Cheapest

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.

This little-known European country gets a fraction of the visitors of some of its neighbours, but if you’re in the mood to visit somewhere a little different, it’s easily accessed from the UK

Nowadays, travel isn’t exactly cheap. From jet fuel prices to everyday spends, it soon adds up, and many popular beach and city break destinations are getting more costly to visit.

But there are still less expensive destinations to discover, even in Europe, and one of the continent’s cheapest destinations also happens to be one of the least visited. While it’s not on many travellers’ bucket lists, it’s a charming break and something a little different if you’re feeling adventurous.

Many people can’t point Moldova out on a map, and this small Eastern European country is often overlooked. It sits between Romania and Ukraine, with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advising against travel near the border with the latter, and travellers should pay attention to travel advice for Moldova in case the situation changes.

Just over 67,000 tourists visit Moldova each year, and most of them arrive in the capital of Chișinău, which has routes from the UK serviced by Wizz Air and FlyOne. The city is a mixture of historic and Soviet-era architecture, and the compact, walkable centre is broken up with large green spaces.

As a cultural hub, Chișinău has plenty for tourists to do. Visit the ornate Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ’s Nativity and see the grand frescos, or tour the National History Museum of Moldova for a fascinating look at this little-known nation’s past.

Moldova’s rolling green countryside is covered in vineyards, and just outside the city you’ll find the world’s largest wine cellar at Milestii Mici. Over 30 miles of its limestone tunnels are in use, storing an estimated 1.5 million bottles of wine, enough to throw quite a party.

You can take a tour of the tunnels, which have ‘streets’ named after different wine varieties, and of course, you get your own bottle to take home.

Many local restaurants also serve Moldovan wines, and you can often enjoy a bottle in a restaurant for £4-5, while a pint in a bar can easily be found for less than £2, making it a cheap place for a night out compared to many European destinations.

Just south of the capital you can visit the 13th-century cave monastery at Orheiul Vechi. Dug into the cliffs, it has a series of solid stone stairs and tunnels and amazing views across this traditional Moldovan town. You may even spot a few of the monks who still live within its walls. There’s also the archaeological remains of Old Orhei, dating back as far as the 6th-century BC.

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If you’re looking for time away from the city, the Bicaz Gorge near the border with Romania showcases some of the area’s natural beauty and includes the unique Red Lake. This lake is famous for its reddish hue and the remains of tree stumps that poke defiantly from the water, making it a popular place for hiking.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

THERE’S no need to give up on booking a summer getaway just yet.

If you’ve noticed holiday prices getting steeper, we’ve got some good news, as it turns out there are plenty of affordable holiday deals you can book for this summer.

Top UK travel companies have crunched the numbers to find the short-haul holiday spots ranking the cheapest for this summer.

From Travel Supermarket to TUI and Loveholidays, insiders have shared their tips on where to look for cheap breaks.

From white sand beaches that rival the Caribbean, to volcanic black sand islands that offer a natural spa setup – here’s the cheapest places to holiday abroad this summer.

Agadir, Morocco

Agadir has been named the most affordable destination for a seven-night summer holiday in 2026, according to research by Loveholidays.

The travel company analysed data for package holidays departing between 1st June and 31st August 2026, with Agadir coming out on top.

Summer holidays in Agadir averaged at just £230pp for a week away – but we found deals even cheaper.

Sun-drenched Agadir offers a six-mile-long sweep of golden sand, attracting everyone from surfers to sun-worshippers.

Choose to spend your days soaking up the 30°C heat on a lounger, strolling along the palm-lined promenade, or sipping a chilled mint tea at the glitzy marina.

For those who want a break from the beach, the Souk El Had market offers a maze of stalls selling everything from vibrant spices to handmade jewellery.

Neapolitan Riviera, Italy

If you’ve had an escape to the scenic coast of Italy on your bucket list, there’s never been a better time to book.

According to Travel Supermarket, holidays in the Neapolitan Riviera have seen the biggest price drop since the start of the conflict in the Middle East.

Holidays in this region have seen an average price drop of a whopping £231.53, when compared to what travellers were paying for the same trips last summer.

