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Simon Calder Shares 'cheap As Chips' Lovely Beach Destination With 1980s Prices

Burgas is one of Bulgaria's prettiest seaside towns (Image: Getty)

Simon Calder recently joined ITV's This Morning to share his thoughts on this year's cheapest summer holiday destinations.

The travel expert shared his favourite bargain Greek island and a budget destination in Spain.

But according to Simon, there's one beautiful European destination that's "cheap as chips" for budgeting Britons.

Simon said: "Bulgaria. It's a great, great destination. Cheap as chips. This is an all-inclusive favourite.

"Great long beaches and prices which are kind of out of the 1980s. It's really cheap when you get there.

Burgas is one of Bulgaria's best beach destinations (Image: Getty)

"So whatever you want, whatever you'd be spending in Italy for instance, you just divide it by three and that's what you'd pay in Bulgaria.

"You've got to master the Cyrillic alphabet though. Back to front Rs and all that but it's a three hour flight so just do that on the plane."

So where are the best destinations to visit in Bulgaria?

Sozopol is one of Bulgaria's prettiest seaside towns (Image: Getty) ‌Burgas

A city on Bulgaria's Black Sea Coast, Burgas has some incredibly beautiful beaches and it's just a stone's throw from vibrant Sunny Beach.

Visit the city's Sea Gardens to see a huge variety of sea plants from all over the world in a garden designed by landscape artist Georgi Duhtev.

Head to Lake Atanasovsko to relax in its black mud pools and enjoy a natural but luxurious spa experience.

Sozopol

An ancient seaside town just south of Burgas, Sozopol is one of Bulgaria's most famous seaside resorts.

Explore the Old Town for a taste of local history or visit Kavatsite Beach to relax under the sun.

Sozopol has beautiful views of the Black Sea and tourists can also catch the boat to St Ivan Island to see monk seals and birds.

8 Beach Vacation Destinations The Middle Class Can Actually Afford

Apiwan Borrikonratchata / Getty Images

Vacation season is ready to kick off with Spring Break about to or already taking place in tons of beach destinations around the world. As the seasons change and time off becomes a priority, it's delightful to take a budget-friendly oceanside trip with your friends or family.

For some, however, that sounds like a lot of expenses. Some beach locales might be out of financial reach for the middle class, with about 73% of Americans earning roughly $57,000 annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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Thankfully, there are still plenty of seaside places you can still travel to if you are middle class and plenty of them are interesting destinations with unique perks you won't find anywhere else. Here are eight beach vacation destinations the middle class can afford, both domestically and abroad.

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Pensacola, Florida

The Panhandle is close enough to several destinations where you can merely drive, but flights to Pensacola are relatively inexpensive, according to Brittany Betts, travel expert and CMO of Florida Panhandle.

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"Flights average around $400 from major airports within the U.S.," Betts described, noting that Pensacola has rentals for as little as $80 per night.

"As far as things to do, some of the top attractions are either cheap or extremely affordable. There's the Aviation Museum which is free, the free beaches and plenty of free historical sights," said Betts.

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South Padre Island, Texas

An island in Texas with charm to spare? It sounds made up, but South Padre is the Gulf Coast place for a beach vacation if you are middle class.

"This barrier island off of Texas' southern tip ticks all the boxes for an enjoyable yet budget-conscious beach holiday experience," said Viola Sender, the co-founder and author of the travel blog Away to the City. "Finding accommodation was simple; options range from comfortable hotels to beachfront condos at reasonable rates ($80-$200 per night).

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"The island provides ample opportunity for beach lovers – I enjoyed spending hours swimming in warm water," said Sender. "Those seeking a change from beach activities should visit South Padre Island's wildlife refuges. And foodies will find that South Padre Island offers delicious Tex-Mex cuisine as well as fresh Gulf seafood at prices that won't break the bank."

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Fort Myers Beach, Florida

Miami might be the big name in Florida, but Fort Myers Beach, located along the state's southwest coast "is ideal for middle-class beach vacationers," according to Sender.

"The beaches here boast postcard-worthy sugar-white sand and turquoise, clear waters," Sender shared. "It's perfect for relaxing while reading or taking part in watersports activities! I enjoyed exploring Fort Myers Beach's shops and restaurants along the water, from casual cafes to more upscale waterfront dining."

"While Fort Myers may not offer seclusion, its friendly vibe makes it ideal for families or group visits alike!" Sender exclaimed. "Fort Myers Beach is an excellent choice, with accommodation options ranging between $100-$300 per night!"

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San Juan, Puerto Rico

"If you are flying to Puerto Rico from any major airport in the U.S., prices hover around $350," said Betts.

"You can find dorms or hostels as low as $76 per night, but there are also rentals that are only about $98 per night. The beaches are going to be free, and then there [are] plenty of landmarks and points of interest," said Betts.

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Ngapali Beach, Myanmar

Ngapali Beach in Myanmar is a hidden gem known for its pristine sandy shores and clear blue waters in the eyes of Hammer Tsui, one-half of a couple of professional travel experts at A Fun Couple.

