Going back to work and facing reality again after some time off at Christmas can give even the most positive person cause to feel a bit down. It’s understandable, then, that the months after Christmas are some of the most popular times of the year to go in search of cheap holiday deals and give yourself an extra break this year.

But what about your bank account?

We all know that Christmas tends to be one of most expensive times of the year, and after splurging out on presents it’s unlikely you’ll have any spare cash to spend on an expensive holiday. The good news is that we’ve prepared a few tips to help you get a brilliant post-Christmas holiday experience without giving your wallet a kicking. Why not give one of the following cheap holiday destinations a try?

Krakow, Poland

Boasting bottles of beer for as little as £1.50, fantastic weekend accommodation for under £100 and a two-day travel card for a mere £6, you can live like royalty in Krakow for a very reasonable sum. Don’t mistake the cheapness of the holiday for quality, though; Krakow is packed full of incredible attractions and cultural hotspots that’ll leave you hungry for a return trip. From unique art museums and mystical castles to bustling markets and vibrant street art, Poland’s third largest city is a true must-visit for holidaymakers on a budget.

Wild camping, UK

Wild camping in the UK has exploded in popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. Stunning scenery, getting back to nature and the thrill of adventure make a wild camping holiday experience quite unlike any other – plus it’s pretty cheap. As long as the land isn’t owned by anybody and there aren’t any signs expressly stating that you’re not allowed to camp there, then you’re free to rock up, get a fire going and set up your tent for a night under the stars.

The only real cost of wild camping is that of your camping gear and supplies, but once you’ve bought what you’ll need you can re-use your equipment multiple times. In fact, you could probably have 3 or 4 wild camping holidays to one of these incredible spots for the price of one trip abroad.

Crete, Greece

If you’re looking to get away from the less-than-lovely UK weather, then look no further than Crete. It’s one of the hottest (and cheapest) places to visit in Europe between January and February, with an average temperature of around 17 degrees Celsius meaning you’ll be able to relax on the beach without fear of freezing. One of the larger Greek islands, Crete has a mixture of everything including great nightlife, stunning Mediterranean beaches and fascinating culture to explore. A great choice for both families and groups of friends.

Remember…

Wherever you decide to head off to (whether it’s one of our cheap holiday destinations or one of your own) remember that the Internet is your best friend when it comes to saving money. Why not check out some of the following sites to see how you could save even more off your total holiday bill?

Vouchercodes is essentially a hub where thousands of free vouchers are uploaded weekly for things like restaurants, technology, hotels and, most importantly, travel. A quick scan on their website could potentially save you hundreds, so it’s definitely worth checking out.

Another great way to save cash on your holiday cost is through skyscanner. Just choose your destination and how long you want to stay there for, and skyscanner will automatically find the cheapest flights and accommodation possible on the market. As well as being completely free, the website is supremely easy to use and doesn’t require any sign up.

If you’re likely to be spending most of your time exploring during your holiday, do you really need to book a hotel? Hostels are a fantastic alternative to hotels, and  cost a fraction of the amount a hotel does. You’ll also get a unique chance to meet other like-minded people on your travels. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, then check out hostelworld for free access to thousands of hostels around the globe.


Do you find that you put your holiday on a credit card? You’re not alone – we help 1000’s of people with credit card debt every year. If you are worried about your finances and wish to talk to someone, you can get free debt help online now. Alternatively, speak to a friendly PayPlan adviser on 0800 316 1833 .