Cheapest

Europe’s cheapest destination for solo travellers is also rated one of the safest countries in the world according to the Global Peace Index

As flight prices soar amid the Middle Eastern conflict, holidaymakers face mounting challenges when booking their next getaway. Yet fresh research from Solo Female Travelers has uncovered more affordable destinations where the cost of living is significantly lower for a weekend break.

Researchers examined data from Numbeo covering 49 European destinations, excluding Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict and unreliable data. Crown Dependencies such as the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey, Gibraltar, and the Faroe Islands were also omitted, as they are not sovereign states. The team then worked out a daily solo basket spanning six spending categories.

The six categories included – an inexpensive restaurant meal, coffee/cappuccino, bottled water (0.33L), local transport (return), a cinema ticket, and a one-bedroom city-centre flat (per night).

The study revealed that a solo traveller could enjoy a weekend in North Macedonia for just €52.38 (£45.33).

Skopje serves as the capital and largest city in North Macedonia, boasting a population exceeding 500,000. The landlocked Balkan nation shares borders with Greece to the south, Albania to the west, Bulgaria to the east, Kosovo to the northwest and Serbia to the north.

A meal at a budget-friendly restaurant in Skopje would set you back €6.51 (£5.63), a regular-sized cappuccino would cost €1.92 (£1.66), and a 0.33L bottle of water would cost €1.05 (£0.91).

Direct flights from London to Skopje are priced at roughly £90 for a weekend trip or approximately £49 if you’ve got flexibility with your dates. According to World Population Review, North Macedonia also ranks among the “safest countries in the world”, with a low risk level based on the Global Peace Index.

Coming in second was Bosnia and Herzegovina, where a solo weekend would run you €54.66 (£47.30). Meanwhile, a weekend in Moldova would cost slightly more at €54.93 (£47.53). Rounding out the top four is Serbia, where a weekend will set a solo traveller back €61.65 (£53.35).

Remarkably, the top four combined would nearly match the priciest destination for solo weekend travel.

Liechtenstein’s weekend cost is 4.25 times higher than the cheapest option, at €222.66 (£192.68). For a combined total of €223.62 (£193.51) – virtually identical to a single weekend in Liechtenstein – travellers could experience all four cheaper alternatives.

Liechtenstein narrowly edged out neighbouring Switzerland €221.70 (£191.85) by less than one euro. Liechtenstein’s daily basket of €74.22 stands as the highest in Europe, with dining expenses exceeding accommodation costs.

Dining in Liechtenstein runs 20% higher than Switzerland at €27.13 (£23.48) and more than double the European average of €14.98 (£12.96).

Mar Pages, co-founder of Solo Female Travelers, commented: “Liechtenstein may be small, but its costs are anything but. What’s interesting is that the premium isn’t driven by accommodation – it’s the everyday spending, from a simple meal to a coffee, that pushes it to the top.

“For solo travellers planning a European trip, this data is a powerful reminder that cost differences across the continent are enormous and the destination you choose makes all the difference.”

WHEN booking a holiday to Italy, most will head to the likes of Naples, Sicily or Rome.

But if you’re looking for a lesser-known spot that still has beautiful beaches and a unique fortress, the port city of Crotone could be one for you.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Crotone in Italy‘s region of Calabria was revealed to be one of the best ‘under-the-radar’ destinations for 2026 by Conde Nast Traveller.

It came just below Turku in Finland and Thunder Bay in Canada – but for Brits, Crotone is much easier and cheaper to get to.

The publication said: “A little lower down from Bari, on the heel of the “boot” of Italy, lies Crotone: a port city overlooking the Ionian Sea.

SUN SPOT

Travel experts’ guide to lesser-known holiday spots that are quieter AND cheaper

BARGAIN HOL

Travel companies reveal their CHEAPEST spots this summer, with hols from £189pp

“Surrounded by luscious hills and littered with ancient remnants of the acropolis built in the mid-16th century, Crotone is also known for its floating fortress – Capo Rizzuto – that protrudes out on a small peninsula.”

