Spain named cheapest destination for half term
Brits on the lookout for a cost effective holiday in the sun this half term will be pleased to know that Spain has been named best value for money, despite the pound not being quite as strong against the euro as it was earlier in the year.
A new report by the Post Office Travel Money has revealed Spain to be the cheapest of 12 destinations surveyed in their Half Term Holiday Barometer, with the Costa del Sol coming in at 38% cheaper than the most expensive Turkey resort, Marmaris.
Tourist staples in demand
While the Turkish lira has also slumped in value against the pound by 29% in the past year, the country was found to be the most expensive – leading to the Brits paying out an additional 1.9% on tourist must-haves, compared to the same half-term in 2014.
The report found that the eight tourist staples were found to be:
- Family evening meal with drinks
- Coffee
- Bottle of beer
- Coca-Cola
- Glass of wine
- Large bottle of water
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
However, in the likes of Marmaris, these items came in at a total of £68.86; costing 62% more than the £42.49 in Costa del Sol.
The Spanish resort was found to be among 10 of the 12 locations in the survey where the pound has made the typical shopping basket 3.5% cheaper for British families.
In fact, this year’s basket of essentials is more than 8% cheaper than it was five years ago.
Meanwhile, the runner-up for the cheapest resort for Brits this half term was Portugal, where tourist items had decreased in cost by 2.7% in the Algarve.
Andrew Brown, at the Post Office Travel Money, said that price is a huge consideration for many families and so it’s important to report on price drops of popular holiday resorts.
Parents on the lookout for a last-minute bargain should always do their homework before booking, he advised.
If you’re heading abroad this half term, don’t forget to arrange family travel insurance
Date Created: 21 October 2015