Hotels.com’s 2026 Hotel Price Index has identified the top 10 destinations where you can enjoy a five-star stay on a budget – with some high-end options available from as little as £70 a night
12:00, 09 Jun 2026Updated 14:11, 09 Jun 2026
These are the top destinations for luxury stays on a budget(Image: Getty Images)
The top 10 destinations offering five-star stays on a budget have been revealed. Despite unpredictable travel costs, securing a luxury holiday without breaking the bank is entirely achievable – with high-end range accommodation available for as low as £70.
The findings from Hotels.com’s 2026 Hotel Price Index drew on internal booking information and a worldwide survey of 11,000 travellers from the UK, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, France, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and South Korea.
Travel expert and spokesperson Melanie Fish said: “Travellers may be feeling the squeeze, but they’re also getting smarter. “With increasing volatility in travel prices this summer, fuel costs may be dominating the conversation, but hotel prices are where travellers are making real trade-offs.”
The research revealed that luxury breaks in Croatia, Estonia, Zaragoza, Spain and Bulgaria can also be enjoyed for less than £150 a night.
The Index also uncovered other affordable yet indulgent alternatives destinations, including stays in Wrocław, Poland (£120), Tirana, Albania (£130) and Riga, Latvia (£130). Five-star accommodation can be found in the UK as well – with options in Brighton (£115), Cornwall (£135) and Liverpool (£170).
Alongside identifying 10 of the most budget-friendly destinations, the research highlighted 10 notable locations that have experienced significant price reductions over the past year – including Loire, France (down 32%) and Edmonton, Canada (down 31%).
Additional destinations include St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands (down 30%), Dortmund, Germany (down 21%) and Turin, Italy (also down 21%).
Surprisingly, the findings showed that booking last minute can actually save money, with hotel rates up to 26% cheaper when reserving closer to your departure date. For those seeking to reduce expenses even further, the data revealed prices are 14% lower for Sunday stays – with Saturdays proving the most costly.
Escaping in January delivers the best value, while the second week of July commands the highest rates – domestically at least.
Hotels.com’s global study, conducted through OnePoll, also disclosed what tops everyone’s luxury dream wish list – a hot tub with a view (44%) followed by a penthouse suite (41%).
When questioned about what defines a genuinely luxurious hotel experience, exceptional food at the hotel (31%), a room with a view (30%) and premium in-room amenities (28%) emerged as the top priorities.
TEN OF THE CHEAPEST FIVE-STAR STAYS ABROAD:
Nha Trang, Vietnam (£70)
Zaragoza, Spain (£120)
Wrocław, Poland (£120)
Tirana, Albania (£130)
Riga, Latvia (£130)
Zagreb, Croatia (£130)
Sofia, Bulgaria (£135)
Heraklion (Crete), Greece (£135)
Tallinn, Estonia (£140)
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (£140)
TEN OF THE BIGGEST INTERNATIONAL PRICE DROPS YEAR-ON-YEAR:
However, some holidaymakers could face an unwelcome surprise at check-in even if their document have months to years left before it expires.
This relates to the number of blank pages remaining in a passport. While many people focus on expiry dates, some countries require visitors to have one, two or even more completely blank pages available for entry stamps or visa stickers.
Travel experts warn that passengers who fail to meet these requirements could be denied boarding by airlines or refused entry on arrival.
Airlines are often responsible for ensuring passengers meet a destination’s entry requirements and can face penalties for transporting travellers who do not qualify for entry.
According to travel guidance published by Schengen, some destinations require at least two blank passport pages for visas and border stamps. The guidance warns that airlines may refuse boarding if passengers do not have sufficient space remaining in their passport.
The requirement can catch out frequent travellers whose passports are filled with entry and exit stamps from previous trips. Experts say many people mistakenly assume a passport is suitable for travel provided it remains in date.
For travel to the Schengen Area, for instance, passport rules already require Brits to ensure their passport was issued within the previous 10 years and remains valid for at least three months after their planned departure date. Some guidance also notes that travellers may need at least two blank pages available for visas and stamps where applicable.