The port city, which is sometimes referred to as the ‘pearl of Calabria’ sits on the boot of Italy in the south of the country.

The seaside spot was also once a Greek colony that was the home of Pythagoras.

Now, the city is home to around 58,000 people – meaning it’s much quieter than other popular spots like Rome which is home to millions.

As for what to do there, Crotone’s harbour is central to the city where visitors will discover a lively spot for local seafood markets and restaurants, or you can explore the history of the Old Town.

The Old Town is the spot for nightlife too, with plenty of bars and a pint can be picked up for only €3 (£2.59).

If lazing about on the beach is what you want to do, there are lots of pretty ones to see in Crotone along the Ionian coast like Le Castella and Marinella.

Further down the coast at Capo Colonna, snorkelling and diving is popular as swimmers are likely to see parrotfish, and potentially loggerhead turtles.

While it might not be the most-visited place, it is popular amongst those who have.

On Tripadvisor, one person described it as an “indescribable place, almost every year I visit and always bring people who have never seen our Calabrian beauties and it is always a discovery.”

During peak summer Crotone can be as high as 35C – ideal if you’re looking for a hot holiday.

One draw back to Crotone is that Brits can’t fly there directly – with Ryanair, you can get to Crotone by flying via airports at Milan or Bologna.

But this does keep flights affodable though – the cheapest average price of flights are around £62 return.

YOU can still bag a bargain break for the whole family this May half term without breaking the bank.

Travel companies like TUI, On the Beach, and Loveholidays still have some seriously affordable sunny escapes you can book for the upcoming school break.

These last-minute deals to Spain, Turkey, Portugal and beyond start from a tiny £163pp.

From colourful waterpark hotels in Turkey, to chic beachside apartments in Croatia, here are the cheapest last-minute deals you can book right now for a May getaway.

TUI – top picks for cheapest destinations

Holiday company TUI have hand-picked for Sun Travel some of their cheapest last-minute package holidays you can still book for May half term.

Neil Swanson, TUI UK Managing Director, says: “As holiday experts with decades of experience, we know how important it is for customers to secure great value holidays.

“May is a great time to travel, thanks to gorgeous weather and shoulder season prices.

“Destinations that offer year-round sun, such as Lanzarote and Turkey, also offer plenty of great value deals over the half term – and of course, booking a package gives holidaymakers extra value with flights, transfers, and 24/7 support all included as standard.”

Here are some of the most affordable holidays you can still book with TUI for the May half-term.

Marmaris, Turkey

The Club Candan in Marmaris is hard to miss with its bright yellow exterior backed by lush green mountains.

The star of the show is the massive outdoor pool, which is complete with a giant striped waterslide that keeps the kids (and adults) having fun.

Accommodation comes as spacious self-catering apartments that are perfect for families, plus there’s a poolside restaurant if you don’t fancy cooking, which hosts a weekly Turkish night with barbecues and dance shows.

TUI offer a 5-night self-catering stay from 23 May, including return flights from London Gatwick, for £539pp.

Pula, Croatia

The Park Plaza Verudela Apartments in Croatia‘s Pula are a stylish self-catering option overlooking a beautiful Blue Flag beach.

Apartments and dining areas are chic and modern, plus there’s a bar and two restaurants on the resort.

There’s plenty here for families, with a kids club that takes care of little ones and a dedicated teens club, too. As a guest here, you also get access to the spa and dining at Park Plaza Histria Pula, which is just a short walk away.

TUI offer a 7-night self-catering stay from 23 May, including return flights from Birmingham, for £698pp.

Lanzarote, Canary Islands

TUI BLUE Flamingo Beach is an ideal pick for a family holiday to Lanzarote.

This hotel has plenty of family-friendly activities on offer.

There are sports like tennis and volleyball.

Plus a daily activities programme including pool games, character parades, and unique “family togetherness” activities for all ages.

There’s also a splash pool with slides, and dedicated kids clubs for ages 0 – 17.

