Finding the Best Value Destinations for Your Next Holiday
Travellers seeking budget-friendly holidays can look to a newly released list of destinations where the cost of flights and hotels has dropped significantly. Skyscanner recently unveiled its rankings of top spots across the world where airfares have fallen the most over the past year. Along with cheaper travel, many of these locations also offer steep reductions in accommodation costs, making them ideal for holidaymakers trying to stretch their money further.
From hidden gems in Spain to historic cities in Poland and coastal retreats in Croatia, these locations provide rich cultural experiences without high costs. The data compiled by Skyscanner highlights places experiencing a sharp decline in travel expenses, offering affordable options for short European breaks and longer holidays alike. Understanding these trends helps holiday planners identify where their money goes furthest.
Why Bilbao in Spain Tops the Budget Travel List
At the very top of the Skyscanner list is the city of Bilbao, which has seen a 66 per cent drop in flight prices from last year. It is a convenient choice for travellers from the UK as it is the closest Spanish city to reach, taking less than two hours by air. One-way flights to Bilbao can be as little as £20, while the cost of hotels is down by 63 per cent from last year, with rooms starting from £29 on Booking.com.
For those booking a complete holiday package, loveholidays offers seven-night breaks to Bilbao starting from £42pppn. Because Bilbao receives far fewer tourists than other Spanish locations, it remains much quieter than its neighbours. Visitor statistics show that 1.6 million people visited Bilbao, compared to 16 million in Barcelona.
Exploring Bilbao Attractions and Local Cuisine
Visitors to Bilbao can explore the neighbourhood of Iralabarri, which locals and visitors compare to Notting Hill thanks to its colourful townhouses. Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey, who visited earlier this year, recommended heading to the top local attraction, the Guggenheim Bilbao museum, which is filled with modern and contemporary art. Food and drink form a central part of the local culture, encouraging visitors to try traditional dining styles.
Kara attempted the art of txikiteo, a practice of hopping between tapas bars for small snacks and drinks. Her top recommendation was Cafe Bar Bilbao for tasty pork sliders, alongside Taberna Ona for freshly sliced Iberian ham. The most famous local drink is txakoli, a Basque white wine found almost anywhere, while tiny venues like Taberna Basaras offer hearty glasses surrounded by barrels and floor-to-ceiling bottles.
Discovering Wrocław and Poland as a Budget Secret
The second city on the Skyscanner list is Wrocław in Poland, which has experienced a flight price drop of 47 per cent. Writers who recently visited have called it one of Europe best-kept city-break secrets. The Polish city features colourful market squares with cobbled streets and tall pastel townhouses, drawing visitors who appreciate historic architecture and lively public spaces.
Wroclaw is widely known as a city of festivals, hosting diverse cultural events throughout the year ranging from films and jazz to classical music. Visitors planning trips during the festive period will find the Wroclaw Christmas market ranks among the largest in Poland. One-way flights to Wroclaw start from £27, and package providers like loveholidays offer three-night breaks starting from £149pp or £50pppn.
French Port Cities and Greek Island Getaways
Another location close to the UK that has seen a drop in price is Bordeaux in France, where airfares have decreased by 34 per cent. The port city in southwestern France is known for its 18th-century architecture and wine culture. Visitors should make sure to pop into Bassins des Lumières, a former World War Two submarine base transformed into a digital art installation.
Travellers planning a summer holiday can also look to Rhodes in Greece, where trips should not put a heavy dent in wallets. The island is the largest of the Dodecanese and offers pretty beach resorts, ancient ruins, and summer highs exceeding 30C. Skyscanner data shows flight prices to Rhodes have fallen by 22 per cent, with one-way tickets priced as cheaply as £28.
Historic Pula and Winter Sun in Morocco
Pula, considered the Rome of Croatia, came in seventh spot on the global value list. Situated on the tip of the Istrian Peninsula, the city earned its nickname from its ancient ruins, including an amphitheatre that ranks among the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world. The Adriatic coastal spot sits under three hours from the UK by air, with flights having dropped in price by 20 per cent.
Fez in Morocco secured eighth place on the list with a 19 per cent drop in flight prices, where tickets are available from £15. Located in northern Morocco, Fez is famous for its vibrant markets and attractions, including its ancient medina. It functions as a popular winter sun destination with temperatures reaching highs of 20C in November. Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens recently visited the city to try out local cooking classes and pottery workshops.