A recent travel warning highlighted that a lack of blank pages can become a particular issue for frequent flyers and those taking multi-country trips. Countries may require empty pages for visa stickers, while immigration officials also need room for entry and exit stamps.
Travel experts recommend checking passport validity, issue dates and the number of remaining blank pages well in advance of departure. Unlike an expired passport, extra pages cannot simply be added to a modern British passport, meaning travellers who are running out of space may need to renew the document before travelling.
According to guidance cited by travel experts, some countries require between two and four blank pages depending on the destination and visa requirements. Travellers planning complex itineraries involving multiple countries are therefore advised to check entry rules carefully before travelling.
With its Venetian-style houses, crystal-clear waters and relaxed coastal charm, this gem could be the perfect alternative for families and couples looking for a quieter beachside getaway
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Carla spent five days exploring Croatia’s beautiful Istrian coastline(Image: DAILY MIRROR)
Millions of Brits will be jetting off in search of sunshine this summer, flocking to hotspots like Spain and Italy. But one destination still flying under the radar is the stunning Istrian coastline in Croatia.
With its Venetian-style houses, crystal-clear waters and relaxed coastal charm, Istria could be the perfect alternative for families and couples looking for a quieter beachside getaway without some of the price tags that come alongside Italian holidays. Which begs the question: Is Croatia the new Italy?
I spent five days exploring Croatia’s beautiful Istrian coastline to discover exactly what the region has to offer, from truffle hunting and wine tasting to national parks and medieval hilltop towns.
What stayed with me most about Istria wasn’t only the Roman architecture or the endless coastline, but the way the people seemed to carry centuries of wisdom so casually in conversation.
Standing beside an olive tree over a thousand years old in Brijuni National Park, our guide told us, “Olive trees are like your mother, they will always wait for you.”
It was such a simple sentence, yet it captured the patience and permanence woven into the region itself.
Located on Croatia’s largest peninsula, Istria is a hidden gem packed with history, culture and breathtaking scenery. Every season here has its own charm, but summer is when the region truly comes alive.
Alongside its peaceful beaches and picturesque forests, traces of Istria’s medieval past remain everywhere, from defensive hilltop towns to centuries-old churches and cobbled streets. It is a place that offers something for every kind of traveller.
Adventure lovers can enjoy water sports, zipline experiences and waterparks, while history enthusiasts can explore stunning medieval towns like Motovun and admire the Venetian Gothic architecture of Poreč.
Visitors can also immerse themselves in Istria’s famous food culture by meeting families who have run truffle farms for generations, tasting local wine and olive oil on mountain tops, and exploring national park islands complete with safari-style tours.
Later, while wandering through Pula’s ancient streets, we were taught another local saying: “Not everything is that bad if you have someone you can drink a beer with.”
That warmth and perspective seemed to define the city. Beneath the Roman arches and weathered stone is a place full of life, where history feels less like something preserved and more like something shared between people.
Unlike some of Europe’s busier summer destinations, Istria still feels authentic and relatively untouched. The coastline is dotted with charming harbour towns, hidden coves and waterfront restaurants serving freshly caught seafood and homemade pasta infused with the region’s famous truffles.
Truffle hunting was one of the most memorable experiences I had on my trip. What could have easily felt like a tourist activity instead became something personal and authentic.
Watching Sky, the truffle dog, sprint through the centuries-old farm was both impressive and strangely heartwarming. There was something special about seeing a tradition passed down for generations still carried out with so much passion. Our tour guide was in the process of teaching her 5-year-old daughter the family trade.
I was invited into an intimate truffle tasting experience where everything felt unhurried and local, from the stories shared around the table to the rich earthy flavour of the truffles themselves and the homemade elderflower cordial made from the family’s century-old elderflower berries.
It was one of those moments where Istria’s connection to food, family and tradition became impossible not to feel.
