A new study has revealed the world’s best-value holiday destinations for Britons.
According to the new report from Mintel and eurochange, an eastern European country is the cheapest option for holidaying British tourists in 2025.
The experts looked at the cost of flights, a three-course meal and a beer to find the best-value holiday hotspots.
1. Bulgaria
Bulgaria is officially the best option for Britons looking to stretch their pounds the furthest this year.
A three-course meal for two comes in at £27.08 while a domestic beer is just £1.42 on average.
With return flights to Sofia from the UK starting from £28, the destination offers great-value for budget-conscious Brits.
Laura Evans Fisk, head of digital and engagement at eurochange, says: ‘Bulgaria is slowly becoming a holiday hotspot for UK travellers. Research shows an 8.8 per cent year-on-year increase in British tourists visiting Bulgaria in 2024.
A new study has revealed the world’s best-value holiday destinations for Britons. Bulgaria is officially the best option for Britons looking to stretch their pounds the furthest this year. Pictured above is Nessebar
Turkey just misses out on the top spot, but still offers great value for bargain-hunting Brits
‘With incredibly reasonable prices and utterly stunning views, it’s easy to see why. Here you’ll find terracotta-tiled rooftops and beaches very reminiscent of Croatia, with a much smaller price tag.’
2. Turkey
Turkey just misses out on the top spot, but still offers great value for bargain-hunting Brits.
A three-course meal for two costs just £26.71, while a domestic beer comes in at £3.03.
And return flights to the seaside resort of Dalaman from the UK start from just £52.
Laura reveals: ‘A firm favourite with British tourists, Turkey has so much to offer as a holiday destination.
‘Whether it’s a relaxed beach holiday, a hiking trip or a city break in Istanbul, Turkey has it all. Your money will really go a long way here too.’
3. Portugal
Laura says: ‘Portugal is one European destination where your cash can go further’. Pictured above is the Algarve
Portugal is the best-value choice in Western Europe with a three-course meal for two priced at £42.64.
A local beer costs just £2.30 while a coffee comes in at £1.74. Brits can nab return flights for £28 from the UK to Faro.
Laura says: ‘Portugal is one European destination where your cash can go further.
‘With very reasonable flight and accommodation prices, the Algarve is a brilliant holiday destination for the whole family.
‘There are many family-friendly resorts, particularly in Albufeira. If a city break is more your thing, Lisbon was recently ranked as one of the least expensive cities in Western Europe.’
4. Hungary
Landing just outside the top three, Hungary is another of Europe’s best-value holiday destinations for Britons.
A three-course meal for two comes in at £35.69 while a domestic beer is just £1.78. Return flights from the UK to Budapest start from £28.
Laura explains: ‘The Hungarian Forint is one of the best value currencies in Europe against the pound.
‘For £10, you can buy at least four beers and a coffee will cost you less than £2.’
5. Thailand
Although return flights from the UK to Bangkok start from £476, a three-course meal for two in Thailand costs just £18.43
Britons looking to travel further afield will find the best deals outside Europe in Thailand.
Although return flights from the UK to Bangkok start from £476, a three-course meal for two costs just £18.43.
A domestic beer costs just £1.82 while Brits can pick up a coffee for just £1.39.
Laura adds: ‘It’s no secret that Thailand is incredibly good value for money for British travellers. However, sometimes it is overlooked with it being a long-haul destination.
‘Even when factoring in flights and accommodation, a week in Thailand can cost around £900 including spending money, whereas a week in Spain can cost upwards of £800 per person during peak season.’
6. South Africa
South Africa comes in as sixth cheapest for Brits with a three-course meal for two costing just £25.46.
Return flights from the UK to Cape Town are pricier, starting at £452, but Laura claims that cheap prices in South Africa mean Britons will ‘make up for it’ once there.
South Africa comes in as sixth cheapest for Brits with a three-course meal for two costing just £25.46
Laura explains: ‘Whether it’s a beach holiday, a once-in-a-lifetime safari trip, or a trip to its iconic wine regions, South Africa has so much to offer. A three-course meal for two, costs just £12.50 each, the price of a starter in most UK restaurants.’
7. Costa Rica
Its name might translate as ‘Rich Coast’ but Costa Rica is one of the world’s best-value destinations for Britons, according to the research.
A three-course meal for two costs £38.97 while a domestic beer costs just £1.95.
Laura comments: ‘Costa Rica is increasing in popularity among UK travellers. In fact, the UK is Costa Rica’s third largest European source market and visitor numbers from the UK increased by 5.5 per cent in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.’
8. Montenegro
An ‘up-and-coming’ European destination, Montenegro is one of the continent’s best-value hotspots for Britons.
A three-course meal for two comes in at £38.61, while a domestic beer costs just £2.32.
Montenegro is one of Europe’s best-value hotspots for Britons. A three-course meal for two comes in at £38.61, while a domestic beer costs just £2.32
Laura adds: ‘A less crowded alternative to Croatia, it offers similar quaint towns, gorgeous beaches and a stunning coastline, but it is around 20-30 per cent cheaper.’
9. Poland
Poland is another great choice for bargain-seeking Britons with a three-course meal for two costing just £33.76.
A domestic beer comes in at around £2.45 while return flights from the UK to Gdansk cost just £26.
Laura says: ‘A city break in Poland can cost as little as £200 including flights, accommodation and spending money.’
10. Sri Lanka
Another long-haul destination, Sri Lanka rounds off the top 10. A three-course meal for two comes in at just £15.33 while a domestic beer costs as little as £1.43.
Return flights from the UK to Colombo are more expensive at £636 per person but Laura explains that Britons will get ‘value for money’ once in Sri Lanka.
She adds: ‘Sri Lanka has an incredibly diverse mix of stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, lush tea plantations, ancient ruins, amazing wildlife viewing opportunities and lush cuisine – all within a relatively compact area.’
