In the middle of tariffs, the housing crisis, and the price of eggs, we all deserve a holiday. But when we are already turning our pennies around three times, how is that even possible? Luckily, some destinations are shaping up to give British travellers serious bang for their buck, and we are here to share those pound-stretching holiday hotspots.
Before packing those bags, quickly check the visa applications for UK residents to sort your entry docs to these wallet-friendly destinations β or risk running into some costly mistakes at the border!
Southeast Asia: An All-Time Favourite
This far-flung corner of the world has been serving up first-class adventure at unbeatable prices for decades, and in 2025, it is still leading the cheap-as-chips charge.
Thailand
Thailand is incredibly affordable for Brits. The pound is expected to hold strong against the Thai baht throughout 2025, meaning your money goes much further here. You can tuck into a decent three-course meal for about Β£10-15, while a comfortable room might only cost Β£25 a night.
Bangkok’s street food is also ridiculously good value β think Β£1.50 for a plate of pad thai and pennies for fresh coconut water. Even the fancy stuff like beachfront stays in Koh Samui can come at a fraction of what you’d pay for a package holiday in Spain.
Vietnam
Vietnam might just be the best value spot in Southeast Asia for 2025. Economic forecasts show the pound performing brilliantly against the Vietnamese dong, making an already affordable country even cheaper.
In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, you can feast on incredible street food for Β£1-2 per dish, with local beer going for about 80p. Decent hotels start from Β£20 a night, and hopping between cities on domestic flights often costs less than a night out in London.
Eastern Europe: The Big New Player
The obvious absence of white sandy beaches might make Eastern Europe seem a little less desirable, but donβt knock it till youβve tried it. These countries offer the best value for money in Europe and more adventure than you might be ready for!
Hungary
Budapest takes the crown for Europe’s value champion in 2025. The Hungarian forint’s position means you won’t need to remortgage the house for a European city break.
The famous thermal baths cost around Β£15 for entry, a good bottle of local wine in a restaurant runs about a tenner, and you’ll pay roughly Β£1 per journey on public transport. Centrally located flats go for Β£40-50 a night, leaving plenty of cash for sampling the local goulash.
Georgia
Georgia might not be on your radar yet, but it should be. Its capital Tbilisi has got it all β fascinating history, gorgeous architecture and amazing food without the eye-watering prices. Wine tasting in the Kakheti region (where humans first made wine, by the way) costs about Β£25, while cheese-filled khachapuri bread and other local treats go for Β£3-4 in decent restaurants.
Georgia is also considered one of the cheapest ski holiday destinations in the world! The Caucus mountain views rival those of the Alps any day and ski passes cost only a few pounds a day.
Latin America: A Long-Haul Bargain
Latin America might be a little further off the radar, but this journey pays for itself in epic-ness. There is no match for Latin American flavours and the price is nothing to frown at.
Colombia
The Colombian peso is expected to continue giving British visitors excellent value in 2025. Colombia not only offers Cartagenaβs georgeous colourful streets and cute little coffee towns, but thereβs loads to see without emptying your wallet.
Grab empanadas for about 50p, while proper sit-down meals rarely cost more than a tenner per person. Flights between major cities like BogotΓ‘ and MedellΓn usually run Β£30-40, making it dead easy to explore without blowing your budget.
Mexico
The pound looks strong against the Mexican peso for 2025, making this holiday favourite even more tempting. Beyond the all-inclusives (which aren’t bad value themselves), the real Mexico holds some real bargains.
In places like San Miguel de Allende or Oaxaca, fantastic meals go for Β£5-8, museums charge around Β£3 entry, and lovely boutique hotels can be found for Β£50-60 a night. Even the trendy bits of Mexico City are surprisingly affordable compared to what you’d pay in Paris or Rome.
Currency markets are about as predictable as British weather, but these destinations are looking promising for budget-conscious travellers in 2025. While exchange rates shouldn’t be the only reason you choose a holiday spot, it’s rather nice when your pounds buy more beers, beds, and memorable experiences abroad.
Whether you fancy noodles in Vietnam, wine tasting in Georgia, or tacos in Mexico, 2025 is shaping up to be a cracking year for making your holiday money work overtime!
