The Ultimate Guide to Affordable Holiday Destinations

As far as the Caribbean goes, there are some great all-inclusive deals available for those seeking a cheap hassle-free holiday with guaranteed good weather and warm seas. Indeed, Jamaica's Montego Bay is one of the most affordable destinations across the islands this year, with costs coming in around 40% less than Barbados.

One of the biggest challenges about having a family is those fussy eaters! But that doesn’t really matter when you don’t have to pay for the kids to eat! Staying at the Hilton Ras Al-Khamiah for example, we’ve got an amazing deal where your little ones stay and eat for free, so you can all make the most of your cheap holiday and all-inclusive offering.

Good for your wallet and your wanderlust – check out our top budget-friendly adventure spots:

With the pound to rand looking pretty sweet right now, it’s the perfect time to embark on that South Africa safari adventure. Low-cost accommodation, dining and experiences are all on offer here, making it the perfect spot for seeking out the Big Five without the hefty price tag.

Whether you're lazing on the beaches, clambering to the top of Sigiriya Rock, or searching for larger-than-life wildlife like leopards and blue whales, Sri Lanks has plenty of cheap destination to eat, stay and get around. Best of all, our experts know this country inside-out, so can source the best deals, recommendations and stays to match your travel style and budget.

You don’t need to stay in hostels and B&Bs in India to grab a bargain – even the luxury spots can be found for a great price. The overall cost of living is low here too, so you can immerse yourself in the most delicious eats, cultural experiences and authentic travel without dipping too far into your holiday savings pot.

Far-flung doesn’t always equal spenny! Save money in-destination or with added extras in these three long-haul hotspots:

New York has never been the cheapest of destinations, but what it lacks in affordability, it more than makes up for in added extras. From free walks through Central Park, the High Line and Little Island, to riding the Staten Island Ferry and hanging out in Grand Central Terminal or the New York Public Library, there are plenty of things to see and do in the Big Apple without spending a dime. Best of all, we often throw in some experiences or breakfast into our itineraries too – just check out the Riu Plaza here.

Whether it’s a discounted stay, a reduced-price upgrade, or a few extra meals thrown in, there are plenty of ways to save money in Thailand – especially if you’re heading to paradisical Phuket. It’s cheap to eat out here too (especially if you love street food), and to get around. Tuk-tuks, here we come!

One of the most biodiverse places on the planet, it’s amazing to think that Costa Rica is so affordable. After all, you can experience the very best of its nature offering for free. Whether you’re sitting on the Pacific Coast beaches, pulling up on the roadside en route to Arenal, or venturing into the jungle surrounds of Manuel Antonio, always keep your eyes peeled for sloths, hummingbirds, capuchin monkeys, and a plethora of birdlife. There’s an abundance of wildlife around every corner, and that won’t cost you a thing to see!

With costs on the rise, it can be tempting to head straight to flight search engines like Skyscanner for the cheapest deals. In reality though, these AI-run metas don’t always have access to:

• Sale pricing
• Last-minute deals
• Exclusive offers

Not only that, but sometimes the pricing you see on the price comparison list doesn’t match what the provider serves up when you click through. A very frustrating experience indeed!

Crucially though, these search engines struggle with the complex, so if you need help with an open-jaw or multi-stop flight, you’re unlikely to find it here. That’s where our Airfare Experts come in. They’ve got decades of experience in the industry, and can not only find the best-value deals, but also tailor-make your flight itinerary to suit your exact needs – including all those pesky hidden extras (baggage, seat selection and extra legroom, we’re looking at you!).

Obviously, the dream right now is to save cash. But where you can’t claw back the pennies, how about looking at packaged holidays where you got some extra freebies instead? We’re talking about added value holidays – everything from FREE room and board basis upgrades, to car hire or experiences thrown in. Thankfully, we’ve negotiated a range of deals with our holiday partners, and have managed to wangle some cheeky treats for your next getaway as part of our January Sale, including:

• 5-star Dubai getaway at Anantara The Palm, with FREE room upgrade, from just £889pp
• A whopping five FREE hotel nights on our Bangkok & Phuket Explorer itinerary
• FREE upgrade to a Balcony Cabin on this amazing-value NYC and Bahamas cruise

*deals valid at time of publishing (26/1/24) and subject to change.

Ready to embark on your next affordable adventure? Feeling travel savvy? Check out our latest deals here and below, or chat with an expert here to start planning your budget-friendly holiday today!