Top 5 Budget-Friendly Destinations 2020

Whether your New Year's resolution was to save up for that big thing, stop spending money on coffee every day or just budget better this year - we’re here to help you not just become a savvy traveller, but a savvy spender too! We’ve broken down the most budget-friendly places to visit, how long to stay and how to explore them for next to nothing!

Prague

Breakdown: (Based on a 3-day stay for 4 people in February)

Flights - from £45pp

Apartment/hostel - from £55pp

Airport transfer - from £22pp

You can comfortably explore everything Prague has to offer within 4 or 5 days, but if you want to save up those holiday days, you can easily turn this into a 3-day weekend away. For accommodation that’s easy on the wallet, it’s best to find apartments or hostels just outside of the city centre as most sit within a 15-20 minute walk, or hop on a tram to be there in less than 10 minutes.

When in Prague, you’ll never fall short of sights to see that don’t have to hurt the bank. Most places can be reached within walking distance or an easy ride on the tram. On your travels, you can explore multiple churches that are dotted around Prague as you make your way into the city centre. Prague is one of many destinations where you can access Free Walking Tours, to explore Old Town Square, marvel at the Astronomical Clock and see the spires of Church of Our Lady Before Týn. You’ll also see Prague Castle and explore the former Jewish Quarter, but whilst you’re on the go, why not take a diversion to the John Lennon Wall?

When exploring the Jewish Quarter, you can also visit the Old Jewish Cemetery, one of the largest of its kind in Europe. On your route through the Jewish Quarter, you can spot the Old-New Synagogue, Maisel Synagogue, Pinkas Synagogue, and much more. If you head over to see Petrin Tower for all-encompassing views of Prague (access to the tower costs just 150 Kč, which is roughly a fiver), you’ll likely pass through the famous Charles Bridge, a historic bridge that began construction in 1357.

Prague’s public transport is a dream come true for those on a budget. Getting around on the Metro is super easy, the lines are literally labelled as A, B, C and D - it’s really that simple. All tickets or passes include tram, metro and buses and a day pass only costs around 110 Kč (that’s about £3.74!) while 3-day passes are around 310 310 Kč/£12.34.

Outside the main square, you’ll easily find a main course and drink for around 6 Czech Crowns - meaning you CAN get that extra side of guac with no guilty Monzo notifications!

For nightlife, a pint of beer only costs you £1 and if cocktails are more your thing, there’s plenty of bars to explore where cocktails are much cheaper than London prices! Or, if you really want to get your money's worth, why not book a pub crawl where you’ll get a drink in every bar you go?

Ibiza

Breakdown: (Based on a 5-day stay for 3 people in July)

Flights - from £91pp

Apartment/hostel - from £50pp

Public transport - from £38pp

You may be surprised to see we’ve added Ibiza - notorious for being an expensive holiday, but it can certainly be done on a budget!

Sure, there are plenty of fancy hotels featured on a TOWIE star’s Instagram - but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a place to stay within your budget. There are tons of hostels, and even private hostels - meaning you don’t have to share with anyone - available to book for around 10 euros per person per night!

The dreamy island beaches are within walking distance and if you’re a sucker for beach clubs, be sure to book well in advance for the best price - you’ll often find bundles deals that you can split the cost with your mates! For example, Nikki Beach offers Ladies Day on Tuesdays, where you can have yourself a daybed, bite-size treats and unlimited prosecco and mojitos for 4 hours for only 49 euros.*

If you end up going during peak party season, Ibiza has plenty of beautiful beaches and coves to escape to. These hidden gems offer relaxation and plenty of sun, one of the most beautiful being Cala Salada - if there was ever a beach made for the gram, it’s this sandy beach surrounded by turquoise waters.

When it comes to food on a budget, you’re better off heading to a local supermarket and have some fun cooking up a storm with your mates. But if dining out is your thing, why not do it in style? Kumharas in Puestas de Sol offers a range of affordable cuisines with a beautiful sunset as your backdrop!

Madrid

Breakdown: (Based on a 3-day stay for 2 people in November)

Flights - from £54pp

Apartment/hostel - £31pp

Public transport - 18.40 EUR (3-day Tourist Ticket)

If you’re searching for the perfect quick getaway with guaranteed sun and city vibes, Madrid is the place for you. In downtown Madrid, you can easily find accommodation central to the famous plaza, Puerto Del Sol. You’ll be right next to Gran Via, the famous stretch of road where you can get a snap of the Schweppes building, or hop over to the five-floor Primark (yep, you read that right!)

Even though Madrid is gridlocked and offers plenty of city buzz, you can always escape to some beautiful views from the many parks and gardens that surround the stretch of water that runs through Madrid. Whilst you can pay for entry to many of Madrid’s attractions, there’s also plenty to see for free! Just a quick trip on the Metro will take you to the Temple of Debod - an ancient Egyptian temple dating back to the 2nd Century. A top tip is to go during a sunset where it’s less busy and makes for a pretty picture!

