Cheap holiday expert shares this year’s most affordable summer destinations
Although holidays seem more expensive than ever this year, there are still deals to be found. A cheap holiday expert shared her most affordable recommendations exclusively with Express.co.uk.
Although prices are high this year, there’s no need for anyone to despair if they haven’t booked a summer holiday yet. Though there are plenty of cheap easyJet holiday deals and some of the best Jet2 flight and holiday deals to choose from, picking a destination might be a struggle - especially when you're shopping on a budget.
Express.co.uk spoke to Chelsea Dickenson, TravelSupermarket’s guest holiday expert, to get her top recommendations for a cheap holiday.
Whether it’s a city break or a beach bonanza on the menu, there are still plenty of cheap options for Britons, including in Spain, Portugal and Egypt.
Once away, Chelsea recommends picking up some takeaway food and eating it outside in a local food.
Britons will still get a chance to try the local cuisine but often for a much cheaper price than dining in.
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Portugal
Chelsea said: “Portugal continues to come in cheaper than its popular summer destination counterparts, and for that we are so glad! And whilst families are flocking to the Algarve, I’d recommend looking to the cities.
“Surprisingly cities can be super affordable in the peak summer months because of most people’s desire to be at the coast. And the great news about Lisbon and Porto is that you’re not too far from the water yourself.”
Chelsea recommends heading to Frangasqueira Nacional in Lisbon for “incredible value grilled meats” and eating it at the local park.
Best cheap holiday deals to Lisbon
Chelsea recommended two of her favourite cheap holiday deals for holidaymakers looking to visit Lisbon this summer:
Five nights at the three-star rated Principe Lisboa on August 9, 2023, from just £391pp including breakfast
- Five nights at the centrally located four-star 9HotelMercy on August 9, 2023 from just £446pp
Spain
Chelsea said: “Spain may well be popular but because it has a lot of choice, it’s still a good shout for a great value getaway this summer. If you need to keep costs down, my advice would be to think mainland over the island, inland instead of coastal and city over the countryside.
“Last year I headed up into the Andalusian hills to the tiny village of El Gastor where prices were low and the alcohol percentage of their gin and tonics were high! Let’s just say, it’s the best value I’ve got out of four euros (£3.48) in a long time!”
For Britons still looking for an island getaway, Chelsea recommends opting for an all-inclusive to stay on budget.
Best cheap holiday deals to Spain
Chelsea recommended one of her favourite cheap holiday deals for holidaymakers looking to visit Spain this summer:
- Five nights at Protur Floriana Resort in Cala Bona, Spain from East Midlands Airport on June 9, 2023, for just £323pp with a kitchenette in every apartment
Albania
Chelsea said: “You may well have seen Albania’s sparkling shoreline on the likes of TikTok and Instagram, thanks to many touting their seaside resort of Ksamil ‘the Maldives of Europe’. The good news is that whilst they both may have white sands, Albania is poles apart when it comes to price.
“A few months ago, I priced up a two-week road trip in May and found that I could get my flights, accommodation and car hire for easily under £600 per person. Whilst it’s not as cheap booking last minute for summer, your money will still go a lot further than many other destinations in Europe and a road trip means you simply move on to the next place on your itinerary should you find accommodation over budget for one of your nights.”
Best cheap deal for Albania holidays
If you are planning a holiday to Albania, Chelsea recommends making the most of car hire deals so you can really enjoy exploring. She shared her favourite summer deal:
- 10 days car hire from Tirana on June 8, 2023, for just £251
Egypt
Chelsea said: “There’s a reason why Egypt has been named the destination where your money will go the furthest this year. In May 2022, £1 sterling would have got you £23.40 Egyptian pounds. In May 2023, your £1 will now get you £38.56.
“This means that a hotel-only deal doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune and in fact, it’s a great time to explore the local eateries and treat yourself without having to count every penny.
"It’s going to be hot though! With temperatures in the summer months averaging around 37 degrees so make sure your accommodation has air conditioning and get that sun hat and lotion at the ready!”
Best cheap deal for Egypt
Chelsea recommended searching the latest easyJet holidays deals, with an array of cheap holidays on offer for around £650pp during the peak summer months.
- Search the latest deals on easyJet flights to Egypt