places

If you’re after an affordable holiday, then you’re in luck

The Yuletide season can often leave your purse feeling a tad empty. But, being a bit skint doesn’t mean you have to forego a delightful holiday.

If you’re yearning for a break but need to keep the costs down, then we’ve got good news for you. Skyscanner has put together a list of 10 of the most budget-friendly countries to visit this year, featuring destinations such as the vibrant Czech Republic, Italy’s romantic nooks and crannies, and Norway’s rugged coastlines.

All these spots won’t break the bank, with average return flight prices coming in at £136 or less, reports the Express.

10 of the cheapest places to go in 2026

10. Tromsø, Norway

Average return flight price: £136

It’s famous for the midnight sun and the Northern Lights but Norway has plenty more to offer visitors. From reindeer feeding to arctic fishing trips and more, this stunning Scandinavian country is well worth a visit.

9. Venice, Italy

Average return flight price: £134

The Floating City is famous across the world. Its labyrinthine passages of canals and islands are truly wondrous to behold but it also boasts some amazing architecture and art.

8. Agadir, Morocco

Average return flight price: £130

Built on the shores of a long stretch of golden sand with the Atlantic ocean lapping at the shores, this resort town has it all. From bustling souks to surfing lessons and amazing natural beauty, Agadir is the perfect place to explore. Plus, the average temperature even in January is 20C.

7. Bucharest, Romania

Average return flight price: £128

Sometimes known as ‘little Paris’ due to its elegant architecture, Bucharest is a great place to get away for the weekend. Wander the city’s many parks and snack on delicious street food. If you want to get further afield, then Transylvania is on the city’s doorstep.

6. Berlin, Germany

Average return flight price: £128

This buzzing city is jam packed with history from Brandenburg Gate to the Berlin Wall – but it’s also an amazing place to explore.

Sample coffee and pastries from one of the millions of cafes, wander along the canals or explore the famous nightlife.

5. Prague, Czech Republic

Average return flight price: £122

Prague looks like something that is straight from the pages of a fairytale. It’s fabulously well preserved architecture lines the river, offering some truly stunning views.

Why not visit the famous Old Town or wander across the Charles Bridge before stopping in for a drink at one of the city’s many bars?

4. Copenhagen, Denmark

Average return flight price: £117

The capital of cool, Copenhagen is at the forefront of fashion and perfect for a cultured weekend away. Cycle along the canals like locals do, enjoy a coffee in one of the trendy cafes and enjoy the world class food scene.

3. Madrid, Spain

Average return flight price: £114

Less touristy than Barcelona, this Spanish city is rich in art and history. Madrid is home to three prestigious art museums and a vibrant food scene. Sample tapas, dine al fresco and then wander through the verdant green spaces of this cool little city.

2. Milan, Italy

Average return flight price: £111

When you hear Milan, you think luxury but this city is actually the second cheapest to fly to. It’s a hub of fashion, art and history but it’s also a perfect starting point to explore some of Italy’s most magical scenery like the Dolomites.

1. Lyon, France

Average return flight price: £105

This walkable city has Roman ruins, UNESCO World Heritage sites and plenty more to explore. Try some of the local delicacies at a traditional bouchon (restaurant) and browse the markets.

A Virgin Atlantic flight attendant with five years’ experience has shared the airplane seats they would never choose – with tips to stay comfortable on long-haul economy flights.

Enduring long-haul flights can be a daunting prospect, especially when you’re crammed into economy class for over 10 hours.

But fear not, there are ways to make the journey more tolerable, comfortable and perhaps even more enjoyable .

Medical travel insurance firm AllClear has joined forces with a seasoned Virgin Atlantic cabin crew member to reveal top tips for maintaining comfort in economy class.

The flight attendant, boasting five years of experience in the skies, shared some seating choices they would personally avoid, reports the Express.

While many passengers opt for the bulkhead, emergency exit rows or seats near the lavatories, this cabin crew member wouldn’t follow suit.

