With the summer holidays just around the corner, here is how to travel on a budget.
The cheapest holiday destinations for the summer.(Image: Getty Images)
Despite the chaos with the new border control system in the Schengen area and the Middle East conflict disrupting jet fuel supplies, many Scots will still be looking forward to jetting off to another country or two in the coming months.
Whether you are looking for a family getaway or wanting to dive into a new culture, there are a variety of countries across the globe that are waiting for you to explore as you leave your work stress behind you for a week or so. However, one problem many people come across while booking holidays is the hefty prices.
With the summer holidays being a peak time for holidaymakers to jet off abroad, due to the toasty temperatures and quick access to luxury beaches, this can cause flight and holiday prices to soar. This is usually typical for popular locations such as Spain, the Canary Islands and Greece, with millions of passengers travelling over in the summer.
If travellers are wanting to travel somewhere a bit different this year without having to break the bank for a week full of relaxation, Skyscanner has shared some of the smarter places to travel this summer. Still offering similar sunshine, scenery or city vibes, these destinations offer affordable prices with fewer crowds.
The travel provider has also shared the cheapest week of summer to jet out on holiday, along which day it is generally cheapest. Here are the seven cheapest alternative holiday destinations travellers may want to consider this summer.
Seven cheaper places to travel this summer
1. Dortmund, Germany – average flight price £72
Dortmund is located in west Germany and is a city historically known for its steel production and beer brewing. Now a diverse travel destination, this city break is ideal for those wanting to explore contemporary art and a wide range of cultural events.
Football fans will also want to visit Signal Iduna Park, which is the home stadium of Borussia Dortmund. Known as one of the largest and most atmospheric football stadiums in Europe, fans of the game can also visit the BVB museum which shows the history of the club and its legendary matches.
2. Cork, Ireland – average flight price £83
With only a quick hour and a half flight, travellers can enjoy the amazing sights of Cork. Known as Ireland’s foodie capital, holidaymakers will want to gorge in the English Market that sells a variety of local cheeses, fresh seafood, and chunks of handmade chocolate.
Along with a variety of historic tours, museums and galleries to explore, families can also travel to the pretty seaside towns and take the trip to Cobh, which was the last port of call for the Titanic.
3. Luxembourg, Luxembourg – average flight price £86
For those wanting to feel like they have been transported into a film, Luxembourg provides the perfect blend of dramatic cliffside scenery and worldly charm. Featuring UNESCO-listed medieval history, travels will be able to step back in time while also having plenty of time to relax.
Once you have soaked up the city, travellers can journey out a bit further to enjoy activities such as wine tasting in the Moselle Valley, hike through the forests of the Mullerthal Trail or explore a 12th century brewing district that has now transformed into a modern entertainment area with bars and restaurants.
4. Castellon de la Plana, Spain – average flight price £89
Castellon de la Plana is perfect for those wanting to travel to Spain but escape the busy tourist crowds. Located between the inland hills of the Valencian community and the Mediterranean, this underrated destination offers a variety of activities to enjoy.
From medieval architecture and vibrant food markets to laid-back beaches, there is something for everyone to enjoy. One activity travellers won’t want to miss is the sunset at the Peñíscola Castle. A must for Game of Thrones fans, the castle appeared in season six to represent the city of Meereen.
5. Baden-Baden, Germany – average flight price £89
Described as a spa town in southwest Germany, this destination offers relaxation, arts and freedom. Baden-Baden lies at the foot of the Black Forest, which means that area is surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards for travellers to explore.
Travellers can also explore the narrow streets of the old town before submerging themselves in the popular thermal baths. The two most famous spa experiences in the city include Caracalla Therme and Friedrichsbad. While slightly different, they both allow visitors to sit back and unwind.
6. Eindhoven, Netherlands – average flight price £94
Those looking for a more modern, less hectic alternative to Amsterdam, it may be worth checking out Eindhoven in the Netherlands. Known as the ‘City of Light’, this must-visit destination is ideal for travellers looking for a city that is innovative and creative.
Featuring a variety of museums, stunning parks to explore and gourmet markets, holidaymakers can travel 20 minutes to visit the animals at the Zoo Veldhoven. With over 150 animal species, families can feed exotic birds and watch ring-tailed lemurs, alpacas and reptiles.
7. Turin, Italy – average flight price £102
Located in northwest Italy, Turin is said to boast one of a kind art and cultural heritage. Along with stunning architecture and priceless monuments to behold, film fans can also explore the National Museum of Cinema, which explored the film industry from its origins to the present day.
Along with the breathtaking view of the Alps in the distance, Turin also has stunning gardens to walk through. And if travellers have a sweet tooth, you can explore the relationship the city has with chocolate, which dates back 1560. Turin is famous for Gianduiotto, which was created by Michele Prochet in 1865.
When is the cheapest time to travel?
According to Skyscanner, the cheapest week in the summer months to travel is June 29 to July 5. With school summer holidays generally starting at the end of this week, travellers are still able to get their hands on some more affordable flight prices.
Additionally, the travel provider also claims that the cheapest day to travel is a Friday. So next time you are booking a trip away, have a look to see if the prices are any cheaper if you leave closer to the weekend.
