TikTok inspiring travel to the Southern Balkans

With Brits eager to go on holiday this year but budgets tighter than ever, data from travel app Hopper reveals savvy holiday-makers are swapping the staple locations Spain, Greece and France for cheaper, alternative options in Southern Balkans countries such as Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia.

Albania TikTok inspiring travel to the Southern Balkans Ksamil Beach, Albania

Trending TikTok hashtags are also helping to drive the rising popularity of alternative travel to the Southern Balkans, with countries like #Albania reaching 49.9B views on TikTok, overtaking #Spain - 49.6B, #Portugal – 47.6B and #Greece - 32.6B. #Montenegro is trending at 3.0B, #North Macedonia at 280M and #Balkans at 872M.

Sebastien Texier, travel expert at Hopper says:

"As budgets tighten this year, savvy holiday-goers are hunting down new locations to visit to guarantee sun and adventure. It’s no surprise to see travellers swap the hotspots - Spain, Portugal and France for hidden gems like North Macedonia, Albania and Montegrago that promise less crowds, beauty and beaches, but without the hefty price-tag.”

Ohrid North Macedonia TikTok inspiring travel to the Southern Balkans Aerial view of Samuel's at Fortress Ohrid North Macedonia

“The average flight from the UK to Albania costs £216, £243 to North Macedonia and £248 to Montenegro. If you’re flexible on dates to visit, the cheapest month to travel to all three countries is November and January. Unfortunately, even destinations off the beaten track see price increases during July and August with flights to Albania seeing an 83% increase, Montenegro rising by 32% and 46% to North Macedonia.”

“The trick to getting the best deal is knowing when to book, as dynamic pricing means flights and even hotels will change in price in the run up to your travel date. Some apps and websites let you set price alerts for the destinations and dates you’re looking to jet off to so you’ll always know when holidays are at their cheapest for your dates.”

"Being flexible with your holiday dates helps to bag a bargain. Using a travel app to check the dates for your destination could save you hundreds of pounds.”

Sveti Stefan Island Budva Montenegro

Data from Hopper reveals (based on departures from the UK):

Travelling to Albania costs on average around £216 but prices can vary depending on the month you travel.
For example, travelling in November or January (the cheapest months) costs on average £174 and travelling during summer, July, and August (the most expensive months), costs on average £318 which is an 83% increase.
Travelling to Montenegro costs on average around £248, but prices can vary depending on the month you travel.
For example, travelling in October, November, or January (the cheapest months) costs on average £228, and travelling during summer, July, and August (the most expensive months), costs on average £302 which is a 32% increase.
Travelling to North Macedonia costs on average around £243, but prices can vary depending on the month you travel.

For example, travelling in October, November, or January (the cheapest months) costs on average £214 and travelling during summer, July, and August (the most expensive months), costs on average £312 which is a 46% increase.

All images from Canva