We all love a bargain.
As we get deeper and deeper in the cold, dark depths of Winter, we’re already thinking about next year, and the return of the sun and light and heat.
Or, since we live in Ireland, that basically translates as going on holidays.
Destination experts Lonely Planet have already given some great tips on where to go next year, from the Top Ten Countries to visit in 2018, or for those with more specificity in mind, the Top Ten Cities to visit.
But for those who are looking to be a little more frugal with their global trips, you’ll be happy to hear that the Lonely Planet folk have also put together a Top Ten destinations to go in terms of value.
So here you are, these are the best places to go in 2018 without having to take out a small mortgage to cover it:
10. Hunan, China
9. Jacksonville, USA
8. Baja California, Mexico
7. United Kingdom
The reason the entirety of the UK made the list? Yep, Brexit:
While the UK government busies itself with Brexit, travellers can reap the rewards. The immediate result of 2016’s referendum on EU membership was the pound weakening against pretty much all currencies: good news for those of us planning a trip to London, not traditionally a paradise for frugal adventurers. Make the exchange rate work even harder by aiming for Devon, Cornwall and big-ticket cities such as Bath, York and Edinburgh (they’re cheaper outside of school holidays like Easter, July and August). Keep an eye on currency fluctuations, but the most likely scenario is that the UK stays affordable to international visitors – at least until a true picture of the post-Brexit landscape emerges.
6. Essaouira, Morocco
5. Poland
4. La Paz, Bolivia
3. Arizona, USA
2. Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
1. Tallinn, Estonia
Here’s what they had to say about the winner:
Estonia’s capital is compact, fashionable and terrific value. Explore one of Eastern Europe’s loveliest old towns on foot for free, stay in good-value dorms, guesthouses or private homes, and take in Baltic Sea views and a superb panorama of the city from the flat roof of the vast Linnahall (one of Tallinn’s best free things to do). Connected by budget flights from around Europe, the city isn’t a secret – but if you want a taste of Tallinn to yourself then head to Kalamaja, a fast-changing neighbourhood home to Telliskivi Creative City. The food trucks here offer Instagrammable fill-ups that won’t tax your wallet.
