The most affordable destinations for Easter break
The spring weekend season is in full swing, and the Easter break is fast approaching. With a craving for sunshine, many Swedes are already planning their spring getaways. FOREX’s latest City Index Spring 2025 ranks 83 cities worldwide where you get the most value for your travel budget—perfect for those looking to explore more while spending less. The list includes budget-friendly weekend gems in Eastern Europe, as well as long-haul destinations in Asia and Africa for those with a few extra days to spare.
Recently, the Swedish krona has strengthened against several major currencies. Since the beginning of the year, the krona has risen by over 10 percent against the US dollar—on which flight prices are primarily based—and has reached its highest value against the euro since February 2023. This increase will have a noticeable impact on your travel budget.
FOREX’s City Index Spring 2025 shows that in Europe you get the best value for money in Eastern Europe, where Bucharest, Sofia, and Tirana top the list. A weekend here costs just over half of what it does in Stockholm – without compromising on food, culture, or spring sunshine.
- For many, classic destinations like Paris and London remain the obvious choice, offering world-class shopping, Michelin-starred dining, and luxury hotels. However, price levels in popular metropolises such as New York, Paris, and Copenhagen reflect this. Meanwhile, several Eastern European cities provide equally rich experiences at a fraction of the cost. Destinations like Tirana, Albania, and Belgrade, Serbia, boast excellent food, fascinating history, and plenty of spring sunshine, says Tom Friberg, Communications Manager at FOREX.
Beyond Europe, Asia and Africa offer the most affordable options for weekend getaways or longer trips. New Delhi and Jakarta top the list of the world’s cheapest destinations, followed by Bangkok, Cairo, and Ho Chi Minh City. For those looking to step off the beaten tourist path, Dodoma—the capital of Tanzania—stands out as an unexpected yet budget-friendly choice.
- There are fantastic opportunities for those who can take a few extra days off – several cities in Asia and Africa have a price index below 40 and offer a lot of experience for your money – especially when it comes to food, accommodation, and transport, says Tom Friberg.
FOREX’s City Index is based on actual costs such as hotel stays, restaurant visits, and taxis in each city. The index makes it easier to compare destinations and plan your trip according to both budget and preferences. During spring weekends, demand increases, leading to higher prices for hotels and restaurants. The budget-conscious weekend traveler would be wise to look beyond the most popular tourist paths.
About FOREX City Index
FOREX City Index compares average prices for mid-range or three-star hotels, restaurant visits, and taxis from April 14 to April 21. The data comes from numbeo.com and trivago.se.
For more information, contact:
Tom Friberg
Communications Manager, FOREX
+46 70-20 13 000
tom.friberg@forex.se
About FOREX
Since its start in 1965, FOREX has been the Nordic market leader in travel currency and also offers travel insurance and credit cards. FOREX is in over 80 centrally located stores and the same number of currency machines across the Nordic countries.