It's safe to say that after the last two years, we are all in need of a summer holiday.
But the cost of living continues to mount, making the idea of taking a summer break out of reach for many Scots.
As people continue to feel the pinch, DiscoverCars.com set out to find the best international summer locations for a holiday for those on a budget.
They did this by exploring factors such as the average cost of a flight and the number of affordable restaurants and budget hotels each destination offers.
Other ranking factors included the average cost for a weekly stay, a rental car, the number of tourist attractions, and cost of the most popular attraction.
Prague in the Czech Republic ranked number one as the best value for money - scoring the highest points out of a possible 70.
If you're in need of some thrifty holiday inspiration, check out the full list below.
1. Prague, Czech Republic
In first place is the city of Prague, the Czech Republic in central Europe, scoring 53 out of 70 points.
Nicknamed "the City of a Hundred Spires," Prague is well known for its Old Town Square, Baroque buildings, and Gothic churches, according to Google Travel.
Some of its most famous attractions include the Charles Bridge, Letná Park and the Rudolfinum Gallery.
According to TripAdvisor, the city offers lots of free historic attractions, including the medieval Astronomical clock and the Lennon Wall.
Prague's public transportation is also very affordable and reliable.
- Closest Airport: Prague Airport (PRG)
- Average Flight Cost: £153
- Average Cost of Accommodation for a Week: £1,173
- Average Cost of a Rental Car: £243
- Number of 'Cheap' Restaurants: 1,201
- Number of 'Budget' Hotels: 442
- Number of Attractions: 3,993
- Most Popular Attraction: Prague Zoo
- Average Cost of Most Popular Attraction: £8.50
2. Rome, Italy
In second place is the Italian capital city of Rome, scoring 50 out of 70 points.
Rome has a never-ending range of archaeological treasures, such as the stunning Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Colosseum.
While the city is known to be costly, there are ways to enjoy Rome on a budget, as it has a choice of nearly 800 budget hotel options.
According to Tripadvisor, Rome's most popular tourist attraction is the Pantheon, which is free of charge.
- Closest Airport: Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA)
- Average Flight Cost: £238
- Average Cost of Accommodation for a Week: £1,054
- Average Cost of a Rental Car: £396
- Number of 'Cheap' Restaurants: 2,951
- Number of 'Budget' Hotels: 797
- Number of Attractions: 5,920
- Most Popular Attraction: Pantheon
- Average Cost of Most Popular Attraction: £0
3. Istanbul, Turkey
In third place is Istanbul, a major city in Turkey and located on the Bosphorus Strait, scoring 46/70 points.
Some of the capital city's top tourist spots include the Dolmabache Palace,the Hagia Sofia Mosque, as well as the Grand Bazar - which sells an array of Turkish goods like tea and ceramics, according to Tripadvisor.
The average cost of accommodation for a week in Istanbul is £1,363, and the average cost of renting a car is £219.
The city’s most popular attraction is the Dolmabahce Palace and the average cost to visit is £6.43.
- Closest Airport: Istanbul Airport (IST)
- Average Flight Cost: £348
- Average Cost of Accommodation for a Week: £1,363
- Average Cost of a Rental Car: £219
- Number of 'Cheap' Restaurants: 1,546
- Number of 'Budget' Hotels: 715
- Number of Attractions: 4,294
- Most Popular Attraction: Dolmabahce Palace
- Average Cost of Most Popular Attraction: £6.43
4. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ranking fourth is Ljubljana, which is both the capital and the largest city of Slovenia and scored 38 out of 70 points.
There is a lot to do in Ljubljana, such as visiting the Prešeren Square and the National Museum of Slovenia.
Thrifty travellers can enjoy Ljubljana's old town, the city's top tourist attraction for free, according to TripAdvisor.
