Summer holidays — which destinations will be the most affordable in August 2026

August is one of the most expensive months for a vacation. The “high” season is underway at seaside resorts, demand for accommodation with pools and SPAs is growing in the Carpathians, and seats on convenient trains and buses are often booked in advance. At the same time, even during this period it is possible to find an affordable option if you avoid the most popular dates, choose smaller resorts, compare the full cost of the trip, and do not focus solely on the attractive starting price in an advertisement.

How to do this, UNN asked tourism expert Yuliia Veselovska. 

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According to her, after the pandemic and the start of the full-scale war, Ukrainians have more often been looking for opportunities to vacation within the country, while owners of tourist facilities have been investing more actively in infrastructure.

Ukrainian tourism in safe regions and oblasts has, so to speak, received a second wind. As a result, a great deal is being invested in infrastructure

According to the expert, in August Ukrainians most often choose the Carpathians, Zakarpattia, the Shatsk Lakes, Bakota, and locations near bodies of water within their own or neighboring oblasts. At the same time, this year there has been a noticeable increase in demand for campsites, hiking routes, and recreation in natural areas.

In addition, as of the beginning of August 2026, the most affordable options for our fellow citizens remain bus tours to Bulgaria and certain offers to Albania, Greece, and Montenegro. Turkey may also be advantageous thanks to the “all-inclusive” system; however, the cost of the package will have to be supplemented by travel to an airport in Chișinău, Warsaw, Rzeszów, Suceava, or another city outside Ukraine. After all, Ukraine’s airspace is still closed due to active hostilities. Because of this, Ukrainians use bus tours or fly from neighboring countries.

Summer vacations in Ukraine: affordable travel options

For travelers on a limited budget, the most rational vacation format in August will be a two- to four-day trip around Ukraine. Such a journey does not require a long stay, expensive insurance, or additional costs for crossing the border.

According to Yuliia Veselovska, because of the heat, places with access to water are particularly popular. People look for recreation near rivers, lakes, and quarries, even for short weekend trips. Among the most sought-after locations are Svityaz and the Shatsk Lakes, where hotels, recreation centers, and private cottages of varying prices operate.

Bakota on the Dniester is also gaining popularity, as are less-publicized places near water known to local residents.

In addition, Lviv, Chernivtsi, Kamianets-Podilskyi, Lutsk, Ternopil, Uzhhorod, Mukachevo, Vinnytsia, Cherkasy Oblast, Podillia, and Bukovyna have not lost their tourist appeal for travelers.

Another trend of the season has been camping. According to the expert’s observations, more people are willing to go on vacation with tents, choose nature parks, green areas, riverbanks, and eco-trails. Tourists are not always deterred even by poor roads, since for many the main need has become the desire to take a break from urban noise, air-raid alarms, and constant stress.

This year, demand has increased specifically for camping, tent-based recreation, mountain hikes, and eco-trails. People want a quieter, rural type of vacation and the opportunity to spend time closer to nature

However, the greatest savings can be achieved through planning independently. Train or bus tickets should be purchased immediately after sales open, while accommodation should be sought not only in the city center but also in neighboring districts or suburbs. Apartments with a kitchen may be more economical than a hotel, especially for a family or a group, since some meals can be prepared independently.

Guesthouses offering rural tourism, small boarding houses, hostels, and rooms in the private sector remain affordable options. At the same time, a low room price does not always mean an inexpensive trip. The budget must also include food, local transport, excursions, entrance tickets, parking, and possible fees for early check-in. These expenses often increase the initial amount by a third.

Another way to save the family budget is to replace a full week-long vacation with several weekend trips. For example, one weekend can be spent in Lviv or Chernivtsi, and another by a lake, at a countryside resort, or on an excursion route. This format makes it possible to spread out expenses and avoid tying yourself to one expensive resort.

Cities that generally do not appear on the list of the most popular tourist centers are also suitable for budget travel. Accommodation in Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Kropyvnytskyi, Poltava, or Cherkasy is often cheaper than in Lviv, Odesa, or Uzhhorod. At the same time, these cities offer museums, parks, historical landmarks, and natural locations outside the city.

Health and wellness vacations remain a separate option. Morshyn, Truskavets, Skhidnytsia, Sataniv, Khmilnyk, and the resorts of Zakarpattia offer both sanatorium programs and regular accommodation without treatment. Private guesthouses and apartments are usually the cheapest, while packages including meals, procedures, and medical supervision cost more.

