Traveling on a Budget: Finding Affordable Luxury
As travel enthusiasts, we all desire to get the most value for our money, yet increasing costs are posing challenges for many vacationers. Recent findings from the consumer association Which? indicate that package holiday prices have surged by 11.5% this summer compared to the previous year. Additionally, research by the travel insights firm ForwardKeys has revealed that airfares across Europe are projected to rise by 6% in 2024. Furthermore, the average costs for short-term rental accommodations in Europe have escalated by nearly 19% in the latter half of 2024 when compared to 2023, according to hospitality data intelligence company Lighthouse.
However, British travelers are adapting to these economic pressures by making savvy choices that stretch their budgets. Research from EasyJet shows that 63% of UK travelers are now choosing luxurious five-star accommodations in budget-friendly, exotic destinations rather than opting for three-star hotels in traditional hotspots like the Spanish Costas, the Algarve, or the Canary Islands. Countries such as Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia have emerged as favored destinations where luxury experiences often come at a more affordable price, particularly with the British pound holding strong against local currencies.
This trend is not limited to EasyJet. TravelSupermarket has noted a staggering 45% increase in bookings to Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia compared to the same period in 2023. The Advantage Travel Partnership, the UK’s largest network of independent travel agents, has found that week-long packages for a family of four in August to resorts in Morocco, Turkey, and Egypt generally range from £2,200 to £2,700. In contrast, a similar trip to Mallorca during the same timeframe could exceed £5,000. It’s essential to remember that hotel star ratings can vary significantly between countries and regions, so it’s wise to compare offerings before making a decision.
Luxury for Less: Seven Destinations to Consider
Here are seven holiday destinations where you can indulge in a luxurious experience without breaking the bank, comparable to the cost of an average stay in popular European hot spots:
Kaş, Turkey
The charming Mediterranean town of Kaş on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast is renowned for its affordable five-star luxury, with average nightly rates in high season around £125, according to Kayak. In contrast, a five-star stay in Palma, Mallorca, during the summer peak averages £396 per night. Kaş is a picturesque town adorned with whitewashed buildings, vibrant colors, and bougainvillea. Kelly Cookes, chief commercial officer at the Advantage Travel Partnership, notes a significant uptick in bookings to Turkey, largely due to the excellent value for money. A week’s stay at the elegant, adults-only Casa Bi Hotel in July starts from £2,011 per person, including breakfast, car hire, and flights from London. The hotel features a platform over the rocky shoreline with sun loungers, a small pool, and a bar. Nearby attractions include the stunning Saklikent National Park, home to one of Europe’s deepest canyons, and the ancient Tlos ruins, with tours available from £42 per person.
Ulcinj, Montenegro
Ulcinj, Montenegro, is a hidden gem that rivals Dubrovnik, as evidenced by a 98% increase in bookings reported by lastminute.com for 2024 compared to the previous year. A five-star hotel in Ulcinj during peak season averages £170 per night, whereas the five-star Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik starts around £380 in August. This coastal town, one of the oldest on the Adriatic, boasts charming maze-like streets and seven beautiful beaches, including the expansive Long Beach. The town’s salt pan, a former production site, now serves as a habitat for migratory birds, including pelicans and Eurasian spoonbills, with guided tours available from £49 per person. The five-star Plaza Hotel offers stunning views of Ulcinj’s Small Beach, an outdoor pool, spa, and restaurant, with double rooms starting from £130 in June. With Podgorica airport just 70 km away, flights from Gatwick with Wizz Air are around £130 return.
El Gouna, Egypt
Just a 30-minute drive from the bustling Red Sea resort of Hurghada, El Gouna is becoming a hotspot for luxury travelers seeking value. EasyJet anticipates a 50% year-on-year growth in bookings to this Egyptian destination. With its picturesque lagoons, coral reefs, and sandy beaches, El Gouna offers ample opportunities for kite-surfing, shopping, and dining al fresco at the lively Tamr Henna Square. The average cost of a five-star hotel stay in El Gouna during peak season (July–September) is approximately £151 per night, compared to around £256 in Barcelona. Dining out is also affordable, with a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costing about £21 compared to around £50 in Barcelona, according to Numbeo. EasyJet offers a seven-night stay at the five-star Ancient Sands Golf Resort & Residences for £1,177 per person, all-inclusive, including return flights from Liverpool. The resort boasts multiple pools, restaurants, a spa, and a golf course.
