7 Best Budget-Friendly Mid-Haul Holiday Destinations For Wallet-Conscious Sun
Our list of the best budget-friendly mid-haul holiday destinations brings you the hotspots that are top of the pops for affordable sunshine not so far from home.
We love a good sunny escape. But, sometimes, guaranteeing the sun can mean travelling to the ends of the earth or spending big. However, our list of the best budget-friendly mid-haul holiday destinations shows that you can get the mercury to rise while keeping the costs low.
In this blog, we’ll uncover a list of holiday destinations that are considered to be mid-haul trips because of their proximity to the UK.
But the best part is, all of them are super affordable and incredibly sunny. So, let’s get into the list, shall we?
7 Cost-Effective Holiday Destinations Not Far From Home
Here’s our list of the best budget-friendly mid-haul holiday destinations perfect for acing that beachy family escape or romantic couples trip.
- Cape Verde
- Canary Islands
- Greece
- Egypt
- Bulgaria
- Turkey
- Cyprus
1. Cape Verde
Just off the Atlantic west coast of Africa, Cape Verde is a collection of super sunny islands offering affordable sun to families and couples alike. But how long is a flight and what makes it so affordable?
What Is The Flight Time From The UK To Cape Verde?
Obviously, this depends on where in the UK you’re flying from. However, the average non-stop flight time is around 6 hours.
Flights from London tend to be quicker, around 5 hours and 50 minutes. Meanwhile, Manchester and Birmingham have flight times around 6 hours and 15 minutes. So it is on the longer side of the mid-haul holiday destination spectrum, but still well worth a visit.
Other UK airports do offer services to Cape Verde, but there are stops and connecting flights, so we haven’t included those.
Why Is Cape Verde An Affordable Holiday Destination?
While its location may lead you to believe that it’s an expensive destination, Cape Verde is actually a pretty cheap place to visit. This is mainly because the cost of living on the archipelago is so low.
For example, the cost of a meal at a nice mid-range restaurant will only set you back around £35. A nice cool beer costs around £2.50 for local draught and an incredible £1.30 for imported brews. While a mid-range bottle of wine is only approximately £5.
Why Should You Visit Cape Verde?
If your little ones can handle the slightly longer flight time, then Cape Verde is the perfect destination for a family break. The year-round sunshine means the mercury rarely moves out of the 25-30 degree bracket.
Plus, the archipelago’s deep African history permeates through many areas of the culture. From the cuisine to the artwork and music, it’s a great place for getting more cultural on your holibobs too. So you can show the little one’s paradise without breaking the bank.
Likewise, the staggering beaches and affordable five-star, all-inclusive resorts make it an ideal option for a quick couples escape too.
2. Canary Islands
Nest up on our list of the best budget-friendly mid-haul holiday destinations is a long fancied haunt of families. There are many reasons why we love the Canary Islands. But why are they so popular?
What’s The Flight Time From The UK To The Canary Islands?
One of the main reasons why the Canary Islands are such a hit with European holidaymakers is the short travel time. Although they are technically closer to Africa than Europe, a flight from the UK to the Canaries takes around 4 hours.
Why Are The Canary Islands So Affordable?
The Canary Islands’ general affordability comes down to their lower tax laws. This means that goods and services are available at a cheaper rate for tourists. Perfect for when you’re trying to grab some family time in the sun or grab a quick couples escape without going bust.
Another reason why the Canaries are so accessible is the sheer range of accommodation. From bargain-basement rooms to five-star luxury resorts, you can find all of them on these islands. The beauty part is, because the resort towns are generally grouped around the coast, you’ll never be too far from a sunny beach.
Additionally, the undulating terrain of these volcanic islands ensures there are a host of free activities to try too. From hiking in Gran Canaria to sports in Lanzarote and national parks in Tenerife – the Teide National Park is the most popular in Spain.
