Top travel destinations to make your money go further

Keen to jet off on holiday this summer, but worried about what it might do to your bank balance? Given the current economic climate, and the fact that Brexit is wreaking havoc with exchange rates, many Brits are finding that the pound no longer goes as far as it once did.

Phillip Garlick, from travel money provider H&T, shares the best destinations for those seeking sun, sea, and relaxation on a tight budget

But, it’s still possible to holiday on a shoestring: you just need to pick your destination carefully. As long as you choose a location where the pound is strong and the cost of living is relatively cheap, you should be able to holiday in style for less. Read on to find out which destinations offer the best sun, sea, culture, and food and drink on a budget.

 

Portugal has long been a favourite destination for holiday-makers in search of low cost beach holidays, and the Algarve currently offers some of the best value getaways out there. This sun-drenched southern coast is the ideal destination for those in need of a relaxing beach holiday, so it’s perfect if you’re after some serious R&R.

While it's best known for its glorious beaches, the Algarve also offers some of the very best Portuguese cuisine, especially seafood. With the average three-course meal for two (including wine) priced at just €30.00 according to Numbeo, it's an ideal destination for serious foodies on a budget.

 

If you want to explore somewhere new without breaking the bank, you can’t do much better than Sri Lanka. Long haul flights are now cheaper than ever, and daily living costs are so low that it's often cheaper to fly out than it is to take a budget break closer to home.

In addition to the low daily costs, Sri Lanka really does offer something for everyone. There are thousands of temples and ruins for culture junkies to explore, and over 1,500 kilometres of stunning coastline for those who love to lounge on the beach. Wildlife enthusiasts will want to head straight to one of Sri Lanka's celebrated national parks, like Yala or Wilpattu, where you can see leopards, elephants, and bears in their natural habitat.

 

If it’s a cheap and cheerful resort holiday you’re after, your safest bet is Sunny Beach, Bulgaria. This resort offers all the sun, sea, and relaxation you'll find in pricier tourist hotspots, like the Costa del Sol, without the hefty price tag. Daily living expenses are cheaper than in most popular European destinations, with a three-course meal for two in typical restaurant costing just £18.03, according to Numbeo. And, as it’s less crowded then the more popular European resorts, it’s easier to find a spot on the beach, too.

 

If beach holidays aren't really your thing, try jetting off for a cheap-as-chips city break in Tbilisi, Georgia. Steeped in history, the city boasts an extraordinary mix of old and new architecture, as well as plenty of museums, churches, parks, and galleries to explore.

Not only does Tbilisi have a great deal to offer, but you’ll also find that your pound goes further in Georgia: the cost of living is 56.73% lower than it is in the UK, according to Numbeo. Be sure to sample a glass (or three) of their world-renowned wine: a bottle of high-quality table red will only set you back £5.20 according to Expatistan, so there's really no excuse not to.

If you love the idea of a last-minute holiday, you can still get your fill of sun, sea, and culture by picking one of these great-value destinations.