As soon as universities and colleges shut their doors for the summer, swarms of students head out looking for an adventure. But with money limited while aspirations are not, where are the best summertime holiday locations for those on a budget?
Cuba
Once you’re in Cuba you can eat, sleep, drink and travel for a very reasonable price. State-run taxi services operate in most major cities with prices set around $5 for a city journey. The bus system is also cheap and reliable or speak to the men in orange boiler suits by the road who’s job it is to flag down rides for hitchhikers.
Many restaurants in Cuba are state-run but the government have made a real effort to improve quality for the increasing numbers of tourists – expect to pay $5-10 a meal and around $1 for a beer and $2 a cocktail.
A great way to find cheap accommodation and to get a real feel for the Cuban culture is to stay with local families in casa particulares (cuba-junky.com has a great list of them) where families take you in to their home and more-often-than-not will provide you with traditional Cuban meals.
Budapest
Famous for its hidden courtyards, ruin pubs and underground atmosphere, Budapest is a great place to visit. And, with an evening meal for two with wine, drinks, two nights accommodation, sightseeing and city transport averaging at around £120, it is by far one of the cheapest destinations in Europe.
Those going for a weekend away with mates will be happy to know beers average at around £1 at the less touristy areas, so be sure to ask locals for the lesser known jaunts. If you are out on a tight budget then the Jewish quarter is renowned for its low prices with meals and drinks coming in at around £10. Bargain.
Hamburg
If you want to explore the thriving culture of Germany then there is no better place to visit than Hamburg. Filled with bustling nightspots ranging from the lively clubs to chilled pubs, you can travel easily and cheaply between destinations on boat rides (which allow onboard drinking) costing just € 9.60 for a five person day pass.
Accommodation in this exciting city can also be sought out for very cheap, especially if you are open to staying in hostels which start from just € 16 a night – perfect for those travelling around the country. As with any city, avoiding main tourist areas will get you the cheapest food and drink with beers £2 and dinner from around £10.
Cornwall
Rather than scouring the world to find a cheap and cheerful holiday destination, why not look on your own doorstep. Cornwall is a beautiful location and a great place to visit whatever your budget and with plenty of beaches, bars and surfing you’re sure to be kept occupied.
With many campsites right next to the beach why not be at one with nature and get a pitch for less than £10 per head. Half a day surf lessons are just £25 and food and drink can be picked up cheaply if you avoid the tourist strips. The best bit- no need to pay for flights, meaning your overall price will be dramatically less than going abroad.
Romania
Romania might not sound like the most appealing destination – with Transylvania’s dark associations the country’s infamous Vlad the Impaler – but in fact, there’s plenty of sun, plenty to see and plenty of ways to do it on a budget. The country is filled with stunning architecture everywhere you go and what better way to see it than on old rickety communist-era trains which will take you between all the historic cities for under a tenner.
What’s more, even the countries most plushy of backpacker hotels and hostels won’t break the bank with rooms available from £11 a night. Food and drink is amazingly cheap and there are plenty of young, hip clubs in the main cities, -but why not try the back lane boozers for an authentic Romanian vibe. And, with return flights from the UK from as little as £54, its cheaper than getting the train from Newcastle to London.