The Neapolitan Riviera stretches along the sun-drenched coast of Campania in Italy, from foodie-heaven Naples to sunny Sorrento.

This shimmering stretch of coastline also includes some of the country’s trendiest resorts, such as the dramatic Amalfi Coast and the pretty town of Positano.

For an underrated coastal city break, take a trip to Naples, where you can sample world-class handmade pizza in the colourful Spanish Quarter.

Gran Canaria

Holidays to the Canary Islands are one of the most affordable options for a summer holiday abroad this year.

Holiday company TUI have revealed to The Sun that “Gran Canaria comes up trumps for families due to plenty of free kids’ places still available at family resorts” this year.

Gran Canaria is a total sun-soaked paradise, famous for its endless golden sands and sparkling Atlantic waters.

The star of the show is Maspalomas, where dramatic rolling dunes meet the sea, offering beach days with spectacular surroundings.

Along the coast in Meloneras, it’s all about shopping, dining and trendy beach clubs. As the sun sets, the beachfront boardwalks come alive with the buzz of outdoor bars.

The TUI BLUE Tres Vidas lines up family-sized apartments in a prime position for beach days on the sandy shores of Bahia Feliz.

Bodrum, Turkey

If you want to book a trip to the hotspot dubbed the St Tropez of Turkey, now’s the time.

According to Travel Supermarket, holidays to the stylish resort of Bodrum in Turkey are also much cheaper than usual, with average prices for a summer holiday dropping by £118.30 compared to the same period last year.

This upscale seaside spot balances ancient historical sites with plenty of glam beach clubs, fancy restaurants and rooftop cocktail bars.

Explore the glittering marina by strolling its palm-lined waterfront, dipping into a seafood restaurant for lunch or jetting out on a boat trip to a nearby bay.

Plus, history buffs will love a trip to the 15th-century Bodrum Castle perched upon a rocky peninsula, or the preserved Bodrum Amphitheatre that is free to explore.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a classic summer holiday favourite, but did you know that the island offers some of the cheapest trips for adults this summer?

Holiday company TUI told us that while “Great deals can be found across all of the islands…Tenerife comes out top for adults-only trips”.

When it comes to a classic fly and flop beach holiday, Tenerife is a top contender. The crescent of Playa de las Teresitas is straight out of a holiday magazine, with golden sands dotted with palm trees and calm, shallow waters.

Playa de la Arena, on the other hand, has a natural spa-like feel with mineral-rich, volcanic black sand.

And with the temperature hovering at 28°C in the summer months, this reliable and affordable hotspot continues to shine.

The adults-only TUI BLUE Los Gigantes sits at the ocean edge, so visitors get sea views from almost every vantage point. Glass-wrapped terraces give it a contemporary look, and with wine-tasting sessions, cocktail masterclasses and cooking courses all on offer.

Cape Verde 

For those craving a white-sand beach and turquoise waters without the long-haul flight or the Caribbean price tag, Cape Verde is your answer.

Holidays to this stunning archipelago have seen a significant price drop in price, with average costs falling by £98.82 compared to the same period last year, according to Travel Supermarket.

The country’s ten islands offer miles upon miles of pristine beaches and unspoilt volcanic landscapes.

On the popular island of Sal, you can laze on the golden sands of Santa Maria Beach, or explore the colourful town behind it, packed with lively surf bars and restaurants.

And with temperatures reaching 30°C in the summer months, it’s the perfect place to escape the unpredictable British weather and soak up some sun.

Costa Dorada, Spain

Spain‘s Costa Dorada ranks as the second cheapest place to book a summer holiday this year with Loveholidays.

The travel company’s research found that a seven-night summer break this year averaged just £381pp.

This Spanish resort is ideal for anyone who wants to mix lazy beach days with action-packed family adventure.

You can spend your morning conquering the world-class rollercoasters and waterslides at PortAventura World, before retreating to the palm-lined promenade of Salou for a chilled drink.

For a dose of history, the ancient city of Tarragona is right on your doorstep. Here you can wander through a Roman amphitheatre that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.

