Living in or visiting the UK doesn’t mean your holidays have to be expensive. With smart planning, low-cost airlines, and the right destinations, you can explore beautiful countries on a surprisingly small budget. The secret is choosing places where your pound stretches further — and there are many of them. Before choosing where to go, it helps to understand the basics of budget travel so you know how to keep your daily costs low.
In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best cheap countries to visit from the UK, why they’re affordable, how much you can expect to spend, and a few simple tips to keep your costs low. Whether you’re a student, a new traveler, or just trying to save money, these destinations will help you travel more without breaking your budget. f you want to save even more money, check out our guide on packing light and traveling carry-on only.
1. Poland – Beautiful Cities on a Small Budget
Poland is one of the most underrated cheap countries to visit from the UK. Flights to Kraków, Warsaw, or Gdańsk are often very affordable, especially outside school holidays.
Why it’s cheap:
- Budget flights from many UK airports
- Accommodation is much cheaper than Western Europe
- Eating out, public transport, and attractions are all low-cost
In cities like Kraków or Wrocław, you can easily spend £30–£40 per day on food, local transport, and activities if you choose budget options.
Budget tips for Poland:
- Travel in spring or autumn to avoid crowds and high prices
- Use trams and buses instead of taxis
- Eat at milk bars (bar mleczny) for very cheap local food
2. Hungary – Thermal Baths and Nightlife Without the Price Tag
Hungary, especially Budapest, is a classic choice when people talk about cheap countries to visit from the UK. The city is full of historic architecture, thermal baths, and famous ruin bars.
Why it’s cheap:
- Low-cost flights to Budapest
- Food and drinks are very affordable
- Many attractions are free or inexpensive
You can find hostel beds for under £15 per night and simple hotel rooms for around £30–£40. A full meal in a local restaurant can cost as little as £6–£8.
Budget tips for Hungary:
- Buy a transport pass for trams and buses
- Visit free viewpoints like Gellért Hill
- Try local street food instead of tourist restaurants near the river
3. Czechia (Czech Republic) – Fairytale Cities at Fair Prices
Prague is famous for its old town square, castle, and bridges — and it’s still one of the most popular cheap countries to visit from the UK. While prices have increased slightly in the center, it’s still much cheaper than London or Paris. These cheap countries to visit from the UK offer amazing experiences without stretching your budget.
Why it’s cheap:
- Hostels and guesthouses are very affordable
- Beer and food are inexpensive outside tourist traps
- Many sights can be explored on foot
If you travel outside Prague, places like Brno, Olomouc, and Český Krumlov are even more budget-friendly.
Budget tips for Czechia:
- Stay a bit outside the main old town area
- Eat where locals eat — avoid menus in 6 languages
- Take advantage of free walking tours (tip the guide at the end)
4. Portugal – Warm Weather and Affordable Coastal Life
Portugal might surprise you on a list of cheap countries to visit from the UK, but outside peak summer, it can be very budget-friendly. Cities like Lisbon and Porto are full of culture, and smaller towns along the coast or in the countryside are even cheaper. For more money-saving advice, read our budget travel tips for beginners.
Why it’s cheap (if timed well):
- Off-season flights can be very low
- Guesthouses and Airbnbs are cheaper in winter and spring
- Food portions are large and reasonably priced
In many parts of Portugal, you can enjoy a full meal with dessert for around £8–£12, and a coffee is often under £1.50.
Budget tips for Portugal:
- Travel in March–May or October–November
- Use public transport instead of rental cars
- Look for daily lunch menus (prato do dia) for the best value
If you want a special holiday trip, don’t miss our list of cheap New Year destinations from the UK with cities that feel magical in December.
5. Spain – Budget-Friendly If You Avoid the Obvious Spots
Spain is one of the easiest cheap countries to visit from the UK thanks to dozens of direct flights. While some resort areas can be expensive in summer, many cities and regions are very affordable.
Cheaper Spanish destinations include:
- Valencia
- Seville
- Granada
- Malaga (outside peak dates)
Why it’s cheap:
- Huge competition between airlines = cheap flights
- Tapas culture makes eating out inexpensive
- Plenty of budget hostels and apartments
Budget tips for Spain:
- Travel outside July and August
- Eat tapas or menu del día for the best value
- Walk or use local buses — they’re cheap and efficient
6. Romania – Mountains, Castles, and Very Low Prices
If you’re looking for truly cheap countries to visit from the UK, Romania should be on your list. From Bucharest to the castles of Transylvania, it offers a mix of nature, history, and nightlife.
Why it’s cheap:
- Very low cost of food and drinks
- Trains and buses between cities are inexpensive
- Accommodation offers good value
You can find comfortable private rooms for under £25 per night and spend £20–£30 per day on everything if you’re careful. These cheap countries to visit from the UK offer amazing experiences without stretching your budget.
Budget tips for Romania:
- Use trains for long distances — slower but cheap
- Visit Brasov, Sibiu, and Cluj-Napoca for smaller, charming cities
- Eat at local restaurants, not only in tourist centers
7. Bulgaria – Beaches and Mountains on a Tight Budget
Bulgaria is one of the best-value cheap countries to visit from the UK, especially if you enjoy nature. You can choose between mountain hikes, historic towns, or Black Sea beaches.
