Where to Go on a Cheap Holiday in 2026? 15 Budget-Friendly Destinations
Wondering where to go on a cheap holiday in 2026 without giving up beautiful beaches, great food or memorable experiences?
You don't necessarily need to travel far to keep your holiday budget under control. Some of Europe's cheapest destinations are only a few hours away from France, while Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey offer affordable sunshine just beyond Europe.
In 2026, the Balkans and Eastern Europe remain among the best-value regions for budget travellers, with Albania, Bulgaria and Romania standing out for their relatively low daily costs.
This guide compares 15 affordable holiday destinations for 2026, including estimated daily budgets, flight costs from France, ideal trip length and the best time to visit.
Table of Contents
Where can you go on a cheap holiday in 2026?
The cheapest holiday destination isn't necessarily the one with the cheapest flight.
The smarter way to compare destinations is to calculate the total trip cost:
flight + accommodation + food + local transport + activities.
A €50 return flight may look like a bargain, but if hotels and restaurants are expensive, your final holiday bill can be much higher than a destination with a €120 flight.
For 2026, Albania, Bulgaria and Romania remain particularly attractive for budget travellers, while Portugal, Morocco and Tunisia offer good alternatives for travellers looking for sunshine.
15 best budget-friendly destinations
Quick comparison
| Destination | Daily budget* | Indicative return flight from France* | Ideal trip | Best time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇱 Albania | €40–55 | €100–200 | 7–10 days | June, September |
| 🇧🇬 Bulgaria | €40–50 | €60–150 | 5–8 days | May–June, September |
| 🇷🇴 Romania | €40–55 | €50–130 | 5–8 days | April–June, September |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | €50–65 | €50–140 | 4–7 days | April–June, September |
| 🇭🇺 Hungary | €50–65 | €60–140 | 4–7 days | April–May, September |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | €55–75 | €50–150 | 7 days | April–May, September–November |
| 🇲🇦 Morocco | €40–60 | €60–150 | 7–10 days | March–May, October–November |
| 🇹🇳 Tunisia | €40–60 | €70–160 | 7 days | March–May, October |
| 🇹🇷 Turkey | €45–65 | €80–180 | 7–10 days | April–May, October |
| 🇬🇷 Greece | €60–85 | €90–200 | 7–10 days | May–June, September |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | €55–80 | €40–130 | 5–8 days | April–May, September |
| 🇭🇷 Croatia | €60–85 | €70–180 | 7 days | June, September |
| 🇲🇰 North Macedonia | €35–50 | €100–220 | 5–8 days | May–June, September |
| 🇷🇸 Serbia | €40–55 | €60–150 | 4–7 days | April–June, September |
| 🇱🇹 Lithuania | €50–65 | €60–150 | 4–7 days | May–September |
- Indicative ranges for a traveller looking for good value rather than luxury. Flight prices vary according to departure airport, dates and availability.
1. Albania: one of Europe's best-value beach destinations
If you're wondering where to go for a cheap beach holiday, Albania should be near the top of your list.
The Albanian Riviera, including Saranda, Ksamil, Himarë and Dhërmi, combines turquoise water, Mediterranean scenery and relatively affordable accommodation.
Albania is particularly attractive in June and September, when temperatures remain pleasant but peak-season pressure is lower.
Recommended budget: €40–55 per person per day.
Best for: beaches, road trips, couples and budget travellers.
How can you save money in Albania?
Don't spend your entire holiday in Ksamil during July and August. Consider Himarë, Dhërmi or inland destinations and compare accommodation prices before booking.
2. Bulgaria: one of Europe's best-value countries
Bulgaria offers an impressive combination of beaches, mountains, historic cities and affordable food.
Sofia works well for a city break, while Varna, Burgas and Nessebar provide access to the Black Sea.
Bulgaria remains one of Europe's most affordable destinations in 2026, with daily budgets around or below €50 possible for budget-conscious travellers.
