Albania has topped a list of the cheapest countries picked out by a money saving expert – with daily costs coming out at a mega cheap £22.

A deal hunter has compiled a rundown of nine countries that are often overlooked by mainstream tourism.Jason Higgs, senior deals strategist at Bountii, picked nine countries that he says provide exceptional value for money – with the Balkans country coming out on top.

He said that daily costs in Albania are as low as $30 (£22.53) but boast stunning mountain landscapes, charming coastal towns and a rich cultural heritage that toursist adore. 

A beer is priced from £1.07, a coffee is roughly £1.50 and groceries are around 40 percent cheaper than in the UK. As well as its impressively low price point, Albania boasts stunning landscapes, sparkling seas and quiet coves perfect for sunbathing and relaxing.

From the historic city of Berat to the picturesque Albanian Riviera, Albania offers a wealth of experiences at a fraction of the cost of its European neighbours. 

Jason says: “In Albania, you can expect to spend between $30 and $40 on average daily, including accommodation, transportation, and food. Meals of delicious Mediterranean cuisine like lamb, cheese, and seafood are very inexpensive.”

Flights to Albania leave daily from major airports across the UK – and is just a three hour flight away.

But it might not remain under the radar for too much longer – with new research finding that the southeastern European country is “in demand” destinations for UK travellers.

The analysis of Google search terms revealed “Holiday Albania” made up 37,583 monthly searches on average – beating Spain, Portugal and Iceland.

Next on the list is Bhutan – known for its unique culture, stunning Himalayan landscapes – followed by Bolivia in South America.

Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia, Gabon in West Africa, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Sri Lanka are next on the rundown. Nicaragua, in central America, and Montenegro round off the list.

Jason added: “By venturing off the beaten path, travellers can stretch their budgets further while enjoying authentic interactions and avoiding overtourism. Moreover, choosing these destinations often means supporting local economies that benefit greatly from tourism. 

“As we see a shift in travel preferences post-pandemic, with more people seeking meaningful, sustainable experiences, these budget-friendly countries are perfectly positioned to meet that demand. 

“Remember, the most memorable travel experiences often come from unexpected places, and these hidden gems prove that unforgettable adventures don’t have to come with a hefty price tag.”