- Closest Airport: Ljubljana Airport (LJU)
- Average Flight Cost: £223
- Average Cost of Accommodation for a Week: £775
- Average Cost of a Rental Car: £375
- Number of 'Cheap' Restaurants: 147
- Number of 'Budget' Hotels: 31
- Number of Attractions: 679
- Most Popular Attraction: Ljubljana Old Town
- Average Cost of Most Popular Attraction: £0
5. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Ranking fifth is Plovdiv in Bulgaria, which is located in the country's south and scored 37/70 points.
According to Lonely Planet, it is Europe's oldest continuously inhabited city, meaning their are plenty of ancient attractions to visit.
Some of the best things to do here are visiting the Plovdiv Roman Stadium and the Regional Ethnographic Museum.
The most popular attraction in this city is the Plovdiv Old Town, which costs nothing to visit.
- Closest Airport: Sofia Airport (SOF)
- Average Flight Cost: £188
- Average Cost of Accommodation for a Week: £364
- Average Cost of a Rental Car: £313
- Number of 'Cheap' Restaurants: 81
- Number of 'Budget' Hotels: 26
- Number of Attractions: 21
- Most Popular Attraction: Plovdiv Old Town
- Average Cost of Most Popular Attraction: £0
6. Vienna, Austria
Austria's capital city which lies in the country’s east on the Danube River is ranked sixth with a final score of 36 out of 70 points.
According to Google Travel, Vienna's artistic and intellectual legacy was shaped by its famous residents such as Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud.
The city is also known for its Imperial palaces, including Schönbrunn, the Habsburgs’ summer residence.
While Vienna is known to be pricey due to tourist traps, you can still tour the city on a budget if you know how.
According to Lonely Planet, most of the best sights are to be seen while walking, making it the preferred method of transport.
There are also a number of free tourist attractions including the late Romanesque Michaelerkirche is free, as is the nearby 14th-century Augustinian church Augustinerkirche.
In the MuseumsQuartier district, historic and contemporary buildings display works by Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt and other artists.
- Closest Airport: Vienna Airport (VIE)
- Average Flight Cost: £158
- Average Cost of Accommodation for a Week: £1,179
- Average Cost of a Rental Car: £697
- Number of 'Cheap' Restaurants: 689
- Number of 'Budget' Hotels: 84
- Number of Attractions: 2,014
- Most Popular Attraction: Schonbrunn Palace
- Average Cost of Most Popular Attraction: £25.98
7. Athens, Greece
The city of Athens, located in south-east Greece ranks seventh with 35 out of 70 points.
Greece's capital city is the perfect mix of ancient history and contemporary culture, making it an ideal holiday destination.
Once the heart of one of the most powerful civilisations in the Neolithic Age, Athens is dominated by colossal architectural feats of the ancient past, from the Acropolis to the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
However, the neighbourhoods and backstreets of Athens reveal a delightfully modern and laidback energy, with lively urban restaurants and edgy galleries, set against relics of a bygone era, according to Tripadvisor.
Those looking escape from the busy city can take a walk down its gleaming coastline, with crystal clear waters and relaxing resorts.
- Closest Airport: Athens Airport (ATH)
- Average Flight Cost: £247
- Average Cost of Accommodation for a Week: £1,888
- Average Cost of a Rental Car: £454
- Number of 'Cheap' Restaurants: 804
- Number of 'Budget' Hotels: 94
- Number of Attractions: 2,291
- Most Popular Attraction: Acropolis
- Average Cost of Most Popular Attraction: £16.76
8. Graz, Austria
Ranking eighth place is Graz, Austria, scoring 25/70 points.
Situated on both sides of the Mur river in southeast Austria, Graz is its second largest city located 150km (93 miles) southwest of Vienna.
The Roman Empire used Graz to defend itself against enemies in the southeast.
Graz is home to several universities, contributing to its lively atmosphere.
Architecture is one of the city's selling points as the landscape hosts Baroque palaces with provocative modern buildings.