With so many exciting things to do, don’t forget to relax, too.

There’s a sunlounger-lined pool where you can lay back and watch the kids play in the splash pool, plus you’re just steps away from Playa Flamingo Beach.

TUI offer a 5-night all-inclusive stay, including return flights from Newcastle, for £874.05pp.

On the Beach – top picks for cheapest destinations

Holiday company On the Beach have found some very affordable last-minute breaks for the May half term for Sun Travel.

Caspar Nelson, holiday expert at On the Beach says: “There are still some incredible value holidays available for May half term, with deals from just £135pp still available”.

His top picks for last-minute, affordable holidays this May half term include Spain, Portugal and Tenerife.

“For families and couples looking to get away without overspending, Spain and Portugal continue to offer some of the best-value options thanks to their reliable sunshine, short flight times and wide choice of resorts.

“Benidorm remains a go-to for families wanting lively beaches and plenty to do, while Costa Brava is ideal for classic seaside breaks with pretty coves and charming towns”.

“Lloret de Mar is a popular pick for groups and younger travellers looking for a fun atmosphere, and the Algarve offers a more relaxed escape with golden beaches and scenic coastal spots.

“For travellers wanting to make their budget go further, all-inclusive breaks are also proving especially popular for May half term.”

Benidorm, Spain

This Benidorm break from On the Beach is an absolute bargain at just £180pp.

Stay at the Apartments Las Torres, a modern complex just a few minutes’ walk from the lively strip, and just a stone’s throw away from the golden Levante beach.

Each apartment comes fully kitted out with a living room and TV, a well-equipped kitchen, a double bedroom and balcony.

There’s also a spacious outdoor pool with a kids zone, plus a golf course nearby to practice your swing. On the Beach offers a 5-night self-catering stay from May 24, including return flights from Belfast, for £180pp.

Costa Brava, Spain

This four-star Costa Brava stay is in the prime location for a sunny Spanish holiday.

It’s just a short walk from the Pierre & Vacances Estartit Playa to the local beach, which is a quiet spot with soft sands and calm, shallow waters. There’s even water sports, kayaking and boat hire available on the beach.

This complex offers apartments that sleep up to six, perfect for a big group holiday. Plus there’s a play area and games like table tennis on site to entertain all ages.

On the Beach offer a 5-night self-catering stay from May 24, including return flights from Glasgow, for just £163pp.

The Algarve, Portugal

This luxurious resort in the Algarve has a stunning sun terrace with a sparkling outdoor pool.

The terracota-coloured Colina da Lapa complex has 70 stylish apartments, plus a swimming pool and free shuttle to the nearest beach.

The charming fishing town of Carvoeiro is under 10 minutes’ drive away, and has beautiful beaches, caves and hiking trails to explore.

On the Beach offer a 5-night self-catering stay from May 24, including return flights from Edinburgh, for just £470pp.

Callao Salvaje, Tenerife

“Tenerife is another strong choice, offering dependable sunshine, family-friendly resorts and plenty to do for all ages” says Caspar Nelson.

“With demand high during school holidays, the best-value destinations are likely to be snapped up quickly by late bookers.

“So holidaymakers are urged to act fast to lock in deals now available.”

Bag this Tenerife deal from On the Beach for an affordable all-inclusive stay at the family-friendly BLUESEA Callao Garden.

This holiday complex has three large outdoor pools to choose from, as well as a pool bar to grab a delicious chilled drink to enjoy in the sun.

It’s only 20 minutes from Tenerife Sur Reina Sofia airport, so you can avoid the dreaded overly-long coach transfer.

Plus there’s a beautiful beach just a 10-minute stroll away.

On the Beach offer a 5-night all-inclusive stay at the BLUESEA Callao Garden from May 24, including return flights from Edinburgh, for just £308pp.

Travel Supermarket – top picks for the cheapest destinations

Travel Supermarket has crunched the numbers to find us some of the cheapest destinations where you can still book a holiday this May half-term.

