We’ve put together a list of the top 20 best value destinations to travel to, via a budget flight from Luton airport. What could be more ideal than a cheap flight, plus a cheap hotel, in a gorgeous city?
So, choose your favourite and pack your bags for a weekend in Dubrovnik, Vilnius or even Zante.
20. From Luton to Dubrovnik, Croatia
Located along the Dalmatian Coast on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is a city straight out of a fairytale – or Game of Thrones, depending on your preference. Completely unique, Dubrovnik is filled with baroque buildings, marble streets and ancient city walls, all looking down upon the shimmering sea.
Explore the city’s many cultural offerings such as its museums and galleries, or simply meander the pavements trying local delicacies and shopping in the off-beat boutiques.
The average yearly hotel price in Dubrovnik is £87.
Top pick hotel: Valamar Lacroma
Valamar Lacroma has won the prestigious title of Croatia’s leading hotel several times now, and it’s not hard to see why. Surrounded by pine forests atop a cliff looking out to sea, the hotel boasts a large outdoor pool and relaxation area, leading into the sleek interiors of the lobby and hotel restaurant where you’ll find a bevy of gastronomic delights.
Each of the rooms are equipped with state of the art facilities, and if you are looking to splurge, then our tip is to book the Presidential apartment, purely for the plunge pool located on the balcony with ocean views
19. From Luton Airport to the Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve is a must for any sun-seeker or beach fiend. Spend your days exploring the coastline, surfing the Atlantic swell and eating fresh-off-the-line sardines.
There are plenty of activities alongside sun-seeking; spend your days playing on some of the world’s best golf courses, exploring ancient Moorish castles or hiking the breathtaking Via Algarvia trail.
The average yearly hotel price in the Algarve is £84.
Top pick hotel: Porto Bay Falesia
Porto Bay Falesia is located directly beside the sea, so you can easily flit from hotel to beach with minimal effort. The hotel is surrounded on three sides by verdant greenery, the red cliffs of the Algarve and the network of clear blue swimming pools snaking their way throughout the resort.
Whilst there, be sure to make the most of the spa and the stillness of the indoor pool, and sample some of the International flavours served at the Madeira restaurant.
18. Fly from Luton Airport to Paphos, Cyprus
Photo by Tobias Van Der Elst | (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Steeped in ancient mythology and dotted with rustic churches and castles, Pathos is a land for romantics with a sleepy harbour town, white sandy beaches and clusters of seafood restaurants.
Pathos’ place in history was perhaps cemented when Marc Anthony thought the place so fragrant, he gave it as a gift to Cleopatra.
The average yearly hotel price in Paphos is £79.
Top hotel pick: Amphora Hotel and Suites
A luxurious 4-star hotel, Amphora is located on a quieter corner of the island close to Paphos Castle and Paphos harbour.
If you are travelling with children, or simply want to re-live your youth, the Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark is also within easy reach. The hotel boasts a fitness centre, tennis court and large outdoor swimming pool.
17. Fly to Warsaw, Poland from Luton Airport
Warsaw differs from most of Poland’s cities in that it doesn’t centre around a market square. Instead Warsaw is a dynamic city with architecture that charts the decades gone by from restored gothic, to communist concrete and then sleek modern glass and steel.
Warsaw has suffered from some of history’s worst calamities, but this resilient city has always emerged from the ashes stronger and more diverse than ever.
The average yearly hotel price in Warsaw is £70.
Top pick hotel: The Westin Warsaw
Conveniently located in the centre of Warsaw, the Westin offers modern and stylish interiors with an on-site gourmet restaurant serving up nutritious and well-balanced meals.
Just a few steps away from the hotel is the Palace of Culture and Science, the Zlote Tarasay shopping mall and the main station and metro line, making it easy to get about the city.
16. Explore Riga in Latvia
Photo by Егор Журавлёв | (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Gothic spires, cobblestoned streets and colourful architecture all sum up the vibe of Riga. Go in winter and you’ll feel like you’re in a Christmas card, visit in summer and experience the laid back outdoor café culture.
Whilst there be sure to make the trip to the Jurmala sea resort where you’ll find pristine beaches and gorgeous sand dunes, all just a short drive away.
The average yearly hotel price in Riga is £66.
