(Lonely Planet)

Best budget holiday destinations: From Tunisia to Romania

Taking accommodation, transport and entertainment costs into account, here are the best value travel destinations around the world

Wednesday 22 October 2014 11:53

Tunisia has been named as Lonely Planet’s best value travel destination for 2015.

As the tourism industry begins to recover since some travel warnings have been dropped, the North African destination offers beautiful beaches, as well as cheap and reliable public transport. Its modern capital Tunis also reflects its long Ottoman history, and there are Roman remains dotted around the North to be explored.

European destinations Portugal and Romania both place in the top ten, which Lonely Planet compiled by looking at factors such as accommodation and transport costs, as well as the average price for eating out and shopping. The new book, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2015, also revealed the best cities and countries around the world to visit in 2015.

With the popular Shanghai featuring in the list, as well as the lesser known Burkina Faso, scroll through the gallery to find out where to get the most pizzazz for your pound around the world.

Best value holiday destinations around the world

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1/10Best value holiday destinations around the world

Low prices are likely to tempt back tourists to North Africa’s most compact package. Fewer crowds will a more rewarding experience, whether visitors stay in cosmopolitan Tunis, or head for the Saharan Star Wars.

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Whether it's wonderful wildlife watching, bargain public transport or free entry to museums, currency fluctuations mean that South Africa is more affordable for many than it has been for years.

China’s most famous coastal city has remained affordable for budget travellers. Accommodation can also be a bargain, as can street food.

This undeveloped tropical paradise offers cheap, family-owned beach hut accommodation. Visit the markets of capital Apia– especially Maketi Fou - for souvenirs and street food.

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With backpacker-friendly beachside bungalows, reasonable costs for food and transport, Bali is perfect for mid-range adventurers who prefer air conditioning and spa treatments.

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Both underrated and affordable, Uruguay’s sandy coasts are a better-value choice for a trip into South America than Brazil. There’s even a Fray Bentos museum.

This surf and family-friendly European destination is great value, and Lisbon is set to get a whole lot more accessible as Ryanair will soon fly to the capital.

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While hotels are a big expense, dorm beds and homestays are great value in Taiwan and camping is common. Rail passes are also cheap, as is admission to many attractions and temples – not to mention the food.

Eastern Europe is often good value for money, but Romania is now better connected to the rest of Europe by budget airlines. Accommodation in Bucharest is cheap in summer, and there are spectacular castles to explore.

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This little known country in West Africa boasts fantastic markets, friendly locals, a lively arts scene in its capital Ouagadougou - plus affordable wildlife-spotting in the south.

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Images: Lonely Planet

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