Travel expert Simon Calder has urged holidaymakers to ditch popular summer destinations such as Spain, France, Greece, and Italy in favour of one hidden gem that's significantly cheaper.

Year after year, countless families jet off to the Mediterranean as soon as school breaks begin, seeking sun-drenched coastlines and crystal-clear waters.

However, Simon believes that Poland, alongside several of its neighbouring Baltic countries, could deliver precisely what summer travellers are seeking.

Speaking on a recent Travel Diaries podcast episode, Simon told presenter Holly Rubenstein that he would recommend the idyllic seaside resort city of Sopot, located on Poland's northern coastline: "If you go to Poland, which I've been to many times, you will find that most of the north coast seems to be one continuous beach."

"My favourite resort is called Sopot, which is just around the corner from Gdansk."

The fastest way to reach Sopot involves taking a flight from Britain to Gdansk, then completing a brief 12.4 km journey from the airport to the coastal resort.

At present, a week-long stay in Sopot would set you back approximately £156 per person, based on current airline pricing.

While the city offers stunning scenery and pleasant temperatures, Simon emphasised that its affordable rates present another significant advantage over more traditional Mediterranean holiday choices: "You'll find that you get amazing value there, that it's not too expensive to get there."

He went on: "And furthermore, if you've got a young family, then you're not going to get the extreme sun that you would in the Mediterranean."

Simon's comments come after recent wildfires in sought-after holiday spots including southern France and Crete.

He explained that such incidents are much less probable in Poland and its nearby Baltic nations.

Additionally, he highlighted that Sopot can serve as an ideal seaside getaway alternative to destinations like Spain. He also suggested that visitors should seize the chance to discover nearby Gdansk while there.

Featuring numerous stunning attractions, including its Old Town, travellers are also urged to visit the Museum of the Second World War, Westerplatte, St. Mary's Church, and the Motlawa Waterfront.