Travel content creator Aarya Patil, 26, has built a reputation for curating luxury-looking experiences at budget-friendly prices. In an interview with Metro, she shares her top three destinations for travelers short on cash but craving new sights and sounds.
Montenegro: A Cheap Adriatic Gem
Montenegro, a small country on the Adriatic coast of southern Europe, welcomes 2.6 million tourists annually, making it relatively undiscovered compared to neighbors like Croatia. Aarya traveled there in September, during shoulder season, and stayed in Herceg Novi, a coastal town at the mouth of the Bay of Kotor and the foot of Mount Orjen. Dubbed the 'City of Sun,' it offered lower prices than touristy Kotor or Podgorica.
She paid around £60 per night for a beachfront apartment at the four-star Hedera Residences, while easyJet flights into nearby Tivat average £68. Aarya advises booking at least three months ahead for the best deals. She also recommends hiring a car—she paid about £100 for three days—to explore spots like the Budva Riviera, which boasts a 2,500-year-old medieval Old Town and sandy beaches, without summer crowds.
Albania: Affordable Alternative to the Maldives
Aarya suggests combining Montenegro and Albania into a 10-day road trip, noting that direct flights to Montenegro in peak season can be expensive (August one-way fares can reach £180), while flights to Albania are affordable year-round. For instance, on August 19, Wizz Air offers Luton to Tirana flights for £19.
In Albania, she based herself in Sarandë and Ksamil, a resort village inside Butrint National Park known for white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. 'Ksamil was chill, quiet, and felt expensive. It's a good option as it combines beaches, food, and bars,' she says. She stayed at the four-star Hotel Deneol for £51 per night, though rooms jump to at least £200 in July and August due to ocean views and a private beach. However, Metro's Travel Editor Alice Murphy warns that Sarandë has become a victim of its own success, with sprawling hotels and littered beaches.
Morocco: Rich Culture on a Budget
Aarya spent a long weekend in Marrakech and fell in love with the vibrant culture. 'There's something so magical about Moroccan streets—every corner feels like art, and every door looks like it belongs in a storybook,' she recalls. She explored traditional souks and stayed in riads, traditional houses with courtyards and fountains, which she recommends for an immersive experience. 'On arrival, you're served Moroccan tea, and breakfast and lunch are an immersive experience, surrounded by trees and birds chirping.'
In September, when daytime highs reach 33°C, easyJet offers fares from London Southend to Marrakech for £36. Aarya notes that premium cafes offer high-end feels at low prices. These three destinations prove that travel doesn't need to be expensive, offering rich experiences for budget-conscious explorers.