According to Tripadvisor ,Graz's Alstadt von Graz (the Old Town) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which boasts fine architecture including the Burg castle complex, with its Gothic double staircase, and the graceful Uhrturm clock tower.
Other beautiful sites include the Herz Jesus Kirche (Church of the Sacred Heart), which is the largest church in Graz, or the beautifully built Eggenberg Palace.
Graz is a very affordable city, and one reason for this is that the city has lots of budget-friendly and even free places of interest. For instance, visiting the Grazer Schlossberg, the site of a historic fortress, offers impressive views of the city and is free.
- Closest Airport: Graz Airport (GRZ)
- Average Flight Cost: £188
- Average Cost of Accommodation for a Week: £650
- Average Cost of a Rental Car: £602
- Number of 'Cheap' Restaurants: 111
- Number of 'Budget' Hotels: 12
- Number of Attractions: 345
- Most Popular Attraction: Schlossberg
- Average Cost of Most Popular Attraction: £0
9. Lahti, Finland
Lahti, located in the south of Finland scored 24 out of 70 for budget suitability.
The city lies at the southern end of Lake Vesi, northeast of Helsinki and is renowned for its high calibre ski resorts such as Messilä and the Salpausselkä Ridges.
According to Tripadvisor, Lahti is home to a selection of incredible sights for tourists to visit, like exploring the Wood Architecture Park or visiting the scenic lake Vesijärvi, followed by a coffee at the modern Kahiwa Coffee Roastery.
The cost of living in Lahti is quite affordable, making it an ideal budget location for a holiday.
Costs for necessities like groceries are more affordable than other countries.
The city also has accommodation to suit any budget, these range from five-star luxury hotels to clean and comfortable hostels.
- Closest Airport: Helsinki Airport (HEL)
- Average Flight Cost: £200
- Average Cost of Accommodation for a Week: £750
- Average Cost of a Rental Car: £469
- Number of 'Cheap' Restaurants: 25
- Number of 'Budget' Hotels: 1
- Number of Attractions: 72
- Most Popular Attraction: Motorcycle Museum of Finland
- Average Cost of Most Popular Attraction: £10.0
10. Marbella, Spain
Marbella, which is a city in the south of Spain on the Costa del Sol, scored 24 out of 70 points.
Often described as a party town, there is lots to do and see in Marbella such as enjoying one of its many gorgeous beaches or visiting Plaza de Los Naranjos and the old town.
Marbella can be expensive if you want it to be.
According to Tripadvisor, the most expensive accommodation options are located at Porto Banus beach being the most expensive.
However, there are plenty of affordable options for accommodation as well as restaurants and free attractions.
- Average Flight Cost: £234
- Average Cost of Accommodation for a Week: £3,459
- Average Cost of a Rental Car: £526
- Number of 'Cheap' Restaurants: 154
- Number of 'Budget' Hotels: 11
- Number of Attractions: 440
- Most Popular Attraction: Marbella Old Town
- Average Cost of Most Popular Attraction: £0
11. Oradea, Romania
Finally, we have the city of Oradea in northwest Romania, which scored 22 out of a possible 70 points for how budget-friendly the destination is.
Oradea is the green capital of Romania and the city with the most palaces in Romania.
Some of the most exciting things to do and see in Oradea include visiting the the town hall, exploring the Black Eagle Palace, and walking along the Crișul Repede river, according to Tripadvisor.
Oradea is significantly cheaper than other European cities as it doesn't have a large tourism sector.
Oradea also has a range of budget hotels and inexpensive restaurants with cheap and tasty food.
- Closest Airport: Oradea International Airport (OMR)
- Average Flight Cost: £374
- Average Cost of Accommodation for a Week: £373
- Average Cost of a Rental Car: £654
- Number of 'Cheap' Restaurants: 34
- Number of 'Budget' Hotels: 12
- Number of Attractions: 146
- Most Popular Attraction: Black Hawk Palace Arcade
- Average Cost of Most Popular Attraction: £0
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