Antalya, Turkey

Antalya remains an affordable spot on the Turkish Riviera, offering a high-end feel for a fraction of the usual cost this year.

Summer holidays in the region are now costing £90.29 less than they did before the Iran conflict, according to Travel Supermarket.

To the east, the soft sands of Lara Beach are lined with luxury resorts, while the pebbled shores of Konyaalti on the west have clear waters backed by the impressive Bey Mountains.

With summer temperatures regularly hitting 34C, it is a paradise for those who want to tan with a view and warm waters to dive into.

Make sure to tick off Kaleiçi, where you can wander past Ottoman-era architecture and narrow cobblestone streets that lead down to the Roman harbour.

Majorca, Spain

Majorca is a firm British holiday favourite, and this year the Balearic gem is more affordable than usual.

According to Travel Supermarket, average holiday prices for the island have taken a dip of £86.28 compared to the same period last year.

This sunny Spanish island is full of variety. Lose yourself in the winding, cobblestone streets of Palma’s Old Town, overlooked by its massive Gothic cathedral, or head north to Puerto Pollensa for a more relaxed pace along its pine-lined promenade.

For nature lovers, the Drach Caves offer an otherworldly underground experience, with one of the largest subterranean lakes in the world.

Of course, the real draw is the sun-soaked coastline. With summer temperatures averaging a perfect 30C, the island’s Blue Flag beaches are calling this summer.

Es Trenc is a particularly beautiful beach, with shallow waters that are almost a luminous blue.

Rhodes, Greece

Rhodes continues to reign as one of TUI’s most affordable Greek destinations, and the holiday company have told us that there’s “an abundance of brilliant deals still to be found” there this summer.

The UNESO-listed medieval Old Town is home to historic sites and Gothic palaces, whilst the seaside tavernas that line the coast offer a scenic spot to enjoy a cold beer or a fresh Greek salad.

When it comes to beaches, Faliraki Beach boasts three miles of soft sands and shallow, bath-warm water that’s perfect for a lazy afternoon.

The resort of Ixia offers a cooling breeze that makes the 30C summer heat all the more comfortable.

In Ixia, the Lito Hotel has outdoor pools facing scenic coastal views, all just a 5-minute drive from the main town centre.

THINKING of going abroad this summer and trying to avoid sky-high costs? Your local airport might be adding a hidden cost.

Jetting off from certain airports in the UK can impact the price of your next break by as much as £178 per person in some cases.

TravelSupermarket has discovered where to find the cheapest summer family holiday in every region of the UK for 2026.

And in some cases swapping airports can save over £100…

London

For families flying from London airports like Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend, the best value holiday is on holidays to Costa Brava.

Popular destinations here include the likes of Tossa de Mar, Girona and Cadaqués.

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On average, heading to this Spanish coastline from these airports costs an average of £679 per person.

It’s closely followed by the Italian Lakes at £690, with Costa Dorada coming in with holidays from £710.

Another option for those looking for a city break is Marrakech, which has souks and medinas aplenty – from these airports breaks on average coast £737.

North West

In the North West, families heading from the likes of Manchester and Liverpool will get the best value for money if they head also head to the Costa Brava region.

It averages at £636 per person – which is £169 cheaper than if you were to depart from Belfast Airport.

If Spain doesn’t quite do it for you, then consider Agadir in Morocco which has a pretty coastline and highs of around 30C.

The average cost of a holiday here is an average of £638 per person.

Bulgaria’s Varna Area comes in third spot with the average cost of £709 per person.

It’s cheaper to fly to Marrakech in the North West as opposed to London with holidays on average costing £711 per person.

North East

The Costa Brava continues to lead with cheapest family breaks from Newcastle, Leeds Bradford and Humberside airports.

It costs on average £643 per person. Agadir follows at £688, the Canary Island of Lanzarote comes in third position at £734.

Or if the sunny island of Malta is where you envision heading this year, then flying from the North East is a good idea with costs averaging at £765 per person.

Midlands

For families leaving from Birmingham and the East Midlands families will again Costa Brava the most affordable option at £652 per person,.