Holidaymakers can find surprisingly good value packages in the region. Jet2holidays currently offers a range of getaways across the Istrian Coast, including a seven-night stay at the three-star Arena Grand Kazela Eurocamp in Medulin from £759 per person, based on two adults sharing and departing from East Midlands Airport on 28 June 2026. The package includes 22kg baggage allowance and car hire.
Families looking for a luxury escape can stay at the four-star Keight Hotel Opatija Curio Collection by Hilton in Opatija from £949 per person, based on two adults and two children sharing, departing from Birmingham Airport on 2 October 2026. The seven-night stay includes return transfers and baggage allowance.
Meanwhile, couples searching for a more upscale coastal retreat can opt for the five-star Valamar Collection Marea Suites in Poreč, with prices from £1,749 per person departing from Manchester on 11 June 2026, or from £1,653 for families departing from London Stansted on 21 June 2026. Both packages include half-board accommodation, transfers and checked baggage.
Nature lovers will love exploring the breathtaking Brijuni National Park, a stunning island just off the coast near Fažana. The islands are home to Roman ruins, botanical gardens, a safari park and the former summer residence of Yugoslav leader Tito.
Brijuni added another layer to my time in Istria. It felt like stepping into a different world, despite being just a short boat ride away from the mainland.
The safari park was unexpected, with open landscapes where animals including zebras, elephants and ancient cows moved freely against a backdrop of coastal wilderness.
What stayed with me most, though, was being shown the preserved footprints of “Sunda,” a dinosaur that once roamed these islands millions of years ago. Standing there, it was hard to fully grasp the scale of time.
Elsewhere, visitors can wander through the Roman streets of Pula and visit its preserved amphitheatre, one of the largest surviving Roman arenas in the world. The city perfectly blends ancient history with a lively café culture and bustling marina atmosphere.
Pula reminded me of a more serene and personal version of Rome. It is impossible to overlook the Roman heritage here. Weathered stone gateways, historic temples and grand arenas emerge suddenly amidst the local coffee shops and residential blocks, echoing the architectural rhythm of the Italian capital.
I felt lucky to experience these things in a far quieter and more intimate way than you can in Rome or Florence.
For me, Istria felt like one of those rare places that quietly changes your pace without you realising it. I found myself slowing down, lingering longer over dinners, watching the light hit the old stone buildings and appreciating conversations that would normally pass by unnoticed.
There was something grounding about being surrounded by history that has survived for thousands of years, while life still moves so effortlessly around it.
Between the sea air, the crowded café terraces and evenings spent wandering through Pula’s streets, the region felt both deeply historic and incredibly alive at the same time.
Holidaymakers could snap up bargain return flights from as low as £30 to the most popular holiday hotspots thanks to a little-known TUI Airways booking trick. The ‘insider trick’, revealed by TUI UK’s Commercial Director Chris Logan, reveals how travellers can snap up last-minute flights weeks before departure which include bargain breaks across Europe and even long-haul escapes for a fraction of the usual price.
On TUI’s dedicated ‘ Cheap Flights ’ page Brits can find seats on return routes which are regularly released at heavily reduced prices in the weeks and months leading up to departure. “If you’ve got a bit of flexibility, this is one of the easiest ways to find a great-value getaway. It’s not something everyone knows about, but checking our flights page regularly can uncover some genuinely low fares, especially closer to departure as we look to fill remaining seats,” said Chris Logan.
“We’re talking everything from quick European breaks to long-haul trips across the Caribbean, Mexico and Thailand. Because TUI Airways flies from 22 airports across the UK, it makes it easy to pick a date, pack a bag and fly from your closest regional airport.”
The best deals tend to be snapped up by those who can be flexible on dates and airports, with flights leaving from more than 22 UK airports. And it’s not just quick getaways. The deals can stretch from short breaks to two-week holidays or even longer.
Chris added: “For customers who don’t mind when or where they go, it can be a really simple way to save money on flights and land some of the best-value fares”.
