The age-old holiday debate has officially reached TikTok. In a viral video titled “beach vs city: the great debate”, creator Nicholas Flannery sparked hundreds of comments from holidaymakers passionately defending their ideal escape.
Typically, there are two types of people when it comes to booking holidays: those who love to feel the sand in between their toes and the fresh sea breeze on their face and those who, well… don’t.
And while preferences may divide families and friendship groups, new research suggests there’s a happy compromise, and it doesn’t have to break the bank.
New research from specialist travel insurance comparison site, PayingTooMuch, reveals the top five budget-friendly twin-centre destinations for 2025, pairing vibrant city energy with blissful beach relaxation.
Top 5 budget-friendly twin-centre holidays:
1. Hanoi & Cat Ba (Vietnam)
Hanoi promises a composition of chaotic charm, with a variety of ancient and colonial architecture, iconic landmarks and lively street food scene. The Old Quarter is a maze filled with history and energy, with fine silks, jewellery and traditional puppet shows waiting to be discovered.
Cat Ba provides a peaceful tropical escape from the capital city, found within a couple of hours travel by car and ferry. Boasting breath-taking limestone cliffs, hidden beaches and crystal-clear water that can be traversed by kayak or canoe, Cat Ba is the perfect place to bring out your inner adventurer.
2. Zagreb & Rijeka (Croatia)
Zagreb’s ticks all the boxes for an affordable travel destination. Wander through the Upper Town’s medieval streets and marvel at St. Mark’s church or explore the lively shops and cafes of Ban JelacicSquare, then wind down in Zagreb’s lush parks and nearby nature escapes. Affordable and well-connected, it’s a perfect city experience within reach of Croatia’s coast and countryside.
Just a couple of hours drive from Zagreb lies the historic port of Rijeka. With easy access to stunning Adriatic beaches that provide great spots for both a day of relaxation and a day of water sports, this coastal destination pairs perfectly with the capital city for an unforgettable holiday.
3. Manila & Puerto Galera (Philippines)
Manila is famed for its historic vibrancy, especially within the walled old town of Intramuros which offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. The city boasts a rich culture of bustling market trading and diverse cuisine, making for the perfect place to kick off a twin centre holiday.
Just a morning’s travel from Manila are the soft white sands and secluded coves of Puerto Galera. This tropical paradise is ripe with excellent snorkelling and diving spots, and the Verde Island Passage is often referred to as the ‘the centre of the world’s marine biodiversity’.
4. Colombo & Bentota (Sri Lanka)
Colombo makes for an excellent destination for tourists, thanks to a striking mix of cultural heritage, with each period of colonial history in the city marked by unique architecture interspersed throughout the city. The food available in the capital city is equally diverse, with a plethora of international cuisine on offer alongside traditional Sri Lankan flavours, and popular landmarks to visit such as the National Museum and Gangaramaya Temple set visitors up for a special time spent in the capital city.
Situated just an hour and a half from Colombo are the golden beaches of Bentota. The calm waters of the Indian Ocean that lap up to a shore lined with palm trees offer the perfect setting for relaxation where the most breathtaking sunsets can take place.
5. Marrakech & Essaouira (Morocco)
Marrakech is a feast for the senses. The bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square is lined with street performers and fragrant food stalls, while the Le Jardin Secret offers a tranquil escape from the buzz. With stunning mosques, palaces, and the electric-blue art deco studio at Jardin Majorelle, those lucky enough to travel to Marrakech will find themselves in a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and smells.
Three hours west lies Essaouira, a relaxed port city known for its beaches and steady Atlantic breeze, perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Its’ 18th-century media, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offersvisitors the freshest seafood and is packed with artisan shops selling handcrafted goods. Essaouira is a laid-back, picturesque setting that sets it apart from many of Morocco’s busier cities.
Double the experience without doubling your budget: Why Twin-Centre Holidays are booming in 2025.
The rise of “treat yourself” travel — fewer trips, but richer in value — is a defining trend of 2025, according to Expedia’s Unpack ’25 report and Deloitte’s travel outlook. Brits are seeking maximum impact from their one big getaway — especially with rising living costs and tight holiday budgets.
Money Expert, Hannah Mayfield, working with PayingTooMuch, says:
“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. They also make sense for long-haul holidays when you want to make the most out of the journey and explore different places.”
“It’s more important than ever to make sure your travel insurance is fit for purpose. Visiting two destinations means more variables — more connections, more activities, and more room for things to go wrong. PayingTooMuch helps travellers compare travel insurance and find comprehensive, affordable cover that keeps their plans — and their bank balances — protected, whatever happens.”
• When making considerations for affordability of destinations, flight prices to the destinations were not included.
