'Bang for your buck-et list' - 7 affordable alternatives for dream holidays

With 2023 being the year of pent-up travel aspirations, but cost of living keeping consumers mindful, we wanted to share a list of better-value alternatives, that give you what you’re looking for, but at a more reasonable price point.

Aspiring to island-hop around Greece? Why not try island-hopping around the Islands of Guernsey instead? Always wanted to dive in the Great Barrier Reef? Israel’s Red Sea resort of Eilat provides some of the most bountiful tropical waters to quench that thirst. Dreaming of whale-watching? Think of Whale Heritage Site Tenerife before you think of South Africa or Canada. Always wanted to stay in an over-water Maldivian villa? How about a lake-side villa in Mexixo, at a premium all-inclusive?  

'Bang for your buck-et list' - 7 affordable alternatives for dream holidays

Swap Great Barrier Reef diving for the Red Sea seaside resort of Eilat 

Eilat can be found nestled on the cusp of the Red Sea and wedged in between the Eilat Mountains. As Israel’s southernmost city, Eilat is a versatile destination offering an activity or ancient site to match everyone’s tastes. With its year-round sun and warmth, it’s the perfect mid-haul winter getaway with something for everyone, competing with the likes of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

The southern Port of Eilat is definitely one for the bucket list as it is frequently described as a diving paradise. Whether a complete novice or a seasoned expert, the warm waters, clear visibility and marine life of the Red Sea makes this a spot a worth visit for any diving fan, marine explorer or sea lover. The Dolphin Reef, just off the Taba Road, is perfect for a day trip, offering visitors the chance to swim or snorkel with a group of friendly bottlenose dolphins. Also on offer, are a variety of water sports and adventure activities, from snorkelling, parasailing, water skiing to kayaking and wind surfing.

Yam Suf Isrotel, Eilat

This luxurious hotel with views of the Edom Mountains and the crystal blue waters of Eilat provides the perfect luxury break for divers. With a large professional diving school offering courses for divers of all levels, the hotels perfect location, just next to the Coral Beach Nature Reserve, provides a marine-life paradise.

Rooms start from £94 per person (bed & breakfast. For more information, please see here. For more information on Israel, please visit here.

Always wanted to fulfil a Mamma Mia fantasy island-hopping around Greece? Try the Islands of Guernsey instead

 Whilst you may associate island hopping culture with Greece or the Balearics, why not enjoy a more affordable option and explore island hopping closer to home. Located just a 30-minute flight from London the plethora of turquoise coves and sandy beaches spread across the collection of islands make the Islands of Guernsey the new must-do island hopping journey of 2023

• Guernsey – Your steppingstone to its surrounding neighbours, this 25sqm island is ample with invigorating wellness and adventure activities, whilst also abundant in fine dining choices. From surfing the shores of Vazon Bay to a Stand-up Paddleboard yoga session, and home to a multitude of golf courses, there’s something for every kind of traveller
• Alderney – Just an hour by ferry from Guernsey, Alderney is home to 2,000 acres of wetland, woodland and grassland, teeming with wildlife both on and off-shore. Visitors can partake in one of the many walking, cycling or boat tours that take you around the island
• Sark – A 45-minute ferry ride, Sark is one of the few remaining places in the world where cars are banned from roads. The crown jewel of the Channel Islands, expect spectacular scenery from coastal clifftops and horse-drawn carriage rides through the picturesque landscape
• Lihou - A tidal island situated off the west coast of Guernsey, Lihou is only accessible via a quarter-mile causeway at low tide. Just 36 acres in size, the island is mostly dedicated to the preservation of rare birds and plants.

3 nights at Grange Lodge Hotel begin from £419 per person (B & B, ferry from Poole included)

 For more information, please click HERE. 

Over-water villa in the Maldives? Try a lakeside bungalow in Mexico

The tranquil, adults-only TRS Yucatan Hotel in Mexico’s Riviera Maya is surrounded by luscious mangroves and a powder-soft private beach. Designed with couples in mind, the resort’s lakeside Bungalows make for the perfect all-inclusive tropical getaway. A more affordable alternative to most over-water villas in the Maldives, these thatched-roof cabins still offer total privacy coupled with 24-hour personalised butler service.

Backing on to the water and complete with their own hammock, Mayan shower, and jetty, guests can peacefully navigate the resort in their own gondola. By day, they can enjoy live music at Helios Beach Club, unwind with a massage at the spa, or take a dip in one of two ocean-front infinity pools. By night, they can tuck in at nine different à la carte restaurants or order room service to the bungalow for no additional charge.