Recommended budget: €40–50 per day.
Best for: families, beaches, city breaks and budget travel.
3. Romania: an underrated budget destination
Bucharest is an excellent choice for an affordable European city break.
But the real appeal of Romania comes from going beyond the capital. Brașov, Sibiu, Transylvania and the Carpathian Mountains can turn a short city trip into a much more varied adventure.
Recommended budget: €40–55 per day.
Best time: May–June and September.
4. Poland: culture and great value
Kraków is one of Europe's best options for an affordable long weekend.
The city combines historic architecture, inexpensive local restaurants and an impressive cultural scene.
Warsaw and Wrocław are also worth considering if you want to explore beyond Kraków.
Recommended budget: €50–65 per day.
Ideal trip length: 4–7 days.
5. Hungary: Budapest on a budget
Budapest remains a favourite for travellers looking for an affordable European city break.
The Hungarian capital combines thermal baths, architecture, food, nightlife and reasonably priced accommodation.
Recommended budget: €50–65 per day.
Travelling in spring or September can help keep accommodation and activity costs under control.
6. Portugal: the smart balance between price and quality
Portugal is no longer Europe's ultra-cheap destination, but it can still offer excellent value outside peak periods.
Porto, the Algarve and the Alentejo are particularly interesting for travellers looking for sunshine without Mediterranean peak-season prices.
The Algarve is also being highlighted among Europe's best-value beach destinations in 2026.
Recommended budget: €55–75 per day.
Best time: April–May and September–October.
7. Morocco: affordable sunshine close to Europe
Morocco is an easy way to get a change of scenery without taking a long-haul flight.
Marrakech, Agadir, Essaouira and Fes offer very different experiences, from beach holidays to cultural city breaks.
Spring and autumn are particularly attractive for travellers looking for comfortable temperatures and better value.
Recommended budget: €40–60 per day.
8. Tunisia: an affordable Mediterranean escape
Tunisia is particularly appealing if your priority is sun, beaches and all-inclusive holidays.
Hammamet, Djerba, Sousse and Monastir offer a wide choice of accommodation for different budgets.
Recommended budget: €40–60 per day.
For better value, consider travelling in spring or early autumn.
9. Turkey: more holiday for your money
Turkey offers an impressive mix of major cities, beaches, history and food.
Istanbul is ideal for a city break, while the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts are better suited to longer beach holidays.
Recommended budget: €45–65 per day.
Best time: April–May and October.
10. Greece: travel outside peak season
Greece can become expensive in July and August, particularly on the most famous islands.
However, travelling in May, June or September can significantly improve the value proposition.
Consider less famous islands and compare ferry prices with domestic flights.
Recommended budget: €60–85 per day.
11. Spain: an easy choice from France
Spain has one major advantage for French travellers: accessibility.
Barcelona and the Balearic Islands can be expensive, but Andalusia, Valencia, Murcia and parts of northern Spain offer more affordable alternatives.
Recommended budget: €55–80 per day.
12. Croatia: choose the shoulder season
Croatia remains hugely popular, especially along the Adriatic coast.
That popularity can push prices up during July and August.
Travelling in June or September is often a much better option for budget-conscious travellers.
Recommended budget: €60–85 per day.
13. North Macedonia: one of the Balkans' hidden gems
If keeping costs low is your number-one priority, North Macedonia deserves a place on your shortlist.
Lake Ohrid is the country's star attraction, combining swimming, nature, historic towns and outdoor activities.
Recommended budget: €35–50 per day.
It's also a great choice if you want to avoid Europe's most crowded tourist destinations.
14. Serbia: an affordable city-break alternative
Belgrade is ideal for a short and inexpensive European getaway.
The Serbian capital combines historic neighbourhoods, restaurants, nightlife and a lively atmosphere.
Recommended budget: €40–55 per day.
15. Lithuania: a different kind of European city break
Vilnius is an excellent alternative to Europe's more expensive capitals.
