Destinations Offering Cheap Summer Vacations 2024
What is your dream Summer Holiday? Summer is the perfect time to jet off to somewhere warm and sunny. In May, June, July, and August, we offer destinations where you can get cheap summer vacations in 2024, best deals on affordable Summer Holidays to all of Europe’s hottest sun destinations, including Vietnam and Kenya, Portugal, and Egypt.
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Summer is the ideal time to embark on a memorable Family Holiday. With children out of school and ideal weather conditions, we can offer you fantastic summer destinations as well as average cost of trips, which makes it easy to plan your next get away. Popular destinations such as Fuerteventura, the Costa del Sol, and the Algarve cater to both kids and adults with their plethora of waterparks, family-friendly beaches, and watersport activities. For couples seeking a peaceful Summer getaway, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Santorini, and Majorca are perfect options to escape the daily hustle and bustle of life.
In addition to being 100% financially protected, we recommend travellers interested in taking advantage of our 2024 Summer Holidays to ensure that travel agents or agencies used are Licensed and Bonded by the Commission for Aviation Regulation, so that your money is safe. Additionally, there are exclusive online discounts and low deposit options, so you can enjoy your dream Summer Holiday even more!
Cheap Summer Vacations 2024: How And Where To Travel For Less
Run a search on Google, you will discover that one of its top travel search trends this quarter is ‘budget summer vacations 2024’, there are numerous ways for travelers to find cost-effective travel ideas. This is especially crucial as Bloomberg reports that the post-pandemic travel surge, combined with limits on hotel construction, over-tourism, and Airbnb restrictions in many cities, is driving hotel prices up, particularly in Europe.
It’s evident that travelers might be feeling the financial strain. Vacasa, the home rental platform, found that while the 4th of July and Memorial Day will be major summer travel weekends, its survey suggests that many people have adjusted their travel plans or planning habits to be more budget-friendly (81% of respondents), largely due to the higher cost of living and inflation (74%).
How To Discover Cheap Summer Vacations
Bloomberg advises against relying on Instagram feeds showcasing overhyped and pricey destinations. Instead, consider visiting less-known spots for affordable summer vacations. In Italy, this could mean exploring the charming Costiera Cilentana, just an hour from the Amalfi coast, or the stylish yet under-developed Monte Argentario peninsula, located 90 minutes from Rome’s Fiumicino airport.
If Italy feels too mainstream, Romania is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination, closely following the much-loved and still affordable Albania.
For cheap summer vacations, alternatives to traditional hotels should be considered. Bloomberg highlights that European hotel prices have surged by 50% since 2019, according to CoStar Group. Renting a boat might offer better value. Another option is HomeExchange, a home swap service that allows members unlimited exchanges for $220 per year, enabling affordable travel to less crowded destinations.
The U.K.’s Telegraph also suggests seeking out some of the best youth hostels or staying in a mountain bothy in Britain—remote shelters located in some of the most stunning hills and woods throughout the U.K. that are accessible for free with an annual subscription of $32 from The Mountain Bothies Association. Similar refuge programs exist across Europe in breath taking locations, many of which offer a basic breakfast and dinner menu.
For affordable summer vacations, consider changing your mode of travel. Although there are cheaper ways to fly (the London to New York route remains highly competitive if you can be flexible with your travel dates), one of the most cost-effective ways to travel this summer might be by train.
The Telegraph provides several examples, such as Eurostar tickets which can be found for around $50 one-way if booked well in advance—sometimes it’s easier to find deals if you book to Brussels instead of London to Paris. The 51-hour train journey from Chicago, Illinois to Emeryville, California can be secured for just under $100 if booked early.
Inter-railing across Europe can be economical, or you can take the train on a 28-hour, 1,300-mile journey from New Delhi to Goa for just $13 (with first class costing only $67)—traveling across parts of the Himalayas can cost less than a dollar.
To further save on summer vacations, consider changing your mode of finance. One final way to minimize costs is to use multi-trip travel insurance if you travel frequently, and definitely opt for a bank card that doesn’t add extra charges for overseas use and find one with lower fees for currency exchange.
15 Places That Offer Cheap Summer Vacations
As usual, you’re likely sitting at work right now, contemplating when and where you can take a vacation. Immediately. And you’ve probably done the typical thing of browsing through dream destinations before having that frustrating realization that you don’t have quite enough money for a yacht trip around Italy’s Amalfi Coast or a spontaneous getaway to the Maldives. Annoying.
And then you stumble on this; a new data from The Post Office. Their annual report has identified the most affordable holiday destinations for 2024, based on the cost of eight essential tourist items: a three-course dinner for two with a bottle of house wine, a cup of coffee, a bottle of beer, a Coca-Cola, a glass of wine, a large bottle of water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. They gathered data from tourist boards and tour operators to compare average prices from 40 destinations worldwide to find the cheapest overall holiday spot.
- Hoi An, Vietnam
Total cost of essentials: £54.93
Ideal for: Culture enthusiasts and food lovers
Currency: Vietnamese Dong
Flight duration from London: 15 hours 30 minutes
One of the most affordable holiday spots for 2024 is Hoi An, located on Vietnam’s central coast. This city is crisscrossed by canals and rich in history, featuring numerous temples and remarkable architecture. And don’t forget to indulge in the amazing cuisine.
- Cape Town, South Africa
Total cost of essentials: £54.93
Ideal for: A diverse range of activities
Currency: South African Rand
Flight duration from London: 11 hours 35 minutes
Cape Town offers a plethora of activities, so if possible, plan to stay for one to two weeks. You can explore Table Mountain by foot or cable car, enjoy the beautiful beaches, and delve into the rich history at various museums. Additionally, you can tour local vineyards, savor the cuisine at excellent restaurants, and unwind in stunning hotels.
