350+ TRY)

Activities: Entrance fees to historical sites (80-250 TRY), boat tours (350-700 TRY)

Look out for:

• Cheap tickets or free entry days to iconic landmarks.

• Less-developed beach towns for cheaper accommodation.

• Budget-friendly local eateries and street food options.

A land of vibrant colours, rich history, and spiritual depth, India really is the mother of all adventure destinations. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly – making it an ideal option for a longer cheap escape. From the majestic Taj Mahal to the bustling streets of Delhi, why not embrace the diversity and affordability of this captivating country in 2025?

Accommodation: Guesthouses (1000-2500 INR), hotels (2500+ INR)

Eating out: Street food (100-300 INR), local restaurants (300-800 INR), high-end dining (1000+ INR)

Transportation: Local buses (under 100 INR per trip)

Entry to famous sites: Taj Mahal (1100 INR)

Look out for:

• Cheap local transport like tuk-tuks, cycle rickshaws and trains.

• Budget-friendly accommodation like guesthouses or homestays.

• Remember to dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Passionate flamenco dancers, delectable tapas and stunning architecture – Spain has no shortage of allures. It hosts cities and islands to suit everyone’s budget, whether you choose bustling Barcelona or the Canary Islands. Save some pennies eating cheap tapas meals in local restaurants away from the tourist areas. Plus, there are campsites all over if you’re after super-affordable accommodation.

Accommodation: Hostels (€25-€45), guesthouses (€45-€75), hotels (€75+)

Eating out: Tapas (€3-€8 per plate), local restaurants (€15-€35), high-end dining (€50+)

Activities: Museum/attraction entrance (€5-€20), flamenco shows (€30+)

Look out for:

• Save money eating tapas at local bars.

• Free flamenco performances in local bars or cultural centres.

• Consider cheaper shoulder season trips to the Balearic or Canary Islands.

Charming mountain top villages, breathtaking coastal towns and cities dripping in centuries old relics await in Portugal. It’s another cheap place to go on holiday in Europe, with plenty of locations to use as your base. Lisbon hums with culture and history, while Porto is a must-visit for foodies. Or why not head to the south coast for a cheap beach escape?

Accommodation: Hostels (€20-€40), guesthouses (€40-€70), hotels (€70+)

Eating out: Street food/casual (€5-€10), local restaurants (€15-€30), high-end dining (€40+)

Activities: Tram rides (€3-€5), surf lessons (€30-€60)

Look out for:

• Multi-day passes to reduce the cost of Lisbon's iconic yellow trams.

• Cheaper surf equipment at less crowded beaches.

• Sample fresh seafood in smaller coastal towns.

One of the jewels of Southeast Asia, Vietnam is a fan favourite for anyone seeking rich history, stunning natural beauty and delicious cuisine on a strict budget. It offers up a thrilling blend of urban and rural experiences too – from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and the serene rice fields of Sapa to the otherworldly karsts of Ha Long Bay.

Accommodation: Hostels (200,000-350,000 VND), guesthouses (350,000-700,000 VND), hotels (700,000+ VND)

Eating out: Street food (25,000-75,000 VND), local restaurants (75,000-200,000 VND), high-end dining (250,000+ VND)

Activities: Ha Long Bay cruises (700,000-2,000,000 VND), cooking classes (350,000-700,000 VND)

Look out for:

• Budget-friendly group tours through Ha Long Bay.

• Cooking classes to save on dining costs.

• Self-guided or group treks in Sapa or Mai Chau.

This Eastern European treasure is easily one of the cheapest holiday destinations in Europe. In fact, if you’re up for a party, Sunny Beach is consistently among the most budget-friendly holiday spots in the world. Bulgaria also offers visitors a blend of Byzantine and Ottoman influences in its cities, along with charming local towns and stunning mountain ranges to boot.

Accommodation: Hostels (30-60 BGN), guesthouses (60-100 BGN), hotels (100+ BGN)

Eating out: Local restaurants (10-30 BGN), high-end dining (40+ BGN)

Activities: Entrance to historical sites (6-20 BGN), hiking trips (often free)

Look out for:

• Affordable entrance and free days at UNESCO sites.

• Cheap trekking through the Pirin, Rila or Balkan Mountains.

• Less developed beach resorts for even lower accommodation costs.

With over 17,000 islands to explore, you’re bound to find something to suit your budget in Indonesia. This stunning archipelago offers up a diverse range of experiences – from bustling cultural breaks in cities like Jakarta to zen getaways in breathtaking Bali. Your biggest expense travelling to Indonesia will be the cost of your flight, but you’ll find it’s one of the cheapest countries to visit in the world once you land.

Accommodation: Hostels (150,000-300,000 IDR), guesthouses (300,000-600,000 IDR), hotels (600,000+ IDR)

Eating out: Street food (20,000-50,000 IDR), local restaurants (50,000-150,000 IDR), high-end dining (200,000+ IDR)

Activities: Temple entrance fees (10,000-50,000 IDR)

Look out for:

• Use local ferries or book budget-friendly island-hopping tours.

• Low entry fee temples like Borobudur or Prambanan.

• Budget-friendly surf lessons in Bali.

Hungary is another jewel in Central Europe that’s great for budget-conscious travellers. The capital, Budapest, is a particularly enticing option – with its soothing thermal baths, amazing historic sights and lively ruin bars all incredibly affordable for a trip that won’t cost the earth. And if you like a tipple, you can easily get out of the city and explore a few of Hungary’s 22 wine regions.

Accommodation: Hostels (5000-10,000 HUF), guesthouses (10,000-18,000 HUF), hotels (18,000+ HUF)

Eating out: Street food (1500-3000 HUF), local restaurants (3000-8000 HUF), high-end dining (12,000+ HUF)

Activities: Thermal baths (3000-8000 HUF), museum entrance (2000-5000 HUF)

Look out for:

• Budapest's famous (and budget-friendly) thermal baths.

• Affordable entrance and free days at many city attractions.

• Cheap and hearty Hungarian food at local eateries.

If you’re keen to get away this year without spending a fortune, you’ve got plenty of options. From affordable European cities to long-haul destinations that are incredibly wallet-friendly for bigger trips, there’s no shortage of cheap holiday destinations for Brits in 2025.