Posted on Monday, 10 July 2023

Wondering where to go for a cheap holiday? You're not alone.

With ever-tightening household budgets, many UK families are seeking cheaper locales for their summer holidays - or at least cheaper ways to enjoy their usual destinations.     

Below are some of the best budget family holiday destinations for 2023, places where accommodation, food, and transport can be had for less.

 

How can people enjoy a holiday on a limited budget?

Building your own holiday is one of the easiest ways to have a family break on a limited budget. However, it may require a little more research and planning compared to simply booking a package deal.

The following destinations combine superb, family-friendly attractions with lower prices. But before you read on, here is some money-saving advice...

 

How to holiday on a budget: Top tips

1. Use flight comparison sites
2. Visit before or after the peak season
3. Book accommodation ahead of time to secure the best prices
4. Choose self-catering where you can
5. Consider cheaper Airbnb accommodation
6. Avoid hotel booking sites (book direct)
7. Organise your travel insurance straight away in case something goes wrong
8. Ensure your holiday is Atol-protected where possible
9. Take out a special currency debit card (cheaper than your regular debit)
10. Buy car rental cover separately (cheaper than the hire firm's offering)

 

Spain

Spain is the UK's favourite family tourist destination, boasting a vast number of beaches, ancient Moorish ruins, exquisite cathedrals and fabulous cuisine. Add fun-packed waterparks and theme parks, and a huge range of accommodation, and it's easy to see why it's a perennial hit with people of all ages.

And while accommodation costs 10-15% more now than it did in 2019, Spain remains an affordable destination.

If a resort is outside your budget, there are very reasonably priced 'pensions' (budget guest houses with private rooms), although these tend to be a little further away from beaches and other attractions. Booking a large family room will of course be cheaper than two (or more) rooms.

You can get a coffee for about 1.50 euros (at least half the price of the UK), and enjoy a set menu (inclusive of a drink) for around 10 euros per head.

If your accommodation has a kitchen, you can buy groceries and prepare your own meals - making big savings on eating out.

Getting around Spain

Getting around on Spain's excellent state-owned railway is considerably cheaper than in the UK, and if you travel by coach you'll save even more!

 

Portugal

The Algarve's golden sandy beaches and vast golf courses are among Portugal’s top draws, but spare time to explore buzzing Lisbon and crumbling Porto.

Like Spain, Portugal is a mecca for British package tourists, but it's possible to enjoy this history-packed country on an even lower budget by putting together your own trip.

Simple guest house rooms can be found for as little as 35 euros in some towns - especially outside Lisbon.

Do note that prices rise in July and August, so consider a visit in September or October to save money. These autumn months are still pleasantly warm, and attractions and beaches are less crowded.

A Do-It-Yourself holiday in Portugal, where you book your own flights and accommodation, could be cheaper than a package deal - and will give you more freedom to change your plans as you travel.

 

Croatia

A spectacular coastline, scores of pretty islands, history-rich cities and lots of sunshine make Croatia popular among UK families. What's more, it's very affordable by UK standards.

The nation's beaches, national parks and historic centres are all either free or cheap-to-enter.

To bag lower accommodation prices, it's best to book in advance (especially if you want a family room), rather than just turning up. Options become much more limited in the high season.

The port city of Dubrovnik is likely to be on your hit list, thanks to its famous city walls and picturesque cobbled streets. Expect prices to be higher than other destinations in the country.

Getting around Croatia

Transport-wise, coaches would be cheapest if you were travelling solo, but for families and groups, it could make sense to rent a car, since this will be about the same as travelling by coach.

 

Romania

Romania is among the cheapest destinations in the European Union, and has a wealth of top-notch attractions for families.

From Gothic, Dracula-esque castles to the dramatic Transylvanian Alps - and some great sandy beaches on the Black Sea coast - Romania has something for most tastes.

Private hotel rooms can be found for as low as 25 euros, although this will be influenced by the location.

Food-wise, you can enjoy a two-course meal with beer or wine for 10-12 euros, or rustle up your own meals if your accommodation has cooking facilities.

Getting around Romania

The Romanian railway system is incredibly cheap. It's possible to enjoy a three-hour train journey for a few pounds.

They may be slower and a little less comfortable than UK trains, but you'll have a lot more money left in your wallet afterwards!

 

Georgia

Georgia could be the perfect destination if you're travelling with older kids: Think mountain biking, hiking and water rafting.

The sprawling capital, Tbilisi, offers plenty of history and a huge choice of restaurants, but for a really memorable excursion head to the fascinating cave town of Vardzia, with its ancient cave monastery.

