Recession beating European holidays

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With the economy still in turmoil, many of us fretting over money and the summer holidays just around the corner now seems a very good time to start thinking about a cheap break for 2012. Budget travel doesn’t have to be backpacks and hostels – though this is of course a nice easy option! With that in mind we take a look at some of the best budget destinations for summer. So get saving, get your passport, your flight and your annual travel insurance and let’s prepare some holidays.

Hungary

Hungary is one of the cheapest countries in Europe and offers some great sites and fantastic deals providing you avoid the major tourist hotspots areas when it comes to eating and hotels. Budapest is still one of the most beautiful cities in Europe with a wealth of beautiful sights that even the most budget conscious traveller can enjoy. The main sights include the beautiful castle, the incredible parliament buildings, the baths and of course the wine. Best of all Hungary boasts beautiful architecture throughout meaning there’s plenty of opportunity for free days out. The surrounding countryside is beautiful and you can pick up hotels for as little as £30 a night. Flights start from around £60 each way so there’s no excuse not to go.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria almost seems to market itself as a budget destination with cheap bars, cheap hotels, cheap entertainment, sun, sea and sand. The black sea is of course the destination of choice for most travellers with Varna, Bourgas and the surrounding areas being the best place to unwind. It’s definitely a party goers destination with plenty of lively nightclubs and happy hours every hour. Flights can be grabbed cheaply for around £50 a pop and a budget hotel can be grabbed from as little as £20 a night making it a brilliant budget break.

France

If you’re prepared to drive and to camp then crossing the channel by ferry is still one of the cheapest ways to get out of the country as you can pick up returns for as little as £60 providing you book in advance. Once you’re there the French coast is beautiful with plenty of sights to see all along the coast from the D-day landing sights to the standing stones at Carnac in Brittany. The countryside is also incredible and many parts are nice and secluded with camping being incredibly cheap and plentiful. Of course you have to pay for petrol and drive but this still works out at an incredible bargain.

Poland

Whilst Krakow is still the top destination of the country and prices there remain exorbitantly high Poland has a lot to offer the budget traveller and indeed anyone prepared to leave this area. The capital Warsaw blends Soviet leftovers with towering skyscrapers and is heavily modernised and a beautiful city. Prices are cheaper than elsewhere but don’t expect a huge discount on the Eurozone. The best options are villas and hotels in less well-known places and beautiful scenery like the Tatra Mountains and numerous untouched lake resorts. Flights are again as little as £60 each way and accommodation depending on location can be from as little as £20 a night.

Well hopefully that’s started getting you thinking so enjoy your holiday and get saving for your next one. After all what’s the point in travelling on a budget if you don’t do it as often as possible.