Gathering data based on a seven-night family holiday with two adults and two children, departing 23 or 24 May, the company found the following destinations came out on top.

Spain’s Costa Brava ranked number one, followed by the Costa Dorada and the Bourgas Area of Bulgaria.

Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket, analysed the top 10 cheapest destinations for May half-term.

He says: “For those with a little more flexibility on budget, the rest of the top 10 cheapest destinations for May half term are: Lanzarote (£726.88pp), Malta (£730.76pp), Larnaca (£738.93pp), Fuerteventura (£744.40pp), Agadir (£767.55pp), Dalaman (£771.53pp) and Paphos (£778.52pp).”

Costa Dorada, Spain

Spain’s Costa Dorada is the ideal family beach holiday destination.

And it turns out that it’s one of the most affordable options for booking a last-minute break, too.

Chris Webber says: “Costa Dorada is a solid value option for families, with good flight connections and a wide range of resorts keeping competition – and prices – keen.”

Travel Supermarket found the average cost of a week-long holiday during the May half-term to the Costa Dorada to be £638.78pp, making it one of their most affordable last-minute holiday destinations.

The Medplaya Hotel Vistamar sits on the beach, and is a family-friendly choice with a children’s playground, large family-sized rooms and entertainment including a games room and pétanque court.

Travel Supermarket offers a 7-night half-board stay from 23 May, including return flights from London Luton, for £499pp.

Bourgas Area, Bulgaria

Bulgaria, specifically the Bourgas Area, also ranked highly as one of the cheaper destinations to visit this May half-term.

Chris Webber says: “Bulgaria always tends to be decent value, and the Bourgas area in particular is great for all-inclusive deals.

“Families can keep their overall costs right down once they’re there.”

Travel Supermarket found the average cost of a week-long holiday during the May half term to the Bourgas Area to be £662.10pp – but we found an even cheaper deal.

Hotel Tiara Beach is a four-star resort with an excellent kids club and activity program, plus an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna and more.

Plus, with this all-inclusive deal, you don’t have to worry about the additional costs of food and drink.

Travel Supermarket offers a 7-night all-inclusive stay from 25 May, including return flights from Birmingham, for £579pp.

Loveholidays – top picks for the cheapest destinations

Holiday website Loveholidays has rounded up some of its cheapest destinations for last-minute holidays this May.

Al Murray, Chief Marketing and Supply Officer at loveholidays, says: “With May half-term just around the corner, we’re still seeing fantastic value in sunny short-haul destinations.

“There are deals to be had in Spanish hotspots like Costa Brava, Gandia, Tenerife and Majorca in particular, offering families short flight times, reliable weather and plenty to do.”

Here are Loveholidays’ pick of last-minute holiday deals this May half term.

Majorca, Balearic Islands

The four-star Portodrach Aparthotel & Suites is a glamorous, modern resort with spacious self-catering apartments and all the amenities you’d need for a sunny Spain holiday.

The complex has a large swimming pool dotted with parasols and loungers, a poolside snack bar and even a swim-up bar.

Activities available range from a games room, to water sports like surfing and banana boat hire, to golfing at the nearby golf course.

Loveholidays offer a 7-night self-catering stay from 24 May, including return flights from London Gatwick, for £359pp.

Gandia, Spain

Hotel RH Arena By Hoteles RH in Gandia, Spain is a stunning place to stay just steps from a stretch of golden sand.

Whether you’re cooling off in the crystal-clear freshwater pool or hitting the sauna for a detox, this Spanish gem has everything you need for a recharge.

Watch the chefs in action with show-cooking in the restaurant, or grab a quick snack from the cafe. The hotel bar is the main hub for a chilled drink, providing plenty of space to relax and socialise out of the sun.

Loveholidays offer a 5-night stay with breakfast from 24 May, including return flights from London Gatwick, for £379pp.

Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife

Situated in lively Puerto de la Cruz, the family-friendly Casablanca resort is a top tier pick for Tenerife.

