Eastern Europe has, over the past decade, emerged as a premier destination for stag dos and other holidays for boys. Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary combine several key virtues: they’re inexpensive, they’re relatively nearby, and they’re culturally quite close to the UK, which means that there’s plenty of scope for alcohol-fuelled nights out.
If you’re considering a trip to Bulgaria, then you might be interested in research by Hoppa, which has uncovered some of the cheapest and most expensive holiday destinations in the world. With its help, we can pinpoint exactly where Bulgaria stands relative to its rivals.
Price of Alcohol
One of the most often-quoted metrics when it comes to the price of a holiday is how much beer costs. Well, in Bulgaria, the figure is around £1.34 per pint for the cheapest brand. This compares well with just about everywhere in Europe; it’s better than you’ll find in the Ukraine (£1.47), but not quite as impressive as in the Czech Republic (£1.18). If you don’t much like beer, then you’ll be pleased to learn that a bottle of supermarket wine can be had for £5.67.
Price of Transport
Another cost that has a habit of remaining hidden until midway through the holiday is the cost of a taxi ride. This means transfers to and from the airport, but also regular trips around town. In Sofia, you can expect to pay around £3.81 per five-mile taxi trip. Split the cost with a gang of mates, and the price soon dwindles into relative insignificance.
Price of Everything
So, what happens when you factor in everything? The total they’ve arrived at for an average day is around £106.38. This will get you a meal for two, a few drinks, and a Big Mac for lunch. It doesn’t include flights, and your mileage will vary considerably depending on your behaviour once you’re out there. With that said, it’s significantly less that one you’d spend in other major European nations.
What can you do in Bulgaria?
Of course, there’s no point in saving money on your holiday if your holiday doesn’t turn out to be enjoyable. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of distractions on offer in the country. Those with an interest in history might check out the ruins at Nessebar, where you’ll get a pleasant combination of archaeological interest and welcoming restaurants. On the other hand, there’s the Rila Monastery, which was founded in the 10th century by St. John of Rila, and is now a World Heritage site.