They explained: “I don’t like the first row by the wings. People congregate by the toilet, and it can be noisy because of babies in cradles at the bulkhead.”

Despite this, the extra legroom offered by emergency exit seats makes them a popular choice among travellers, although there could be another issue with this seating placement.

If you do decide to sit there, the crew member advises bringing two essential items with you to make it a more comfortable experience.

They warned: “On some older aircraft, it can get quite chilly near the emergency exit rows. I’d usually avoid these seats if you’re sensitive to the cold.”

For those seeking maximum cosiness during their flight, the flight attendant suggests packing a few additional home comforts to keep you snug and warm.

They stated: “There’s nothing stopping you from bringing extra flight socks or even a hot water bottle – we’re more than happy to fill one up for you during the flight.”

They also expressed their preference against sitting at the rear of the plane due to the noise levels. They explained: “The aft [rear] of the plane can be a bit noisy because toilet flushes are quite loud.

“The seats at the back on all our aircraft recline, so that’s not a problem, but sometimes light catches through the galley curtains on a night flight, and it can be noisy as the crew are working. So, I also wouldn’t choose back row seats.”

Two places cabin crew wouldn’t sit

According to the Virgin Atlantic flight attendant, they wouldn’t sit by:

• the first row by the wings; or
• rear of the plane.

A combination of a world record-breaking trawler, a floating lighthouse and a dizzying array of maritime objects that include a stuffed polar bear called Erik are all helping to make Hull one of the top 25 places in the world to visit in 2026.

The East Yorkshire city is on the verge of completing an ambitious £70m transformation, which, supporters believe, will propel it into becoming an international tourist destination.

Hull is the only place in the UK to be included in National Geographic’s annual list of must-visit places, which also features Manila, Beijing and the North Dakota Badlands.

Eyebrows have been raised about the inclusion of Hull, a city that had a reputation problem even in the 17th century, when the poet John Taylor wrote: “From Hell, Hull and Halifax, good Lord deliver us.”

Neither eyebrow of Mike Ross, the city council’s Liberal Democrat leader, went up when he heard the news. “There was a sense of surprise for some,” he said. “But why shouldn’t Hull be one of the top 25 places? It has got so much going for it. This is a place that can do things and we want more people to see that.”

When the Guardian visited on a rainy day in December, it was clear that everything is nearly there. Finishing touches and final decisions are being made for a series of openings taking place in 2026.

The Hull Maritime project includes a new home for a restored trawler, the Arctic Corsair, known as Hull’s Cutty Sark.

A vessel called the Spurn Lightship, which for 50 years guided ships through the treacherous waters of the Humber estuary, will reopen to the public after a makeover.

Swathes of public space are being improved, including a £21m refurbishment of Queen’s Gardens, a former dock; and the city’s much-missed Maritime Museum will reopen after a five-year closure.

The ambitious project is a legacy from Hull’s UK city of culture success in 2017 and has had a number of frustrating delays, but 2026 will be the year things finally start happening.

The Arctic Corsair, the project’s centrepiece, is a deep-sea trawler built in 1960 that operated during the cod wars with Iceland and which once broke world records for landing the largest amount of cod and haddock in a year.

It is an emblem of Hull’s proud trawling history – still within living memory – and has been a visitor attraction since 1999. It was badly in need of restoration and closed to the public in 2018. Today, the 57-metre-long boat positively gleams.

The Arctic Corsair was restored by Dunston Ship Repairs in Hull, where it is docked, and everyone involved in the project has praised the company for going above and beyond what was expected.

For Dave Clark, the technical director at Dunston, it has clearly been a passion project but he will be happy when it makes its way to its permanent home. “People need to be on it, it needs to be seen,” he said. “People need to hear the stories, to see the working conditions … men working 16 hours a day.

“We are all from Hull and most of the people who work for us have been involved in the fishing industry their whole life and you can see the pride that has been put into it.”

Moving the trawler from its current berth to its dry dock home will be a huge challenge involving dredging and a possible 20-point turn.