You’re just a 10-minute stroll from the sand, but there is plenty to do on-site, with a heated outdoor pool and kids club to keep little ones entertained.

After a day of lounging by the pool or exploring the nearby old town, you can settle in for a night of live music and shows.

Loveholidays offer a 5-night self-catering stay from 24 May, including return flights from London Stansted, for £319pp.

IF you’re dreaming of plunging into hot tubs, wrapping up in fluffy robes and sipping glasses of bubbly by the pool – we’ve found some deals for you.

We’ve scoured the internet for UK getaways to luxurious spa hotels for ridiculously affordable prices.

From countryside estates with four-poster beds and manicured gardens, to swanky city-centre hidden sanctuaries, we’ve found a wide range of dreamy escapes.

Here are the best budget-friendly spa staycations you can book right now – with prices from a budget-friendly £42pp.

Woodland spa retreat for two at the 4* Abbey Hotel in Worcestershire

Enjoy a break at the four-star Abbey Hotel Golf & Country Club in Redditch, Worcestershire – a countryside escape just 15 miles south of Birmingham.

This charming hotel sits on a sprawling 175-acre estate, plus you have an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub to enjoy.

HOME STAY

Sun Travel’s staycation wish list as UK holidays set for a record high

HOMESTAY

Record year for staycations predicted – here are our top holiday spots in 2026 

This Wowcher deal lets you pick from a one or two-night stay, with breakfast and use of the spa facilities included.

Wowcher offer a one-night stay with breakfast and use of the spa facilities starts at £89 for two, and a two-night stay from £185.

Coastal Spa break at the 4* Beaches Hotel & Spa in North Wales

Treat yourself to a spa break in Prestatyn, North Wales, at the colourful coastal retreat The Beaches Hotel & Spa.

On this spa break you can chill out by the indoor pool and enjoy the seaside scenery, plus you can upgrade to include a treatment package such as a hot stone massage or cooling foot treatment.

You also get £25 dining credit per person, so you can enjoy an evening meal in the hotel’s cosy restaurant, or a traditional afternoon tea.

Nearby you can wander coastal paths and dip into souvenir shops in the picturesque seaside town.

Wowcher offer a night’s stay for two with spa access for £99, or you can add on a treatment for each person for a break that will cost £199 total.

Luxurious 4* spa escape to Cadbury Hill near Bristol

Enjoy an escape to DoubleTree by Hilton Cadbury House, a beautiful restored 18th century building overlooking a large shimmering pond.

The four-star hotel is surrounded by beautiful landscaped grounds, which are perfect to explore on a sunny afternoon walk after relaxing in the spa.

The award-winning spa has a swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, thermal suite and gym to make use of during your stay.

Wowcher offer a one-night stay for two with a welcome drink of bubbly, breakfast, and full access to the spa facilities from £84, working out at £42 per person.

Or you can upgrade to a two-night stay from £214 total.

4* Countryside retreat at Greenwoods Hotel & Spa in Essex

Enjoy a stay in the peaceful village of Stock in Essex at the countryside Greenwoods Hotel & Spa.

Here you can unwind in the indoor pool, relax in the hot tub, and enjoy a soothing sit-down in the steam room or sauna after making the most of the hotel’s fitness suite.

Afterwards you can return to a cosy bedroom with a large comfy bed and glamorous decor.

Wowcher offer one night’s stay for two including breakfast and access to the spa facilities from £169, or you can upgrade to two nights from £319 total.

City centre spa retreat at the 4* Leonardo Royal Hotel Tower Bridge, London

You can’t get much more central than a stay at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in London’s picturesque Tower Bridge.

This swanky city hotel has its own gym, swimming pool, spa and sauna – plus you can add-on treatments like body wraps, massages and anti-aging facials.

Groupon offer a one-night stay in a superior king room for two including access to the spa from £128 total.

Countryside spa break at the Hogs Back Hotel & Spa Farnham, Surrey

This grand countryside retreat in Surrey has traditional rooms with four-poster beds, a stylish restaurant and a luxurious spa.