Why it’s cheap:
- Very low cost of living compared to Western Europe
- Budget-friendly ski resorts in winter
- Affordable seaside holidays in summer (outside big party spots)
Budget tips for Bulgaria:
- Avoid mainly party-focused resorts if you’re trying to save
- Use intercity buses — they’re cheap and frequent
- Try traditional dishes at local taverns (mehanas)
8. Turkey – East Meets West at Friendly Prices
Turkey offers a different cultural experience and still counts among popular cheap countries to visit from the UK, especially if you convert pounds into Turkish lira at good rates.
Why it’s cheap:
- Food, local transport, and attractions are very affordable
- You can find guesthouses and hotels for low prices
- Plenty of low-cost flights to Istanbul and coastal areas
From Istanbul’s mosques and bazaars to Cappadocia’s hot-air balloons and Antalya’s beaches, there’s a lot to see without spending a fortune.
Budget tips for Turkey:
- Eat at local lokantas (cafeteria-style restaurants)
- Use Istanbulkart for city transport
- Travel in spring or autumn for better prices and weather
9. Albania – One of Europe’s Best Hidden Budget Gems
Albania is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about cheap countries to visit from the UK. It offers clear blue water, mountains, and charming towns — often at half the cost of nearby countries. These cheap countries to visit from the UK offer amazing experiences without stretching your budget.
Why it’s cheap:
- Very affordable accommodation and food
- Beaches that rival Greece and Croatia at much lower prices
- Local buses and minibuses are cheap, though basic
Budget tips for Albania:
- Visit the Albanian Riviera before it becomes too popular
- Use local seafood restaurants, which are great value
- Travel with some flexibility, as transport can be slower
10. Morocco – Budget-Friendly Adventure Just a Few Hours Away
If you want a completely different culture without flying halfway around the world, Morocco is one of the most exciting cheap countries to visit from the UK.
Why it’s cheap:
- Low-cost flights to Marrakech, Agadir, and other cities
- Budget riads (traditional guesthouses) offer great value
- Food is filling and inexpensive
You can eat well on £10–£15 per day and sleep in a simple riad for £20–£30 per night, depending on the city and season.
Budget tips for Morocco:
- Haggle respectfully in markets
- Eat at local cafés instead of tourist-only restaurants
- Book desert tours through local agencies rather than big online brands
11. Greece – Affordable If You Plan Smart and Travel Off-Season
Greece might not sound like one of the cheap countries to visit from the UK, but it can be surprisingly budget-friendly if you:
- Avoid peak summer
- Choose less touristy islands
- Book in advance
Islands like Naxos, Paros, or some parts of Crete can be more affordable than famous Santorini or Mykonos.
Budget tips for Greece:
- Travel in May, early June, or late September
- Use ferries wisely — book slower ones, not high-speed boats
- Eat at tavernas away from the waterfront for better prices
How to Find Cheap Flights From the UK
Knowing which are the cheap countries to visit from the UK is only half the job — you also need low-cost flights. To keep your journey affordable from the start, pair these destinations with our airport hacks and packing tips so you can travel lighter and smarter.
Here are some simple tricks:
- Be flexible with dates — flying midweek is usually cheaper
- Use price alerts on flight comparison websites
- Fly from different UK airports if possible (London, Manchester, Birmingham, etc.)
- Travel with carry-on only to avoid baggage fees
When you combine budget-friendly destinations with smart flight booking, you can cut your travel costs dramatically. You can check updated travel information on the official UK government travel page.
Daily Budget Examples for Cheap Countries to Visit From the UK
Every traveler is different, but here’s a simple idea of what a comfortable budget might look like per day (excluding flights), if you make sensible choices:
- Poland / Hungary / Czechia: £35–£50
- Portugal / Spain (off-season): £40–£60
- Romania / Bulgaria / Albania: £30–£45
- Turkey / Morocco: £30–£50
- Greece (off-season): £45–£65
These estimates cover:
- Budget accommodation (hostel or simple hotel/Airbnb)
- 2–3 meals
- Local transport
- A few paid attractions
With careful planning, you can go even lower.
Simple Tips to Make Any Country Cheaper
Even in the most cheap countries to visit from the UK, your spending depends on your habits. Here are a few universal tricks:
- Avoid eating on main tourist streets
- Walk or use buses and trams instead of taxis
- Stay in guesthouses or hostels instead of big hotels
- Use supermarket snacks for breakfast or lunch
- Travel with carry-on only to avoid baggage fees
- Book flights and accommodation in advance
By combining these habits with the destinations on this list, you can travel far more often than you might think.
Final Thoughts: Cheap Countries to Visit From the UK Are Just a Flight Away
You don’t need a huge salary or a big savings account to explore the world. By choosing cheap countries to visit from the UK and planning your trips with a budget mindset, you can travel more often, stay longer, and still feel financially comfortable.
Poland, Hungary, Portugal, Turkey, Romania, and the other destinations on this list all offer amazing experiences for a fraction of the cost of some Western European cities. Start with one of them, track your spending, and you’ll quickly see that budget travel from the UK is absolutely possible.
Your passport is already powerful — now you know where your pounds will go the furthest.
Ahmad Mughal is an SEO Specialist (since 2020) and BS Software Engineering graduate, passionate about helping people travel smarter on a budget. He researches destinations, compares costs, and creates practical guides that help travelers get the most value for their money. Founder of Worldzoon, Ahmad combines SEO expertise with real-world travel insights to publish content that is accurate, trustworthy, and easy to follow. Read more on the About the Author page: https://worldzoon.com/about-the-author/