Cheap Overseas Holidays

Taking a vacation doesn’t have to cost you the earth. Whether you’re looking for an island escape, an adventure in the great outdoors, or a world-class city break, there are plenty of cheap overseas holidays available. From all-inclusive resorts to budget hotels and tours, these destinations offer the best value for your money.

Choosing the right destination is key. A good time to visit a budget holiday destination depends on the weather, local festivals and events, and whether or not there are currency fluctuations that make travel cheaper. Savvy travellers can find bargains in the Caribbean islands when a hurricane hits, and in European cities like Lisbon when they are less busy.

The pound’s recent depreciation against the euro makes it even more tempting to nab a deal on an overseas holiday. The cheapest places for UK tourists to go on holiday are surprisingly diverse, ranging from nature-soaked West African paradises and the Bolivian mix of salt flats and Amazon jungle, to sun-drenched beaches in Sri Lanka and the opulent temples of Thailand.

A new study by Post Office Travel Money compares the price of eight travel items – such as a cup of coffee, a bottle of water, and a tube of sunscreen – in 40 global holiday hotspots to reveal the best value destinations for UK travellers. Cape Town in South Africa is the cheapest overall, with a week’s stay in an inexpensive hostel costing just £132. The Dominican Republic is another affordable beach destination, with all-inclusive resorts and beachfront bungalows available for around £200 a night.

For those on a tighter budget, there are still many cheap overseas holidays to be had, with some of the best deals to be found in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. In Albania, couples can dine out at a perfectly decent bistro (try tave kosi, baked chicken and lamb in yoghurt) for less than a tenner. Meanwhile, in the capital, Bucharest, a double room at the five-star Adriatik Hotel costs just £100 per night.

If you’re looking for an adventurous trip with a group of friends, consider joining a guided tour. Not only does this take the stress out of planning your trip, but it’s also a great way to save money on flights and accommodation. Tour companies like Exodus have a wide range of affordable trips, from two-week tours of India that combine all the highlights with a stay in a luxury lodge on the banks of the Ganges to city breaks in Paris or Florence. With meals, transport, and guides included in your tour package, you’ll be able to enjoy a world-class destination without breaking the bank.