When planning a trip, Yuliia Veselovska also advises checking transport accessibility first and foremost. Due to a shortage of tickets on popular railway routes, tourists may face difficulties even before their vacation begins.

When people choose a vacation, I recommend looking first of all at logistics: how you will get to a particular place. There is currently a problem with tickets, so sometimes it is worth considering a vacation in your own or a neighboring region

The security situation should also not be neglected. Before booking, you need to check whether there are shelters nearby, how far away a hospital is, whether mobile service works, and whether any additional restrictions are in effect in the community. In wartime, these issues should be among the main criteria when choosing a place to stay.

Mountain vacations in summer: why the Carpathians remain popular

The Carpathians remain one of the most sought-after destinations in August. Ukrainians choose Yaremche, Vorokhta, Verkhovyna, Mykulychyn, Tatariv, Kosiv, Slavske, Pylypets, Skhidnytsia, Polyana, Berehove, Rakhiv, and resorts near Bukovel.

The region’s appeal lies in its wide choice of accommodation, convenient railway connections, picturesque natural locations, and the opportunity to combine active recreation with wellness. For many tourists, the Carpathians are also an alternative to the sea, especially given the security restrictions on Ukraine’s coast.

The Carpathians traditionally remain the most popular destination. Tourists travel not only to Bukovel, but also choose Slavske, Volovets, and other small settlements that can be reached by rail or car. There, accommodation in various price categories, hiking routes, cheese dairies, lakes, and other natural locations are available

In summer, the Carpathians offer hiking routes, climbs to mountain peaks, walks across mountain meadows, rafting, cycling tours, horseback riding, and excursions to waterfalls and lakes. For families with children, there are swimming pools, rope parks, petting zoos, lifts, and entertainment complexes.

However, each additional activity increases the overall budget. Inexpensive accommodation next to costly entertainment does not always make for a truly affordable vacation. For example, you will have to pay separately for lifts, excursions, equipment rental, transfers to the starting points of routes, and visits to hot tubs, swimming pools, or spas.

The cost of a vacation depends on the region, level of comfort, type of accommodation, and meals. A place for a two-person tent at a campsite may cost approximately 200–250 hryvnias per day, and sometimes up to 500 hryvnias

Budget accommodation in the Carpathians may start at approximately 600–800 hryvnias per day. Renting a modern house or a comfortable room in a popular location may cost from 2,500 to 4,000 hryvnias per day.

Less than 10,000–12,000 hryvnias is already a very minimal budget for a family vacation. Prices have risen, in particular because of the increase in fuel costs. But if you book in advance and do not choose the most expensive resorts, you can find interesting offers

According to her estimate, in the Carpathians it is possible to find options for approximately 1,000–1,200 hryvnias per person per day, including accommodation and three home-cooked meals. A family holiday in this case may cost approximately 12,000–15,000 hryvnias, although the final amount will depend on the number of days, the size of the family and the specific location.

For a group of four to six people, renting an entire house will often be more advantageous than booking several separate rooms. However, a cottage may cost couples and solo travelers more, as owners often set a minimum price for the entire property. Therefore, before booking, it is necessary to clarify whether the price is indicated per person, room or house.

To reduce costs, it is worth choosing settlements located several kilometers from the most famous resorts. Accommodation in Vorokhta, Mykulychyn, Tatariv, Yasinia or villages near Slavske may be cheaper than directly near tourist centers.

At the same time, it is necessary to calculate the cost of taxis or transfers in advance. If tourists plan to travel to Bukovel, Yaremche or another entertainment center every day, savings on accommodation can quickly be lost due to transportation costs.

A holiday usually costs the most on weekends, public holidays and around Independence Day. Those who can change their dates would be better off planning their arrival from Sunday to Thursday or for the last week of August. At the end of the month, demand gradually declines, and accommodation owners are more likely to offer discounts.

For an active holiday, it is not necessary to choose Bukovel. Verkhovyna, Vorokhta, Kosiv, Yasinia, Pylypets and Slavske offer numerous routes and natural attractions, while accommodation prices there may be lower. A holiday without a swimming pool, spa, organized excursions and daily restaurant meals is also cheaper.

When planning a hike in the mountains, it is necessary to take the weather, the difficulty of the route and one’s physical fitness into account. Even in August, temperatures at altitude can drop sharply, while heavy rains make trails dangerous. Before setting out, it is worth informing relatives of the route, charging the phone, downloading an offline map and checking rescuers’ warnings.

