Affordable Travel Destinations for 2024

The cost of living crisis has significantly impacted the way most Brits live their lives; however, travel remains a high priority for many seeking respite and escapism from home stresses. Consequently, ahead of the summer holidays, iBestTravel has released their annual City Costs Barometer, showcasing the best destinations to visit that won’t break the bank.

Overview of the City Costs Barometer

For the 17th year running, the barometer collects data from 37 different cities across Europe, analysing prices to identify the most affordable city break destinations. The survey calculates the average cost for a two-night weekend stay, which includes visits to a top heritage tourist attraction, a museum, a gallery, a sightseeing bus tour, and a public transport travel card valid for the duration of the stay. Moreover, food and drink costs included range from a regular cup of filter coffee to a three-course evening meal for two people, including house wine.

Key Findings

The data from this survey is particularly beneficial for those planning a budget-friendly holiday this summer. Interest in city breaks has grown this year, with two in five Brits opting for a city break as their next holiday. Furthermore, this data indicates that prices have decreased in 60 percent of the cities featured, thanks to the pound sterling’s strength compared to last year and significant drops in accommodation prices across the continent.

Spotlight on Vilnius: The Best Value City for 2024

The winning city for 2024 is the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius. This city has previously held the title of best value city in 2015, 2019, and 2020, but last year it narrowly lost first place to Lisbon. Its fourth win is a remarkable achievement, resulting from low prices across the board – the total cost for a weekend visit is approximately £237, more than 10% lower than the runner-up city, and less than half the cost of 18 out of the 37 cities featured.

Exploring Vilnius

Vilnius has recently gained popularity; iBestTravel named it one of Europe’s most underrated cities to visit. The city offers plenty of hiking opportunities in the surrounding countryside, many of which provide stunning vistas over the city, such as Gediminas Hill. Additionally, a trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Vilnius Cathedral or the secret bell tower of St. James Church.