For ultimate views, head over to Faro de Moncloa. Faro de Moncloa is a 92-metre transmission tower and makes a great viewpoint for taking in all that Madrid has to offer, and only costs 3 euros.

When it comes to food, finding authentic Spanish cuisine will be a breeze. Heading to the well-known San Miguel Market will expose you to all corners of Spanish cuisine, while these may be a bit pricier they’re always worth visiting even if it’s just to experience the vibrant market atmosphere.

Outside of the markets and plazas, you’ll be spoilt for choice for tapas bars and traditional restaurants that are easy on the pockets. When the night hits, the areas of Malasaña and Chueca are your best friends. In Malasaña, you’ll discover an eclectic range of pubs, discos and cocktail bars, such as 1862 Dry Bar, a cocktail bar that gives homage to 20th-century decor and a name that gives tribute to the year when the first-ever book of cocktails was published by Jerry Thomas. Madrid made its stamp on the nightlife scene thanks to the vibrant streets of Chueca, where the LGBTIQA+ community have created an all-embracing atmosphere that shows off Madrid’s top DJ’s and pop culture.

Berlin

Breakdown: (based on a 4-day stay for 2 people in April)

Flights - £40pp

Accommodation - £110pp

Public transport - 5.30 euros a day (Zones ABC)

While the city of Berlin offers plenty of hustle and bustle with an urban edge, there’s much more to Berlin than meets the eye thanks to its rich history - that can definitely be experienced on a budget! The best way to explore Berlin is to book a Free Walking Tour that will give you a ton of information while you see the best of Berlin, from what remains of the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag Building, to Checkpoint Charlie, the Holocaust Memorial and so much more.

A quick bus journey will take you to Sachsenhausen, a Nazi concentration camp in Oranienburg, used mainly for political prisoners from 1936 to the end of the Third Reich in 1945. It’s free for entry, but to really take in all the information we’d recommend grabbing an audio guide for only 3 euros.

If street art is your thing, you can delve into the labyrinth of alleyways at Hackescher Markt, where the walls and doors are lined with street art and cool graffiti - you’ll be lucky to find a spot that’s not covered in artwork! These alleyways lead on to unique art exhibition spaces, hidden cafes and the Anne Frank Zentrum. Setting you back only 6 euros, you’ll get to learn all about Anne Frank and the importance of sharing her story with the world.

When it comes to nightlife, Berlin offers some of the best places to party the night away. Generally speaking, there are no official closing times, dress codes and transport runs all night, too. You’ll find something to suit any music taste, and, of course, some of the best beer. Cheaper than London prices, a beer will cost you roughly 4 euros, while cocktails are fairly close in cost - but you can always find a happy hour somewhere!

Rome

Breakdown: (Based on a 3-day stay in October)

Flights - £80

Accommodation - £34.5pp

Public transport - 1.5 EUR for 100 minutes of travel

If you’re looking to spend a few days in one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world - we’ve got you covered! We recommend staying for 2-3 days, meaning you can turn this into a long weekend and save on your holiday days (bonus!). If you keep your accommodation central, everything you need will be in walking distance so that you can avoid paying out for dreaded taxis. Although, if needs be, Italy has a metro system that is easy to navigate and cheap to purchase tickets from.

For transportation, it’s best to put on your comfiest shoes and soak up the beautiful alleys (and glorious smell of pizza, of course.) But, if needed, a ticket on the metro (known as a B.I.T) costs only 1.5 euros for 100 minutes of travel, which can also include a bus journey.

If you’re a foodie, it’s needless to say that you’re in the best place to experience one of the most divine cuisines in the world. From pizza, pesto, and pasta, you’re guaranteed to be served up a slice of heaven (and get a food baby in the process). It’s worth heading out and seeing what the charming restaurants that line the side streets have to offer, as they’re often much cheaper and you’ll be supporting a local business, that’s likely family-run too.

The pastel-coloured streets will lead to many places that are inexpensive or even free for you to discover. For example, the famous St Peter’s Basilica designed by Bramante, Michaelangelo and Bernini. If you’re able to, it’s worth paying a little extra and climbing the 551 steps to the top of the dome to see stunning views of the city. The 5th largest museum in the world, the Vatican Museums normally cost 17 euros for adults, but if you time your trip correctly to visit on the last Sunday of the month, you’ll benefit from free entry!

You may find lots of recommendations online to opt for an Omnia card, that offers free access to lots of top tourist attractions. However, once you crunch the numbers the total value of the card is much less than the actual cost! So, the moral of the story is, save your pennies by booking things independently.

Whether you’re travelling on a budget or travelling in luxury, it’s always important to make sure you’re covered wherever you go. If you’ve already booked a trip, check out our single trip policies here, or if you’re planning on exploring a bunch of destinations this year, why not take a look at our multi-trip policies?

*alcohol consumption may invalidate your insurance cover if it is considered to be a contributory factor in any claim