Why a Big Mac tastes better in Prague
Prague and Budapest are the cheapest of ten popular city break destinations according to a new study by Travelcare. The study, which was carried out in the week commencing March 12, 2007, added up the costs of a double room for two people at a four-star hotel for a two-night weekend break; a taxi from the airport to the city centre; a sightseeing bus tour; a one-day city transport pass; entrance to a major museum/art gallery; a medium cappuccino; a pint of Guinness; a McDonald’s Big Mac; and a three-course hotel meal.
It found that Prague was the cheapest, costing a total of £203.89 (US$404.99), ahead of Budapest £207.20 (US$411.64), London £266.99 (US$530.43), Barcelona £271.51 (US$539.41) and Rome £323.71 (US$643.11). These were followed by Copenhagen £380.39 (US$755.72), Dublin £385.76 (US$766.51), Amsterdam £401.36 (US$797.62), New York £546.41 (US$1,085.88) and Paris £577.25 (US$1,147.21).
Travelcare’s Paul Kendrick commented: ‘This study indicates why cities in Eastern Europe have grown quickly in popularity with UK tourists – not only is there plenty to see but prices are keen. Contrary to what some people may believe, London actually looks pretty competitive, particularly if you’re visiting from other parts of the UK.
“Of course there are deals to be had to all weekend break destinations, and travel agents will help find them, but daily costs during a stay do vary widely. We’ve seen an increase of more than 65% in city break passengers over the past 12 months and, on this evidence, the European newcomers are set fair for a growing influx of tourists, not just from the UK but from other parts of the world.”
The study also highlighted individual price difference, such as it is cheaper to buy a pint of Guinness in Prague than in Dublin, a medium cappuccino could cost you almost four times as much in Rome as in Prague, and Budapest is the cheapest for a Big Mac at just £1.46, versus London’s £1.99 and Rome’s £3.55.
And it found that while London proved competitive in the key area of museums, as many in the capital are free, it was let down by its relatively expensive public transport and the £48 cost of a taxi from Heathrow to the city centre.
Report by Chitra Mogul
Chitra Mogul
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