Simon Calder was speaking on ITV’s This Morning as he discussed different destinations for Brits to consider over summer – and one place stood out in particular for value
Travel expert Simon Calder has revealed the ultimate cost-effective hotspot for sun-seekers looking for a bargain break, tipping Bulgaria as a top budget-friendly summer destination. Simon waxed lyrical about the beauty spot, emphasising that savvy travellers can bask in all-inclusive luxury while enjoying prices reminiscent of a bygone era. “Bulgaria. It’s a great, great destination. Cheap as chips,” he raved.
“This is an all-inclusive favourite. Great long beaches and prices which are kind of out of the 1980s.” Reassuring that Bulgaria offers tremendous value, he said that it’s roughly a third of the cost compared to a holiday in Italy, with just a slight language challenge thrown into the mix.
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“It’s really cheap when you get there,” Simon declared. “So whatever you want, whatever you’d be spending in Italy for instance, you just divide it by three and that’s what you’d pay in Bulgaria.
“You’ve got to master the Cyrillic alphabet though. Back to front Rs and all that but it’s a three hour flight so just do that on the plane.”
According to Muveone, a pint of local beer in Bulgaria will only cost you around 3.00 BGN, which is roughly £1.50. The country offers popular destinations such as Burgas, a city on the Black Sea Coast.
It boasts stunning beaches and is just a short distance from the lively Sunny Beach – a favourite amongst young Brits. Visitors can also explore the city’s Sea Gardens, home to a vast array of sea plants from across the globe, designed by landscape artist Georgi Duhtev.
Alternatively, head to Lake Atanasovsko for a relaxing dip in its black mud pools for a natural yet luxurious spa experience.
Further south of Burgas lies the ancient seaside town of Sozopol. Here, the Old Town provides a glimpse into local history and the tranquil Kavatsite Beach.
Sozopol offers breathtaking views of the Black Sea, and tourists can take a boat trip to St Ivan Island to spot monk seals and birds.