Jetting off on holiday may not always be the most budget-friendly activity, but I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking that despite the expense, it’s well worth it. That doesn’t mean going away has to break the bank though, especially since there are some truly fantastic destinations offering really competitive prices at the moment.
With that in mind, I thought I’d put together a list of some of the cheapest holiday destinations for summer 2013. Hopefully, these should give you a few ideas for your trip – and prove that having an amazing break need not cost an arm and a leg!
Spain
The first destination on my list is Spain – an ever-popular choice for holidays. It’s obvious why this one’s a firm favourite – its sun, amazing beaches, delicious cuisine and rich culture mean it has something to offer pretty much everyone.
You’ve probably guessed that its economic situation is in part why holiday prices are quite low here. While I don’t want to bog you down in facts and figures, I think it’s worth pointing out that recent research (the Post Office Holiday Costs Barometer, in case you’re interested) has shown prices here are roughly 20 per cent lower compared to last year. The Costa del Sol and Costa Brava are said to be offering particularly low prices right now, so if you fancy spending your days lazing in the Spanish sunshine, I’d think about making that booking.
Greece
Greece is another destination that’s had particularly pronounced economic troubles recently, and once again this has meant that holiday prices have gone down. Corfu is one of the best places to head to if you’re after a budget-friendly holiday, due both to lower costs and the fact that it’s a wonderfully relaxing place for a break.
A really beautiful little island, Corfu has a lot to offer. As well as being home to plenty of bustling resorts known for their amazing nightlife, it’s also where you’ll find lots of traditional fishing villages that are absolutely ideal for getting away from it all – Kassiopi is just one of them. Another advantage of coming here is all the amazing scenery; I recommend heading to Paleokastritsa to see a gorgeous combination of cliffs and coves.
Turkey
Next on my list is Turkey. The research I mentioned earlier also found falling prices here, but it’s worth remembering that you need to choose where you go carefully to make sure you get a bargain. For instance, the popular resort of Marmaris has some fantastic deals right now, but Bodrum is actually more expensive than it was – so exercise caution!
Marmaris is nestled on the Mediterranean coast and was once a little fishing village. These days, it is one of the best-loved destinations on the Turkish Riviera and is a great choice if you want your holiday to feature the classic combination of sun, sand and sea – not to mention a fantastic nightlife! There is also a wide range of accommodation here, which means it’s pretty easy to find somewhere that suits your budget and tastes.
Orlando (USA)
Last up we have Orlando in Florida, USA. Admittedly, Orlando won’t be the cheapest place you can travel to in terms of flight costs, but there is scope for getting bargains in terms of accommodation and entertainment.
Of course, Orlando is best known for its impressive range of theme parks, which makes it a top choice for family holidays. Come here and you can head to the likes of Universal Orlando Resort (which is also home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter), Walt Disney World and SeaWorld Parks, among many others. Plus, there are even more options just outside Orlando, with LEGOLAND Florida being just a 40-minute drive away.
