Now that the Christmas and New Year celebrations are over for another year, it's almost time to start thinking about booking a holiday or two.
2022 saw the end of most Covid restrictions in foreign countries, meaning we could jet off anywhere without having to worry about testing or possibly isolating upon return.
But with the current cost of living crisis, many holiday destinations are rapidly increasing in price meaning a trip abroad may not be possible. Booking in advance is one of the best ways to save some cash, and there are some places that remain low in price for tourists, My London reports.
To help people discover their next holiday destination, travel expert Simon Calder gave his insight on BBC Breakfast about the most budget-friendly trips that people can take in Europe this year.
“In Western Europe, it has to be Portugal and in Eastern Europe, Bulgaria - obviously a very popular package holiday destination,” he told hosts.
Portugal has been a firm favourite with UK tourists for many years now and won even more credit from the British travel industry after becoming the first country in Europe to ignore Brexit-based passport lane alterations.
This means that Portugal essentially treats UK travellers as though they are still part of the EU in terms of fast-tracking queues.
And Bulgaria is famed for its cheap skiing and package holidays which Simon recommends for their ability to give people the best value.
He said: “I stress that package holidays are definitely the way to go in terms of consumer protection."
Simon explained that after speaking to easyJet holidays there are a couple of places that are set to be popular in 2023 that are perhaps ones that you may not have even considered going.
Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro in Eastern Europe have all been recognised by easyJet as some popular up-and-coming destinations.
This is because they are "very cheap", according to Simon, with Montenegro and Albania offering beach holidays by the Adriatic for a fraction of the price of holidays to Croatia or Italy.
Simon adds: “North Macedonia is going to be on the holiday map from May because holiday company TUI is putting on flights from Manchester and Gatwick to Lake Ohrid which I have been to, absolutely gorgeous, not proper sea, but extraordinarily good value.”
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