Why Should You Visit The Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands are the perfect little getaway magnet located just a hop, skip, and four-hour flight away. Their popularity may have boomed in the 60s, but the year-round sunshine, incredibly low cost of living, vast choice of resorts, and wealth of natural activities showcase just why they remain super popular today.
3. Greece
Greece is by far one of the best budget-friendly mid-haul holiday destinations you can experience. Couples love this southeast Europe hotspot for its offering incredible sunshine, mindblowing vistas, and quaint cobbled street towns to explore. But what’s your flight time looking like?
What’s The Flight Time From The UK To Greece?
A flight from London to Greece is just 3-and-a-half hours. This means it’s one of the most accessible affordable mid-haul holiday destinations around. The other good news is that flight time isn’t too harshly affected when you take off from other UK-based airports.
Why Is Greece An Affordable Holiday Destination?
The main reason behind Greece’s affordability is the country’s well-developed infrastructure. Advanced transport links mean getting from location to location is simple and cheap thanks to a host of buses, trains, and ferries.
In addition, rich areas of Greek culture such as history and cuisine are incredibly accessible. World-leading historical sites like the Acropolis Of Athens, Delphi, Olympia, and Delos are free to explore.
Why Should You Visit Greece?
Greece is, rightfully, one of the most popular European destinations to grab some unforgettable sun. Locations in the Cyclades like Mykonos, Santorini, Delos and Sifnos are perfect for delivering a couples’ escape loaded with Instagrammable moments.
On those beautiful islands you’ll find magical beaches, staggering sunsets and, when the sun does die, there are a host of quaint tavernas nearby to quench your thirst or sate your appetite.
Whereas, fun-filled destinations in the Ionian and Dodecanese such as Corfu, Crete, Kefalonia and Rhodes are some of the best Greek Islands for families.
You and the little ones will love spending family time on sparkling beaches or wandering through colourful towns. Plus, you’re never far away from another staggering ruin for a quick history lesson on the fly.
4. Egypt
Dripping with historical and architectural significance, Egypt has long been the destination of choice for couples or families wanting an affordable escape with guaranteed good weather.
What’s The Flight Time From UK to Egypt?
Flight times from the UK to Egypt can vary depending on which locations you’re flying to and from. However, the average time is around 4-5 hours. The capital Cairo hosts the business airport, but sunshine-seekers generally touch down in Hurghada, Marsa Alam or Sharm El Sheikh.
Why Is Egypt An Affordable Holiday Destination?
Egypt is a great cheaper holiday option due to a number of factors. Locations like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are bursting with all-inclusive resort options. So you have the ability to touch down and soak up the sunshine without needing to move a muscle.
Plus, a couple of other contributing factors are the (generally) favourable exchange rate for the pound vs the Egyptian pound. And the cost of living in the country remains comparatively low. For example, a 3-course meal at a decent restaurant will only run you around £15-20.
Why Should You Visit Egypt?
If you’re a busy family searching for some affordable sun then Egypt is a no-brainer. Year-round sun means you’re guaranteed the weather.
Meanwhile, locations like Cairo, the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Valley Of The Kings, and Karnak offer unforgettable days out. There’s also the promise of golden sand beaches and world-class snorkelling and scuba diving in the Red Sea.
5. Bulgaria
Because of its status as a Balkan nation, alongside the likes of North Macedonia, Serbia, Romania and more, you may not immediately think of Bulgaria as a sunny holiday destination. But that’s where you’re wrong.
What’s The Flight Time From UK to Bulgaria?
At around 3 hours and 30 minutes, the flight time from the UK to Bulgaria is one of the shortest on our list. This means an ideal choice for couples seeking a sunny city escape or families trying to head for the beach without needing to negotiate an anxiety-inducing long flight with the little ones.
Why Is Bulgaria An Affordable Holiday Destination?
We’ll come to the range of activities in Bulgaria in a moment, but the diverse holiday offering means there are a host of options when it comes to picking the perfect Balkan break for you. This ensures you’re able to be more selective about the price range of your escape.
