Holiday prices abroad ‘cheaper than in UK’
Prices in many overseas resorts are still “significantly cheaper” than staying in the UK, even with the strength of the euro against the pound, according to new research.
The cheapest destination is Goa in India, where a cup of coffee costs 10 times less than in the UK. Holidaymakers to Cuba will also enjoy bargain prices, according to the Holiday Cost of Living study by Thomas Cook,
The favourable exchange rates of North African countries such as Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco make them great value destinations, as is Turkey.
Prices in destinations such as mainland Spain, Majorca and Cyprus are still cheaper than the UK, despite being in the eurozone.
For example, a three-course meal costs on average just £11.50 in Spain.
The Thomas Cook study provides prices of daily holiday essentials in 16 popular tourist destinations worldwide.
The majority of best value destinations for daily expenditure are long and mid-haul non-euro destinations, where the pound goes further.
Thomas Cook CEO of mainstream travel Pete Constanti said: “There are some fantastic value for money deals available on both holidays and foreign exchange.
“If you are on a tight budget, consider an all-inclusive option, this will mean that you’ve paid for food, drinks and some activities in advance.
“Other ways to get value for money include shortening your holiday, we have a range of 10- and 11-night holidays, if 14 nights is over your budget. Once you get into resort, speak to your rep, they’ll know of all the latest special offers and discounts available.”
Thomas Cook’s top 10 value destinations:
| COUNTRY – TOTAL DAILY EXPENDITURE | A BEER IN A BAR | A COFFEE IN A RESTAURANT | 3 COURSE MEAL |
| UK – £48.51 | £3.20 | £2.15 | £22.15 |
| Goa – £14.10 | 0.70 | 0.20 | 7.00 |
| Cuba – £30.75 | 1.90 | 1.00 | 15.00 |
| Tunisia – £33.05 | 1.57 | 1.30 | 18.42 |
| Turkey – £33.74 | 2.20 | 1.30 | 13.50 |
| Egypt – £34.01 | 3.75 | 4.00 | 12.50 |
| Bulgaria – £34.60 | 1.20 | 1.50 | 14.00 |
| Mainland Spain – £34.66 | 1.45 | 1.29 | 11.50 |
| Morocco – £36.17 | 3.00 | 1.20 | 22.00 |
| Majorca – £42.50 | 2.50 | 1.50 | 20.00 |
| Cyprus – £45.38 | 2.23 | 1.96 | 18.75 |
The survey also shows that some destinations abroad are more cost effective to travel to than taking train journeys within the UK.
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HOLIDAY ABROAD – FLIGHTS, TRANSFERS AND ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED**
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Bristol – Palma, Majorca – 4*, 10 nights on 25 April
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£145 per person |
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Gatwick – Izmir, Turkey – 4*, 7 nights on 6 May
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£149 per person
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Manchester – Almeria, Spain – 3*, 7 nights on 7 May
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£149 per person
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UK HOLIDAY TRAIN TRAVEL – OFF PEAK, OPEN RETURN TRAVEL ONLY, NO ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED
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Birmingham – Newquay on 2 May
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£122 per person
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Newcastle – Brighton on 25 April
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£123.50 per person
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Bristol – Edinburgh on 25 April
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£132.30 per person
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by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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