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
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports
All eyes on Qatar as Qatar Airways leads a season of global events