Plus, the cost of living and exchange rates in those southeastern Europe nations means you get a lot more bang for your pound. Think around £2 for a beer and somewhere near £30 for a 3-course meal.
Why Should You Visit Bulgaria?
The great thing about a sunny escape in Bulgaria is that it offers a diverse range of activities. From beautiful beaches along the Black Sea coast in resort towns like Sunny Beach. To skiing in the mountains or exploring ancient historical sites and cities. All of which means there’s something for every type of traveler at an affordable price.
6. Turkey
Turkey has been welcoming tourists from the UK to its sun-soaked shores for decades. The changeable landscape, busy towns and cities, unique cuisine and, of course, decent affordability keep hooking us back in. And why not, right?
What’s The Flight Time From UK to Turkey?
A flight from the UK to Turkey, on average, takes approximately4 hours. You may find that it goes 10-15 minutes over or under that mark. But, generally, 4 hours is a decent yardstick.
Why Is Turkey An Affordable Holiday Destination?
Turkey is one of the best budget-friendly mid-haul holiday destinations out there, mainly because of its popularity among holidaymakers. This demand means flights and room rates are driven down as more airlines and resorts look to fill their seats and beds.
Plus, our old friend the cost of living is back again. Luxuries like a meal out in Turkey do cost much less than in the UK. In fact, at around £20 for a 3-course meal, it’s even one of the cheapest locations on this list.
Why Should You Visit Turkey?
Locations like Marmaris, Bodrum, Antalya, Side and Belek are perfect bases for a sun-soaked getaway along the country’s dazzling Mediterranean coast.
Marmaris is probably the most popular location for holidaymakers. Its position on the Turkish Riviera or “Turquoise Coast” alongside the clutch of high-end resorts, stunning bars and modern restaurants make it an excellent cheap mid-haul holiday option.
7. Cyprus
The final stop on our tour of the best budget-friendly mid-haul holiday destinations is Cyprus. Much like Greece and Turkey, Cyprus is bathed in warming Mediterranean sun. But there’s more than just a glittering coastline and splendid sunshine driving tourists to this hotspot each year.
What’s The Flight Time From UK to Cyprus?
A flight from the UK to Cyprus takes around 4 hours 30 minutes. Larnaca and Paphos are the most popular destinations with flights leaving for these sunny spots weekly all-year round. However, flights increase exponentially when you move into the summer months.
Why Is Cyprus An Affordable Holiday Destination?
If you’re looking for a more affordable mid-haul holiday, then Cyprus is probably more towards the top end of the budget. Flights will be reasonably cheap, but it’s the cost of the trip once you’re there which starts to stack up – when taken in comparison to the other destinations on this list.
By way of an example, the measure we’ve been using so far is the cost of a 3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant (so a nice evening meal). In Cyprus, this will cost around £50-60. Which is around 3 times the cost of the same experience in Egypt.
Why Should You Visit Cyprus?
If you have a little more wiggle room in your bargain mid-haul holiday budget, then we’d recommend splurging on Cyprus. Not just because of the stunning resorts, but for the incredible range of unique activities it offers.
Beach bums can kick back on some of the leading beaches in Europe like Nissi Beach, Fig Tree Bay or Coral Bay. On the other hand, history buffs can check out sites of extraordinary old-world significance like the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos or the Roman Amphitheater in Kourion.
And that’s all before we talk about the hiking trails of the Akamas Peninsula or the incredible gastronomic scene that will have foodies salivating at the mere thought.
Choose Your Mid-Haul Marvel Today
That seductive septuplet of options offers a range of landscapes and destinations for your next break. They also go to prove that, whether you’re travelling as a couple or a family, it is possible to find an incredible escape, close to home, without breaking the bank.
The other bit of good news is, they’re all available in our Mid-Haul Marvels collection which is live now. Click the button below to discover our top hotels in these dazzling destinations.
