Cheapest Countries to Visit from the UK
Travelling on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on experience. Several European countries offer outstanding value for UK travellers, combining affordable accommodation, cheap food and drink, and low-cost attractions.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is consistently one of the best-value destinations for UK travellers. Resort areas like Sunny Beach offer extremely affordable all-inclusive hotels, while Sofia and Plovdiv provide rich cultural experiences at a fraction of the cost of Western European cities. Dining and drinking out is cheap even by Eastern European standards.
Albania
Albania is one of Europe’s fastest-growing travel destinations and remains largely undiscovered by mass tourism. The Albanian Riviera offers stunning beaches, clear blue water and accommodation prices well below those of neighbouring Greece. Tirana, the capital, is a lively, affordable city with a growing arts and food scene.
Poland
Poland offers affordable city breaks and rich cultural experiences. Krakow in particular is a favourite for UK travellers, with its beautiful Old Town, excellent restaurants and very competitive hotel prices. Warsaw is a more modern alternative with a thriving food and nightlife scene.
Hungary
Budapest consistently ranks as one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities. Hotels, restaurants and activities are all cheaper than in comparable Western European destinations. The city’s thermal baths, ruin bars and stunning architecture make it excellent value for money.
Portugal
Portugal offers excellent value compared with many Western European destinations. Lisbon and Porto are both affordable city break options, while the Algarve provides great beach holiday value. Food and drink is noticeably cheaper than in Spain, France or Italy.
Tips for Keeping Costs Down
- Book flights and accommodation together where possible
- Travel in shoulder season (April–May or September–October)
- Compare accommodation across multiple providers before booking
- Look for apartments or self-catering options for longer stays
Use SupaCompare to compare accommodation deals across all of these destinations and find the best prices for your travel dates.
Also worth reading: Weekend Breaks from the UK and Best City Breaks in Europe for 2026.
Compare cheap flights from the UK to find the best fares to these affordable destinations.