DREAM of jetting off to a tropical destination but outrageous prices putting you off?
You might be surprised to find you can fly to some of the most exotic destinations in the world on budget airlines such as Wizz Air, EasyJet and TUI – here, our experts reveal the best secret deals.
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We’ve crunched the numbers to find the best tropical hotspots around the world that you can get to on a budget airline.
Whether it’s cocktails at a beach bar or a trek through the rainforest, you next holiday could be the trip of a lifetime – without the wallet-busting price tag.
Even if you can’t quite leave Europe, there are a few destinations that will make you feel like you are on an exotic island.
These are the ccheapest tropical destinations you can get to on a budget airline, as well as some top deals on where to stay too.
Fly to Albania on Wizz Air for £68 return
Albania is a top pick for budget-conscious Brits who want a tropical break without a big price tag.
Ksamil Beach, located in southern Albania, has even been dubbed the Maldives of Europe thanks to its idyllic islands, pristine white beaches and incredibly clear, turquoise waters.
This sweeping bay is perfect for swimming and snorkelling, too.
With flights on Wizz Air for £68 return, it’s certainly a lot cheaper than the Maldives and the ultimate tropical destination you can get to on a low-cost airline from the UK, without even leaving Europe.
Albania’s historic medieval cities are well worth visiting, too.
The capital Tirana is a fun and lively city, which is dotted with cheap and buzzing bars and cafes.
Drink is super cheap, with £1 beers and glasses of wine for £3.50, plus the party goes on late, making it a great place for a group trip.
In Ksamil Beach, stay at the Hotel IONI-AN Ksamil for £46 per night.
Fly to Madeira on Jet2 for £129
Madeira has been dubbed the ‘Hawaii of Europe‘ due to its palm tree covered hillsides, volcanic landscapes and outdoor activities such as hiking and surfing.
This Portuguese island is actually closer to Spain’s Canary Islands, just off the coast of Africa, and has mild, sub-tropical weather year-round.
Since this lesser known archipelago has less flights from the UK than the more common Canary Islands, like Tenerife and Lanzarote, packages can sometimes be on the pricey side, putting bargain-loving Brits off booking up.
However, Madeira is a beautiful destination with a dramatic coastline, hidden coves and extra-friendly locals eager to welcome you to the island and show off their rich culture.
Good news, then, that both Jet2 and EasyJet fly to Madeira, with some competitive flights as low as £99 return.
We found flights in the October half term for £129 return, so if you want a low-key adventure with the family, then booking a trip here would be a great idea.
Stay at the fabulous Casa da Capelinha, a three-star hotel nestled in a beautiful bay in Ponta Delgada.
The location is outside of the main town, but makes for a perfect island retreat and delivers way more than you would expect for the three-star rating.
Rooms from £100 per night at booking.com.With its own private beach and rooftop pool, it is excellent value.
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Fly to Bangkok on Norse Atlantic for £483
There aren’t many destinations that feel as far-flung or as exotic as Thailand.
For the vast majority of us, it can feel like a distant dream – but with flights on Norse to Bangkok from £483, a trip to the land of smiles could become a reality.
Norse have a tired pricing system where you can pay for your flights, seats, baggage and even in-flight services separately, making the journey significantly cheaper than travelling on a ‘fancy’ airline.
In fact, if you upgrade to Premium Economy on Norse, the prices are often the same as flying economy on a more upscale carrier, such as British Airways or Thai Airways.
And you don’t have to spend a fortune when you’re there, with plenty to experience including street markets, palaces, temples, cheap food and a wild nightlife.
Dinner in Bangkok will only set you back £5 if you eat at local places, food markets or street vendors. Booze is also super cheap, with £2 beer and happy hours that seem to last all day.
Plus, Bangkok is a gateway to more beautiful and exotic Thai destinations, such as Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Chang.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a bus to Koh Chang from Bangkok for only £10, but if you’d rather get to the beach and relax as quickly as possible, you can connect to a local Bangkok Airlines flight for around £70.
In Bangkok itself, stay at the Lamon Vivit Hotel, which is close to the Grand Palace and has family rooms starting from just £29 a night.
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Fly to Jamaica on TUI for £641 (including transfers and hotel for seven nights)
Many people have no idea you can fly all the way to the Caribbean on a budget airline.
However, TUI have some fantastic deals to a number of tropical long-haul destinations including Antiqua, Tobago, Jamaica and Barbados.
The prices are even more impressive when you consider packages with TUI include baggage, transfers, flights and hotel.
This fantastic deal, flying from Birmingham to Montego Bay, Jamaica, is for seven nights at Coco La Palm Seaside Resort in Negril for only £641 per person
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It’s located on one of Jamaica’s most famous stretches of sandy beach – the centre of Negril is a 20-minute walk away, and the hotel itself has lush grounds with abundant gardens and two large pools.
Fly to Cape Town on Norse Airlines for £319
South Africa is a popular bucket-list destination – but in fact, you can fly to stunning Cape Town for less than it costs to go to some places in Europe.
Norse Airlines announced their direct route to Cape Town last year and it’s been a hit with Brits keen to see this enchanting part of the world on a budget.
Cape Town is a great base to explore famous landmarks such as Table Mountain, Camps Bay and Boulders Beach or head off on a guided safari on the Gondwana Game Reserve.
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Flights in November on Norse start from £319, and this is an ideal time to visit because the weather is usually dry and sunny, ahead of the hotter summer months.
Camps Bay Village is in a perfect spot by the beach and some rooms have sea views. At £79 per night, this is a top find and a great way to see South Africa without blowing the bank.
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