Men who used to work on the Arctic Corsair have also volunteered their memories and knowledge. They include Cliff Gledhill, a retired maritime engineer who seems to know every working part of the boat’s machinery and huge, labyrinthine engine room.

“It’s 52 years since I first came on this ship,” he said. “If the ship broke down, it doesn’t matter where it was … Iceland or Norway or wherever, the chances were that one of us [engineers] would go.”

He said the Arctic Corsair was important to Hull. “It was a very successful ship with quite a history. It was the pride of the fleet. This is going to be a massive attraction.”

At the city’s Maritime Museum, housed in former dock offices, the rooms are still largely empty but the roof has been fixed, display cabinets are being put in place and boxes are ready to be emptied.

Robin Diaper, a curator, said the museum was a place for tourists to spend time but also somewhere local people could pop in to see Erik, the popular polar bear on long-term loan from Dundee, while they were shopping.

“We wanted to make the whole project world-class,” said Diaper. “It’s of a standard you might see in New York or Paris or London. But we also want a young mother from the Orchard Park estate to be able to just walk in and for it to be hers as well.”

Rooms in the museum that were previously off limits are being used to display far more objects, more boldly. The grade II*-listed former docks building was badly in need of restoration. When it rained, plastic sheeting had to be placed over whale skeletons hanging from the ceiling.

Hull also has the Ferens Art Gallery, the Wilberforce House Museum and its spectacular aquarium, The Deep. With everything happening in 2026 it is a world-class destination for visitors, say tourism officers.

For the council leader Ross, the challenge is for people not to be surprised they might have a great time in Hull, but to know in advance that they will. “If we can do that, we’ve made it,” he said.

THIS Caribbean island has it all, plenty of sunshine and beautiful beaches with soft sand – not to mention January is the perfect month to visit.

With highs of almost 30C and nine hours of sunshine each day, Barbados is a great place to start the New Year.

The island sits in the eastern Caribbean Sea close to St Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and has around 285,000 residents.

For tourists, there’s a great mix of beaches and busy towns like Bridgetown, the island’s capital – it has pretty architecture, shops, vibrant markets and National Heroes Square.

Generally visitors will head to the West Coast for luxury stays and calm waters or the South Coast for vibrant nightlife.

Wherever you go, you don’t have to look far for beautiful beaches as they’re all across Barbados, from Sandy Bay Beach to Dover Beach.

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Another is Carlisle Bay on the southwest coast which is popular for spotting turtles and diving among shipwrecks.

Barbados even has a beach with pink sand, called Crane Beach, which is found on the southeast coast.

It’s well-known for having soft, pink sand which is made finely from crushed coral and shells that create a pinkish hue.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “It has beautiful pink and white sand and very, very few tourists. Magnificent crashing waves and warm shallow water – perfection!”

Another described it as having “incomparable views with pink sugar sand”.

A different part of the island however, was revealed to be one of the ‘Best Places to Go in 2026’.

The East Coast of Barbados was mentioned by Condé Nast Traveller thanks to its “dramatic scenery, world-class surfing, and colourful fishing villages preserve the island’s unspoiled character.”

For those visiting, it suggested starting in Bathsheba, a village with a popular surfing beach often referred to as ‘The Soup Bowl’.

Another spot on the East Coast is Martin’s Bay, and on Thursdays head to Bay Tavern Fish Fry for some red snapper or macaroni pie (essentially baked mac and cheese).

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited the Caribbean island last January. She said: “Rum alcohol is in the fabric of this beautiful island.

“And Barbados certainly isn’t short of rum bars — there are about 1,500 of them, with one next to every church on the island. (That’s a lot of booze stops for the world’s 13th smallest country).

“It’s home to the oldest rum distillery in the world, Mount Gay. So it would be rude to deny myself a rum punch after a trip to Harrison’s Cave, one of the island’s most popular attractions.

