Poland and Spain have been named among the cheapest destinations in Europe to go on holiday as part of an extensive new study. The research found that travellers spend an average of just £72 per night while visiting Poland, equivalent to £1,000 over two weeks – less than anywhere else in the continent.[1]

The research, compiled by Go.Compare, analysed 2023 Travelpac data on UK holidaymakers’ expenditure and nights spent in over 30 countries. The comparison site then calculated the destinations where travellers spend the most and least per night, with Poland being named the cheapest in Europe.

Spain also ranks in the top 10, with travellers spending an average of £91 per night during their visit, equal to £1,278 over a fortnight. Portugal, Sweden, Hungary and Turkey are also named in the list. This makes them potentially good options for those looking to take an affordable break while living costs remain high.

Outside of Europe, India was found to be the cheapest destination for travellers. On average, holidaymakers spend just £62 per night in this country, less than any other in the study. This is equal to only £878 for two weeks, making it an extremely low cost break for travellers once they step off the plane. However, the high cost of flying to India likely makes it a less realistic option for UK travellers.

The full top 10 cheapest destinations can be found below:

Based on the figures, those looking to keep costs low should avoid Nordic countries like Iceland, Finland, Norway and Denmark. All four of these countries ranked among the 10 most expensive, with Iceland being the priciest of them all. The average expenditure in this country is over £200 per night, which comes to £2,890 over two weeks – £1,882 more than a fortnight in Poland.

Switzerland was found to be the most expensive destination outside of the Nordic region, where holidaymakers’ average expenditure is £173.56 per night – £2,428 across a two week break. Meanwhile, the United States of America is the most expensive country outside of Europe, where travellers spend an average of £157 per night, equal to £2,206 across a fortnight.

Rhys Jones, travel expert at Go.Compare, said: “Times have been tight over the last few years, but you still deserve some time off and it’s not impossible to travel on a budget. Looking into which destinations are cheapest once you arrive can help you identify which places will get you the most value for money.

“Poland and Spain look to be the best options for holidaymakers looking to keep costs down, as they’re not too far to travel and offer relatively low expenditure once you arrive. Although, plenty of other European destinations can make good options, too. It might be best to avoid the Nordic countries, as these tend to be on the more expensive end of the scale, particularly Iceland and Finland.

“As well as choosing a cheaper destination, there are plenty of other tricks to make going on holiday affordable. Travel guides and apps will help you to find low cost alternatives and maybe even a few free attractions. Plus, buying travel essentials like toiletries and sun cream at your destination can sometimes save you from paying for expensive travel-size versions before you leave.”

More information on the cheapest and most expensive holiday destinations, as well as tips for saving money while travelling, can be found on Go.Compare’s website.