Top 10 Cheap Summer Holiday Destinations 2022

Dann Ball
Dann BallAug 10, 2022
Top 10 Cheap Summer Holiday Destinations 2022

It’s time for a summer vacation, you think to yourself. The only problem is, after two years of near non-existence travel opportunities, it seems the entire world has the same thought. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t still deals and gems to be found – and, of course, you could be earning Crypto Cashback at the same time.

For the price of a single meal in a top restaurant in New York, you can cover a whole day of exploring and sightseeing in affordable countries around the world. Discover our top picks of cheap summer holiday destinations for 2022 below. Now pack your bags, book that annual leave, and take a break without breaking the bank.

What to look for on a cheap summer holiday

There are certain factors that make some vacations more affordable than others. These factors include:

  • Accommodation type

Choose all-inclusive, summer holiday package deals or hostels over 5-star hotels and accommodation. These are often way easier on the wallet.

  • Travel time from home

Flying long-haul? The further you fly, the pricier flights can sometimes be. Stay local, though, and you might find flights aren’t as expensive. Our top tip is to set alerts on Skyscanner or Google Flights; they’ll monitor your flight and ‌email when the price drops.

  • Avoid the main holiday hotspots

Why choose Mykonos when nearby Paros is so much more affordable? Yes, sometimes it’s easy to get swept up in the Instagram videos and photos from holiday hotspots. However, you’ll often find alternative destinations offering similar scenery, culture, and vibe – but with cheaper hotels, food and transport.

Our top cheap summer holiday destinations 2022

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1) Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Mexico is a classic destination for cheap summer holidays; it’s easy to reach with regular reasonably priced direct flights. However, instead of following the crowds to Cancun, how about considering the Yucatan Peninsula?

There, you’ll find vibrant cities like Playa del Carmen, Merida, and Tulum that offer plenty of spots for snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming. Don’t forget to experience the exquisite local food, too, such as tacos, tortillas, and quesadillas, and soak up the inexpensive accommodation.

Our top tip? Visit the cenotes. They’re 100% worth seeing, and you can usually visit five for less than $20.

Where to stay:

Che Playa Hostel & Bar (3.6% Crypto Cashback) has our vote! It's right in Playa del Carmen’s city center, just a three-minute walk from the beach. You can stay in a dorm room for around $50 per night or book a private room for around $100.

It’s also adults-only and the perfect place to meet new people. At Hostel Che, you can explore throughout the day and take part in beer pong tournaments, happy hour, and karaoke at night. There’s an all-you-can-eat menu with tacos, pizza, and burgers, too. Sign us up!

2) Belize

The Maldives has featured on quite a few StormX travel lists thanks to its Insta-worthy scenery and luxurious setting. However, did you know ‌Belize is an excellent alternative if you’re after similar vibes but differing budgets? Yep, it’s got those inviting turquoise waters and over-water bungalows – but at a fraction of the price.

Flight prices from the US to this tiny Caribbean paradise average around $620, while hotel rates land at around $259. And once you’re there, you’re welcome to explore Belize’s wonderful biodiversity. Explore attractions like the world’s second-largest barrier reef, Mayan ruins, luscious rainforest, or the Great Blue Hole, the world’s largest underwater sinkhole.

Where to stay:

We love Lina Point Belize Overwater Resort (6% Crypto Cashback). It’s got those over-water bungalows you know and love from the Maldives (including sea-view glass floors), but at a completely different price point.

Stay here in early September for seven nights for just $893, including return flights from Boston to Belize City. Some hotels in the Maldives charge that for just one night!

3) Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic has already made the list of our top family holiday destinations for 2022. But it’s also a perfect choice for solo travelers and budget-hunting couples.

Punta Cana is the perfect option for beach chillouts. And, it’s bursting with unique experiences, authentic culture, and adventure tours. This classic beach destination offers the same sunshine, white sands, and salty turquoise waters as its luxury Caribbean counterparts. However, the price tags can be very different.

Where to stay:

Choose somewhere all-inclusive, and you usually bag more for your money. That’s because all-inclusive rates often include aspects like food and drink in the room's price. If you’re heading to Punta Cana, our top pick for somewhere cheap and all-inclusive is Punta Cana Princess All Suites Resort and Spa (6.3% Crypto Cashback).

