Bargain hunters can still live it up if they're savvy about choosing the right destination for cheap holidays.
The cost of living crisis is making a huge dent in everybody's holiday budgets.
This year the pound has slumped to new lows against the US dollar and euro, adding to the pain of significant price rises following near global inflation.
New Which? r esearch has worked out the holiday hotspots where your money will go the furthest despite the gloomy economic prognosis.
The comparison company has looked at average flight and hotel prices, the strength of the pound, and the cost of food and drink once you land.
Which? has concluded that while the price of the pound may have plummeted, the exchange rate doesn’t paint the whole picture.
For example, you might get plenty of Icelandic krona to the pound, but it’s pricey to eat and sleep in Reykjavik.
Check out the best value holidays below...
Bulgaria
Return flight: £117
Hotel: £60
Bulgaria is packed with great hotels, restaurants and sandy beaches - but for a fraction of the price of other hotspots with similar offerings.
Even at the best known resort Sunny Beach you can stay in three to four-star hotel for just £60 per night and you can get change from £20 for a three-course meal and wine for two.
The Unesco listed town of Nessebar has a history spanning 3,000 years and is a great place for a quiet day trip, while the city of Sofia is a must-visit for those after a fun nightlife or beautiful Instagram-worthy backdrops. (St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a must-see).
All of that exploring is thirsty work. The good news is you can refuel with a coffee for 60p or a large bottle of water for 40p. A couple of cold beers cost less than £1, meaning you can get 22 for £10.
A cheap night out if ever there was one.
Turkey
Return Flight: £209
Hotel: £70
It’s easy to eat like a king in Turkey, where a three-course meal comes in at just £7.50 a head in the popular beach resort of Marmaris, while a round of drinks is less than £5.
In fact, Turkey holidays have previously been revealed as some of the cheapest holidays for Brits compared to pre-pandemic levels.
While mass inflation has been a disaster for many Turkish people, because the pound’s strength against the lira has increased by 80% since 2018, it can offer a decent value for money for Brits.
The country is full of Byzantine and Ottoman ruins that will keep history buffs intrigued for days, and mile after mile of beautiful coastline.
Portugal
Return flight: £119
Hotel: £91
Portugal is one Eurozone destination where your cash will work harder, depending on where you go, even if Sterling’s value against the euro has plummeted since Brexit.
In the Algarve you can easily bag a dinner for two for around £20. Even with the bigger food bills, holiday hotspots such as Madeira and the Azores are still relatively cheap when compared to other popular destinations such as Greece.
Wherever you choose to go, an absolutely must in Portugal is an evening spent watching the sun going down with a cold bottle of Sagres or a glass of vinho – both are just £1, on average.
While not as cheap as Bulgaria, three and four-star hotels in Portugal are still less than £100 per night on average.
Spain
Return flight: £130
Hotel: £112
Spain is very popular with British travellers for good reason; here the euro stretches much further.
A café con leche will only set you back £1.19, on average, which is half the price of one in Greece.
As with Portugal, not every part of Spain in cheap for the British tourist.
If you go on holiday in the Canaries or Balearics and a three-course meal will cost you an extra £8 on average than on the mainland.
Those looking to keep things as budget as possible would be advised to enjoy the sunshine along the Costa del Sol in resorts such as Nerja or the more upscale Puerto Banus.
Hungary
Return flight: £97
Hotel: £77
In addition to being accessible via some seriously bargain flights, Hungary is the third cheapest destination to stay in of those looked at by Which?, and the second best for exchange rates.
A three course dinner for two with a bottle of wine will cost you £55 on average, which isn't bad for a major European capital.
Spending less on food means there is more cash to see everything Budapest has to offer.
A boat cruise along the Danube, a soak in one of its famous thermal baths or a drink in one of the ruins bars are a must.
If time allows, consider a day trip to Margaret Island. Once a hunting ground for the upper classes, its parklands, boat houses and huge outdoor swimming pool provide a tranquil escape without having to leave the city.
Thailand
Return Flight: £607
Hotel: £78
Thailand is a draw for millions of tourists each year who are attracted to its laid-back islands, temples and delicious street food.
For £5 you can buy you a pad Thai and a couple of Chang beers at simple restaurants and street food carts.
A great way to see Thailand is via cross-country which will wind you way past rice terraces and farming communities.
Not only are they very affordable, the sleeper service will save on a night’s accommodation.
Never been before? Check out our guide on the best things to see and do in Thailand for a dose of inspiration.
South Africa
Return Flight: £607
Hotel: £78
South Africa might not be the cheapest place to get to flights wise, but once you’re there you won’t have to dig too deep into your wallet.
A three-course meal can be bought for £20 per person while a coffee will set you back £1.55.
There are plenty of once-in -a-lifetime activities to enjoy, such as a big-game safari in Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands and the wild penguin colony on Boulders Beach.
If you’re craving some rest and relaxation, try either St James Beach, characterised by its colourful huts, or Camps Bay Beach, where bars and restaurants are mere steps away from the sand.
Florida, USA
Return flight: £466
Hotel: £179
The sunshine state is actually pretty good value, although it's worth noting the study didn't include tickets to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando.
A cup of coffee averages at £1.87 in Orlando and a three-course dinner for two with a bottle of wine costs around £44.
That’s about the same as you would pay in Spain, but with American rather than European portion sizes.
As well as some of the world's most famous theme parks, Florida has the Everglades wetlands, which can be visited via in an airboat, and wild dolphins off Daytona Beach.
Mauritius
Return flight: £695
Hotel: £162
Mauritius - a place famous for its powdery white beaches, volcanic landscapes and the natural phenomenon known as the underwater waterfall at Le Morne - may not seem like the obvious place for a bargain break.
Admittedly it isn’t the cheapest to fly to in comparison with other destinations, but once you’re there, eating and drinking is fairly reasonable.
Since 2016, the pound’s strength against the Mauritian rupee has steadily increased.
Now a couple of coffees while souvenir shopping around Grand Baie Bazaar will still give you change from £5 while a three-course meal comes in at around £25 per person.
As well as those picture-perfect beaches the island's volcanic scenery makes for some beautiful hikes - but if it is sandy shores you're after then head to the west coast where you'll find popular spots such as Le Morne, Grand Baie and Flic en Flac, all on the west coast.
Costa Rica
Return flight: £569
Hotel: £153
Costa Rica is filled with incredible places to visit from cloud rainforests to gorgeous beaches and volcanic parks.
The Which? research unveiled it as one of the best value long-haul destinations as you can currently get around 730 Costa Rican colon for every pound.
In the coastal resort of Tamarindo, a three-course dinner for two comes in at just over £50, on average and you’ll pay less than £5 for a couple of local beers.