Right now, Brits can find deals such as:
Seven nights in Palma de Mallorca with return flights from London Gatwick from £30 per person (1 July to 8 July)
Seven nights in Ibiza with return flights from London Stansted from £63 per person (1 July to 8 July)
Seven nights in Agadir, Morocco with return flights from Newcastle from £66 per person (8 June to 15 June)
Seven nights in Tenerife with return flights from London Gatwick from £82 per person (6 June July to 13 July)
14 nights in Cancun, Mexico with return flights from Manchester from £350 per person (7 June to 21 June)
14 nights in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic with return flights Manchester from £350 per person (6 June to 20 June)
Travellers looking to lock in value a little further ahead can also take advantage of TUI’s additional current flight offer. On TUI Airways bookings departing between July 2026 and April 2027, customers can receive £40 off per person which will be already applied to the flight price, offering even more ways to bring down the cost of a getaway.
Brits should take note of strict dress code rules in a number of holiday hotspots across Spain, Portugal, Italy and Croatia with hefty fines for rule-breakers
(Image: Getty Images)
Brits planning to hit the beach or pool in the likes of Spain, Portugal, Italy and Croatia this summer may want to take note of some strict rules, or risk potentially hefty fines.
In recent years, a number of holiday hotspots have clamped down on dress codes for both locals and tourists, particularly when it comes to the likes of bikinis, pool cover-ups and swim shorts.
The issue isn’t that people are wearing these on the beaches, but rather when they wander into local towns. In fact, since 2022 Italian hotspot Sorrento has banned wearing swimwear away from beaches and pools. Anyone caught flouting the restrictions could face fines of up to €500 (approximately £433).
You’re not going to get a fine if you’re walking around your hotel or a beach club in your swimwear, or if you’re at a pool or beach. However, if you stay in your swimwear to walk into the town and try to enter shops or restaurants, that’s where you could potentially face some trouble.
We take a look at some of the holiday hotspots with these strict rules below…
Spain dress code rules
A number of Spanish hotspots have been introducing beachwear dresscodes in recent years. In Barcelona you could face fines of up to £260 for wandering around the town, while in Majorca you could face fines of up to £500 if you’re wearing beachwear away from the main beaches and pools. The rule also applies to anyone wandering around shirtless. Plenty of restaurants also have firm signs and rules banning visitors from wearing beachwear in their establishments.
Meanwhile in Malaga, wandering into the city centre in your beachwear could land you a fine of up to €300 (approximately £259).
Italy dress code rules
In Sorrento, locals have argued that they’re trying to protect the area’s decency with the rules, and swerve people rocking up to lunch spots in just swim shorts or bikinis. The ban doesn’t just apply to swimwear; it also applies to visitors who walk around the town topless.
Portofino, Positano and Capri all enforce similar rules with with fines of up to €500 (approximately £433) if you’re spotted walking around the main town in beachwear.
Other Italian hotspots with similar restrictions include Venice where walking around the historic city centre in swimwear or bare-chested is strictly prohibited, and could land you an on-the-spot fine of up to €250 (approximately £216).
Portugal dress code rules
In Albufeira, new dress codes were brought into force last year. That includes fines from €300 to €1,500 (approximately £259-£1298) for those who are found wearing swimwear outside of beach or pool zones, for example when wandering down the town streets. The dress codes came as part of a wider crackdown on unruly tourist behaviour.
Croatia dress code rules
In Dubrovnik, tourists are banned from entering the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town in swimwear or shirtless, with fines of up to €700 for rule-breakers (approximately £606). It’s not the only Croatian city to enforce rules of this nature; in Split, you could face fees from €150 (approximately £129).
Meanwhile over on the party island of Hvar, new rules include fines for wandering around in swimwear or being shirtless out and about in town.
Have you been caught out by a holiday hotspot’s dress code? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com.