Kara continued: “After a quick tram tour underground, above ground is where you can find Mount Gay taster sessions. That rambunctiousness was why we ended up in a KFC after being told that it’s much better in the Caribbean.“

Unlike January in the UK, you’re guaranteed to have sun in Barbados and temperatures for the first month of the year sit between 23C and 28C.

In January, there are direct flights from London Gatwick and London Heathrow which take 9 hours.

The cheapest flight according to Skyscanner is on January 8, 2026 from £311 with TUI.

For more on the Caribbean, check out this lesser-visited island where one writer discovered zip lines, lobster bars and volcano hiking.

And this Caribbean island that’s the closest to the UK with Maldives-like overwater villas.

HEADING to Devon on your next £9.50 Holiday? Then take our experts’ advice on the best places to eat and drink while you’re there.

We’ve spoken to local residents and Sun readers who have holidayed in Devon to get their top tips on the best places to eat and drink – from local pubs to food trucks and everything in between. 

Here’s what they said… 

Best local pub

If you’re staying in North Devon, Paul Braithwaite, General Manager at Ruda Holiday Park, recommends visiting his favourite pub, The Thatch in Croyde.

He said: “I like old and quirky things. The Thatch is very quaint, dog-friendly and there are always locals there so lots of people you can talk to.

The food is very good and reasonably-priced. I love lobster but they also do great burgers and pub classics.”

In South Devon, don’t miss The Journey’s End, a 13th-century pub in Ringmore, a ten-minute walk from Challaborough Bay.

Gem Krupa, Holiday Homes Sales Manager at Challaborough Bay Holiday Park, says: “The head chef has won awards for his food and the food is amazing.

“He is Irish but has travelled through Asia so some of his food has got an Asian twist. It’s pub grub, but really, really nice.”

Try wok fried noodles (from £16.50) for dinner or beef sandwiches for lunch (£8). Kids’ meals, like cheeseburgers or fish and chips, cost £8.

Favourite place for a cheap eat

Tessa Lomas, 31, from Braunton, owns Hippy Happy Hoppers, a summertime food truck in Croyde.

You can pick up a hopper (Sri Lankan pancake bowl) with chocolate and banana for £3, or a hearty curry one for £9.

Tessa also recommends Blue Groove in Croyde, a seasonal cafe with a relaxed, seaside vibe and large outdoor terrace.

It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and you can eat there, or make it even more wallet-friendly by ordering takeaway.

Kids’ egg on toast costs £1.95, while an adult’s breakfast sandwich costs £5 (takeaway).

Family-friendly touches include an outdoor play area and crayons for kids.

This is also a great place to sample local seafood – splash out on West Country mussels (£12.55 for a starter, dining in). 

Best for a meal on the beach

If you want proximity to the beach, you can’t beat Beachside Grill, set on Saunton Sands in North Devon.

Sun reader Dawn Brannigan, 54, from Wakefield, said: “It has big windows and a terrace upstairs. You can sit inside or outside, which is really lovely if it’s a nice day.

I travel on my own, so this is a good place to sit and enjoy the view or have a read while I’m eating.”

Mains start at £9 and a kids’ menu is available.

Favourite restaurant

Tessa Lomas recommends The Duck Dive in Braunton. She says: “It has a great menu that changes with the season, good cocktails and a fun atmosphere.

“It’s a restaurant but then switches to a bar so it’s good for dinner and a night out.” 

Dawn Brannigan recommends the Tarko Lounge in Barnstaple. She said: “It has a 1920s Art Deco feel, which is really cool.

They have a large menu – I had a lovely all-day breakfast (£9.95) and fresh juice (£3.85 for a pink lemonade). It’s located in Green Lanes shopping centre so it’s good for retail therapy.”

Meanwhile in South Devon, Sun reader Richard Tilley also discovered one of these lounges, Visto Lounge in Torquay, not far from Parkdean Resorts Torquay.

Richard, 62, from Devizes in Wiltshire, said: “It’s nice and modern, and makes good burgers.”