Georgia's landscapes are incredibly diverse for such a small country - with the majestic Caucasus mountains to the north, volcanoes in the southeast, and dark sandy Black Sea beaches on the west.

Accommodation-wise, you won't find any classic holiday resorts - let alone any kids' clubs - so with this in mind, Georgia is less suitable for toddlers and younger children.

But it is cheap. It's possible to find a family room for as little as £40 per night, while meals cost a few pounds per head - as do bottles of the fabulous local wine. 

 

Morocco

From the atmospheric back alleys of Marrakech to the crumbling pirate port of Essaouira and the shifting sand dunes of the Sahara desert, Morocco is an awe-inspiring destination for kids and adults alike. What's more, Moroccans are very welcoming to children.

If you're looking for resort-style accommodation, among the few options are upmarket hotels in Marrakech. However, for those on even a moderate budget, these are out of the question.

Thankfully there are many attractive ‘riads’ (hotels with interior courtyards) which cost much less. The courtyards often make the perfect secure place for kids to play in.

Cost-wise, some riads are eye-wateringly cheap. For example, at time of writing you can book a quadruple room in the Hotel Medina in Marrakech for just 18 GBP per night (rated 7.9 on Booking.com).

Getting around Morocco

Getting around is also cheap - thanks to the extensive state-run rail network.

Even First Class is affordable enough: the 3.5-hour ride from Marrakech to Casablanca is under 20 GBP per adult!

 

Cambodia

Given its distance from the UK (the shortest flights take 17 hours), it's probably only worth visiting Cambodia if you can spare two weeks (ideally four).

But with the largest temple complex in the world (Angkor Wat), beautiful countryside, alluring seaside towns and friendly locals, it's worth the effort.

Cambodians are extremely welcoming to families with kids, and their hospitality and service in general is among the most attentive you'll find anywhere.

The bustling capital, Phnom Penh, is great for adults seeking a broad range of Southeast Asian cuisine, and there are lots of kid-friendly sky bars with amazing views. And with no fewer than four waterparks in the capital, your children will be able to deal with the Cambodian heat in the most enjoyable way.

Aside from the cost of flights, a visit to Cambodia is extremely affordable. Cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap boast a vast array of accommodation options, many of which are high end yet affordable.

For example, at time of writing the four-star Peninsula of Phnom Penh (9.1 rating) is offering a family suite for 97 GBP a night.

Getting around Cambodia

Getting around Cambodia as a family is best done by taxi. A private hire from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, for example, costs around 60 GBP.

 

Thailand

Like Cambodia, Thais are extremely hospitable to families. 

And also like its neighbour, you can bag an exceptional hotel for a fifth of what it would cost in the UK. 

But you don’t go to Thailand for the hotels. This quintessential Southeast Asian destination offers some of the finest beaches in the world, breathtakingly pretty islands, steamy jungle trails, and incredible temples.

And let's not forget the cuisine: from street food to plush eateries, Thailand is a pleasant assault on the taste buds from start to finish. 

From visiting elephant sanctuaries to splashing around in waterparks, there's lots of attractions the kids will love. They are sure to have an unforgettable time - one far removed from the likes of Greece or Spain.

Cost-wise, it's not as cheap as it once was - but it’s still extremely affordable. Accommodation, food and transport costs far less than in the UK. Even a large beer, while more expensive than it used to be, goes for between 2 and 4 GBP - depending on the salubriousness of the venue.

 

Laos

If you're feeling extra adventurous, why not consider Laos for your next family break?

This quiet, jungle-clad nation is best known for its small but thriving capital, Vientiane, and its myriad of trekking options. Don't miss the Hundred Waterfalls trek up north, or a riverboat trip on the Mekong to picturesque Luang Prabang (sure to be a hit with the kids) - where more trekking options await.

Given the active nature of most activities in Laos, a trip here is best for those with older children.

What about the cost? The country's economy - and therefore currency - was hit badly by the pandemic, but the upside is that everything is incredibly cheap at time of writing. For example, a family room in the four-star Vientiane Plaza Hotel costs just 45 GBP in August 2023, while a pint of beer costs about a pound!

 

India

Arguably the most adventurous destination of all, India boasts ancient temples, mighty fortresses and pretty beaches.

While big cities like Mumbai and Delhi will be a challenge for families, places like Goa - with its many quality beaches and unique accommodation - or Rajasthan, with its incredible fortresses and temples, are your best bet.

Cost-wise, you get even more rupees for a pound than you did a decade ago - so once your flights are paid, you can expect very reasonable prices

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