Compare cheap holidays

There’s a good range of accommodation in the Algarve, but it’s the variety of self-catering properties that make it particularly popular with families. Look for apartments and villas on the coast between Lagos and Albufeira, or head inland for good deals. With cheap car hire from Faro Airport, it won’t cost a lot to explore the region.

Kids love Antalya as there’s so much to do for younger travellers. It’s great for families on a budget, with many hotels offering cheap all-inclusive package holidays throughout the year. Consider a resort with an on-site waterpark (there are quite a few to choose from) to keep kids entertained and save on the cost of days out.

Greece’s largest island can also be one of its most affordable – if you know where to look. Families flock to north coast towns such as Hersonissos and Gouves to be close to child-friendly attractions, though, like Antalya, you’ll find many hotels with on-site waterparks too. This stretch of coast is also great if you’re looking for self-catering options.

A string of family-friendly resorts line Cyprus’ south coast from Coral Bay to Limassol, and the amount of competition tends to keep prices down. Great beaches are a given and most are packed with facilities for an easy day out (try Fig Tree Bay), but you’ll also find free and low-cost attractions like ancient ruins and zoos.

Holidays to Bali can be as lavish or low budget as you like. Even in the tourist areas where prices tend to be higher, you’ll find some basic but comfortable guesthouses. To get off the beaten track, swap Kuta for Canggu or Sanur, or head inland to meet macaques and discover the jaw-droppingly beautiful terraced rice paddies of Ubud.

Casa particulares are Cuba’s answer to the B&B and the ticket to a cheap holiday on the island. As well as their cheap nightly rates, these homestays usually offer affordable and hearty meals to save on eating out too. If you'd prefer to go all-inclusive, you can find good deals in the resort towns of Varadero and Guardalavaca.

You can’t really go wrong in Southeast Asia for a cheap long-haul holiday, but for a ready-made package deal, it’s got to be Thailand. Bangkok is brimming with city break potential and places you within distance of Hua Hin, Thailand’s original beach town. Or, head south to discover bargains in Phuket and Krabi.

Fancy a Caribbean getaway without the price tag? Try the Dominican Republic. Punta Cana and Bavaro are great bets for an all-inclusive holiday that’ll keep you on budget, or you can follow the backpacker route along the north coast to visit places like Cabarete and Las Terrenas. Don't miss capital Santo Domingo to dive into the country's past.

Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region has some of the country’s most famous foodie exports: parmesan, prosciutto di Parma and balsamic vinegar to name a few. Bologna, the capital of the region, brings tagliatelle al ragu and mortadella to the table. Use the city as a base to explore the area by train – they’re frequent and cheap.

Foodies love San Sebastian for its variety – it’s as well known for its tapas-style Basque pintxos as its Michelin stars. Fill up on the former on a txikiteo food crawl, where plates start at just two euros, and be sure to ask for the specialty (every bar has at least one). You can visit San Sebastian for less via ferry from the UK.

It’s hard to beat the gyro wrap for a cheap, filling feed on the go and, luckily, the Greek capital is packed with delicious options all over the city. Athens is also up there as one of Europe’s cheapest spots thanks to its affordable accommodation, many family-run with a boutique feel. Don't miss visiting the Athens Riviera, about 30 minutes south of the city.

Get ready to graze in Bangkok, a city with which street food is practically synonymous. Stay satiated by day at roadside stalls hawking everything from pad thai to chicken skewers, then prepare to feast at the city’s famous night markets. Talat Rot Fai Srinakarin and Artbox are two of the most popular, and you can pick up dishes from as little as £2.

Nights out in Budapest don’t have to be boozy; its centuries-old coffee house culture still thrives, with grand cafes staying open until midnight. Its boho ruin bars are also an icon of the city. The funky furniture at Szimpla Kert makes it one of the city’s best known, but you can also try vintage Csendes or turn it up at notch at the seven-club Instant-Fogas.

Legendary foam parties, wild booze cruises and renowned guest DJs make Kavos Corfu’s undisputed party destination. Start early – we’re talking 10am early – with a boat party on the Med, then hit the cocktails bars, karaoke joints and friendly pubs of the resort’s main strip. Everyone who wants to kick on ends up at Future Club, Kavos’ only superclub.

The Costa Blanca’s nightlife capital needs no introduction. From its British pubs and sports bars in ‘English Square’ to the swanky beach clubs that stay open until sunrise, nights out in Benidorm only have to end when you want them too. Another great perk? Benidorm’s superclubs are generally cheaper than their counterparts in Ibiza and Malaga.

A long-time favourite for cheap stag and hen parties, Riga is a fabulous place to be after dark. Pulsating clubs and inexpensive pubs draw in pre-wedding party crowds, but you’ll also find chic rooftop bars and cool microbreweries for a low-key night out. Visit in summer to experience Latvia’s ‘white nights’, where the sun barely sets before it starts to rise again.

Serbia’s capital is criminally underrated and not just for its affordability. In addition to its wallet-friendly prices (a Turkish-style coffee costs around 50p), this gritty city has plenty to get stuck into. Visit the Church of Saint Sava, explore the city’s fortress and party the night away on Belgrade’s unique floating nightclubs known as splavs.

Been to Thailand? Make Vietnam your next stop in Southeast Asia. Even among its famously inexpensive neighbours, Vietnam is considered cheap, whether you’re indulging in its street food or looking for a swish beachside hotel to stay in. Highlights include Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Hoi An. You'll want to spend at least two weeks here.

Backpackers in the know love Georgia for its mix of culture, history and adventure. But you don’t have to go down the hostels and hitchhiking route to enjoy a holiday on a budget as hotels and transport are so affordable. It’s worth extending your trip to sample delicious Georgian wine at the source in Kakheti and hike in the Caucasus Mountains.

Lithuania’s capital is incredibly walkable, which is handy as the city’s best sight is its eye-catching street art. You can stay and eat cheaply in Vilnius’ well-rated hostels and food markets but it’s also a good place to splurge on a few five-star experiences – they’re just as good as Europe’s better-known capitals but are a fraction of the cost.