If you’re located closer to Plymouth, try Seco Lounge, which is also modern, family-friendly and allows dogs.

Tip: Bag a bargain with a lunchtime deal – soup and half a panini for £6.25, available weekdays between 12-5pm.

Favourite brunch/breakfast spot

Located at Bigbury-on-Sea, Venus cafe has indoor and outdoor seating that looks out towards Burgh Island and Bantham.

For brunch with a sea view, try an egg bap (£4.99) or a breakfast burrito (Devon free range egg, cheese, bacon and hash brown with sriracha sauce, £9.99).

The cafe has good plant-based options, too, like dahl soup and vegan chilli (mains from £7.99).

Favourite place to get ice cream

On the water’s edge in Plymouth, Pilgrim’s sells arguably the best ice cream around.

Its 22 flavours range from classic clotted cream vanilla to “unicorn” (strawberry, blueberry and marshmallow swirled together).

There are vegan and gluten-free options available, as well as milkshakes and smoothies.  

A EUROPEAN city often overlooked as a summer holiday destination has been named a top place to travel in 2026.

Brussels is often visited as a Christmas destination, known for its huge markets across the city.

However, spring and summer are just as good, if not better, thanks to its amazing restaurant and bar scene, as well as as art scene.

CN Traveller named it as one of their Best Places to Go in 2026, alongside places such as Hong Kong and Australia.

They explained: “This often-overlooked European capital is having a cultural moment, signalling a shift from a bureaucratic hub to a creative powerhouse.”

This includes a number of new openings in the city, including the new The Standard hotel this year, as well as the Kanal-Centre Pompudiu next year, a factory turned exhibition space.

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I visited earlier this year, for a quick weekend trip to Europe.

It’s one of the easiest places to get to thanks to the Eurostar – taking under two hours, it is the second stop after Lille.

And it drops you right in the train station just south of the city, making it an easy walk or tram ride into town.

The first thing to do is grab a cup of coffee, and there are some fantastic spots in town.

My favourite was Wide Awake, a trendy stop with their own roasted beans and delicious snacks including kimchi croissants and walnut cookies.

Of course, tourist stops you need to make include Fritland – a chip shop serving up the best in town with a variety of dipping sauces – and Maison Dandoy, famous for their light and fluffy waffles.

A beautiful spot for photos is Galeries Royales Saint Hubert, one of the Europe‘s oldest shopping galleries.

Dating back to 1847, it was inspired by Italian palaces and Parisian gardens, and is now full of luxury shops and chocolatiers.

Yet head slightly out of town to Rue De Flandres, which was also named one of the coolest neighbourhoods by Time Out earlier this year.

They said it was a street that “captures the spirit of Brussels” adding: “It’s got all the charm – cobbled streets, crooked façades and centuries-old houses – but without the clichés.”

There’s photobooths tucked into shops – I grabbed a vintage one from Photomatique for a few euros.

Urban Therapie is where you can get some great shopping done, all selling independent brands.

And for food, I recommend Knees to Chin, a small Brussels chain restaurant selling Asian fusion food.

Or nearby is Nona Pizza and Nona Pasta, right next to each other and serving up Italian classics.

Make sure to have your cameras ready when wandering around town too, as the city is full of street art and murals.

There is even an official Street Art Trail, which you can find here to help you spot all 150.

Want to take some souvenirs home? One that is unique is the Jeanneke-pis boutique.

The ‘sister’ of the famous Mannekin Pis (the peeing boy), the boutique sells some unusual gifts including statues of the peeing girl herself.

But you can’t go wrong with some classic Belgium chocolates, and can barely walk without being tempted into a chocolatier by its smell.

My favourites include Neuhaus – also in the UK – as well as Mary and Elizabeth.

Some of my other recommendation include Wolf Food Market, an indoor food market with 17 restaurants and bars.

And for a glam stay, the Doubletree by Hilton Brussels City is beautiful (and don’t forget the free cookie at check in).