Top hotel pick: Wellton Riga Hotel and Spa
Located in the centre of Old Riga, the Wellton offers a romantic city break surrounded by the UNESCO World Heritage boutiques, restaurants, and bars that make up Riga’s old town.
The hotel spa features a pool, jacuzzi and sauna, and if you are looking to be pampered, special treatment rooms for massages and facials are also available.
15. Fly to Debrecen, Hungary, from Luton Airport
Photo by Attila Nóbik | (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Hungary’s second largest city after Budapest, Debrecen is associated with a sense of opulence and refinement and is the gateway to the ‘Great Plain’ of Hungary.
During the summer, frequent street festivals turn the city into a hub of music and dancing and the old-town is the setting of many a bar-crawl year-round. Whilst there be sure to visit the thermal baths for an authentic Hungarian experience that leaves you truly relaxed.
The average yearly hotel price in Riga is £65.
Top hotel pick: Boutique Regi Posta
The Regi Posta is a former post office; built in the 1690s, it’s one of the oldest buildings in Debrecen.
Combining a lively restaurant with upstairs rooms, each of the chic bedrooms at Regi Posta are decorated to make the most of the architectural features of the house, whether that be wooden beams, medieval light fittings, or large sash windows. The furniture all compliments the medieval style with four poster beds and large oak wardrobes making you feel as if you have gone back in time.
14. Fly to Corfu, Greece
Corfu is an island of untamed beauty in the Mediterranean. Sure, there are some big resorts, but for the most part the island still feels like you might be the first one to discover it.
Day trips from Corfu include seeing small fishing villages on neighbouring Islands, trekking in nearby Albania and boat trips to the stunning azure caves of Paxos.
The average yearly hotel price in Corfu is £63.
Top hotel pick: Govino Bay
A family hotel settled in front of Gouvia Bay, Govino Bay hotel is one of Corfu’s most exquisite resorts. The grounds are covered in lush greenery and gardens dotted with olive trees, palm trees and flowers, combined with the traditional Corfiot architecture, the effect is an idyllic Greek paradise. Choose between one or two bedroom apartments, or opt for your own spacious private villa.
13. From Luton to Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade is a city that is oozing coolness. Hipster bars, quirky cafes and plenty of great shopping, Belgrade is a centre for young people and is booming with life.
Don’t miss the old fort for amazing views over the city and river, and try to book yourself into a few high-end restaurants as the exchange rate works in your favour and the food and décor are always well worth it.
The average yearly hotel price in Belgrade is £62.
Top hotel pick: One Luxury Suites
Superior and deluxe rooms are very affordable and provide free Wi-Fi, hypoallergenic mattress, luxurious bathrooms, free tea and coffee machine, and of course, a minibar.
Located in the heart of Belgrade, most of the city’s attractions are accessible on foot, so that your trip can be completely relaxed and at your own speed.
12. Fly to Vilnius, Lithuania
Photo by Mantas Volungevicius | (CC BY 2.0)
The Grand Dame of baroque Baltic beauty, Vilnius is a charming city with long mid-summer nights and cosy, wintery evenings. The city features cobbled alleyways, artist workshops, orthodox churches and quirky restaurants serving up homely fare.
The city also boasts a historical side, many of the old Jewish quarters have been preserved and Vilnius is noticeably forging a new identity incorporating both past and future.
The average yearly hotel price in Vilnius is £62.
Top hotel pick: Apia
A family-owned boutique hotel, Apia offers the kind of attention to detail and dedicated service that larger chain hotels strive to match. Completely renovated in 2014 the hotel takes inspiration from the surrounding art galleries, fashion boutiques and famous cafés to create a style of refined ambiance with modern technology at its heart.
Situated in the heart of Vilnius’ old town, everything the city has to offer is right on your doorstep.
11. From Luton Airport fly to Crete, Greece
One of Greece’s most charismatic islands, Crete is a glittering affair of pink sand beaches, ancient monuments, verdant mountains, and plenty of lively local customs usually accompanied by dancing and much wine.
Explore the many beaches or head inland to find hidden gorges and sleepy villages with street cafes serving local delicacies dripping in fresh olive oil.
The average yearly hotel price in Crete is £61.
Top hotel pick: Royal Sun
Royal Sun is the ideal retreat for those looking for the summer holiday essentials – a large pool and a great restaurant. The hotel sits atop a hill commanding a view over the city’s rooftops and out across the sparkling Mediterranean.