Jet2 summer holidays travel update for anyone with flights booked – The Mirror
Need to know
Jet2 has issued a significant update for all passengers with flights booked this summer
The airline shared the news earlier this week(Image: Getty )
Need to know: Jet2 confirms summer flights will run as normal after securing fuel supply deals
Jet2 has confirmed all summer flights will operate as normal after securing improved fuel supply deals. The news will be welcomed by many passengers after reports of a possible ‘jet fuel shortage’ across Europe.
The budget airline announced today that fuel suppliers have increased production and additional imports are arriving from regions unaffected by Middle East conflicts. This follows negotiations that saw Jet2 ranked as the UK’s best-protected airline against rising fuel costs.
The carrier has pledged no additional charges will be added to existing bookings despite rising costs. Jet2 was among the first UK airlines to guarantee this protection for customers.
CEO Steve Heapy said: “We are in regular dialogue with our fuel suppliers, and the current picture is one of increased production and imports, meaning we continue to look ahead with confidence.”
The airline has also reaffirmed its commitment to swift refunds and flexibility for any cancellations. During Covid, Jet2 earned praise for its efficient customer refund process compared to industry rivals.
The positive fuel news comes after Jet2 was recognised as Europe’s second most fuel-efficient carrier in a major aviation emissions study.
The bundle includes three suitcases in different sizes, designed to cover everything from short weekend breaks to longer holidays abroad
16:25, 12 May 2026Updated 16:27, 12 May 2026
Home Bargains has a growing selection of deals on homeware, furnishings and travel(Image: Home Bargains)
Holidaymakers hoping to upgrade their luggage without spending a fortune might want to pop into Home Bargains before jetting off on their next summer getaway. The discount retailer has quietly slashed the price of a travel essential by nearly £90, and it’s being hailed as “perfect for every trip”.
Home Bargains has cut the price of the Overlow Suitcase Set of 3, which normally sells for £149.99, down to a bargain £59.99. The set comprises three suitcases in varying sizes, catering for everything from quick weekend escapes to extended holidays overseas.
According to the product listing, each case is crafted from lightweight ABS material with a hard-shell construction designed to offer durability while minimising weight. The product description, available on the Home Bargains website, reads: “Travel smart with the Overlow Suitcase Set of 3 in sleek black – lightweight, durable ABS material with smooth 4-wheel glide for effortless airport navigation. Perfect for every trip, whether you pack light or heavy.
“Modern Suitcase. Lightweight. Whether you pack light or travel heavy, we’ve got you covered! The smooth 4-wheel glide makes navigating airports effortless, while the strong yet lightweight material ensures durability without adding extra weight.”
The largest case measures 70 x 48 x 29cm, while the medium and cabin sizes come in at 60 x 41 x 26cm and 50 x 35 x 20cm respectively. All three cases are designed to stack inside one another for convenient storage when not being used.
Home Bargains describes the set as “perfect for any trip”, emphasising its lightweight construction and smooth-rolling wheels as standout features designed to reduce travel hassle. Thanks to the current discount, shoppers can now save an impressive 60 per cent, with comparable sets elsewhere carrying significantly steeper price tags.
Budget-friendly suitcase sets such as this have grown increasingly sought-after amongst travellers seeking to reduce costs before holidays, especially as travel demand continues climbing during peak booking seasons. Retailers have noted strong appetite for affordable luggage bundles as families and solo travellers hunt for value-focused alternatives.
The set is also stocked in other colours including grey and navy through the same retailer, with prices staying uniform across the collection while stocks remain available. Shoppers keen on the offer can locate further information, including home delivery arrangements, via the Home Bargains website.
Brijuni National Park in Croatia is one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations – from real dinosaur footprints and an elephant gifted by Indira Gandhi to the vintage Cadillac that once carried Queen Elizabeth II
Brijuni may be one of Croatia’s tiniest islands, but it boasts one of Europe’s most extraordinary travel tales.
Situated just off the coastline near Pula, it is home to Brijuni National Park, where visitors can discover genuine dinosaur footprints, an elephant presented as a gift by Indira Gandhi, a car in which Queen Elizabeth toured the island, and the former private hideaway of Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito.