Its historic centre, cafés and surrounding nature make it particularly suitable for a four- to seven-day trip.
Recommended budget: €50–65 per day.
Which destination is best for your budget?
Less than €50 per day
Consider:
- 🇦🇱 Albania
- 🇧🇬 Bulgaria
- 🇲🇰 North Macedonia
- 🇷🇴 Romania
- 🇷🇸 Serbia
€50–70 per day
Look at:
- 🇵🇱 Poland
- 🇭🇺 Hungary
- 🇱🇹 Lithuania
- 🇲🇦 Morocco
- 🇵🇹 Portugal
- 🇹🇳 Tunisia
Looking for a cheap beach holiday?
Start with:
Albania → Bulgaria → Morocco → Tunisia → Turkey → Portugal
Looking for a cheap city break?
Consider:
Budapest → Kraków → Bucharest → Belgrade → Vilnius
When is the cheapest time to travel?
Your travel dates can have as much impact on your total budget as your destination.
April to June
One of the best periods for affordable European travel.
Temperatures are generally pleasant, while prices can remain below peak summer levels.
July and August
The most challenging months for budget travellers, especially in popular beach destinations.
If you have to travel during peak summer, compare multiple airports and consider less famous destinations.
September and October
For many destinations, this is the sweet spot.
The sea remains warm in southern Europe, temperatures become more comfortable and tourist numbers usually fall.
How to save money on your holiday
1. Compare multiple departure airports
Don't automatically book the airport closest to home.
Depending on your destination, Paris, Nantes, Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse or Marseille may offer very different fares.
2. Be flexible with your dates
A Tuesday or Wednesday departure can sometimes be significantly cheaper than a Friday evening flight.
3. Calculate the total trip cost
Don't compare flights alone.
Calculate:
flight + hotel + food + transport + activities.
4. Travel outside July and August
Avoiding peak summer is one of the simplest ways to reduce your holiday budget.
5. Compare hotel locations
A hotel slightly outside the tourist centre but close to public transport can provide much better value.
Browse available hotels for your destination.
6. Consider renting a car
For road trips through Albania, Portugal, Morocco or Spain, a rental car can sometimes be more convenient and cost-effective than several transfers.
Compare rental cars before booking.
How much should you budget for one week?
Here's a simplified estimate per person, excluding exceptional expenses:
| Travel style | 7-day on-site budget | Typical experience |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra-budget | €250–350 | Simple accommodation, local transport |
| Comfortable budget | €350–500 | Guesthouse/hotel, local restaurants |
| Comfort | €500–700 | 3–4 star hotel, activities |
| Premium | €700+ | Better hotels, restaurants and experiences |
Add your flight or train fare to calculate your total trip budget.
The goal isn't necessarily to find the cheapest flight, but the destination offering the best combination of affordable transport and low on-site costs.
FAQ
Where is the cheapest place to go on holiday in 2026?
Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia and North Macedonia are among Europe's most affordable destinations. Morocco and Tunisia are also excellent options if you want sunshine and relatively low on-site costs.
What is the cheapest country in Europe to visit?
Albania is one of Europe's cheapest destinations in 2026, while Bulgaria and Romania also offer excellent value for money.
Where can I go for a cheap beach holiday?
Albania, Bulgaria, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey are strong choices. Portugal and parts of Spain can also offer good value outside peak season.
Where should I go in August on a budget?
Look at destinations where the cost of living remains relatively low, such as Bulgaria, Albania, North Macedonia and parts of Turkey. Booking early and avoiding the most popular resorts can also help.
When should I book a cheap holiday?
There is no single booking window that guarantees the lowest price for every flight or hotel. Flexibility is usually more valuable: compare different dates, airports and destinations rather than relying on one fixed rule.
How can I find a cheap holiday from France?
Start by comparing several departure airports and dates. Then compare flights, hotels and local transport separately to determine the actual total cost of the trip.
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