With economic concerns at the forefront of everyone’s minds at this time, choosing a holiday in 2020 that doesn’t break the bank is crucial. It can sometimes be difficult to ensure quality with a smaller budget but it is by no means impossible and there are a few destinations that provide great value for your savings. Take a look at Cornish Secrets.
Saving for it
Of course, finding a great deal is only half the story. Throughout the year, you will need to save (or invest) your way through the months. I recommend that you pick up a savings or investing book to pick up tips on how to put away those extra pounds which will allow you to stretch further when choosing a holiday
Below, we look at 5 cheap holiday destinations that are sure to impress:
Cornwall, England
Firstly, holidaying in the UK is a great way to keep costs down. These so-called ‘staycations’ have become increasingly popular in recent times and that’s not just down to their bank balance friendly costs. Within the UK, one of the most popular destinations is Cornwall.
Located in the south west of the country, the county of Cornwall has plenty to offer, with great beaches, fascinating towns and a rich and unique culture. Among the main attractions is the Eden Project, which consists of enormous greenhouse biomes that house some of the world’s most exotic plant species.
Other main points of interest include the towns of Newquay, which is lively and youthful and St Ives, with its galleries and festivals. There are also numerous beaches in the region, many of which offer great surfing opportunities. Though easily accessible by road or rail, flights to Newquay or Plymouth airports are another option and take no more than an hour from London.
Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
Further afield, an increasingly popular holiday destination that won’t cost too much is Bulgaria. With its Black Sea coast and Mediterranean climate, it offers a new alternative to popular resort countries such as Spain or Italy.
There are many great towns and destinations to visit within Bulgaria and foremost among those on the Black Sea is the resort centre of Sunny Beach. Flights to the major airport in nearby Burgas take around three hours from the UK and there is then a transfer time of about 40 minutes.
Aside from making the most of the region’s great beaches and sunny weather. There is also a fascinating history and culture to discover, unlike anything else in the more typically popular destinations of Europe.
Prague, Czech Republic
For those seeking a city break that doesn’t stretch funds too far, Prague is a great choice. The capital of the Czech Republic is at times both relaxed and vibrant in equal measure. In addition, by staying out of the eurozone visitors will find prices in the local currency, the koruna, are much more palatable.
Getting to Prague is easy, with flights available to the city’s Ruzyne airport from many major UK locations, most of which take around two hours. Once there, prices can be kept down by choosing a hotel, as well as bars and eateries, a little off the beaten track and away from the main tourist sites. This should not involve sacrificing luxury or quality.
In Prague, there is plenty to see, such as the astronomical clock in the Old Town Square or the magnificent Charles Bridge which spans the Vltava River. Prague is delightful all year round, whether in its laidback warm summers or picturesque snowy winters.
Why not relax and enjoy a book in an outdoor pub, serving some of the cheapest beer in Europe (thanks to local duties on beer being lower than in most neighbouring countries.)
Tignes, France
If a busy city centre or sun and sand aren’t what you’re looking for, there are plenty of other holidays available that will keep costs down. Among these are some great skiing holidays which are action-packed both by day on the slopes and by night in the many après-ski venues.
One great affordable ski destination is Tignes. Situated in the French Alps and a part of the enormous ‘Espace Killy’ winter-sports region. It has plenty to offer to ski fans, regardless of their budgets. The best way to get there is to fly to Turin, across the border in Italy, which takes two hours and there is a transfer of about 40 minutes.
In Tignes there is a range of ski slopes available, alongside a huge number of other activities, such as paragliding,. Dog sledding and lake diving beneath ice, to name but a few. Aside from the sports, Tignes has plenty of affordable hotels, bars and restaurants. The recent investment in the area has had impressive results.
Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
Another reasonably priced option that also offers a bit of variety and a touch of the exotic is Egypt. Located in north-east Africa, it has coasts along the Mediterranean and Red Seas. Combines some of the more familiar conveniences of Europe with the unique culture of the Middle East.
There are many great destinations within Egypt, but one of the most popular and affordable is Sharm el-Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula. Flights there from the UK take around five hours and are not expensive.
Once in Sharm, there is plenty to see and do. The beaches are divine but there is also a large diving community which offers an alternative way to explore the local waters. Costs can easily be kept down by opting for one of the large all-inclusive resort complexes.