It’s close to the beach (accessible directly from the resort), adults only, and includes a poolside bar and plenty of relaxation opportunities with a hot tub, steam room, spa, and sauna. There are also five restaurants onsite for you to indulge in after a day of snorkeling, swimming, and chuckling to yourself at finding a luxury holiday for next to nothing.

4) Phuket, Thailand

How about overlooking the beach for just $20 a night? That’s exactly what you can expect in Phuket, Thailand. This gem of Southeast Asia is full of quiet beaches, bustling nightlife, and everything you need for an incredibly cheap summer holiday.

Where to stay:

Thailand might be a backpacker’s paradise, but you don’t have to stay in a hostel if you don’t want to. In fact, how about if we said ‌you could stay at a 4-star hotel instead for just $27 a night? Stay at the Pacific Club Resort (4% Crypto Cashback) in Phuket, and that price point is perfectly possible.

This mountain hotel’s highlights include:

  • Rooftop terrace
  • Spa with Swedish massages, facials, and body wraps
  • Saneha Gardens restaurant serving international cuisine
  • Outdoor pool
  • 10-minute drive to the beach

No wonder it’s voted 9.6/10 on Hotels.com and listed as ‘Exceptional’. We don’t know about you, but we’re googling flights right now…

5) Vietnam

Experience incredible culture and stunning scenery in Vietnam, one of the cheapest countries in Asia. It’s also one of the best destinations on our list for low-price street food – we love that you can grab nutritious and delicious soup with rice, broth, noodles, and pork for just $1.50. Want a beer with that? You only have to fork out about $0.20 per glass.

Vietnam is fantastic for getting around for cheap. Just rent a motorbike or use GrabBike (the bike version of Uber). It’s as low as $0.50 for a 2km ride.

Long-distance trains and buses will also take you across the country for next to nothing. We highly recommend venturing to the town of Phong Nha. There, you’ll find an adventure spot worth seeing: the world’s largest caves.

Where to stay:

The Elwood Premier Resort Phu Quoc (5.5% Crypto Cashback) is a 4-star hotel on Phu Quoc Island. It features two outdoor swimming pools (one is 25m), an onsite restaurant serving delicious Vietnamese dishes, and an onsite bar. It’s also only a seven-minute drive to Duong Dong, the island’s main town, and the resort offers a complimentary shuttle bus.

So, how much would you expect to pay to stay here for one week? How about if we said just $235 for two people? Yes, for less than a pair of JBL Tour One True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones, you can kick back, relax, and enjoy the good life in Vietnam.

6) Lisbon, Portugal

We don’t know about you, but everyone seems to be splurging in Italy right now; our feeds are full of Aperols on the Amalfi Coast and travels around Tuscany. So, how about avoiding the crowds – and extortionate credit card charges – by trying Portugal instead this summer?

Flights to Lisbon cost way less than Tuscany – and you can explore other parts of the country for next to nothing. For example, we’re big fans of Porto – it’s a $30-train ticket from Lisbon and heaven for natural wine lovers.

Where to stay:

Like the sound of somewhere all-inclusive that serves waffles fresh from the oven every morning? We thought you might. Discover Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel (3.6% Crypto Cashback) in Lisbon. It’s just a few steps from Restauradores Square and Metro Station.

Inside the hostel, you’ll find bright, airy dorms with large windows and beautifully varnished floors. There’s also a communal living room, cocktail nights, and walking tours to join.

Prices start at just $140 for three nights. And solo travelers have voted Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel 9.8 for a one-person stay. Not too shabby!

7) Istanbul, Turkey

Without a doubt, Istanbul is one of the best value-for-money destinations on the planet. Set foot in this influential city and learn about its captivating history, indulge in Turkish cuisine, and discover the bustling bazaars with handicrafts and local trinkets.

Istanbul is perfect for those looking for a cheap summer holiday – but without having to slum it. A luxury hotel shouldn’t cost more than $150 a night, while budget hotels are a bargain at $20 per night.

Don’t forget to check out the sights of Istanbul, too. Our favorites are the Blue Mosque, Pamukkale’s white travertines, and the winding bazaars. All have reasonably priced entry fees, or you can join a walking tour for free.

Where to stay:

The Radisson Hotel Istanbul Sultanahmet (6% Crypto Cashback) incorporates historical Istanbul with delicious sea views for just $130 a night. This 3-star hotel features a waterfront terrace and two incredible restaurants with views of the Marmara Sea.