Yuliia Veselovska advises UNN readers planning to vacation in August not to overlook Zakarpattia as well. Due to the limited opportunities for seaside holidays, many families with children choose thermal waters. In addition, new thermal complexes opened in the region this year, further increasing tourists’ interest.

This format is often cheaper, especially if traveling by car as a group or renting a house with a kitchen.

At the same time, before swimming, it is necessary to check official announcements from local authorities regarding permitted locations and water quality. An undeveloped beach may lack a lifeguard station, shelter, a checked riverbed or a safe access road.

Summer seaside holidays: what options Ukrainians are choosing

Seaside holidays in Ukraine in 2026 remain limited due to wartime risks. In Odesa region, people are allowed to stay only on officially opened and inspected beach areas.

However, the official status of a beach does not mean that there is no danger. Vacationers must monitor air-raid alerts, follow rescuers’ instructions and not enter closed coastal areas. It is also worth checking the current list of permitted zones immediately before the trip, as decisions may change depending on the security situation.

Cheaper accommodation can usually be found not in the central part of Odesa, but in the private sector, apartments or settlements in the region. However, the savings make sense only if the beach can be reached by public transport. Daily taxi trips, sun-lounger rentals, meals by the sea and paid entertainment quickly increase the budget.

For seaside holidays abroad, bus tours remain the most common budget format. They make it possible to avoid purchasing air tickets and a transfer to a foreign airport separately. Among the available bus destinations, tour operators offer Bulgaria, Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia and Italy.

However, the journey may take more than a day, and it is difficult to predict how long border crossings will take. Before paying, you should clarify the exact number of nights at the hotel, whether there will be overnight journeys, baggage restrictions, and the list of additional charges.

Sometimes an advertisement states the total duration of the tour, including the days spent on the bus. Therefore, a ten-day trip may in fact provide for only six or seven nights at the resort. The initial price may also exclude the tourist tax, insurance, optional excursions, meals during the journey, or the choice of a specific seat on the bus.

Summer holidays abroad: budget-friendly countries for a vacation

As for trips abroad, it is difficult to find a truly budget-friendly option in August. This is the peak of the holiday season in Europe, so prices for accommodation and tourist services are among the highest of the year. Tourists book most advantageous offers back in winter or early spring.

Among the relatively affordable destinations, Yuliia Veselovska names Turkey, Egypt, Bulgaria, and the Balkan countries. Bulgaria and some Balkan resorts can be reached by bus, but even there in August one will have to take into account high demand, crowded beaches, and a limited choice of accommodation.

All of Europe goes on holiday in August. It is possible to find something, but it will be difficult, especially if it concerns a family or several families. The beaches and tourist attractions will be crowded, while prices will be high

She names trips to large European cities, which become partially deserted in August because of the holiday season, as one possible option. There, it is sometimes possible to find more affordable apartments or hotel rooms.

The expert does not recommend counting on a "last-minute" or cancellation tour, as such offers arise irregularly. For those who want to save money, postponing their holiday until September may be a better option, when demand decreases, children return to school, and adults return to work.

I would advise looking at September instead. Demand then declines, and it is possible to find better offers in terms of price and quality

Which countries do Ukrainians choose for a holiday in August

The most affordable foreign seaside destination in August 2026 is Bulgaria. Its advantages include bus connections with Ukrainian cities, a wide choice of apartments and hotels, sandy beaches, and resorts for different budgets.

Ukrainians most often choose Sunny Beach, Nessebar, Sveti Vlas, Kranevo, Obzor, and Golden Sands for a short holiday in the last month of summer and for family vacations. The cheapest options are usually offered in Kranevo, Obzor, and apart-hotels in Sunny Beach located away from the beachfront.

According to current offers, at the beginning of August, a bus tour to Bulgaria for five nights without meals could be found for approximately UAH 34,000–35,000 for two people. Options for six nights with full board cost around UAH 42,000 for two people. Prices change daily and depend on the departure city, resort, hotel category, and meals.

Apartments without meals will be the cheapest option. However, this option is advantageous only if there is a kitchen and affordable shops nearby. For a family with children, a hotel with full board sometimes turns out to be more economical than eating at cafés every day.