The Italian Lakes close behind at £661 and Costa Dorada third at £709.

Along Costa Dorada, also called the ‘Golden Coast’ are spots like Tarragona, Salou and Cambrils.

It’s also where you’ll find PortAventura World which is a theme park with over 60 attractions, as well as a waterpark and Ferrari World – which is home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster.

For more great deals, here are our favourite cheap all-inclusive holidays…

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Hotel Club Jandia Princess, Fuerteventura

This Fuerteventura beachfront mega-resort is designed like a charming coastal village. With low-rise buildings nestled among swaying palms and a whopping six swimming pools, it’s a total haven for families seeking a sunny holiday. Fill your days with everything from water polo and rifle shooting to high-energy DJ nights and live sports screenings. If you can tear yourself away from the resort, hop on a catamaran trip for a chance to spot whales in the wild.

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El Pueblo Tamlelt, Agadir, Morocco

El Pueblo Tamlelt is a Moroccan paradise resort set in 11 acres of tropical gardens, just steps from the beach. Located only 15 minutes from the airport, you’ll be on a lounger in no time. Every modern room comes with a private balcony or terrace, and the all-inclusive deal keeps you fueled with buffet meals and poolside snacks like pizza and burgers. When you’re ready to explore, Agadir’s vibrant center is just a 10-minute drive away. Wander the palm-lined promenade or head to the Agadir Oufella Ruins for spectacular mountaintop views over the city.

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Aes Club Hotel, Dalaman, Turkey

For a relaxing Turkish getaway with serene mountain scenery, the 4* Aes Club Hotel in Ovacik is a top-tier pick. Nestled at the foot of Mount Babadağ, this hotel offers a tranquil atmosphere that feels worlds away from the bustling resorts, yet close to the heart of the action. While you’re tucked away in the hills, the Blue Lagoon of Ölüdeniz is just a quick (and free) shuttle ride away for when you crave a dip in those famous turquoise waters. 

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Clipper Affiliated by FERGUS, Lloret de Mar, Spain

The ideal Costa Brava base, this hotel puts the very best of Lloret de Mar on your doorstep. You’re just a nine-minute stroll from the iconic Lloret de Mar beach, plus a two-minute walk lands you in the historic Old Town. Going all-inclusive here is a total win for your wallet; you can fill up on buffet classics like burgers, chips, and fresh salads, leaving you with plenty of extra euros to splash in the local boutiques. It’s the ultimate stress-free setup for a classic Spanish summer.

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Scotland

For Scots heading abroad from the likes of Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness or Prestwick, Agadir is where you’ll get the best value for money.

Heading to the Moroccan city will cost £660 per person on average.

A trip to Spain on Costa Dorada comes in with an average of £754 per person.

And holidaying on the Algarve is £762 on average – if you want more tips on the area, discover our favourite beach holiday spots, and favourite restaurants from locals.

Wales and South West

Families departing from Bristol, Cardiff or Exeter airports will find Costa Dorada the cheapest option at £659 per person.

In comparison to departing from Belfast Airport, this is a saving of £178 per person.

This is closely followed by Costa Blanca at £739 and the Algarve at £762.

The Italian island of Sicily is a fairly affordable option too from these three airports with prices averaging out at £783 per person.

Northern Ireland

Sadly for those in Belfast, families face the highest baseline prices of any UK region.

The cheapest is still a holiday to Costa Brava at £805 per person.

Not far behind are the other Spanish regions; Costa del Sol at £810 and Costa Blanca at £827.

Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “Where you fly from has a bigger impact on what you pay than most families realise.

“Costa Brava keeps coming up as the value pick across much of the UK — it’s got the beaches, the climate and the price point that makes it hard to beat for a week away in summer.

“But for families in Scotland or the North West, Agadir is right up there and absolutely worth a look if you haven’t considered it before.”

For more on holidays, here are 10 all-inclusive weekend breaks abroad that are cheaper than a night out in the UK.

And here are the top five holiday destinations where prices have DROPPED in time for summer 2026.