Dive into their breakfast buffet and indulge in an a la carte menu for lunch and dinner. And, when you’re done dining, explore the Blue Mosque (just 400 yards away) or the Grand Bazaar (a 10-minute walk).

8) Tallinn, Estonia

How about traveling to a UNESCO World Heritage Site? The Old Town of Tallinn, in Estonia’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning architecture, charming cobbled streets, and rich history.

Tallinn also offers the best value for money once you’re there. Believe it or not, TripAdvisor’s number one ranked restaurant offers lunch for just five euros Monday through Friday.

If you’re a nature lover, it’s possible to take day trips from Tallinn into Estonia’s stunning, affordable national parks. Hike, explore, and surrender to nature. This is a must if visiting Estonia – and hardly difficult when 53% of the country is covered in forest.

Alternatively, why not explore other capitals of the world and experience cheap summer holidays in Europe? For example, you can easily jump on a ferry to Stockholm, Helsinki, or even St. Petersburg from Tallinn – all for approximately $19 for a one-way ticket.

Where to stay:

Okay, we know the words ‘luxury’ and ‘cheap’ don’t tend to go hand in hand. However, we’ve found a luxury Superior Apartment WITH a sauna – for only $134 a night. It sleeps two people, so that’s only $67 per night each.

The Luxury Suites Sauna & Spa (3.6% Crypto Cashback) is located in the historic Old Town and features the use of a hot tub and sauna. The whole place also feels decadent (even if the price isn’t) with castle-like walls and luxurious wooden furniture (including a four-poster bed).

9) Bosnia & Herzegovina

Bosnia & Herzegovina is a story of two halves. This is where Eastern culture meets Western culture, and Austrian and Ottoman traditions mingle with Slavic splendor. There’s so much to see here, including stunning scenery, interesting architecture, and rich, historic quarters.

$50 per day is more than enough to get by in this Balkan country. That much will cover food and drink, accommodation, transport, and checking out the tourist attractions. One of our favorite spots is Mostar, a Medieval town. Did you know, Mostar’s iconic bridge was once a trade route, operating as far as Constantinople and Venice?

Where to stay:

Stay at Hotel Boutique 36 (6% Crypto Cashback) and experience an unreal deal! For $866, you’ll get return flights from Newark to Sarajevo and seven nights in this four-star hotel.

Hotel Boutique 36 is in an area bursting with natural beauty – head for Mt. Trebevic and Bosna River Spring to see what we’re talking about. Hotel perks include memory foam beds, 36-inch plasma TVs, and a breakfast buffet (for an extra $5).

10) Croatia

Endless beaches, yacht parties, island hopping, and adventuring might have you ready to dip into your savings. Go to Croatia, though, and you’ll find all you’ll be dipping into is the turquoise waters. This afforabdle country means your savings are safe!

Croatia is one of the Med’s top budget-friendly destinations. It’s also the perfect cheap destination choice if you’re a fan of waterfalls, culture, and architecture. Well, who isn’t?

Once you’re there, everyday prices are around:

  • $10-$15 per day for meals
  • $12-$15 per person for a ferry ticket
  • $20+ per night for accommodation, starting with hostels

Where to stay:

The Dots Hostel (6.3% Crypto Cashback) is one of the top-rated hostels in Croatia. However, it’s not all parties and dorms here. Instead, you’ll find spacious private rooms with large communal areas full of bright, natural light.

It’s in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, and is great to book for a night or two at either end of your trip or as a base while you explore different areas.

If nature is your thing, there are plenty of nearby natural sites. Our favorite is Plitvice Lakes National Park, which is full of stunning waterfalls and lakes, and only an hour’s train ride away. Trust us, this is an absolute must-see – not just in Croatia but in the world.

The Dots Hostel provides a scrummy breakfast and morning coffee in the cafe. There’s also a bar, lounge, and TV area. This hostel is perfect for opening your laptop, too. Free Wi-Fi allows you to check emails and earn more Crypto Cashback with your StormX app.

So, there we have it: a rundown of the cheapest holiday destinations this summer. If you have the travel bug, don’t forget to check out our other travel blogs – The Best Luxury Holiday Destinations in the World 2022, 12 Top All-Inclusive Weekend Getaways, and The 13 Best Family Holiday Destinations.