Filed under: Travel News
![cheap holiday destinations 2013 revealed]()
Stock photo, Albufeira Getty
If you're looking for a cheap holiday this summer,
Spain and
Portugal will be your best bet, according to a new
Post Office Travel Money survey.
Despite the pound falling in value against the euro this year, holidaymakers planning trips to a European hotspot may find their holiday cash stretches further than expected because prices have plummeted in many popular resorts.
Spain and the
Algarve have come out as the cheapest destinations in this year's Post Office Holiday Costs Barometer, which compared the cost of 10 holiday essentials across different European resorts.
Although sterling is worth 4.5 per cent less than in April 2012, this year's Post Office Holiday Costs Barometer reveals that prices are down by up to 20 per cent in
Spain and almost 15 per cent in the Algarve.
The cheapest destination in the annual
Post Office Travel Money barometer came out as
Albufeira in
Portugal, with the 10 essentials, including bottled water, sun cream and meals costing (£46.34).
In second cheapest position came
Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol,
Spain, (£46.50) with its 10 holiday items costing just 16p more than in the Algarve.
At only 80p less,
Javea, on the
Costa Blanca, came in at third place (£47.14).
Sunny Beach, Bulgaria (£47.32) fell to fourth place in the table because of a 3.4 per cent rise in local resort prices but remains within 98p of top-placed Albufeira in the Algarve.
Fierce competition to attract back UK holidaymakers put a gap of £8 to £9 between the top four resorts and fifth-placed
Majorca (£55.46), where prices have fallen 8.8 per cent in a year.
In the US, even though sterling is 4.1 per cent weaker than last year against the dollar, holidaymakers heading to
Orlando, Florida, will find prices much lower in the theme park capital.
Ten typical holiday purchases surveyed for the Holiday Costs Barometer - a three-course meal, cup of coffee, bottle of beer, glass of wine, soft drink, bottled water, suncream, insect repellent, cigarettes and newspaper - cost 21.2 per cent less than in 2012 (£58.16).
You'll also be quids in if you choose the Egyptian resort of
Sharm el Sheikh because prices are over 17 per cent lower than a year ago (£62.83).
Egypt's mid-haul competitor
Dubai - which came out as the most expensive destination on the list (£103.23) - was 64 per cent more expensive.
Prices have also fallen, by 5.2 per cent, in
Split (£70.84), a strong incentive for the increasing numbers of UK holidaymakers now choosing Croatia.
Although resort prices have fallen by around six per cent in
Corfu, Greece (£64.45), the barometer basket was 8.7 per cent cheaper in
Marmaris, Turkey (£58.84). However, people who choose to holiday in Bodrum, another popular Turkish resort, will find themselves paying over 53 per cent more for the same holiday items (£90.15).
Similarly, visitors to the Balearic island of Menorca (£88.22) can expect to pay 59 per cent more than in neighbouring Majorca (£55.46). The high cost of eating out - over double the price of a three-course meal with drinks in Majorca - accounted for most of the difference.
Andrew Brown of
Post Office Travel Money told
Aol Travel: "The pound may be worth less in Europe than a year ago but fierce competition means that lower prices in several of the resorts we surveyed can easily offset the falling value of sterling. Taking some time to check out resort costs and add them to package prices to find the best overall deal will pay dividends this summer. This really is the year to do some 'sterling' work before booking a holiday: be prepared to swap destination or switch to a cheaper resort within the same country."
At the pricier end of the scale, costs were uniformly high in
Italy. Tuscany (£94.92) and Sorrento (£101.79) were the most expensive European resorts surveyed for the barometer - over twice the price of the four best value destinations.
In the UK, neither Blackpool (£65.96) nor Bournemouth (£78.01) made it into the top half of the barometer. However, bargain-hunters staying in the UK this year will find the North Country favourite 15 per cent cheaper than the south coast resort.