A double room with a sea view offers a balcony, seating area, satellite television, refrigerator, and the all-important air conditioning for the hot summer months.
10. Fly to Gdansk, Poland
A port town in North Eastern Poland, Gdansk is the gem of the Baltics, filled with harbour-side medieval architecture and plenty of International influences. A stopping point for many wealthy merchants over the years, Gdansk has been imbued with characterful cafés, colourful boutiques, and museums full of bizarre curiosities.
The average yearly hotel price in Gdansk is £61.
Top hotel pick: Qubus Hotel Gdansk
Qubus is the perfect choice for a weekend break with your partner or family. The hotel offers attractive and comfortable rooms, plus an ideal downtown location, making it one of the city’s top hotels.
At the end of a long day of exploring, guests can enjoy the fitness centre, Finnish sauna and relaxation room, before heading down to the restaurant to sample some of the seasonal cuisine inspired by dishes from all over the world.
9. Flights from Luton to Larnaca, Cyprus
Photo by Sergey Galyonkin | (CC BY-SA 2.0)
A seaside town with dazzling beaches, Larnaca features parades of cafes and restaurants along the seafront, Byzantine churches, an old fort, and even a Turkish quarter featuring traditional arts and crafts. Stroll down the wide pavements at sunset down to the sea and enjoy a cold drink in one of the outdoor cafes.
The average yearly hotel price in Larnaca is £59.
Top hotel pick: The Josephine Boutique Hotel
A newly built hotel, The Josephine is just 50 metres from Finikoudes beach and its popular strip of restaurants and cafes. Each of the rooms are stylishly furnished with plush upholstery and floor to ceiling windows opening out onto the sparkling blue skies.
8. Fly to Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a gorgeous city, filed with dreaming spires, bohemian boutiques and exciting nightlife. Known to have some of the best beer in the world, and plenty of quirky bars to drink it from, Prague is ideal for those looking for a quick getaway with their mates. Budget prices in a city comparable to other European greats such as Rome, Paris and London, Prague is not to be missed!
The average yearly hotel price in Prague is £59.
Top hotel pick: Hotel Clement
Hotel Clement is a comfortable home from home, filled with smart and stylish rooms, complete with air-conditioning, mini bar and en-suite bathroom.
A modern colour scheme of black and red pervades all the rooms and some even have beautiful bay windows overlooking the rooftops of Prague. Located just a few short steps from Prague’s historic old town, Hotel Clement is the perfect place to base yourself for your trip.
7. Fly to Bourgas (Sunny Beach), Bulgaria
The first entry on our list from Bulgaria, Bourgas is best known for Sunny beach, a popular Black Sea resort. The five-kilometre strip of beach backed with high-rise hotels makes up Sunny Beach, and is perfect for a group of friends looking to spend their days in the sun and their evenings exploring the nightlife.
The average yearly hotel price in Sunny Beach is £57.
Top hotel pick: Cascadas Sunny Beach
A complex of serviced apartments, Cascada Sunny Beach offers wellness facilities including outdoor and indoor pools, hot tubs, a massage parlour and 2 indoor gyms. Each of the apartments are elegantly decorated with modern bathrooms and cooking facilities so that you are completely self-sufficient throughout your stay.
6. Flights to Sofia, Bulgaria, from Luton Airport
Sofia is a gorgeous city of onion-domed churches, yellow brick roads and vistas of snow-capped mountains off in the distance. Sofia’s residents are warm-hearted and happy to share the delights of their city with tourists.
For a culture fix, head to the Roman remains recently exhibited and preserved in the old city walls, before filling your afternoon with boutique shopping and dining at one of Sofia’s premier restaurants. With a favourable exchange rate, much of Sofia’s fine-cuisine scene and thumping nightlife is extremely affordable.
The average yearly hotel price in Sofia is £57.
Top hotel pick: Festa Sofia
Hotel Festa is located in Sofia’s business district with quick access to downtown. Inside, the hotel features plush furnishings, marble floors, and a large gallery-style lobby.
The rooms are all well-appointed and have either a view over the city or out to the Vitosha Mountains. In the evenings enjoy a night-cap in the Sahara Bar or treat your taste buds to Lebanese cuisine in the Restaurant Orient.
