Cheap as Trips: 7 Great Holidays for 2023 That Won’t Break the Bank

By Richard Jones

With Christmas done and dusted, many of us are now thinking about next year’s holidays. But after splurging in December and the cost-of-living crisis biting hard, maybe the last thing on your mind is shelling out yet more money on a trip away.

Recent research has suggested that one in three holidaymakers will be cutting back on holiday spending in 2023. But although we’re all tightening our purse strings, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the holiday you’ve worked hard all year round for.

If you’re looking for a destination that isn’t going to break the bank but still retains the elements you know and love, here are a few suggestions.

Family Break at Butlin’s

England’s legendary chain of seaside resorts is helping families navigate the testing economic landscape when by adding a record number of three or four-night £49 Showtime breaks for 2023. For that price, which works out at just over £3 per person per day, there’s accommodation, access to a wide range of activities, including soft-play centres, swimming pools with slides, flumes and rapids, and fairground rides. Plus, there’s multiple daily live shows at the ‘Home of Entertainment’ with family favourites including Peppa Pig, PJ Masks, Stephen Mulhern, Justin Fletcher and Mister Maker, plus West End-level productions, and year-round pantos like Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

For more information on holidays at Butlin’s UK resorts in Minehead, Bognor Regis and Skegness, go to: butlins.com.

Package Holiday in Turkey

From ancient temples and chic boutiques to bar-lined beaches and luxurious all-inclusive hotels, there are many reasons why holidays in Turkey are more popular than ever. However, its main attraction is the low cost. One of the largest cities on the Turkish coast, Antalya has a major airport, making it easy to reach from the UK visitors. Far from an urban jungle, the city is a relaxed coastal resort, offering historical neighbourhoods like the walled Kaleiçi and the dramatically mountain fringed expanse of Konyaaltı Beach. With shop and museums aplenty, it’s a great destination for family holidays.

Jet2holidays offers seven nights bed & breakfast at three-star Alp Paşa Boutique Hotel in Antalya from £369 per person based on two adults sharing. Price includes flights from many major UK airports, a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers. See jet2holidays.com.

Camping in Scotland

Described as one of the most beautiful gardens in Scotland, Glenwhan Gardens in Dumfries and Galloway overlooks Luce Bay and the Mull of Galloway, with clear views to the Isle of Man. Forty years ago, there was wild moorland, but now you can see glorious collections of plants from around the world. A luxury shepherd’s hut is nestled in the 12-acre ornamental garden, and costs as little as £64 per night for two adults. Up north, Wick River Campsite in Caithness has peaceful pitches on the banks of the river, just a 10-minute walk from the bustling town and within easy reach of John o’ Groats. It’s just £19 per night for a non-electric grass tent pitch (small) based on two adults.

To book these breaks and view over 5,000 campsites, glamping sites and holiday parks throughout the UK, Europe and the world, go to pitchup.com.

All Inclusive in Cuba

Cuba is one of the world’s most distinctive and remarkable countries. Think thick cigars, rum, salsa, images of Che Guevara in his black beret, and Cadillacs that sag on their suspension in the streets. A two-hour drive east of capital Havana is Varadero, a beach resort with a laid-back atmosphere. Most of the hotels are situated on the peninsula’s 20km-long coastline, where sunbathing on the seafront and snorkelling in the warm waters top the to-do list. Varadero also has plenty of sea-view bars and late-night jazz clubs to unwind in.

TUI offers seven-night holidays to Varadero, Cuba, staying at the four-star Playa Vista Azul from £1046 per person an all-inclusive basis. Price includes flights from Manchester in June 2023 and transfers. To find out more, go to tui.co.uk.

Cruise with Princess Cruises

After boarding the MedallionClass ship Enchanted Princess, you can sail from Barcelona, Rome or Athens, and enjoy Spanish tapas, Italian gelato and Greek souvlaki. On board the ship, there is the tranquil Sanctuary, a retreat reserved for adults, and Camp Discovery Youth Center and Teen Lounge. Plus, there are original musicals, dazzling magic shows, feature films in the cinema, top comedians and nightclubs, as well as innovative new dining options at the World Fresh Marketplace, International Café, Slice Pizzeria, Gigi’s Pizzeria and Salty Dog Grill.

A six-day France and Gibraltar tour in March, departing from Barcelona and with dockings in Marseille (Provence), Corsica (Ajaccio) and Gibraltar, is available from just £499 per person. For more information on Princess Cruises, go to: princess.com.

City Break in Greece

Piraeus is known as being the gateway to the islands of the Aegean, but you don’t want to scoot through too fast – over recent years this buzzing and vibrant neighbourhood has undergone a revival with hot hotels, restaurants and galleries opening. In historical times, Piraeus and Athens were seen as two separate places, but in recent years the areas have blended, and Piraeus has gained its own identity within the Greek capital. The Santikos Collection’s boutique hotel The Alex is located in Piraeus and has just 34 rooms and suites, as well as rooftop restaurant NEST.

Nightly rates at The Alex in Piraeus from £110 on a B&B basis. See santikoscollection.com/thealex
Jet2.com offers low fares, with a generous 22kg baggage allowance, to Athens from most major UK airports.

Skiing in the French Alps

Although ski holidays are notoriously expensive, there are a few bargains to be had if you shop around. Flying into Geneva, Switzerland, you have perfect access to the Alps, with ski resorts like Tignes, Flaine, Verbier, Zermatt and the Three Valleys a relatively short transfer away. Pierre & Vacances ski in, ski out accommodation Residence Le Quartz enjoys quiet surroundings while still being located near the centre of Belle Plagne close to the French resort’s shops, restaurants and entertainment. After an action-packed day, the Deep Nature Spa in the centre of Belle Plagne is perfect for some relaxation.

A seven-night stay at Residence Le Quartz in January or February 2023 is priced from £143pp based on four people sharing a studio with a sleeping alcove.
See en.la-plagne.com and pierreetvacances.co.uk
Jet2.com flies to Geneva from most major UK airports.