Essaouira, Morocco
Morocco’s laid-back coastal city of Essaouira offers a tranquil alternative to the bustling Marrakech and the rapidly developing Agadir, located about 100 miles to the south. Essaouira is known for its year-round warm climate, excellent surfing, and a UNESCO-listed Medina filled with charming stalls, cafés, and striking doorways. Research from Kayak indicates that the average cost of a five-star hotel in Essaouira is around £141 during high season (June to August), significantly lower than the average £591 for five-star hotels in Ibiza. Visitors can experience the local tradition of hammams, with Azur Spa in the Medina offering an hour-long hammam and massage for approximately £30. Thomas Cook reports a 15% increase in bookings to Morocco, with 90% of travelers favoring four- and five-star accommodations. On the outskirts of the city, the Auberge Tangaro features 19 rooms styled in modern Moroccan decor, a candlelit restaurant with meals starting at €30 (around £25), a shaded garden with a pool, and a spa with a hammam and yoga pavilion, with double rooms starting at £88 in July.
Mahdia, Tunisia
While Djerba might currently be a popular Tunisian destination, Mahdia offers a wealth of experiences at reasonable prices. EasyJet reports that Tunisia has emerged as one of its top-selling destinations for 2024. The average price for a five-star hotel room in Mahdia, located 60km south of Sousse, is around £138 from April to October, according to Kayak. The town features stunning sandy beaches, a picturesque Medina with whitewashed buildings and brightly colored arched doors, and an Ottoman fort. Families visiting during the Easter break or October half-term can enjoy comfortable temperatures, often reaching highs of 25°C in April. EasyJet Holidays offers a week’s half-board stay for a family of four at the five-star Iberostar Selection Royal El Mansour starting from £652 per person, including return flights from Luton on April 5th. The hotel features several pools, restaurants, entertainment, and activities suitable for all ages.
Ohrid, North Macedonia
Italy’s northern lakes are renowned for their beauty but often come with a hefty price tag. In contrast, North Macedonia welcomed around one million visitors in 2024, significantly fewer than Lake Como’s 1.4 million tourists. Lake Ohrid offers sandy and shingle beaches, scenic hiking trails, and boat rides to historic sites such as the 10th-century St. Naum Monastery, with tours starting from £16.50 per person. While a week’s stay at a five-star hotel in Lake Como can start at around £4,677, a week in August at the five-star Inex Olgica Hotel & Spa on Lake Ohrid is priced from £1,063 with breakfast included. This hotel features a private pebble beach, an indoor pool, a spa, and a restaurant with a rooftop terrace. Return flights from Manchester to Ohrid are approximately £350 in August with Tui, while Wizz Air offers returns from Luton to Skopje (a three-hour drive away) starting from around £160 in August.
Sesimbra, Portugal
Sesimbra, located on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, is one of Western Europe’s most affordable holiday destinations, even for five-star accommodations. Just an hour from Lisbon by bus and near the Sado estuary and Troia peninsula, Sesimbra is an economical seaside town where the average cost of a five-star hotel room is around £206 per night during summer. This contrasts sharply with Marbella, where five-star rooms can average £748 in July or August, according to Kayak. Sesimbra features long beaches, a vibrant promenade, snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities, and day trips to the surrounding vineyards of the Arrábida region, where visitors can taste local varieties like castelão and moscatel. The area is also ideal for dolphin-watching, with DayDream Experience offering boat tours led by a marine biologist starting from £41 per person. The Sesimbra Oceanfront Hotel provides bed and breakfast starting from £109 a night in late May, with all rooms featuring sea views and a Latin American-inspired restaurant.