The Eurostar from London to Brussels takes just 1hr53, with tickets from £39 each way.

ONE lesser-visited region in Spain has been named as one of the best places to visit next year.

It has a main city that holds bull racing events along with huge valleys, mountains and even a desert.

Conde Nast Traveller declared Navarra, also called Navarre, as one of the ‘Best Places to Go in Spain and Portugal in 2026’.

The publication said: “We often make a point of covering lesser-known sites in every region and in 2026 we want to encourage readers to check out a new project focused on rural areas in Navarra.”

The landlocked region located in northern Spain, shares borders with the Basque Country, La Rioja, and Aragon in Spain.

Its capital, Pamplona, is home to around 200,000 residents.

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And it’s famous for its San Fermín festival which is celebrated each year from July 6 to 14 with parades, music, dancing, and bullfights.

The most well-known event is called Encierro or Running of the Bulls.

It involves hundreds of people running in front of six bulls down a stretch of narrow streets which ends in Pamplona’s bullring.

The city also has a pretty Old Town, Cathedral, the Renaissance-like fort Ciudadela, Plaza del Castillo, and the Museum of Navarre.

It’s not just Pamplona, there are other smaller cities within the region, like Barañáin, Burlada, and Estella-Lizarra.

The region was even once an independent kingdom and known as the Kingdom of Navarre.

Eventually it as split with Lower Navarre merging into France, and Upper Navarre becoming a province of Spain.

Aside from the cities, Navarre also has a semi-desert region called Bardenas Reales which is around 162 square miles.

The desert has plenty of hiking trails and places to go biking – but unique rock formations aren’t to be climbed on themselves as they are part of an eco-system.

In contrast, part of Navarre encompasses the Pyrenean valleys.

It has high mountain peaks like Mesa de los Tres Reyes as well as green valleys, forests and even caves.

During the winter, the Pyrenean valleys become a great and popular spot for skiers.

From Navarre, travellers can easily get to other cities like San Sebastian and Bilbao, Madrid and Barcelona.

Here’s where to find the lesser-visited Spanish holiday destination that is now home to some of the best beer in the world…

A lesser-known holiday spot in Spain was last year declared home to the greatest beer in the world.

For four days last summer, professional beer sommeliers and experienced brewers gathered in Estoril, Portugal, for the World Beer Challenge.

The international contest declared which beers were the greatest in the world across a number of categories.

One of the winners of the 2024 gongs was Spanish beer Ambar Especial, which picked up a perfect 100/100 score from all 125 judges, who came from 29 different countries.

The beer is made in the city of Zaragoza in Spain and claimed the gold in the International Lager category at this year’s event.

It’s a city that is often overlooked by people heading to north Spain, with visitors more commonly heading to places like Barcelona, or the beaches of San Sebastian.

Plus, here’s another Spanish region undiscovered by Brits despite seaside views and ancient Roman cities.

And the Spanish coastal region with fewer than 2,000 Brits a year that has ‘endless’ beaches.

WHEN it comes to A Place in the Sun most house hunters are on the lookout for a bargain along the Spanish coast.

But actually, there are plenty of affordable spots to be found outside of Europe – from beautiful Caribbean islands to cities less than an hour to huge theme parks.

Sun Travel got the inside scoop from A Place in the Sun presenters Laura Hamilton, Jean Johansson and Craig Rowe on where Brits should look in 2026 for cheap property outside of Europe.

Jean told us: “If you can stretch to the Caribbean, St Lucia has blown me away – and it’s quite cheap compared to Europe to eat out.

“If you want a paradise lifestyle, you can fly out this time of year and get beautiful weather. It’s so laidback too and everyone slows right down.

“The last time I was there for A Place in the Sun, one couple had a budget of £200,000 and they bought an amazing two-bedroom apartment on a little island that you have to get to via a water taxi – it was just absolutely idyllic.

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“If you’re willing to have that Caribbean way of life and something a bit different, your money can go far.”

