We finally booked our holiday but with no sun we are taking another break last minute. So this year I thought it was time to write a blog on affordable destinations, where you can travel on a budget but still have an amazing time.
Last year we blogged on this topic, but Spain is no longer number 1, and this year it’s Bulgaria. 2014 Post Office World Wide Holiday Costs Barometer provides the cost measurement. The cost per day includes: coffee, beer, soft drink, wine, water, sun cream, cigarettes (although you could give them up and spend it on something nice) and a 3 course meal for 2 adults.
The cost per day has gone up from 2013 from £36.14 a day to £43.26. That is in line with the overall inflation affecting us globally, but unfortunately people’s salaries not increasing at the same pace and in some cases declining. So getting the most for your money is even more important.
We are often so focused on the cost of the travel and hotel, it’s important to consider what we spend when we are there – The Total Cost.
- Bulgaria £43.26 a day
I can now see a trip to Sofia in the horizon given the value that it offers, and from reviews it has the geography, history, architecture and culture, which would make for a great break. Bulgaria moved form being 2013’s number 6 on the Holiday Cost Barometer to number 1.
- Turkey £54.11
Turkey has moved from the number 10 spot in 2013 to number 2 in 2014. There are of course the typical holiday resorts, but Turkey has many hidden treasures. The obvious is Istanbul. Turkey is one of the best cities I have visited, so much so that I have had to do it 3 times. The summer and winter clubs made the romantic weekend each time.
A not so known destination is the The Cappadocia region of turkey where you will find hotels carved in rocks, with rooms starting from 20 Euro’s.
3 and 4. Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca £54.88 and £55.18 respectively
I am not sure why Spain warrants a mention twice, but the Post Office has split these two regions. This year I visited Nerja again for a girls holiday with it’s beach, caves, old town and our cozy pool with the same old couple who have run the café for a life time. Palencia for a wedding and later this year a yoga retreat in Ibiza. The tapas and wine in Spain if you find a good place can really make the holiday.
- Portugal £56.44
Whether you want to go to the beach e.g. Algarve or you are interested in the history and culture it has a wealth of activities. For example, the estate of Initiation Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra in Portugal, music and parties in Lisbon or water sports.
- Cyprus £62.35
Cyprus has great weather, beaches, walks and sights such as Limassol, Kolossi Castle, Tombs of the Kings, Monastery of Apostolos Andreas and for the kids Ostrich Wonderland Theme Park.
- Greece Crete £66.47
Greece appears again twice: split between Crete and Corfu. I am not too sure if maps are being re-written here but the Post Office Barometer has given us a guide as to where to go in regards to value. One of my fondess memories of Greece as a whole is in Rhodes where I hired a bicycle and cycled everywhere. Greece is steeped in history so if you are planning a visit it offers great weather and beaches.
- Croatia £71.86
Croatia is a jewel in the crown and whether it be a city break or stay on the coast and visiting islands it gives a great welcome. There are many amazing restaurants to be found and places of natural beauty that can be discovered by foot. Dubovnik still has buildings dating back to 13th and 16th century and churches of national heritage. Wade Goddard captures the recent atrocities in the 90’s in a War Photo exhibition. On the coast islands like Korcula offer wine tasting trips and Bacvice with its beaches and water-sports. Great hikes can be found in Upper Velebit, Mala Paklenica and Velika Paklenica.
- USA Orlando £76.21
As a child many of my holidays were in the States to visit family we could not afford to go on holiday without visiting family, so we were fortunate to have a large family. It was not until I saved up my own money that I first stayed in a paid apartment with 2 other friends in Ibiza. As such I had the insiders view of the USA whether that would be visiting family and hanging out in Florida, Washington, Boston, New York Visiting the museums, art galleries and restaurants in each city. Staying in the Bronx and Brooklyn with cousins. In Orlando we visited the mall a lot with our teenage cousins. I must say that is not my kind of holiday now, because I like to discover new places, history, culture and people. However, the USA has so much to offer beyond Orlando with amazing natural geographic wonders.
10. Greece Corfu £77.34
Greece was also at number 7.
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