- Mombasa, Kenya
Total essential expenses: £54.93
Ideal for: A mix of activities
Currency: Kenyan Shilling
Flight duration from London: 11 hours 5 minutes
Although the flight is quite lengthy, there’s plenty to do in Mombasa to make it worthwhile. Enjoy safaris, snorkel over coral reefs, and explore UNESCO-listed sites—this destination offers it all.
- Tokyo, Japan
Total essential expenses: £59.05
Ideal for: Culture enthusiasts and food lovers
Currency: Yen
Flight duration from London: 13 hours 55 minutes
Surprisingly, Tokyo can be a budget-friendly destination. Spend four to five days exploring its fascinating blend of traditional and modern attractions. Be sure to visit temples, national gardens, local eateries, and take a walking tour.
- Algarve, Portugal
Total essential expenses: £59.69
Ideal for: A sunny week of relaxation
Currency: Euros
Flight duration from London: 2 hours 55 minutes
The Algarve is a perennial favorite for vacations, offering hot weather, beautiful beaches, and fantastic food. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway.
- Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
Total essential expenses: £61.37
Ideal for: A sun-soaked week of relaxation
Currency: Egyptian Pound
Flight duration from London: 5 hours 25 minutes
Nestled between the Sinai Peninsula desert and the Red Sea, Sharm el-Sheikh is filled with affordable luxury resorts. It’s a great destination for a lavish yet budget-friendly retreat.
- Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
Total essential expenses: £62.49
Ideal for: A sun-filled week of relaxation
Currency: Bulgarian Lev
Flight duration from London: 3 hours 25 minutes
Sunny Beach, located on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, frequently ranks among the cheapest holiday destinations. In addition to relaxing by the beach or pool, you can enjoy go-karting, water parks, and paintball inland.
- Kuta, Bali
Total essential expenses: £63.31
Ideal for: A sunny week of relaxation
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah
Flight duration from London: 16 hours 35 minutes
Located in southern Bali, Kuta is perfect for a surfing holiday or relaxing on some of the world’s best beaches. It also boasts vibrant nightlife.
- Marmaris, Turkey
Total essential expenses: £66.07
Ideal for: A girls’ trip
Currency: Lira
Flight duration from London: 4 hours 5 minutes
Marmaris is famed for its nightlife, making it an ideal spot for a getaway with friends. If nightlife isn’t your thing, there are boat trips, mud baths, a castle, and ancient ruins to explore.
- Paphos, Cyprus
Total essential expenses: £73.32
Ideal for: A sunny week of relaxation
Currency: Euros
Flight duration from London: 4 hours 35 minutes
For a blend of history and relaxation, Paphos is perfect. Explore its old town and historic churches, then unwind on the beach or take a boat trip.
- Penang, Malaysia
Total essential expenses: £77.77
Ideal for: Culture enthusiasts and food lovers
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit
Flight duration from London: 15 hours 20 minutes
Situated in northwest Malaysia, George Town in Penang is a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in cultural history. Visit the numerous temples and enjoy nature at the National Park.
- Phuket, Thailand
Total essential expenses: £77.77
Ideal for: A bit of everything
Currency: Thai Baht
Flight duration from London: 13 hours 25 minutes
Phuket offers stunning beaches, historic temples, delectable cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and island-hopping tours—plenty of reasons to book a flight.
- Delhi, India
Total essential expenses: £77.84
Ideal for: A bucket list trip
Currency: Indian Rupee
Flight duration from London: 8 hours 35 minutes
A trip to Delhi can be affordable and is often on many bucket lists. The city offers ample attractions to keep you entertained and can be part of a broader Indian tour.
- Costa del Sol, Spain
Total essential expenses: £81.45
Ideal for: A girls’ trip
Currency: Euros
Flight duration from London: 2 hours 50 minutes
For a fun-filled, sunny week, Costa del Sol is the place to go. Known for its lively atmosphere, it includes popular towns like Malaga and Marbella.
- Montego Bay, Jamaica
Total essential expenses: £87.11
Ideal for: A sunny week of relaxation
Currency: Jamaican Dollars or US Dollars
Flight duration from London: 9 hours 50 minutes
Although flights to Jamaica might be pricey, the island itself is quite budget-friendly. Enjoy snorkeling, dining at great restaurants, and relaxing on some of the best beaches.
Conclusion
Summer is an ideal time for affordable vacations, offering a range of budget-friendly destinations across Europe and beyond. Families can enjoy activities like waterparks and watersports in Fuerteventura, the Costa del Sol, and the Algarve. Couples seeking tranquillity might prefer Lanzarote, Tenerife, Santorini, or Majorca. It’s important to book through licensed travel agents for financial protection and take advantage of online discounts and low deposit options.
With rising hotel prices post-pandemic, alternative accommodations such as boats or home exchanges, HomeExchange, and other budget options like youth hostels or mountain bothies can be more economical. Train travel offers another cost-effective option, with competitive routes like London to New York and budget-friendly journeys across Europe and India.
The Post Office’s annual report highlights the cheapest holiday destinations based on essential tourist items. Notable budget-friendly destinations include:
- Hoi An, Vietnam
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Mombasa, Kenya
- Tokyo, Japan
- Algarve, Portugal
- Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
- Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
- Kuta, Bali
- Marmaris, Turkey
- Paphos, Cyprus
- Penang, Malaysia
- Phuket, Thailand
- Delhi, India
- Costa del Sol, Spain
- Montego Bay, Jamaica
These destinations offer a variety of affordable travel experiences, ensuring an enjoyable and cost-effective summer vacation.