As the bank holiday weekend approaches, many Brits are keen to squeeze in a last-minute getaway to make the most of the waning summer days. Yet, the notion of a European escapade has been shelved by numerous holidaymakers due to financial constraints.
Nonetheless, currency specialists at Conotoxia have disclosed to Reach that there are three stunning European nations perfect for a brief weekend retreat that won’t break the bank, being “several times cheaper than in the UK”. These include a “tourist gem”, a “dark legend” and the less-trodden paths of Greece’s neighbour.
Georgia
Georgia is a hidden treasure nestled north of Turkey, bordering the Black Sea. It caters to every kind of traveller with its warm waters, breathtaking mountains, cosmopolitan cities featuring a subtropical climate, hospitable locals, and acclaimed gastronomy.
Labelled as “an oasis of peace and quiet” by the experts, Georgia lies just beyond the vibrant cities of Batumi and Tbilisi, a mere five-hour flight from London.
Moreover, whether you’re venturing into bustling urban areas or quaint rural hamlets, Georgia’s cost of living is “unbeatable” when compared to the UK. The travel pundits have calculated the expenses for a long weekend for two, highlighting a charming guesthouse in the coastal village of Kobuleti at a mere £60 and that’s the total price, not per night.
A typical restaurant meal in Georgia will only cost you around £7, with a pint at the local pub setting you back just £1.50 and a taxi ride home costing a mere £1.20. The astonishingly low prices are due to the average wage in the capital being a modest £440 and the favourable currency exchange rate of £1 equalling 3.4 lari, as explained by Irmina Zalewska, Global Account Executive at Conotoxia.
Albania
Albania, often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbour Greece, is next on the list of budget-friendly destinations. Despite being located on the Ionian sea where competition among holiday resorts in the northern regions can drive up costs, experts suggest heading slightly south for a more affordable escape.
Just a three-hour flight from London, Albania offers significant savings with “almost all food and drink services discounted by around 50%”. In the capital Tirana, an average restaurant meal will set you back about £40 compared to £80 in London.
A beer is priced at approximately £2.10 and a coffee roughly £1.50. Furthermore, groceries are around 40% cheaper than in the UK, according to Irmina.
Accommodation and tourist activities remain reasonably priced. A two-bedroom flat on the Ionian sea for the bank holiday weekend will cost around £110, while on the Adriatic seafront, prices can drop to as low as £70 for two people.
Plus, there’s a wealth of free activities to enjoy such as lazy beach days, stunning hiking trails and World Heritage sites.
An expert from Conotoxia in Albania suggested: “Instead of cash, we can use a multi-currency card. If we rely on this type of product in a virtual version, we will avoid carrying a wallet and be able to pay with a smartphone or a watch.”
Romania
Just a three-hour flight from the UK, Romania is steeped in fascinating history and heritage, boasting beautiful wildlife and landscapes. It’s quite literally the stuff of “dark legends”.
Travel experts have insisted that Transylvania is “not to be missed”, along with the Gothic-Renaissance architecture in Corvins’ Castle and the famous Gothic Bran Castle.
Whether you’re exploring historic towns or ice caves on your bank holiday weekend, expect to do so at roughly half the price of the UK. A restaurant meal here costs around £8.50, a pub beer is about £2.40 and a taxi fare is approximately 50p.
A double room for three nights, whether on the black sea or in the heart of Transylvania, will set you back between £110 to £120. It’s worth noting for savvy travellers that despite being part of the European Union, Romania has retained its local currency with 1 Romanian lei valued at approximately 17p.
Specialists at Conotoxia have warned travellers to steer clear of exchanging their currency at stationary exchange offices in Romania due to the “risk of unfavourable exchange rates”. They instead recommend using non-cash payment methods such as a multi-currency card.