Best affordable bucket list trips
Dreaming of ticking off that once-in-a-lifetime destination without draining your savings? From legendary cities to paradise beaches, here’s how to make your bucket-list summer escape affordable – without compromising on the experience
08/04/2026
Words: Madévi Dailly
There’s a special thrill that comes from finally booking that trip – the one you’ve been daydreaming about for years. We’ll let you in on a little secret: the most coveted destinations aren’t always the most expensive ones. With smart timing, thoughtful planning and the right flight-and-hotel combinations, the world’s most desirable destinations might just be closer than you realise.
Ravdoucha Beach on the Rodopou Peninsula in Chania, Crete (Jacek Kloskowski)
The Greek classic: Crete, Greece
The largest of the Greek islands, Crete packs in the best of the Mediterranean, including ancient ruins, dramatic gorges and turquoise coves. Despite its scale and diversity, it remains excellent value; there’s a boutique stay and tucked-away taverna for every budget. With BA Euroflyer adding two more weekly flights to Chania from Gatwick from 30 April 2026, travel is competitively priced, as is car hire for seeking out ancient olive groves and hidden beaches.
Hot tip: Locking in a flight-and-hotel package early – especially during the school holidays – is the savvy way to secure a blissful summer odyssey.
Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech
The exotic escape: Marrakech, Morocco
Just a three-hour flight from the UK, Marrakech delivers full sensory immersion thanks to budget-friendly riads, spice-scented souks and soul-soothing hammams. It’s no wonder designers have flown here for inspiration since the 1960s. Yves Saint Laurent’s Jardin Majorelle, with its cobalt blue walls and soaring cacti, is worth the trip alone. Come dusk, wander the Medina for streetside snacks and bargain buys, as the call to prayer echoes across the historic Jemaa el-Fnaa central square.
Hot tip: Make time for a few nights in the Atlas Mountains, where the temperatures are noticeably cooler and affordably luxe resorts come with pampering spas.
The Great Sphinx of Giza near Cairo (Matt Dutile)
The ancient wonder: Cairo, Egypt
Little can prepare you for the jaw-dropping scale of the Pyramids of Giza, rising from sunbaked sands improbably close to the thrum of Egypt’s capital. Summer’s high temperatures keep the crowds at bay. Visit at dawn, when the desert air is still cool, then browse thousands of pieces from boy king Tutankhamun’s tomb in the airconditioned comfort of the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Hot tip: Favourable exchange rates mean British tourists are in for a treat here. Book a holiday package in a five-star Nile-view hotel for less than a European city break.
Classic Basque pintxos in San Sebastián (Raquel Guiu)
The foodie pilgrimage: San Sebastián, Spain
One of Spain’s most picturesque cities pulls off a remarkable double act, as both a serious beach destination and a city break with second-to-none food credentials. Short-haul flights mean you can splurge on eating out – even Michelin-star experiences are surprisingly good value. By day, drift between swims at La Concha and long, leisurely lunches. By night, sample anchovies, cod pil-pil and baked spider crab in the Old Town’s atmospheric pintxos bars.
Hot tip: Visit mid-week and you’ll find quieter beaches, better hotel rates and a more laid-back tempo.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the Côte d’Azur (Peter Bagi)
The Mediterranean getaway: the French Riviera
From Cannes to Saint-Tropez, the Côte d’Azur has been drawing in artists, film stars and the yachting set for centuries. Today, its rugged cliffs, secluded coves and ethereal sunsets are accessible to all. Flying into lesser-known Toulon – a charming, historical town in its own right – can save a pretty penny compared to ever-popular Nice. When it comes to hotels, look for inland bargains in scenic spots such as Eze or Biot: you could bag serious savings.
Hot tip: Make sure to catch the train down the coast. It’s cheap, scenic and connects you to some of France’s most photogenic towns with ease.
The Empire State Building framed by the pylons of Manhattan Bridge. Opening image: the New York City skyline seen from the Top of the Rock (Nicolas Quiniou)
The iconic metropolis: New York City, USA
New York is at its sultry, cinematic best in the summer, when the promise that anything is possible hangs in the hot and humid air. The season brings rooftop bars, Shakespeare in Central Park’s Delacorte Theatre, and lingering sunsets best viewed from Top of Rock. Sure, you’ll need to flash the cash for this heavyweight city’s best shows, shops and dining spots, but its greatest pleasures – neighbourhood wandering, gallery hopping and people-watching – are largely free.
Hot tip: Fares to New York are competitive, thanks to multiple flights each day. Part-Avios payments and Midtown hotel deals can help keep costs down, too.
The sun sets over a Barbados beach
The ultimate beach paradise: Barbados
While crowds flock to the Mediterranean in the summer, in-the-know beach-lovers should make a beeline for Barbados. It may be the start of the wet season, but rain usually comes in short, cooling tropical showers – leaving plenty of sun-drenched hours to make the most of the island’s heavenly coast. Take advantage of good-value flight and hotel deals to catch the Crop Over festival, a riotous celebration of calypso and soca music and culture.
Hot tip: Visiting in the summer means calmer Caribbean waters on the west coast, creating mirror-like conditions that are perfect for paddleboarding or swimming in the crystal-clear bays.
