Cheap holidays are no longer about sacrificing comfort, skipping experiences, or staying in bad accommodation. Over the past few years, I’ve learned that travelling cheaply is mostly about timing, destination choice, and understanding where your money actually goes.

This guide is based entirely on first-hand experience. I’ve visited each destination in this article, paid my own way, and tracked real costs for accommodation, food, transport and activities. If you’re looking for cheap holidays from the UK that still feel like proper travel experiences, these three destinations consistently deliver.

Cheap holidays from the UK: what actually works

When people search for cheap holidays, they’re usually trying to solve one problem: how to travel without spending a fortune. From the UK, that comes down to a few practical decisions.

Flying short-haul within Europe keeps costs predictable. Budget airlines offer frequent routes, and competition between airports helps keep prices down. I’ve found that flying midweek, avoiding school holidays, and travelling in shoulder seasons makes a bigger difference than any “hack” you’ll see online.

Another key factor is destination economics. Some countries simply offer better value once you land. Lower food prices, affordable public transport, and reasonably priced accommodation stretch your budget far further than chasing ultra-cheap flights to expensive cities.

The three destinations below are places I’ve personally visited where cheap holidays genuinely work in practice, not just on paper.

Cheap holidays in Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is one of the best-value cities in Europe for cheap holidays.

Budapest was one of the first places that really changed how I think about budget travel. Flights from the UK are frequent and cheap, especially from London, Manchester and Birmingham, and once you arrive, daily costs are refreshingly low.

I stayed in a centrally located apartment on the Pest side, within walking distance of most major sights. Accommodation prices were significantly lower than comparable European capitals, and public transport made it easy to explore further afield.

Food was one of the biggest surprises. Local restaurants serve hearty Hungarian dishes at prices that feel almost outdated by Western European standards. I regularly ate full meals for under £10, including drinks.

Things to do in Budapest are also affordable. Thermal baths, walking tours, museums and river cruises all offer strong value, making it easy to fill your days without blowing your budget.

Typical daily costs in Budapest

Budapest is ideal if you want cheap holidays that still feel cultural, atmospheric and lively, especially for first-time travellers to Central Europe.

Cheap holidays in Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia offers some of the lowest travel costs in Europe.

Sofia doesn’t always appear on mainstream cheap holidays lists, which is exactly why it works so well. Bulgaria remains one of the most affordable countries in Europe, and Sofia combines low prices with history, walkability and easy access to nature.

I flew into Sofia from the UK via a budget airline and immediately noticed the difference in prices. Accommodation was excellent value, with modern hotels and apartments costing far less than equivalent places elsewhere in Europe.

Food costs were extremely low. Bakeries, cafes and traditional restaurants made it easy to eat well on a small budget. Even sit-down meals with drinks rarely exceeded £10.

Public transport was reliable and inexpensive, but much of the city centre is walkable. One of my favourite days involved taking a short trip to Vitosha Mountain, something that would cost significantly more in most other European capitals.

Typical daily costs in Sofia

If you’re looking for cheap holidays with fewer crowds and genuinely low daily spending, Sofia is one of the strongest options in Europe.

Cheap holidays in the Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve proves cheap holidays don’t have to mean cold weather.

The Algarve shows that cheap holidays aren’t limited to Eastern Europe. With the right timing, southern Portugal offers excellent value, especially outside peak summer months.

I visited during the shoulder season, which made a massive difference. Flights from the UK were affordable, accommodation prices were lower, and beaches were far quieter than during peak summer.

I based myself near Lagos, where accommodation ranged from budget apartments to comfortable mid-range hotels. Eating out was reasonably priced, particularly if you stick to local restaurants rather than tourist-focused spots.

Public transport along the coast is simple, but many places are walkable. Coastal hikes, beaches and viewpoints offer free or low-cost activities, making it easy to enjoy the Algarve without overspending.

Typical daily costs in the Algarve

For UK travellers who want sun, beaches and reliable infrastructure, the Algarve is one of the best-value options for cheap holidays.

Comparing cheap holiday costs across destinations

This comparison highlights why destination choice matters more than chasing the cheapest flight.

How I keep cheap holidays affordable

Over time, I’ve developed a few habits that consistently keep costs down without ruining the experience.

I avoid peak travel periods whenever possible. Shoulder seasons offer better prices, better weather and fewer crowds. I also prioritise accommodation location over luxury. Staying central saves money on transport and time.

I eat where locals eat, use public transport, and plan activities around free or low-cost attractions. These choices add up quickly and make cheap holidays sustainable rather than restrictive.

Common mistakes that make cheap holidays expensive

One of the biggest mistakes is booking accommodation too far from the centre to save money. Transport costs and wasted time often cancel out the savings.

Another is focusing only on flight prices while ignoring daily costs. A cheap flight to an expensive destination rarely results in a cheap holiday overall.

Finally, travelling during peak season often doubles prices with very little added value.

Cheap holidays FAQs

What is the cheapest country in Europe for holidays?

Based on my experience, Bulgaria consistently offers the lowest daily costs, followed closely by Hungary.

When is the cheapest time to book cheap holidays?

Late spring and early autumn usually provide the best balance of price, weather and availability.

Are cheap holidays still enjoyable?

Absolutely. Many of my best trips have been cheap holidays, precisely because they encourage slower travel and deeper local experiences.

Final thoughts on cheap holidays

Cheap holidays don’t require extreme compromises. With the right destinations, timing and expectations, it’s entirely possible to travel well on a modest budget.

Budapest, Sofia and the Algarve each prove that cheap holidays from the UK can offer culture, food, scenery and memorable experiences without financial stress. The key is planning with intention, not cutting corners.

If you approach travel this way, cheap holidays stop feeling like a limitation and start feeling like a smarter way to explore Europe.