Everyone loves the idea of getting away for less, but nobody wants a break that feels like it was built entirely around compromise. Fortunately, cheap holidays don’t have to mean grotty hotels, awkward flight times and eating crisps in your room because everything nearby costs a fortune.

The trick is knowing where to save money and where not to. Flights, hotel location, travel dates and even the way you book can all make a big difference to the final price, but cutting the wrong corner can turn a bargain into a false economy.

The easiest win is to be flexible. It’s not possible for every traveller, but getting away outside of school holidays, avoiding Friday and Saturday departures, and looking at less obvious destinations can quickly bring the cost down. A long weekend in Porto, Valencia or Krakow can often feel more rewarding than joining the crowds in Paris, Barcelona or Venice, especially if you’re open to midweek travel.

Plaza de la Virgen in Valencia, Spain.

It’s also worth thinking about what kind of trip you actually want. If you’re planning to spend most of your time exploring, you probably don’t need a luxury hotel with a huge pool, spa and three restaurants. A clean, comfortable base with a good breakfast and easy access to the places you want to see will often be enough.

And the cheapest room isn’t necessarily the best value if it means you’re staying miles away from the action, facing the cost and inconvenience of taking taxis or public transport. A slightly more expensive hotel in a central location could save money overall, particularly on short breaks where time is limited.

City breaks can be especially good value, particularly in cities where much of the enjoyment is free or inexpensive. Wandering old streets, visiting markets, touring museums and galleries, sitting in a square with a coffee or heading to a viewpoint can be just as memorable as any organised excursion.

The same applies to beach holidays. Opting for a quieter resort just along the coast from a famous one offers the same sunshine, but usually for much less money. If all you’re doing is lounging by a pool or on a beach, that’s money worth saving.

With planning, even luxury resorts like Le Méridien Ra Beach Hotel & Spa can be surprisingly affordable.

It’s not just the week or two away that matters, though. There’s so much around your holiday that needs sorting that you’ll find plenty of other ways of saving money. Sorting airport parking, transfers, and travel insurance early usually means lower rates and prevents last-minute stress from creeping in.

Ultimately, a good-value holiday is not about spending the least possible amount. It is about spending carefully, avoiding the obvious traps and putting your money into the parts of the trip that matter most. Get that right, and a budget break can still feel like a proper escape.

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