This spa has everything you need, including a large indoor pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub and fitness centre.

Nearby you can visit the impressive Hampton Court Palace, or spot rare species at the British Wildlife Centre.

Groupon offer one night’s stay for two, including breakfast and access to the spa facilities, from £89 total.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

GOING on holiday to Greece this year just became a whole lot easier.

If you dream of lazing on white sand beaches and gazing at turquoise waters with a Mythos beer in hand, you’re in luck.

Getting to Greece is set to be a breeze, as the country has ditched the new European border control systems for Brits that have resulted in three-hour queues as holidaymakers arrive at their destinations.

On April 18, the Greek Embassy stated that Brits entering the country will not have to enrol in the new EU border biometrics system, EES.

This means British holidaymakers visiting Greece can skip the fingerprint scanning and questioning that comes with enrolling in the Entry/Exit System.

Not only can you skip the queues in time for your Greek summer holiday, but if you’re yet to book something abroad, you still have time to nab an affordable break.

Insiders at Travel Supermarket have tipped Sun Travel off about the country’s most affordable destinations – plus we’ve found last-minute deals you can bag for cheap.

Here are the trusted travel company’s top five cheapest Greek island destinations, based on the average price per person for a 7-night stay.

*Prices correct at time of publication

5. Crete

Crete is one of the most affordable Greek holiday destinations, with an average holiday price per person of £718 for a week away (though we’ve found a steal of a deal for £235pp).

Chania on the west coast offers some of the island’s most beautiful natural landscapes, where you can hike Samaria Gorge or laze on the pinkish sands of Elafonisi Beach.

Lasithi on the east coast is home to lots of upscale resorts, which may bring the average holiday price up compared to the other islands.

Heraklion in the centre houses the island’s fascinating historical artefacts.

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is well worth an afternoon’s visit, and the coastal city of Rethymno has a historic Old Town.

4. Santorini

Given that sunny Santorini is an A-lister hotspot, it may come as a surprise that it’s made the list of the cheapest Greek islands to book for Brits.

The average price per person for a week’s holiday here is just £621, which feels like a bargain considering its status.

Santorini is a picture-perfect Greek island, with bright white buildings that tumble down hills towards the Aegean Sea.

Visit Oia Village to spot blue-domed churches and to find the best viewpoints for the island’s spectacular sunsets, or sail off on a catamaran cruise to look back at the island from afar.

3. Rhodes

Rhodes remains a popular choice for British holidaymakers, and comes in joint-second place for the most affordable of the Greek islands.

Think picturesque whitewashed villages, cobbled narrow streets and endless blue horizon.

Not only are there plenty of beautiful beaches, like the emerald cove of Anthony Quinn Bay or beach-bar-lined Tsambika Beach, but there’s plenty of history here, too.

Wander the UNESCO-listed Medieval Old Town to its massive 14th-century castle, or walk the preserved Street of the Knights.

2. Lefkas

At an average cost of £599pp, Lefkas, or Lefkada, is the second-most affordable Greek island according to data from Travel Supermarket.

This lesser-known island has plenty of picturesque traditional villages and beautiful white limestone cliffs.

It’s worth visiting this quiet island before more people catch on to its beauty. Top beaches include the unspoiled Milos Beach and the crystal-clear waters of Agiofilli Beach.

Take a visit to the island’s traditional fishing resorts like Nidri, where its pretty harbour faces electric-blue waters.

This island also connects to mainland Greece via a bridge, making it one of the only islands you can drive to if you’re not a fan of travelling by boat.

1. Kefalonia

Kefalaonia was revealed as the most affordable Greek island, with the average week-long holiday costing just £554pp.

As the largest Ionian island, Kefalonia has plenty to offer.

This beautiful island is full of white sand beaches and hidden coves to explore, such as the Blue Flag-listed Antisamos Beach and the crescent-shaped Myrtos Beach.

