There’s always a part of us that wonders what we might find and experience on a getaway to another destination. Will we experience culture shock? Eat a local delicacy that we’ll fall in love with? Meet people we’ll become lifelong friends with? The other part of us, however, immediately thinks about how much this would all cost. With the rising cost of living today, even a weekend getaway can seem like too much of a drain on our finances.
Photo by Eilis Garvey on Unsplash
The best part about living or being in the UK, though, is that you’re just a short flight away from a vibrant tapestry of countries—countries that present great opportunities for budget travel. Looking to soak up a new atmosphere and create everlasting memories for less? Then these destinations are worth a visit.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakesh has long been known as a sensory wonder. With heaps of colourful spices at the many souks, the calls to prayer at the minarets, and the tempting street food wafting your way, the city instantly transports its visitors into a whole new world. It’s a wildly accommodating country, with options for those seeking private luxury tours and accommodation and for those backpacking and looking for the hostel experience.
Stays can fit a range of budgets, from £12 for a hostel bed to £15 for a private room, with standard hotel rooms available from around £50 and up if you want additional comforts like Wi-Fi so that you can watch Netflix or gamble on your smartphone or tablet. While many get around on foot in the Medina, venturing out to see more obscure sights will require you to either hop on the bus or take a taxi, both of which are reasonably priced. Delicious kebabs, rich soups, flavour-packed tagines, and the many cafés dotted around Marrakesh won’t set your budget back much either. With so many mind-blowing places to visit, it’s a haven for travellers looking for affordable adventure.
Krakow, Poland
Krakow is one of the oldest cities in Poland and one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Although you can find UNESCO World Heritage Sites dotted around the world today, the Old Town and Wawel Royal Castle was one of the first to earn that status. The city is absolutely teeming with historical sites and incredible cultural heritage, demonstrating some of the best examples of Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic architecture. Not to mention the natural beauty, with five nature reserves and 40 parks to complement the stunning cityscapes and picturesque streets.
Even though Krakow is full of world-class attractions, the city offers high quality at an affordable price. Local eats like pierogi and obwarzanek (a yummy bagel-like food) cost a mere £2–4 from a street food vendor, or you can dine at a premium restaurant for £13. Money goes a long way here. Many of the city’s museums and churches are also free, and a KrakowCard can give you instant access to 40 attractions and unlimited transport rides—all for between £17 and £28. That’s a steal when you consider that in some countries, the price of one museum ticket is much more than that. It’s said that accommodations in Krakow are 45% to 55% cheaper than in London, with boutique hotels priced at around £60 per night and a modern apartment in the old town at around £40.
Corfu, Greece
Looking for more of a beach vacation than just visiting Benidorm or Blackpool? Greece doesn’t have to mean staying at exclusive spa hotels and living life like the gods. It can still mean indulging in the Mediterranean climate, eating the best olives in the world at a market, and exploring the archaeological sites all around. The majority of travellers jet set to Santorini or Mykonos for their coastal getaway, but many don’t know about the radiant island of Corfu, right by Albania in the Ionian Sea. Easy to get around and lush with greenery and secluded beaches, this gem has the perfect mix of a charming town, French and Italian structures, hiking trails, golden beaches, rocky caves, and traditional villages.
While you’re sure to find refined accommodations at high prices, Corfu has a large selection of beach houses and mid-tier hotels with sweeping views, sun decks, pools, and other amenities. When you’re not lazing around under the sun, you can roam the old town, take a boat tour to Turtle Island, or go snorkelling. Private tours can cost as little as £55, while boat tours may charge around £17. A multi-attraction ticket for the old town will set you back just £12, and picking up a scrumptious gyro is just £5.
Budapest, Hungary
For a capital city, Budapest certainly accommodates the budget traveller, with hostels scattered across the city and bus tickets costing a measly £1. It’s a treat if you’re searching for a classic European city experience that caters to an itinerary of sightseeing, dining out, and indulging in local experiences. While there, you don’t want to miss the 19th-century Great Market Hall, packed with vendors selling delicious Hungarian cuisine. To give you an idea of how much you’ll spend there, a bowl of goulash is just £1.90.
A summer cruise down the Danube is a must to check out the best sights, including the Hungarian Parliament and the Buda Castle, and a ride is only £1.60. Want to stop by a historic thermal bath? You won’t even have to fork out £10 for the experience at certain locations while still gaining access to indoor and outdoor baths and all sorts of amenities like medicinal water and saunas. Think you’ll be hungry after? At some sit-down establishments, a nice lunch paired with a glass of wine won’t even cost you £20.
