Yahoo News 10 of the most wallet-friendly places to visit in 2018
One of the best things about living in the UK is how ridiculously cheap it can be to travel internationally.
Visiting our neighbours in Ireland often costs just £20 one-way, and even holiday hotspots like Portugal and Spain have regular flights for less than you spend on your weekly coffee fix.
Luckily, the team over at Kayak have put together the top 10 budget destinations for 2018 after analysing data from their flight search tool for the last year.
From Italy to Ireland, Morocco to Norway, here are the best places to visit no matter how small your budget.
1. Gdansk, Poland
Average return flight price: £34
The port city of Gdansk is a melting pot of architectural influence from Austria, Germany and Holland all formed to create one gorgeous city. While there, make sure you visit the Long Market (Długi Targ), the 1618 Golden House and the 1560 Green Gate buildings – some of the best examples of medieval Polish architecture.
Gdansk is also a great base for some day trips to Polish castles like the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork.
2. Venice, Italy
Average return flight price: £36
Venice can often be seen as a tourist trap, but by visiting in spring or autumn you will miss the summer crowds and be able to walk the alleys and medieval bridges at ease. While there, make sure you take a boat trip to the nearby island of Burano - the fishing village is filled with brightly-coloured houses just calling to be ‘grammed.
3. Sandefjord, Norway
Average return flight price: £39
Scandinavian countries can often be costly to get to which is why you need to head off-the-beaten-track. Instead of going to Oslo, try Norway’s lesser-known but equally gorgeous city of Sandefjord. Located on the southern coast of Norway, Sandefjord is known for its untouched coastline and lush forests – perfect for getting in touch with your inner Viking.
4. Essaouira, Morocco
Average return flight price: £40
The only non-European country to make the list, more and more travellers have been flocking to Morocco in recent years to witness its splendours first-hand. Essaouira is a wonderful alternative to the tourist-heavy Marrakech and is full of sleek boutique guesthouses, fishermen’s shacks and bustling souk markets.
5. Warsaw, Poland
Average return flight price: £46
Poland is really coming into its own of late, and has become a bustling tourist haven. Warsaw has an undeniably harrowing history and nowhere is this more prevalent than in ts Jewish Quarter. But the Polish are a resilient nation and this is seen through their stunning architecture, busy city and the must-see Warsaw Rising Museum.
6. Dublin, Ireland
Average return flight price: £52
Just a quick plane ride away, Ireland’s capital can only be described as a pure delight. From chatting to the ever-pleasant Irish locals, to sampling Dublin’s foodie scene and getting carried away with the night at Whelan’s - Dublin is filled with Irish charm and not afraid to spread it.
7. Cologne, Germany
Average return flight price: £57
A culture-lover’s dream, this German city is dotted with medieval churches, gothic towers, world-famous art galleries and Cologne’s famous cathedral. Make sure you head to the beer halls in Altstadt (Old Town) or the Christmas market if you find yourself there in December.
8. Carcassonne, France
Average return flight price: £59.50
Like a real-life fairy tale, this city is located inside a medieval fortress. The first walls were built ij the Gallo-Roman times with additions make in the 13th and 14th centuries. Make sure you check out Château Comtal, a 12th-century castle located inside the city walls or take a five-minute stroll down to the Lac de la Cavayère for a quick swim and check out some of the local vineyards for a tasting on your way back to the city.
9. Milan, Italy
Average return flight price: £64
Whether you’re a history buff, an art historian or a fashion fiend, Milan offers something for every culture lover. Head to Sforza Castle which offers both a medieval fortress and an art gallery featuring works from da Vinci and Michelangelo or to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a glass-covered 19th-century mall.
10. Barcelona, Spain
Average return flight price: £68
Spain and holidays are two words that are synonymous with one another and you would be hard-pressed to look past Barcelona for your Spanish holiday. Let your self be in awe of La Sagrada Família’s architecture, experience the famous La Rambla or get lost in the Parc del Laberint d’Horta (Labyrinth Gardens). Barcelona is a scintillating mixture of food, drinks, sun and friendly locals so embrace it all.
