Where to get more for your money in 2013
When it comes to deciding your holiday budget, the obvious consideration is how much are the flights and hotel, but what about the prices when you’re actually there? Sure it may be cheap to fly there and the hotels may have good rates but what about eating out and getting around once you’re there?
The post office has just released their annual ‘Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer’ to help show where your spending money can go further, comparing everyday costs such as going out for dinner, wine, beer and water. We’ve selected some of the top and most popular budget destinations from this year’s barometer.
Spain
Spain is our perennial favourite holiday destination and it just so happens that it topped the barometer at number 1 for best value for money. The study showed that in Costa del Sol a 3 course meal for 2 with wine averages out at £22.32. Of course there are exceptions to this in resorts such as Barcelona and Ibiza but in general a Spain holiday is the most cost effective. For cheap holidays to Spain, Torremolinos in the Costa del Sol, Costa Adeje in Tenerife or Salou in Costa Dorada all make excellent budget destinations.
Czech Republic- Prague
Quickly emerging as one of the most popular city break destinations, Prague offers cheap prices in a beautiful and picturesque location. The Czech capital came up as the third best budget destination in the study, and with a local bottle of beer averaging at 87p it’s no surprise. The city has previously been associated with stag dos but nowadays it’s managed to shed this image. Of course there is a good selection of nightlife if this is what you’re after but this can easily be avoided if it’s not your thing. Prague has some stunning architecture and is rich in history and culture. Both food and drink will cost a fraction of what it does back home and you can get some very reasonable central accommodation.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is repeatedly featured in the top 10 of the barometer and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere this year, coming up at number 6. Although Bulgaria is a fantastic beach destination it is often overlooked and there really isn’t any reason why it should be. You can expect to pay an average of £32.71 for an evening meal for 2 with wine, which is pretty reasonable. The area in which the research was taken out was Sunny Beach, which is a particularly popular resort, due to its sandy coastline and friendly atmosphere. There are plenty of great resorts to head to in Bulgaria, which include Nessebar for culture and Plovdiv for great nightlife. Bulgaria isn’t just sunshine it’s also a great ski location and a cheaper one at that!
Portugal- Algarve
Many will be pleased to know that Portugal rates well for value for money; this year it came a respectable 7th in the barometer. The study was focused in the infamous Algarve area of the country, which is one of our most popular resorts. A bottle of local beer averages at around £1.34 here and the 2 course meal for 2 was actually the cheapest of all the countries studied at £21.43. As another plus, the Algarve has 300 days of sunshine a year meaning that it’s great in the low season also. Cheap holidays to Portugal include areas such as Albuferia (probably the most popular), Vilamoura and Lagos, all beautiful beach locations!
Hungary – Budapest
Not one of the more famous city breaks but some would say one of the best, Budapest is increasingly becoming a popular choice for a long weekend. The pound is stronger than the Hungarian forint which means that prices are generally a lot lower than most capital cities. The average glass of wine or bottle of beer in the city centre will cost you around £1.52, not bad at all! The city is well worth exploring and has some fantastic architecture and history to discover and as the city was built on hot springs there are thermal spas scattered all over, which are a fun day out whatever the weather.
So there you have it, a selection of the best budget destinations to visit this year. You may have guessed some but hopefully you’ve had a few surprises too. When comparing last year’s barometer it’s pleasing to know that many resort prices have dropped. For example in Greece the prices are down 18% from last year, and in Turkey meal prices are down 22%. When you are considering your next holiday destination give some thought to what the cost in resort will be too, because if it’s out of your budget range it can hold you back on holiday and no one wants that!
Where have you been where the local prices were good value?