Plus, this is a great island to escape to for pure relaxation, as it offers a much more relaxed feel in comparison to the nightlife of its buzzy neighbours, Corfu and Zakynthos.

With so many affordable holidays to pick from, which Greek island destination would you go for?

Chris Webber, Head of holidays and deals at Travel Supermarket, suggests ticking off celeb-favourite Santorini.

He says: “Rhodes has been our most booked Greek island so far this year, but it’s only our third cheapest and fifth in terms of price drops — which shows there are real bargains out there for holidaymakers willing to look beyond the usual suspects.”

“The biggest surprise is Santorini. It has a reputation as a pricey, aspirational destination, but it’s had the largest price drop of any
Greek island we track, down more than £200 per person on the same time last year.”

“If Santorini has ever been on your list, now is clearly the moment to go.”

Follow @thesuntravel on Instagram on TikTok for more travel tips and inspiration

A travel creator has shared his experience of visiting what he branded the ‘cheapest country’ in the world, where you can get a beer for under £1 and a meal for just £2.60

Many of us enjoy jetting off on holiday every so often, yet the expenses can quickly mount up – from flights and accommodation to food and excursions. Now, one travel content creator has shared his experience of visiting what he calls the ‘cheapest country in the world‘.

Lourens, known as @l.ourens on Instagram, is a Dutch travel creator with more than 15,000 followers. He regularly posts content about ‘discovering unknown destinations around the world’ and says he’s aiming to visit every country in Europe – having “already gone to 47 of them”. In one of his most recent reels, he gave his followers an insight into his trip to what he described as the “cheapest country in the world” – Uzbekistan.

In the clip, he tells fans: “I went to the cheapest country in the world, where you can have a beer on a terrace for about €1 (87p) and stay in a local apartment for about €15 (£13) per night.

“It’s capital city feels like a mini Dubai with modern glass towers and a spotless metro. Yet this city also has ancient buildings with lots of culture and a rich local cuisine.

“For example, we went to this restaurant and we ordered a local dish for about €3 (£2.60) per person.”

The creator added that those put off by the Dubai-style architecture can hop aboard a luxury high-speed train for around €15, whisking you away to the cultural hub of Samarkand, where he “saw one of the most beautiful buildings of the ancient Silk Road”. He continued: “On top of that, you can also take from this city a guided day trip over the border to Tajikistan to see the Seven Lakes. These lakes contain clear water and pristine mountain views, which we really enjoyed.”

Lourens also noted in the caption that Uzbekistan was the “best budget friendly country” he’d visited after “visiting 60+ countries”.

The post proved a massive hit with followers, amassing more than 70,000 likes.

One delighted user exclaimed: “One of my favourite countries ever!”

While another enthusiastically agreed: “I just left Uzbekistan and it’s amazing.”

A third chimed in: “Looks so interesting, I love the idea of going somewhere that’s not over-touristy.”

Is Uzbekistan actually the cheapest country in the world?

While Uzbekistan ranks amongst the most wallet-friendly destinations on the planet, it isn’t technically the absolute cheapest. Despite offering remarkable value for money, several other nations typically boast lower overall costs for both locals and tourists.

Uzbekistan frequently features in the “Top 10” or “Top 20” most affordable destinations, though countries such as Pakistan, Egypt, Libya and India generally rank as having a lower cost of living according to global indices.

Within Central Asia specifically, nations such as Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are frequently regarded as even more budget-conscious destinations than Uzbekistan.

Is Uzbekistan safe to travel to?

Uzbekistan is widely regarded as a safe destination for tourists, with numerous visitors rating it among the safest countries they have ever travelled to. That said, official guidance differs depending on your country of origin, and certain precautions are advised.

UK government advice suggests the country is generally safe, though travellers are cautioned to remain vigilant of terrorism risks and to steer clear of any protests or demonstrations.

The majority of the country, including popular tourist destinations such as Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, benefit from strong security and a prominent police presence. Particular areas of concern include the border with Afghanistan, where travel is strongly discouraged, as well as regions bordering Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, notably the Fergana Valley, where parts remain mined or have a history of unrest.

