British holidaymakers seeking picturesque views and affordable deals should look to the Southern Balkans, according to travel experts. The region, which includes Bulgaria, Croatia, North Macedonia and Romania, offers a refreshing alternative to the pricier beach resorts of Western Europe, with lower costs for food, drink and accommodation.
Tim Hentschel, co-founder of HotelPlanner.com, said the affordability stems from a lower cost of living compared with Spain, Germany, France and Scandinavia. He highlighted the azure waters of the Adriatic and the mountains of Romania as particular draws. Joshua Dunne of travelplanbooker.com added that political stability and European Union membership have encouraged investment in hotels and resorts, while locals have learned English and German to cater for tourists.
For the best value, experts recommend travelling in the off-season. A week-long stay at a four-star hotel in Split, Croatia, for two adults in February costs approximately £550 per person including flights, compared with £1,156 in August. Booking flights and hotels as early as possible can also shield travellers from inflation and rising prices.
Timing is key when booking. Hentschel suggested searching for deals during non-peak hours, such as 6am or midnight on weekends, when competition is lower. Dunne noted that flights from London to Skopje and Dubrovnik in early April cost between £300 and £350, but prices rise to £500–£700 if departing on Good Friday and returning over Easter weekend.
Hotel rates remain more stable, but flight prices fluctuate significantly. According to 2022 data, flying on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays is cheaper than weekends, with savings of up to 30 per cent. Travellers willing to explore off the beaten track can expect lower booking fees, cheaper excursions and more affordable beer than in Western Europe.
