With the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe celebrating the return of light nights now we have entered daylight saving, it very much feels like summer is right around the corner.

There is plenty to get excited about this year, with expected temperatures on course to break records and the 2024 European Championships following the end of the Premier League season, as Gareth Southgate’s side look to win England’s first trophy since 1966. Throw in Wimbledon and The Olympics in Paris and you have a great summer on the horizon.

Those who might not be into their sport, or may fancy a getaway from the pubs filled with white football shirts and a chance to catch up on Love Island, may be interested in a holiday. Even if money is a bit tight this year there are still several options to grab a flight and catch some much-needed sun and sea.

Timing is everything and if you work around the number of bank holidays and school term times you can grab yourself a bargain. With that in mind, let’s take a look at five budget holiday options for you and your friends to visit this summer. Read on to find out more.

Budapest - Hungary

Let’s start in Central Europe with Budapest - a hotspot for visitors due to its great weather, historic architecture, and fantastic nightlife. The Hungarian city has everything you need for a trip away, with sightseeing opportunities in the daytime, and cheap drinks when the sun goes down, as well as a range of nightclubs, bars, and events. Budapest is well known for its beers, which are some of the lowest in the world at just an average of €2.20. Accommodation is also very affordable, with a range of hostels if you are feeling social and want more friends to join your group.

Kavos - Greece

Over to Corfu now and one of the ultimate lad's holiday destinations in Kavos. The party village in one of Greece’s most popular islands is a great place to head for those looking to go out and drink, with a range of boat parties, swimming pools and club nights all at a fraction of the price of Ibiza. The best bet is to purchase a wristband so all your events are prepaid and the money saved is exclusively for food and drink, with week-long package deals as little as £350.

Benidorm - Spain

The seaside resort of Benidorm is the ideal destination for Brits looking for some summer sun on a budget. There is a great range of ages and after the ITV show that ran for a number of years, it has become a cult classic amongst locals that are heading for Spain.

Alicante Airport will get you a cheap flight and then you are just a short journey away from the beaches and famous nightclubs, including KM Playa, Pepes and Jokers. Those looking to shake off a hangover or test their luck should also check out Beniform’s Casino Mediterraneo, which features a range of table games and slot machines from Gambling.com's recommended UK casino operators as well as a poker table with regular tournaments.

Prague - Czech Republic

A great spot for every age group, as well as couples, Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic, known for its great restaurants and thermal spas, which are popular with both locals and tourists. From boozy beer bikes, where a guide will help you pedal along a tour of the city, to a sports bar that stocks the finest Staropramen, the local lager, the city also has two football teams whose pre-seasons will begin over the summer, providing you with a chance to watch some action at epet ARENA, which is also home to the Czech Republic national football team.

Milan - Italy

Believe it or not, Milan can be an extremely affordable trip if you can book around the plethora of cheap flights to Italy. On the right day you can reach Milan from as little as £9.99 each way, and hotels are also cheap and just a stone’s throw from anywhere in Lombardy. Want to see a bit more of Italy? Milan has fantastic rail links to Lake Como and Rome, both of which are much cheaper than train journeys in the United Kingdom and all possess some incredible views for the journey.

There is no reason why you have to stay at home this summer. With the right deals available and destinations across all of Europe accessible for a good price, get a group together and book a trip to make the summer of 2024 one to remember.