The good news is that it’s still possible to enjoy a sun-soaked holiday on a budget this year. The recent tumble in the value of sterling means that you can get more bang for your buck when it comes to European resorts.
The pound’s weakening against the euro is a boon for British tourists planning to head to some of Europe’s most popular beach destinations this summer. Spain’s Costa del Sol has long been a stalwart of cheap all-inclusive package breaks, and coastal towns from family-friendly Torremolinos to Fuengirola tick all the boxes for a fun-packed break.
Another European holiday hotspot offering bargain rates is Turkey. This Middle Eastern country is a hidden gem, with mountainous national parks, canyons and Ottoman-era villages announced by narrow minarets. The standout sight is beach-lined Lake Ohrid, below a clifftop church. Few tourists visit, and that’s reflected in the prices, which are among the lowest in the region.
With the pound weakening, it’s even more affordable to go on an all-inclusive Caribbean vacation. Jamaica has a particularly favourable exchange rate at the moment, and it’s also cheaper to eat and drink than other Caribbean islands. The pound is worth more than 12 per cent less than the Jamaican dollar, which means you can spend a little more on luxuries like a massage at the serene Radiant Spa or a romantic meal at the elegant Jewel Paradise Cove Beach Resort & Spa in Runaway Bay.
It’s a similar story in the Dominican Republic, where the all-inclusive options are superb value. You can book a stay at one of the top Punta Cana resorts like Serenade or Grand Sirenis from around 60 US-Dollars a night, with meals, drinks and activities included in the price. Alternatively, you could opt for the smaller and more intimate Allegro Playacar, which is just a few steps from Maho Beach, the famous beach that planes fly low over when landing at the airport.
You can find cheap all-inclusive resorts in other popular Caribbean destinations too. You’ll find deals on cheap Punta Cana holidays in May and September, while prices inevitably rise as the school holidays approach. On the Balearics, you’ll find plenty of great-value options in the party resorts of Magaluf and Puerto Pollensa, and the peaceful Cala d’Or and Alcudia.
A further budget-friendly destination is Sri Lanka, where plunging currency offers astounding value. In the capital Colombo, opulent hotels with 40m rooftop infinity pools cost just PS50 a night and train rides to the Portuguese-era fort city of Galle are less than a tenner. You can also spot leopards in Yala National Park or sample the finest crab curries for under PS40.
South Africa is also a budget traveller’s dream, with safari lodges in the Kruger National Park starting at just over PS100 a night. In fact, it’s a good idea to book your safari and accommodation together before you arrive so that you can take advantage of the pound’s strong position against the rand.