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Budapest revealed as the best-value city break
See more great-value European breaks here:
- Vilnius, Lithuania
<p>
Lithuania's capital is a wonderful spot for a city break with plenty to offer, from historic architecture to modern art and culture. Visit the Hill of Crosses where there are thousands of crosses on a hillock, which has inspired countless pilgrimages. The Hill of Crosses is 10km north of Siauliai in the village of Jurgaiciai. For the best views, hire a bike (from £7 per person) and cycle up the hill. Great for: a modern-day pilgrimage with spectacular views.</p>
![Vilnius, Lithuania]()
- Bosnia
<p>
Head to <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/tag/Bosnia/" target="_blank">Bosnia</a> for picturesque landscapes, cobbled streets in the capital Sarajevo and marvellous ancient buildings. Bosnia is home to crystal clear mountain rivers and high quality thermal springs as well as more modern thermal spa facilities - all at a fraction of the cost of its European neighbours. Prices start from just £17 per person. Great for: unwinding and revitalising.</p>
![Bosnia]()
- Bulgaria
<p>
Whether you fancy an affordable ski break or a beach getaway without the price tag, <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/tag/bulgaria/" target="_blank">Bulgaria</a> has plenty to offer travellers on a budget. While you're there, tuck into the local dishes. One of the most traditional Bulgarian dishes is Cheverme – a whole lamb roasted on a spit. This dish is typical of the Rhodope region and usually comes with gratin potatoes. Visit a local restaurant and the meal should cost no more than £5 per person. Great for: authentic rustic food on a budget.</p>
![Bulgaria]()
- Dilijan, Armenia
<p>
Ever thought about a holiday in Armenia? Take a trip to Dilijan, a charming resort town nestled in the wooded hilly region of the picturesque north of <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/tag/armenia/" target="_blank">Armenia</a>. Visit the National Park, home to over 1,000 species of plants and 107 species of birds, including the Goshawk, Black Kite, Honey Buzzard and Eagle Owl. Great for: getting back to nature in an unspoilt country.</p>
![Dilijan, Armenia]()
- Krakow, Poland
<p>
Krakow is <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/tag/Poland/" target="_blank">Poland</a>’s culture capital and a haven for foodies. Work up an appetite with a visit to St Mary’s Church and a walk around Krakow Market Square – the largest medieval market place in Europe, before stopping for somewhere to eat. Offering cuisines from all over the world at unbeatable prices, you’re sure to find something to suit all tastes. One such eatery is Zazie, a bistro offering three-course meals from just £9 per person. Great for: medieval sites and good food at bargain prices.</p>
![Krakow, Poland]()
- Budapest, Hungary
<p>
The Hungarian capital Budapest is the <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/2013/03/25/budapest-best-value-city-break-europe-cheap-holiday-destinations/" target="_blank">cheapest place for a city break in Europe</a>, with a two-night city break costing around £135 per person. This wonderful city is a top spot for a boat ride along the Danube, a stroll around Castle Hill and a visit to Saint Stephen's Basillica. Budapest is also home to outdoor thermal baths, making it a good place to relax. Great for: a budget spa break.</p>
![Budapest, Hungary]()
- Turkey
<p>
<a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/tag/turkey/" target="_blank">Turkey</a> boasts plenty of stunning beaches and it’s a great place to sample fantastic authentic food at affordable prices. Spend a day at Iztuzu Beach swimming in the turquoise sea for free. Great for: unspoilt beaches to get away from it all.</p>
![Turkey]()
- Serbia
<p>
One of the lesser-known countries of Europe, <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/tag/serbia/" target="_blank">Serbia</a> is waiting to be discovered. For an adventure break with a difference, go log rafting from just £15 per person. Available daily on the Drina, Uvac, Lima and Ibar rivers, as well as some unexplored mountain waters, it’s the perfect way to combine adrenaline and nature. Great for: adventure in the great outdoors on a shoe string.</p>
![Serbia]()
- Zagreb, Croatia
<p>
<a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/tag/croatia/" target="_blank">Croatia</a> is a delightful destination for an affordable city break. Head for the exciting capital Zagreb to enjoy the warm climate, lovely parks and brilliant nightlife. For something a bit quirky, why not visit Zagreb’s Museum of Broken Relationships? The museum houses a collection of personal items that have been donated around the concept of failed relationships. For true closure, donate an item and browse the entire collection. Entry is just £3 per person. Great for: quirky culture and closure for next to nothing!</p>
![Zagreb, Croatia]()
- Prague, Czech Republic
<p>
Opt for korunas rather than euros and you’ll find your money goes further. In <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/tag/prague/" target="_blank">Prague</a> you can explore Prague Castle and St Vitus’ Cathedral, wander down cobbled streets and marvel at the gothic statues and modern day performers along the 650-year-old Charles Bridge, which spans the Vltava. After all that walking and culture you might want to sample a hearty goulash. And if you want something to wash that down, the local beer is famous the world over and keenly-priced. Great for: stunning gothic sights and great beer.</p>
![Prague, Czech Republic]()
Ed Graham/The Polar Route
Ed Graham/The Polar Route