Another destination that is becoming more popular with Brits as being an affordable holiday spot is Thailand.

Craig said: “I’ve not done any shows in Thailand yet – I think the show may have gone there a long time ago, but that’s somewhere else I think has great value property.

“It might be far, around 14 hours on a plane, but in terms of investment, and perhaps if you’re retiring and can stay there for months at a time, it’s a great option.”

Property prices can vary in Thailand depending on the destination with Chiang Mai being more affordable than the beachside property in Phuket.

Once you get there, the likes of food are so much cheaper – you can pick up a meal from as cheap as 150baht (£3.55).

But out of all destinations, there was one that every presenter mentioned as being one of the best places to invest – and for a good price next year.

Laura told us: “Florida is a place offering exciting opportunities and it’s always been a place we’ve visited on A Place in the Sun.

“I filmed there just before Christmas and it’s quite interesting. In Florida there are lots of properties that 20 years ago were prime luxury houses along the 192 route which is within 30 minutes to the Disney Parks.

“The location is still amazing, but the houses are a bit tired, so the rental opportunities are incredible. In terms of being able to make properties over and add value to them, I think that’s an exciting market.”

Jean added that she did some Florida shows last year where she headed to Fort Lauderdale.

“I think Florida’s always been popular and it’s nice for us to get away from Orlando and away from the Disney parks.

“Fort Lauderdale is a dream with the classic American lifestyle up there – locals start their day with a coffee on the beautiful promenades and there’s a lovely community feel.”

According to Palm Paradise Realty Group, some of the most affordable areas in Fort Lauderdale include Lake Aire Palm View and Flagler Village where the average property price is $343,000 (£255,543).

New episodes of A Place in the Sun will return from Sunday 21 December, and you can catch up on previous episodes on Channel4.com.

A Place in the Sun experts reveal coastline worth buying on NOW where you can ‘still get bargains’ – and flights are £15…

When we asked Laura Hamilton, Craig Rowe and Jean Johansson where exactly Brits looking for a holiday home should buy right now in Europe – they all had the same answer.

Laura Hamilton, who has been working on the show since 2012, explained: “There are still places in Spain which are great places to invest, especially around Costa Tropical.

“The area has increased in value and is still going up. It’s the opposite side of Málaga to Marbella and Puerto Banús, and it’s much cheaper.

“If you go out to a bar or a restaurant, the prices will be significantly cheaper but still great quality.”

Laura revealed that the Costa Tropical has accessibility to both the mountains and the beach.

She added that it’s marketed so that “you can be on the slopes in the morning and beach in the afternoon”.

To get from the beaches to the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains takes just an hour and a half in the car.

Laura continued: “I love that part of Spain and the scenery around Granada is spectacular. If you love the beach, skiing and hiking then it’s a stunning part of Spain – but prices are on the rise.”

Also in southern Spain is the region that presenter Craig Rowe recommended and like Costa Tropical, the region sits between the coast and Sierra Nevada mountains.

Craig told us: “Costa Almería in Spain is really good, especially for anyone on a lower budget.”

Jean Johansson, who has been working on the show for seven years, the same question, she agreed with her colleagues.

Jean said: “It’s got to be Murcia and the south of Spain because you can still get bargains there.”

“When I started on the show seven years ago the area wasn’t as popular at all, but now people are really understanding the value for money.”

For those jumping in to buy a property abroad, one woman who was on A Place In The Sun and bought her dream Spanish home for £45k – I have one regret and need to warn others of pitfalls.

And another presenter from A Place in the Sun took on her own renovation project on the Costa del Sol.

IF you’re off to Scotland on a £9.50 Holiday, here’s something to excite your taste buds.

Surrounded by sea and with rolling fertile lands, this beautiful country produces much of its own food, from seafood to hearty haggis.

It’s also home to over 150 malt and grain distilleries, with countless whisky-tasting opportunities for those who like a tipple.  

You can’t miss the opportunity to sample haggis, neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes), traditional fish and chips or Scottish porridge.