5. Explore Essaouira, Morocco
Photo by Jean-Marc Astesana | (CC BY-SA 2.0)
A coastal city in Eastern Morocco, Essaouira may seem familiar from HBO’s hit TV series Game of Thrones as the city of Astapor. However, if you are not an avid GoT watcher then don’t despair, Essaouira has much to offer anyone with an interest in history, wind surfing, art or mouth-watering food – so that covers most of us!
Explore winding lanes of fragrant spice markets, and wander along the Portuguese coastal fort for terrific views out over the sea.
The average yearly hotel price in Essaouira is £56.
Top hotel pick: Ocean Vagabond
Exuding a cool laid-back style, Ocean Vagabond hotel offers ten individually designed and well-appointed rooms, each with their own personality and feel. Every room has its own balcony overlooking either the sea or the walled gardens of the medina.
A splendid Master suite on the second floor also has views out over the fishing port. Enjoy classic Moroccan dishes in the hotel restaurant and stock up on food-for-the-day with a delicious breakfast of Morroccan pancakes, fresh squeezed orange juice and local yoghurt drizzled with acacia honey.
4. Fly to Zante, Zakynthos
One of Greece’s most popular islands, Zante is known for pure white sandy beaches, crystal clear Mediterranean water, bustling nightlife and delicious food.
The West of the island is covered with forested mountains dropping down to turquoise waters, whilst the eastern town of Zakynthos is filled with deep red bougainvillea and a bevy of restaurants serving up fresh seafood.
The average yearly hotel price in Zante is £51.
Top hotel pick: Sun Rise
A small family run hotel, Sun Rise is perfect for those looking for somewhere to lounge in the sun and relax by the pool. Uninterrupted sun bathing is facilitated by the pool bar serving snacks and cocktails all day so that there’s no need to leave your place in the sun.
Rooms are equipped with a balcony either facing the pool or the mountains, satellite plasma TV, fridge and hairdryer. Everything you could possibly need or want, within a budget!
3. Flight to Sibiu, Romania, from Luton Airport
At the forefront of Romania’s cultural scene, Sibiu is a city of aristocratic elegance, opera, theatre and film festivals, cafés spilling out on to the street and hipster bars filled with bizarre antiquities.
Located in Transylvania, Sibiu is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is therefore ideal as a base for exploring the rest of the fabled Transylvania region.
The average yearly hotel price in Sibiu is £48.
Top pick hotel: Villa Santa Maria, Sibiu
Cosy and secluded, this guesthouse is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for homely comfort and an excellent breakfast.
Staff are friendly and happy to give recommendations on places to visit in the town, and if you are travelling with children they are known to become besotted with the hotel dog, Bobi.
2. Fly to Varna, Bulgaria, from Luton Airport
Bulgaria’s celebrated beach resort, Varna is filled with soft white sands, great parties and historic sights. Located along the Black Sea coast, Varna is a hub of cosmopolitan beach-life within the Balkans.
Whilst you’re there be sure not to miss Bulgaria’s largest Roman Baths and day trips to charming towns such as Balchik.
The average yearly hotel price in Varna is £40.
Top hotel pick: Sirius Beach
Located directly on Sirius Beach, the resort is perfect for sun seekers looking for nothing more than a relaxing time close to the water.
This season sees the opening of the hotel’s new SPA centre and Balneology clinic where guests can treat themselves to massages and a variety of thermal treatments. The Balneology clinic can help with devising nutrition plans for complete wellness as well as consult on physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
1. Fly to Ohrid, Macedonia
Photo by Inge | (CC BY-ND 2.0)
A resort city on the shores of Lake Ohrid, this Balkan hub is filled with old-world architecture and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since the 1980s.
The city is built sloping down towards the lake, with countless beautiful churches dotted about the city, and topped off by the remains of a medieval castle. Take a boat out on the serene lake or enjoy freshly prepared local dishes in one of the lakeside restaurants.
The average yearly hotel price in Ohrid is £30.
Top hotel pick: Aleksander Villa, Ohrid
Located just outside Ohrid and less than 500 metres away from the cool still waters of the lake, Aleksander Villa and Spa offers the ultimate in relaxation. Spend your days relaxing by the outdoor pool, or being pampered in the spa.
If you’re feeling active you can always explore the surrounding Galicica National Park mountains, which provide the stunning back drop to the villa’s traditional white-washed exterior.