Search data shows rising demand for multi-stop, twin-centre holidays. In response, new research from PayingTooMuch uncovers the top budget-friendly pairings for money-savvy holidaymakers.
As summer 2025 approaches, British holidaymakers are shifting their travel plans to prioritise high-impact escapes that really pack a punch when it comes to bang for their buck.
This insight by Deloitte’s 2024 travel outlook is backed up by Expedia’s Unpack ’25 report, which highlights that travellers are leaning into “treat yourself travel”, meaning fewer trips, but those trips are richer in value.
This trend is also reflected in easyJet’s Great British Holiday Audit, which reveals that 30% of UK families plan to take multigenerational holidays in 2025. Of those, 80% say they are planning their trips to appeal to every family member involved. Knowing this, it’s no surprise that twin-centre travel is firmly on the rise.
In response to this growing demand, specialist travel insurance comparison site PayingTooMuch has conducted in-depth research to uncover the top twin-centre holiday destinations for Brits in 2025. The goal: to spotlight affordable, accessible, and high-impact travel pairings that cater to today’s experience-first travellers.
The research, conducted between January and March 2025, began with a long list of destinations offering both a city break and a beach holiday experience within a four-hour journey of one another. Experts ranked each destination by uniqueness and bucket-list appeal to create a refined shortlist.
Finally, each was assessed for affordability (excluding return flights), ensuring that all final pairings delivered strong value without compromising on experience, making them ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly, yet experience-rich getaway.
The five standout pairings are:
1. Hanoi & Cat Ba (Vietnam) – A buzzing city break followed by a serene beach holiday
2. Zagreb & Rijeka (Croatia) – A cultural capital paired with an Adriatic coastal gem
3. Manila & Puerto Galera (Philippines) – Urban energy meets tropical beachfront relaxation
4. Colombo & Bentota (Sri Lanka) – Historical charm and golden beaches in perfect harmony
5. Marrakech & Essaouira (Morocco) – From colourful markets to ocean breezes
Each pairing offers a memorable blend of culture, nature, and affordability, making them ideal for couples, friends, or families who want to experience more without overspending.
Hannah Mayfield, money expert working with PayingTooMuch, comments: “Twin-centre or multi-centre holidays are a brilliant way to double the value of your trip without doubling the cost. They’re especially great for travellers torn between a cultural city break and a relaxing beach holiday, because now you can have both. These combinations offer unforgettable experiences and excellent value, especially when you plan smart.”
She adds: “As always, it’s crucial to make sure you’re fully covered for all parts of your journey. Different destinations can mean varying travel risks and medical costs, so comprehensive travel insurance is more important than ever to protect your plans and your bank balance should the worst happen while you’re away.”