Romance Bungalows by the lake from £497 a night, based on two adults sharing on an all-inclusive basis with 24-hour butler service. https://www.palladiumhotelgroup.com/en/hotels/mexico/rivieramaya/trs-yucatan-hotel

Whale watching in South Africa? Visit the first Whale Heritage Site in Europe, Tenerife 

All-inclusive hotel, Landmar Playa La Arena, based on the southwest coast of Tenerife, offers couples indulgent spa sessions and delicious à la carte dinners. Its Platinum Club service is an elegant adults-only space providing special access to the Infinity Pool and Jacuzzi in the Platinum area, with the best views of the Atlantic Ocean. Adults have access to a fully equipped fitness centre, tennis courts and archery range, and a diverse programme of other activities.

Landmar Hotels, allow guests to book a diverse range of experiences through the hotels, such as an incredible whale watching experience on a luxury boat. The whale watching season in Tenerife lasts all year round, with sightings of pilot whales and dolphins almost guaranteed, but the best time to go is during winter and spring as it is possible to spot humpback whales and sometimes blue whales or fin whales. The tour takes place within a 22km stretch of the southwest coast of Tenerife that has been named a Whale Heritage Site, as it is home to the largest resident population of pilot whales in the world. Other activities bookable through the hotel include stargazing in Teide National Park and excursions to Santa Cruz, Taganana or La Laguna to make the romantic getaway extra special.

Booking.com offers a 4-night stay at Landmar Playa La Arena for two adults in a standard room on an all-inclusive basis included at £554pp (based on 17 February departure). Includes flights

Archaeological tours in Cairo? Try Lorca, Spain instead

Listed as an area of artistic and historical importance in 1964, Lorca, a city that lies to the south-west of Alicante is brimming with archaeological delights. From Palaeolithic times through to the Roman era and Moorish rule, Lorca was home to a wide range of cultures and settlers, visible from historic remains such as the 15th century synagogue found during the construction of the Parador de Lorca – an art-deco inspired hotel located in the grounds of the castle of Lorca. To learn more about the city’s historic past, stay at the Parador de Lorca and book a free guided tour accompanied by King Alfonso X “The Wise”, available exclusively to guests, every Sunday morning.

Stays at Parador de Lorca start at £85 per night, on an accommodation only basis. For availability and bookings, visit: https://paradores.es/en/parador-de-lorca

Honeymooning in Santorini? Try the more affordable Greek Isle of Tinos

Take to the other side of the Cyclades to visit Tinos, a relatively untrodden counterpart to Mykonos, to beat the honeymooning hoards and hop to a Greek island that’s twice as beautiful. Home to some 40 whitewashed, historic mountain villages, untouched sandy beaches and turquoise waters, Tinos is perfect for days spent lazing under sycamore trees, tasting local delicacies, and exploring the island’s traditional marble carvings together. For the perfect honeymooning retreat, book a stay at Lobster House Tinos. By day, guests can visit nearby restaurants, bars and historical sites of bustling Tinos, or soak up the sun at the picture-perfect Pachia Ammos Beach, before returning for wine accompanied by first-class sunset views – courtesy of the holiday rental’s generous glass windows, bright balconies and comfortable outdoor seating area.

Stays at Lobster House Tinos start at £204 a night, on an accommodation only basis. For availability and bookings, visit:: https://www.travelstaytion.com/rooms/270193#

Scandinavian saunas? Icelandic igloos? Try Suffolk’s very own Blythe Rise Stays

For those looking to immerse in ‘hygge’ and relax the Scandinavian way, escape to Blyth Rise Stays for an authentic Scandinavian sauna experience – no flight required. Blyth Rise Stays is a family-run, adults-only, lake-side retreat in the heart of Suffolk. Stylish wooden lake lodges and unique woodland igluhuts are set around a lake on ten acres of beautiful land, which has been lovingly planted with trees, shrubs and flora.

Blyth Rise Stays’ on-site saunas are the perfect place to thaw your mind and body after a long cold winter. Nowhere is more conducive to relaxation than one of the two on-site iglu saunas. Each sauna has space for up to six people and has its own separate changing area. With a beautiful birch wood exterior, the secluded sauna experience is nestled and hidden amongst the woodland and surrounded by natural willow screening for full privacy. After a long relaxing sauna session return to your one-of-a-kid igluhuts.

Cosy and quirky, the six woodland igluhuts are a perfect getaway for couples or solo travellers looking to escape into the colourful countryside. These unique cabins are stylishly decorated ensuring comfort is key. Each igluhut features a king-sized bed, stylishly furnished living area, a fully functional kitchen, and ensuite bathroom.

Reopening in March, Blyth Rise Stays offers a three-night stay in their Alder igluhut for less than £75 per person per night: https://www.blythrisestays.co.uk/book