The best budget-friendly holidays for 2025, from Spain to Albania

Independent

25-02-2025

Still recovering from an expensive period of the year, most of the country will want to save their pennies during these first few months of 2025, yet still have their eyes on a holiday.
It's a good idea to swap popular, high-demand holiday spots for up-and-coming regions, or take advantage of places where currencies are weak.
Fortunately, there are quite a few options to choose from if you want to save money without compromising on sunshine or the quality of experiences.
Here we look at how to escape the price hikes with budget-friendly destinations.
1. Best for beaches: El Gouna, Egypt
Far cheaper than the Canary Islands but with even higher temperatures and more hours of sunshine, this purpose-built Red Sea beach destination has undergone a large amount of development since the first marinas and artificial islands were constructed in the early 1990s.
Now there are 18 hotels and resorts and more than 100 restaurants and bars lining the 10km of coastline. Recently renovated, the five-star Steigenberger Golf Resort has rooms from £67 per person per night with breakfast – a bargain compared to most winter sun resorts. Due to favourable exchange rates, cocktails cost less than £2 while a meal for two is just over a tenner.
A five-night inn break at the Captain's Inn costs from £403 per person including return flights from London. Departs 19 March. Visit lastminute.com.
2. Best for adventure: Albania
Whether strolling through cobbled streets, gazing up at mountain peaks or swimming in sparkly blue waters, it's easy to mistake Albania for its chic neighbour across the Adriatic Sea. But compared to Italy, the beaches are quieter, hidden spots are more plentiful, and the prices are significantly cheaper.
Specialising in trips for 18-35-year-olds, Contiki is the first youth tour operator to offer an escorted journey across the Balkan country. Learn about the past through capital city Tirana's Ottoman, Fascist and Soviet architecture, hike trails in Valbonë National Park and relax on the golden beaches of the Albanian Riviera.
3. Best for families: Galicia, Spain
While the mercury is rising to uncomfortable levels during summer in the southern Med, destinations along the north-western Iberian Peninsula are hotting up in demand. Low-cost flights from the likes of Ryanair and Vueling have made it easier to access areas along Spain's Galician coast, where green hills roll into cool Atlantic waters.
Specialising in villas with pools, Vintage Travel has added several new properties in the region.
Head to the cathedral city Santiago de Compostela to marvel at one of Europe's finest pieces of religious architecture, where dozens of pilgrims gather after multi-day walks. Alternatively, visit the ancient fishing port Coruna, also famous for its Roman lighthouse known as the Tower of Hercules, and dine out on excellent seafood.
4. Best for skiing: Voss, Norway
A few years back, it would have been inconceivable to see Norway feature on a list of 'affordable' destinations. But a drop in the value of the Norwegian krone has made it a more economical and appealing destination to visit – at all times of the year.
Winter tourism to the Nordic country has always been dominated by the northern lights, but glowing reports for the region's many ski resorts are attracting even more travellers. Located 100km from Bergen, Voss is one of the largest ski resorts in Western Norway with 40km of groomed alpine trails and 24 varied descents, including an international giant slalom course and a SuperG course. Yet it's far better value than many Alpine winter resorts and promises good powder with the support of snow cannons.
Being so far north, snow tends to last longer in Norway and some resorts – including Trysil on the Swedish border – even promise a refund on your lift pass, accommodation, ski rental and tuition if the coverage isn't sufficient.
A seven-night half-board stay at Park Hotel, Voss, costs from £1,224 per person (two sharing), including flights. Departs 23 March. Visit inghams.co.uk.
5. Best for nature: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Born from a history as colourful and complex as its diverse landscapes, this relatively undiscovered Balkan nation only attracts 3.6 million tourists per year – almost six times less than Croatia. Yet the scenery, beaches, food and culture are equally attractive, while prices are much lower.
According to flight aggregate site Skyscanner, capital city Sarajevo has seen the largest drop in airfares across Europe, with new routes recently launched from London Stanstead with Ryanair. Set along the Miljacka River and surrounded by the Dinaric Alps, the city features several museums and historical buildings from eras of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian rule. Further afield, it's the country's natural beauty that shines – from the fairy-tale Kravica Waterfall to the never-ending Tara Canyon which runs into Montenegro.