Uzbekistan is increasingly making a name for itself as a premier destination for solo female travellers, having recently claimed the #1 position in the Solo Female Travel Safety Index. Reports of harassment are notably low in comparison to many other major tourist hotspots.

Street crime is uncommon, and walking alone after dark in the main cities is broadly considered safe, with most streets remaining well-lit and regularly patrolled.

A travel creator has shared his experience of visiting what he branded the ‘cheapest country’ in the world, where you can get a beer for under £1 and a meal for just £2.60

Many of us enjoy jetting off on holiday every so often, yet the expenses can quickly mount up – from flights and accommodation to food and excursions. Now, one travel content creator has shared his experience of visiting what he calls the ‘cheapest country in the world‘.

Lourens, known as @l.ourens on Instagram, is a Dutch travel creator with more than 15,000 followers. He regularly posts content about ‘discovering unknown destinations around the world’ and says he’s aiming to visit every country in Europe – having “already gone to 47 of them”. In one of his most recent reels, he gave his followers an insight into his trip to what he described as the “cheapest country in the world” – Uzbekistan.

In the clip, he tells fans: “I went to the cheapest country in the world, where you can have a beer on a terrace for about €1 (87p) and stay in a local apartment for about €15 (£13) per night.

“It’s capital city feels like a mini Dubai with modern glass towers and a spotless metro. Yet this city also has ancient buildings with lots of culture and a rich local cuisine.

“For example, we went to this restaurant and we ordered a local dish for about €3 (£2.60) per person.”

The creator added that those put off by the Dubai-style architecture can hop aboard a luxury high-speed train for around €15, whisking you away to the cultural hub of Samarkand, where he “saw one of the most beautiful buildings of the ancient Silk Road”. He continued: “On top of that, you can also take from this city a guided day trip over the border to Tajikistan to see the Seven Lakes. These lakes contain clear water and pristine mountain views, which we really enjoyed.”

Lourens also noted in the caption that Uzbekistan was the “best budget friendly country” he’d visited after “visiting 60+ countries”.

The post proved a massive hit with followers, amassing more than 70,000 likes.

One delighted user exclaimed: “One of my favourite countries ever!”

While another enthusiastically agreed: “I just left Uzbekistan and it’s amazing.”

A third chimed in: “Looks so interesting, I love the idea of going somewhere that’s not over-touristy.”

Is Uzbekistan actually the cheapest country in the world?

While Uzbekistan ranks amongst the most wallet-friendly destinations on the planet, it isn’t technically the absolute cheapest. Despite offering remarkable value for money, several other nations typically boast lower overall costs for both locals and tourists.

Uzbekistan frequently features in the “Top 10” or “Top 20” most affordable destinations, though countries such as Pakistan, Egypt, Libya and India generally rank as having a lower cost of living according to global indices.

Within Central Asia specifically, nations such as Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are frequently regarded as even more budget-conscious destinations than Uzbekistan.

Is Uzbekistan safe to travel to?

Uzbekistan is widely regarded as a safe destination for tourists, with numerous visitors rating it among the safest countries they have ever travelled to. That said, official guidance differs depending on your country of origin, and certain precautions are advised.

UK government advice suggests the country is generally safe, though travellers are cautioned to remain vigilant of terrorism risks and to steer clear of any protests or demonstrations.

The majority of the country, including popular tourist destinations such as Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, benefit from strong security and a prominent police presence. Particular areas of concern include the border with Afghanistan, where travel is strongly discouraged, as well as regions bordering Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, notably the Fergana Valley, where parts remain mined or have a history of unrest.

Uzbekistan is increasingly making a name for itself as a premier destination for solo female travellers, having recently claimed the #1 position in the Solo Female Travel Safety Index. Reports of harassment are notably low in comparison to many other major tourist hotspots.

Street crime is uncommon, and walking alone after dark in the main cities is broadly considered safe, with most streets remaining well-lit and regularly patrolled.