"During my stay, I found that the cost of accommodation varied depending on the type of lodging chosen, with [guest houses] starting at around $20 per night and upscale resorts ranging from $100 to $300 per night," said Tsui.

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"For middle-class travelers, Ngapali Beach provides an affordable yet idyllic retreat where they can unwind on pristine beaches, explore vibrant local markets, and indulge in fresh seafood at affordable prices," said Tsui.

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Elafonisos Beach, Greece

Elafonisos Beach in the Peloponnese region of Greece is a lesser-known vacation spot filled with white sands, clear waters, and stunning backgrounds for all your photos.

Travel blogger Kevin Mercier was drawn to the "serene atmosphere and breathtaking views" that Elafonisos had to offer.

"Accommodation options on Elafonisos range from budget-friendly guesthouses and campsites starting at around $40 to $60 per night to boutique hotels and beach resorts ranging from $80 to $150 per night," said Mercier.

"What makes Elafonisos Beach perfect for middle-class travelers is its affordability combined with its stunning natural beauty and cultural heritage," continued Mercier. "Visitors can explore nearby archaeological sites, indulge in fresh seafood at seaside tavernas, and unwind on pristine beaches without breaking the bank."

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Calangute Beach, India

Located in Goa, India, Calangute Beach is an oceanside destination with culture brimming along the golden sands, creating an atmosphere all unto itself.

"Despite its popularity, it still retains its charm and is a favorite among middle-class travelers seeking an affordable beach vacation," said Tsui.

"During my visit, I found that accommodation options ranged from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels," recalled Tsui, stating that prices start at around $15 per night for basic accommodation and go up to $50 to $100 per night "for more upscale resorts."

Oaxaca, Mexico

Leave Cancun to the tourists who do not know any better. Oaxaca is the beach destination you'll want to go to if you are middle class but feel like you're king.

"The beauty of Oaxaca is that [this beach] destination is still being discovered which equates to an affordable beach vacation that has something for everyone," said Julien Casanova, creator of Oaxaca Travel Tips.

"Beach days are spent snorkeling, spotting dolphins and whales, and snacking on fresh ceviche," describes Casanova. "But it's not just about the sun and the sea. Activities in the nearby mountains include visiting a coffee farm and swimming in stunning waterfalls."

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.Com: 8 Beach Vacation Destinations the Middle Class Can Actually Afford

This New Jersey Beach Has Just Been Named One Of The Best In The Country

People in New Jersey are very proud of their beaches; after all, the Shore is one of the state's most outstanding features. Most New Jersey residents have a favorite beach, as well.

Now, one of New Jersey's beaches is getting some national love. Travel & Leisure https://www.Travelandleisure.Com/trip-ideas/beach-vacations/best-beaches-in-the-us came up with their list of the best beaches in America and a prominent Monmouth County beach town made the cut. (They weren't ranked, so we'll just assume New Jersey's entry was #1).

According to Travel + Leisure, Asbury Park is one of the best beaches in the country.

Part of what the magazine had to say:

Asbury Park Beach is a lively, clean, white-sand paradise. Sunbathing, swimming, surfing, fishing, and people-watching are popular activities here. It's backed by a historic boardwalk bustling with restaurants, bars, fast food, and interesting shops, in addition to a splash park and miniature golf courses.

Asbury Park Boardwalk (Google Maps)

Asbury Park Boardwalk (Google Maps)

Travel + Leisure also pointed out one of Asbury Park's best attraction (in my opinion: The Silverball Museum). For pinball fans like I am, the Silverball is place where it's easy to lose track of time, both in terms of hours as well as decades. They have every classic pinball game you remember from your younger days as well as retro video games, air hockey, and more.

T&L also gives a shout out to the Stone Pony, referring to it as a place Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi made famous.

Stunning Jersey Shore rentals, steps from the beach

Here are 10 houses along New Jersey's coastline for an Insta-ready beachfront staycation.

Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt

LOOK: Here are the 50 best beach towns in America Every beach town has its share of pluses and minuses, which got us thinking about what makes a beach town the best one to live in. To find out, Stacker consulted data from WalletHub, released June 17, 2020, that compares U.S. Beach towns. Ratings are based on six categories: affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and quality of life. The cities ranged in population from 10,000 to 150,000, but they had to have at least one local beach listed on TripAdvisor. Read the full methodology here. From those rankings, we selected the top 50. Readers who live in California and Florida will be unsurprised to learn that many of towns featured here are in one of those two states.

Keep reading to see if your favorite beach town made the cut.

Gallery Credit: Keri Wiginton

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Bill Doyle only.

You can now listen to Deminski & Doyle — On Demand! Hear New Jersey's favorite afternoon radio show any day of the week. Download the Deminski & Doyle show wherever you get podcasts, on our free app, or listen right now.

Click here to contact an editor about feedback or a correction for this story.

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