And you can’t go wrong by starting the day with a full Scottish breakfast, with The Bandstand Bar & Restaurant in Nairn highly rated for theirs.

Another local speciality is Cullen Sink, a warming, thick soup made of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, which you can sample at somewhere like Garden Cafe Pitlochry. 

And that’s just the start. We’ve spoken to Scottish locals and holiday park staff to find out the best places to eat and drink – from sea-view restaurants to community-run cafes by the beach. 

Here are some places to check out on your upcoming £9.50 Holiday…

Best cheap eats

Morvyn Cattanach, General Manager at Sandylands Holiday Park in Ayrshire recommends Doon the Beach, a community cafe just behind Stevenson Beach.

She said: “It’s a cabin that they’ve done out as a cafe – a wee hidden thing that people might not know about.

“It’s the perfect place to get a cup of tea after a walk on the beach. And it’s really budget friendly – we got two soups, two drinks and a bag of dog treats for £10.”

In the Highlands, Milk Bar cafe and The Auctioneers pub, both in Inverness, are highly rated for their good value food and drink. 

Best dog-friendly cafe

If you have a pooch in tow, Morvyn Cattanach recommends heading to the coastal town of Irvine.

She said: “There’s a lovely cafe called GRO right next to the harbour where you can take your dog. It’s a great breakfast and brunch place – my favourite is avocados and eggs on toast (£9.80).”

The menu also features a “doggy section” with everything from sausages (£3) to “puppuccinos” (£2.50) for hounds. 

Best local pubs

Christopher Hill, Administration Manager at Tummel Valley Holiday Park in Perthshire, says Pitlochry is the place to find a variety of great pubs.

He said: “My favourites are The Old Mill Inn, Victoria’s and The Auld Smiddy Inn.

The Old Mill has a great setting, with a watermill outside and a nice beer garden.

The Auld Smiddy is a traditional pub with great food and a kids’ menu. There’s also the inn at the Moulin Hotel, which has a traditional brewery and cosy fire.”

Best for families

Adele Murray, a Scottish blogger originally from Aberfeldy in Highland Perthshire, says: “One of my family’s favourite pubs is Ailean Chraggan – or “The Crags” as locals call it – in Aberfeldy.

“It’s great for families, with a beer garden and outdoor play area. The Scottish Mussels are delicious and come from the west coast (£9.50 as a starter, £18.95 as a main), but I’ve also eaten pigeon and duck here – the food is great.”

The children’s menu includes garlic ciabatta (£3.50), mac and cheese (£6.25) and more.

Meanwhile, The Tree House in Ayr is a good option for families, with a genuinely good children’s menu and a laid-back vibe.

They also offer activity packs to keep kids entertained, and regular offers like steak nights for less than £15.

Best place for whisky tasting

The Scottish Sun Travel Editor, Heather Lowrie recommends The Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry, the Highlands.

She said: “It’s one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland.”

One-hour tours cost from £19. Heather added: “Blair Castle, home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries with its spectacular grounds, is just seven miles away and worth a look.

“You can even go segwaying there with Segway Ecosse and take in Hercules Garden, Diana’s Grove and St Brides Kirk.”

Further north, Lossiemouth in Moray is another good option for sampling the country’s finest malts, with plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants in the town.

Heather said: “Whisky drinkers will love it as it’s in the famous Speyside whisky area, and close to a few of Scotland’s most famous distilleries including Glenfiddich, Macallan and Tamdhu.” 

Best restaurant

Overlooking the Moray Firth, Sun Dancer is a modern bar and restaurant – the perfect place to watch the sunset beside a panoramic window.

Make the most of one of the offers, like “boozy brunch” Saturdays (£35pp for two courses and four cocktails, pre-booking essential).

Meanwhile, The Bistro in Ayr is a traditional Scottish restaurant that is highly rated for its dishes, which range from duck leg croquettes (£7.95) to hand-pressed burgers (£16) and butcher’s cut steak.