Spain top value for half-term holidays

BRITISH holidaymakers will get the most value for their money in #Spain this half term, even though sterling is not quite as strong against the euro as it was during the summer, says Post Office Travel Money. 

Its #Half-Term Holiday Costs Barometer found Spain’s Costa del Sol to be the cheapest of 12 destinations surveyed, and 38 percent cheaper than Marmaris in Turkey, the highest-priced European resort in the survey of prices for everyday tourist essentials.

Although the Turkish lira has slumped in value against the 29 percent since last October, local prices have risen by more than that amount. This leaves UK tourists having to pay out an extra 9.1 percent on tourist staples compared with half term last year.

The eight typical tourist items surveyed – a family evening meal with drinks, coffee, beer, Coca-Cola, glass of wine, mineral water, suncream and insect repellent – add up to £68.86 in Marmaris compared with £42.49 in the Costa del Sol.

The Spanish resort was among ten of 12 destinations surveyed where the pound – currently worth 7.6 percent more against the euro than a year ago – has made the barometer basket 3.5 per cent cheaper for families. This year’s basket of essentials is also over eight per cent cheaper than it was five years ago, thanks entirely to lower restaurant prices.

Prices are also down marginally in runner-up Portugal.

Andrew Brown of Post Office Travel Money, said: ‘Price is bound to be a big consideration for families, so it is good to report a drop in the cost of tourist staples in ten of the destinations that attract holidaymakers at this time of the year. Spain is the bargain choice, but Tenerife, Cyprus, and Mombasa look great value with the promise of higher temperatures and more sun.’

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

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