Off the beaten track: where you can holiday for less

Rome, Vienna and Barcelona are just some of Europe's hotspots, but travelling to lesser-known destinations like Nimes, Porto and Budapest could save you a fortune. Going off the beaten track usually means fewer crowds and in general cheaper food, drink and tourist attractions.

The money-saving team at promotionalcodes.org.uk have compiled a list of their ten most popular getaways – and their less expensive alternatives. They've calculated the average cost of a four-star hotel for two people in each location.

Find out how much you could save by swapping one place for another, which, in some cities, can be up to £100 per night...

For a historic trip: Athens versus Dubrovnik

ATHENS: £175 per night

DUBROVNIK: £109 per night

Culture vultures usually make a beeline for Athens, which is steeped in history and culture. But Dubrovnik in Croatia is a cheaper and more manageable city getaway. It's smaller and more quaint, and it's city walls are perfect for those looking to delve into the past.

Take a guided walking tour and finish the day in one of the cliff-hugging bars or restaurants. Or hop onto a boat and day trip to some of the other beautiful Dalmatian coast islands.

For a romantic break: Rome versus Nimes

ROME: £168 per night

NIMES: £74 per night

The South of France may be synonymous with luxury, but the city of Nimes in the in the Languedoc-Roussillon region is cheaper than Rome.

Whisk your loved one away for a romantic trip and save money while you're at it. It's a perfect way to fake the Italian capital due to the city's collection of Roman buildings, and even has a huge amphitheatre that could be mistaken for the Coliseum.

For a pretty city break: Vienna versus Budapest

VIENNA: £165 per night

BUDAPEST: £119 per night

If mooching around art galleries and soaking in the sights is your thing, ditch the Austrian capital and head southeast to Budapest. The Hungarian capital city has been up and coming in the past few years as the hottest new destination in Europe – get there while prices are still low.

Some of the top sights include the magnificent Royal Palace, the Basilica of St Stephen and the Great Synagogue, all in castle District.

After a day of sightseeing, rest your limbs in one of the several outdoor thermal baths.

For a Spanish holiday: Barcelona versus Valencia

BARCELONA: £188 per night

VALENCIA: £82 per night

Barcelona is the perfect city break, with its offers of shopping, sunbathing, partying, feasting on tapas and visiting art galleries. But to avoid the sky-high prices of the Catalan hotspot, try jetting off to Valencia instead.

The city is rich with history as well as having a world-class aquarium and zoo, while the streets are lined with beautiful orange trees, adding to the quaintness of the city.

For a boozy beer holiday: Munich versus Prague

MUNICH: £160 per night

PRAGUE: £120 per night

Whilst Munich plays host to the infamous Oktoberfest, those looking to save a few pounds would be better off visiting the Czech Republic capital. It has an illustrious brewing history along with the bonus that a pint in Prague is cheaper than a bottle of water.

Take advantage of the free walking tours, and don't miss a stroll along the picturesque Charles Bridge.

For adventure seekers: Interlaken versus Bled

INTERLAKEN: £244 per night

BLED: £118 per night

The snow-capped Alps of Switzerland are always a tempting draw, especially for the skiers, but the strong Swiss franc makes it a consistently expensive holiday spot.

For an adrenaline rush without the high bill head to Bled in Slovenia. The country is so tiny you can travel around but Lake Bled offers rafting, canyoning, hiking and more.

For the lap of luxury: Dubai versus Oman

DUBAI: £208 per night

OMAN: £137 per night

If the mystique of the Middle East is drawing you in but you're strapped for cash, head to Oman. This sun-soaked gem is just 350 miles away from Dubai but offers rich heritage and gorgeous hotels for a fraction of the price. You can also take boat rides and sleep under the stars while out at sea.

For a Portuguese getaway: Lisbon versus Porto

LISBON: £212 per night

PORTO: £173 per night

You can save on average around £50 if you choose to holiday away from a country's capital and this is a great example. Lisbon is perhaps the most popular place to visit in Portugal, after the Algarve.

But Porto, the country's second largest city, is cheaper and perfect for those partial to a tipple. It's home to port wine!

For a family beach holiday: The Canary Islands versus The Gambia

CANARY ISLANDS: £131 per night

THE GAMBIA: £89 per night

For a holiday that's fun for all the family, especially the parents' wallets, swap the Canary Islands for Gambia, West Africa.

It is the continent's smallest country but its beaches are perfect for lazy package holidays. For the sake of a longer flight you might be thankful.

For an Eastern European break: Krakow versus Warsaw

KRAKOW: £110 per night

WARSAW: £65 per night

Krakow is famed for its pretty squares and salt mines, but for fascinating museums and Polish cuisine, give Warsaw a try. The capital is bigger so works well for a longer city break.