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  This research examines the expenses related to airfares, dining at restaurants, purchasing coffee, and consuming local beer.
  
  
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  EXPLORE FURTHER: I tried to find out if an all-inclusive vacation truly justifies the cost.
  

A recent research has uncovered the top budget-friendly vacation spots for travellers from Britain.

Based on the latest report from Mintel and
eurochange
In 2025, an Eastern European nation offers the most budget-friendly choice for British vacationers looking to travel abroad.

The specialists examined flight prices, a three-course dinner, and a pint of beer to determine the top budget-friendly vacation destinations.

1. Bulgaria

Officially, Bulgaria emerges as the top choice for Britons aiming to maximize the purchasing power of their pounds this year.

A dinner for two consisting of three courses costs around £27.08, whereas an average domestic beer typically goes for about £1.42.

For return trips to Sofia originating from the UK, prices start at just £28, making this destination highly affordable for cost-aware British travelers.

Laura Evans Fisk, who leads digital and engagement efforts at EuroChange, remarks: “Bulgaria is gradually emerging as a favoured destination for holidays among UK travelers. According to research, there has been an 8.8 percent rise from last year in British tourists going to Bulgaria in 2024.”

‘Boasting remarkably affordable rates and breathtaking vistas, it’s clear why people are drawn here. You’ll discover clay-roofed houses and shores that evoke memories of Croatia but come at a significantly lower cost.’

2. Turkey

Turkey narrowly misses claiming the top position but remains an excellent choice for British shoppers looking for good deals.

A three-course meal for two costs just £26.71, while a domestic beer comes in at £3.03.

Return trips to the coastal resort of Dalaman from the UK begin at only £52.

Laura shares: “Highly preferred by British travelers, Turkey”
boasts numerous attractions for holidays
.

Regardless of whether you’re looking for a laid-back beach vacation, an adventure hike, or a urban getaway in Istanbul,
Turkey has it all
‘Your money will also stretch quite far here.’

3. Portugal

Portugal offers the most affordable option in Western Europe, where a three-course dinner for two costs around £42.64.

A pint of local beer is priced at only £2.30, whereas a cup of coffee goes for £1.74. Travelers from Britain can get round-trip flights for as low as £28 from the UK to Faro.

Laura mentions, “In Europe, Portugal is a place where your money will stretch farther.”

‘Given its quite affordable flight and lodging costs, the Algarve makes an excellent vacation spot for families as a whole.’

There are numerous family-oriented resorts, especially around Albufeira. Should you prefer a urban getaway, Lisbon has been an attractive option lately.
considered one of the most budget-friendly cities in Western Europe.

4. Hungary

Coming in just shy of the top three, Hungary stands out as one of Europe’s most budget-friendly vacation spots for travelers from Britain.

A three-course meal for two comes in at £35.69 while a domestic beer is just £1.78.  Return flights from the UK to Budapest start from £28.

Laura clarifies: “The Hungarian Forint stands out as one of the most valuable currencies in Europe when compared to the pound.”

‘At just £10, you could get at least four beers and your coffee would be cheaper than £2.’

5. Thailand

People from Britain who want to explore destinations farther away can get the most affordable offers in Thailand rather than within Europe.

Even though return tickets from the UK to Bangkok begin at £476, a dinner for two people only sets you back £18.43.

A local beer is priced at only £1.82, whereas people in Britain can get a coffee for merely £1.39.

Laura mentions: “Thailand is known for offering great value to British travelers, but despite this, it often gets bypassed due to its distant location.”

Despite accounting for airfare and lodging expenses, a seven-day trip to Thailand might set you back approximately £900 total with extra funds included, compared to a week in Spain which could amount to more than £800 per individual during high season.

6. South Africa

South Africa
ranks as the sixth most affordable option for British people, where a three-course dinner for two costs only £25.46.

Outbound return flights from the UK to Cape Town cost more, beginning at £452, however Laura asserts that low costs in South Africa imply Britons will ‘recoup their expenses’ upon arrival.

Laura elucidates: “Be it a coastal getaway, an extraordinary wildlife expedition, or a journey to its renowned vineyards,”
South Africa boasts an abundance of attractions.
A complete three-course dinner for two people only costs RM12.50 per person, which is typically the cost of an appetizer at many restaurants in the UK.

7. Costa Rica

Its name might translate as ‘Rich Coast’ but Costa Rica is one of the world’s best-value destinations for Britons, according to the research.

A three-course meal for two costs £38.97 while a domestic beer costs just £1.95.

Laura remarks: “Costa Rica has become increasingly popular with travelers from the UK. Indeed, the United Kingdom stands as Costa Rica’s third biggest European supplier of visitors, and the number of UK tourists visiting Costa Rica rose by 5.5 percent during the initial six months of 2024 when compared to the corresponding timeframe in 2023.”

8. Montenegro

A rising star among European destinations, Montenegro stands out as one of the most budget-friendly attractions for visitors from Britain.

A three-course meal for two comes in at £38.61, while a domestic beer costs just £2.32.

Laura
Adds: ‘A more secluded option compared to Croatia, this destination features equally charming towns, beautiful beaches, and an impressive coastline, all at approximately 20-30 percent lower costs.’

9. Poland

Poland offers an excellent option for budget-conscious British tourists, where a three-course dinner for two people costs only £33.76.

A local beer costs approximately £2.45, whereas return flights from the UK to Gdansk are priced at just £26.

Laura mentions: “Visiting a city in Poland for a short trip could
as low as £200 covering flights, lodging, and pocket money
.’

10. Sri Lanka

A further long-distance travel spot, Sri Lanka completes the list of the top 10 destinations. For a three-course dinner shared between two people, you would only pay £15.33, whereas a local beer can be purchased for as low as £1.43.

Outbound return tickets from the UK to Colombo cost more at £636 per individual; however, Laura mentions that British travelers will receive ‘good value’ when they arrive in Sri Lanka.

She states: “Sri Lanka boasts an exceptionally varied array of breathtaking scenery, picturesque shores, verdant tea estates, historical ruins, remarkable wildlife encounters, and luscious culinary experiences – all packed into a fairly small region.”

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