With July just around the corner, and many of us realising we're up for a well-deserved, last-minute holiday, where are the best places to go on a budget? The recession has shaken the tourism world up in the past year and although it may not be quite as easy as previously to find cheap flights and budget breaks, there is still a wealth of choice out there and some surprising deals.
Some of the best places to head off to in July are not destinations you would immediately think of, but this is part of their charm.
While the rest of the world jets off to the typical tourist areas, you will be able to enjoy your little piece of heaven in relative peace! In part one of this five-part series, I will show you some of the hottest holiday destinations for July.
Croatia Croatia is a beautiful country slowly gaining popularity in the tourism market.
Prices are still relatively cheap and hotels can easily be booked for 30 Euros per night or less (about 220 Croatian Kuna).
Restaurants are also varied and inexpensive.
The weather is also glorious in July, generally hovering in mid 20s (about 74 celcius), although it can be hotter.
The capital city, Zagreb, is a flourishing metropolis that attracts half a million tourists yearly with a thriving nightlife and fantastic infrastructure, including a tram and subway system.
Numerous boutiques and restaurants line the streets, many offering traditional Croatian products, such as crystal, ceramics, top-quality wines and cheeses.
Croatian cuisine includes several famous dishes, including kremsnite (custard slices in flaky pastry), orehnjaca (a type of traditional walnut roll) and duck or goose with mlinci (a kind of pasta).
There is also a thriving international scene should you fancy Italian, Japanese or simply fast food! The city is comprised of a historical district and newer areas.
The historical part of the city to the north of Ban Jelacic Square is composed of the Kaptol and Gornji Grand, a medieval urban complex of palaces, museums, churches, galleries and government buildings that are popular among tourists on sightseeing tours.
The historic district can be easily reached by foot, starting from Jelacic Square, the center of Zagreb, or by a funicular on nearby Tomiceva Street.
If a city break holds little interest for you, why not simply skip Zagreb and head towards the stunning beaches along the Croatian Adriatic Coast or one Croatia's charming historical towns, such as Zadar or Dubrovnik.
Seeing as the Croatian coast stretches for almost 1,800 kilometres, you're spoilt for choice! Several of the top beaches are Lanterna Beach, which is top for swimming enthusiasts, the romantic, secluded Koralj Beach and Girandella Beach.
All are beautiful, clean and have ready access to accommodation, restaurants and holiday activities.