Albania attracts tourists with the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. However, in August, popular resorts can no longer always be called cheap. Durrës and Vlorë are usually more affordable than Sarandë and Ksamil. In Durrës, it is easier to find large sandy beaches and apartments for a family holiday, while the south of the country is in greater demand because of its picturesque coves and clear water.

Bus tours to Albania may cost significantly less than air travel packages. At the same time, a week-long holiday with a flight from Chisinau and meals in Sarandë exceeds UAH 80,000–100,000 for two people in some offers.

However, when choosing Albania for a restorative holiday, it is necessary to take into account both accommodation and meals. The "all-inclusive" system is less widespread there than in Turkey. Some hotels offer only breakfast, so tourists pay for their main food expenses separately.

Montenegro attracts Ukrainians with its compact resorts and picturesque coastline, but accommodation in Budva during the high season is often more expensive than in Bulgaria. You can save money by choosing Bečići, Rafailovići, Petrovac, Sutomore, or small settlements farther from the central promenade.

It is important to take into account the tourist tax, food, and transfers, which are not always included in the initial price. Many beaches in Montenegro are pebbly, and renting sun loungers and umbrellas at popular stretches can become a separate significant expense.

Greece can be affordable in the form of a bus tour to the northern resorts. In August 2026, carriers are offering departures from Lviv and other cities to Halkidiki. Such trips involve at least two overnight journeys, but they make it possible to avoid spending money on airfare.

When choosing a tour to Greece, an excessively low starting price should be checked particularly carefully. It may cover only transportation or exclude accommodation, meals, insurance, and other mandatory payments.

For a budget holiday, Ukrainians are advised to choose  Paralia Katerinis, the Olympic Riviera, or certain resorts in Halkidiki. The islands, including Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu, usually cost more because of the need for air travel or a ferry crossing.

Turkey remains a good-value option for those who want to know most of their expenses in advance. The "all-inclusive" format covers accommodation, meals, and some hotel services. This makes it possible to spend almost no money on food and entertainment outside the hotel. However, because Ukraine's airspace remains closed, tourists have to fly from Chișinău, Warsaw, Rzeszów, Suceava, or other cities. The cost of the tour should also include a bus or train to the airport, possible overnight accommodation, food during the journey, and a reserve for delays.

The most budget-friendly hotels in Turkey are those located in Alanya, Kemer, or the outskirts of popular resorts. At the same time, August is the peak tourist season in this country, so quality hotels on the beachfront cost considerably more. And by purchasing a cheap package, you may end up with a remote beach, a paid transfer, an outdated room stock, or limited meals. Therefore, before booking, it is worth checking not only the number of stars but also recent reviews, the date of renovation, and the hotel's actual location.

Despite the prestige, desirability, and appeal of holidays abroad, Yuliia Veselovska emphasizes that traveling around Ukraine supports local businesses and communities. Internally displaced persons, the families of service members, and veterans work in the tourism sector, so money spent on domestic holidays remains in the country.

Ukrainian tourism is not only about travel; it is also about helping one's own country. The money remains in Ukraine, and many IDPs, members of service members' families, and veterans work in tourism

How to save money on a holiday in August

The most important rule of budget travel is to calculate the total cost, not just the price of the room or tour. The budget should include travel to the departure point, baggage, insurance, transfers, meals, tourist taxes, mobile communications, excursions, and a reserve for unforeseen expenses.

In August, it is more advantageous to choose dates after the 20th–25th, when some families are already preparing for the school year and demand begins to gradually decline. For trips around Ukraine, weekdays are often cheaper.

Abroad, it is worth comparing a bus tour, an independent trip, and a flight package from a neighboring country. The difference depends on the number of travelers and the length of the holiday. For one person, a ready-made tour is often more advantageous, while a family or group may save money by renting an apartment and traveling in their own car.

You should also pay attention to the exchange rate. If the tour price is listed in euros or dollars, the actual amount in hryvnias may change by the time the final payment is made. Some operators fix the exchange rate only after the full amount has been paid.

Before paying, it is necessary to check the cancellation terms, refund rules, insurance coverage, documents required for crossing the border, and current security restrictions. The most affordable holiday is not always the one with the lowest starting price, but the one during which the main expenses were anticipated and unpleasant financial surprises were avoided.

Reminder

We previously wrote that 92% of Ukrainians plan to take a holiday in summer 2026, with almost 70% choosing to vacation in Ukraine. Popular destinations abroad include Turkey, Egypt, and European countries.