For many years, the island was shut off from the public on the orders of the dictator, who resided there alongside a remarkable collection of exotic animals, bestowed upon him by world leaders.
With Tito long since gone, the island now welcomes tourists. And getting there couldn’t be simpler, with direct flights from London to Pula available from May, with prices beginning at around £35–£40.
Local guide and villa rental company Villsy founder Toni Hrelja explained: “Brijuni may look like a classic Mediterranean paradise, but its history is anything but typical,” says Toni Hrelja, local guide and founder of Villsy, a villa rental company.
“Thanks to its time as a private residence for former Yugoslav leader Tito, the islands became home to exotic animals gifted by political leaders; and today, you can still see them, or their descendants, grazing freely. It’s a bizarre, fascinating slice of history you simply wouldn’t expect in Croatia.
“Spring is one of the best times to visit, everything is green, temperatures are mild, and you avoid the peak summer crowds. You get the full experience without the heat.” Brijuni National Park comprises 14 islands, with the largest, Veliki (Big) Brijun, home to the main attractions. Despite its name, it’s fairly compact (5.6 km2), making it ideal to explore in a single day.
More than 30 animals inhabit the island, including Lanka, a 54 year old elephant. She arrived in 1972 as a gift from former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and is renowned for her calm nature and engagement with visitors.
The zebras represent another legacy of the Non-Aligned Movement, a herd presented in the 1960s by an African leader.
One of Tito’s most cherished pets still resides on the island: Koki, an African grey parrot with a notoriously mischievous personality. Famous for “talking” to tourists, he’s equally likely to catch visitors off guard with the odd insult. He is also known for shouting “Tito! Tito! Tito”.
Alongside these star animals, the safari also features ostriches, llamas, Somali sheep and Indian cattle (zebu).
The animals serve as the walking and (talking) legacy of Tito, but there’s one mechanical memento of the dictator’s era.
If you’re prepared to spend a bit extra, you can hire a ride in a vintage Cadillac Eldorado, presented to Josip Broz Tito by Croatian emigrants in Canada. The 1953 convertible remains in immaculate condition and continues to be one of the park’s most sought-after attractions. “Tito used it to drive around the island, but what makes it special is who sat in it. Leaders like Indira Gandhi and Queen Elizabeth II were among its passengers,” Toni added.
“Once you’ve explored the safari, it’s time to discover the island’s other highlights. I recommend taking the tourist train (especially if you’re with kids), hiring a bicycle or a small electric golf cart. One of my favourite spots is the pine tree avenue.”
These pine trees are more than 100 years old and soar to heights of up to 25 metres, forming a striking landscape.
Brijuni boasted a fascinating history long before it became a political haven for Non-Aligned Movement leaders. During the 5th and 6th centuries, the islands served as a crucial strategic outpost for the Byzantine Empire.
“The Byzantine remains are another fantastic spot for photography and offer a glimpse into the island’s layered history. The ruins look like a giant stone puzzle,” Toni said.
Gandhi’s elephant isn’t the largest creature to have roamed Brijuni. The islands contain over 200 genuine dinosaur footprints, dating back approximately 130 million years to the Early Cretaceous period.
Croatia is a short-haul destination, roughly a 2.5-hour flight from the UK. From May onwards, reaching Brijuni is straightforward, with direct flights from London to Pula available from around £35 with easyJet, Jet2 and Ryanair.
Direct flights also operate from Birmingham and Bristol. Pula Airport sits 13 kilometres from Fažana, the port where travellers can board a boat to the national park.
The most convenient way to purchase tickets for Brijuni National Park is online. Guided tours generally cost approximately £30–£35 for adults and roughly £13 for children, depending on the season, with marginally reduced prices in spring.
Lodging is available on the island, spanning from hotel rooms to luxury villas, although many tourists opt to base themselves on the mainland and rent a villa in Istria, treating Brijuni as a day trip.
