Cheaper summer holidays for Brits as euro hits lowest rate for four years

Cheaper summer holidays for Brits as euro hits lowest rate for four years PA

There's good news for Britons travelling to Europe this summer, as the euro has hit its lowest rate for four years.

The exchange rate is 1.23 euros for every £1 meaning families will have an extra £52 to spend on holiday compared with last year.

Britons changing £500 will see their money stretch further in holiday destinations like Spain, Majorca and Corfu.

Last year the rate was 1.04 euros against £1 and this year's strong pound means Eastern European destinations are also looking attractive with more money for you to spend in Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic.

Head of Travel Money at Post Office Andrew Brown said: 'Sterling's growing strength is great news for families heading abroad during the school holidays to avoid the washout weather in the UK.

'The sterling gain extends to other European currencies too, which means that families travelling to the Continent in the coming weeks can cash in on some great value.

'However, while there are few places where the pound is not packing a stronger punch, our advice to people who have yet to book is to keep a close eye on exchange rates for all the destinations they are considering to see where they will get the most for their money.'

Brits heading to America, Dubai and Egypt will lose out the most with nearly £40 lost on changing £500 in Dubai, £21 in the States and £8 in Egypt.

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Discover the best European beach spots to spend your euros....

Europe's best beach destinations 2012

9. Corralejo, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
 Corralejo,the largest of Fuerteventura's resorts, is a beach lover's dream. Town Beach is singled out by Tripadvisor reviewers as a perfect spot for families because of its calm waters, while breezier Flag Beach and Glass Beach are a 'paradise' for windsurfers and kitesurfers.
8. Playa del Ingles, Gran Canaria
 The largest resort on Gran Canaria was developed in the Sixties specifically as a tourist area and it's remained popular ever since. There's something for everyone, from families to honeymooners, nude sunbathers, to hippies... and it gets the thumbs up from all.
7. Antalya, Turkey
 This is the fastest growing city in Turkey, not least because of its booming tourism industry. Tourists from around the world are drawn here for the fab beaches as well as the traditional Turkish culture. Konyaalti Beach is described as 'heaven on earth' by one reviewer. The only complaint seems to be that the sea is a "little bit salty". Hmm...
6. Albuferia, Algarve, Portugal
 With 20 different beaches to choose from, Albufeira is praised as a "charming" holiday destination. The cliffs are magnificent, the outlook wonderful and Falesia Beach is singled out in particular: "straight out of a film" says one reviewer.
5. Benidorm, Spain
 Yes, it's still up there as one of the favourites for Brits. The beaches surrounding this holiday mecca are bustling with activities including waterskiing and scuba diving. Levante Beach is praised for its cleanliness, while reviewers recommend Poniente Beach for a calmer alternative to the buzzing Benidorm atmosphere.
4. Bournemouth, England
 Seven miles of beach and its own warm microclimate make Bournemouth the UK's favourite beach destination, according to Tripadvisor reviewers, who praise it for its stunning cleanliness and "amazing views", although one complained that it was "too far away from the shops".
3. Puerto Alcudia, Majorca
 With velvety white stretches of sand along five miles of gentle waters, Puerto Alcudia is the longest beach on the island. Reviewers say the gem of the beach at Aucanada is great for families, and one of the most beautiful parts of the resort, although it can get crowded: "Bring your own sunbed" says one.
2. Icmeler, Turkey
 The lack of a booming nightclub scene is a huge plus for the travellers who've discovered this beach resort. Boat trips, great seafood cafes and "quiet and relaxing" atmosphere are among the reasons they return here, but one reviewer advises getting to the beach early in peak season in order to get a bed by the sea - and they recommend bartering for the price.
1. Olu Deniz, Turkey
 The waters surrounding the small village of Olu Deniz, including the famous Blue Lagoon, are a beautiful gradient of sapphire blue, and the beach is described by Tripadvisor reviewers as "simply stunning", with a spectacular setting. Reviewers say it gets overcrowded in peak season and can also be pricey: many recommend the local beaches nearer the town for more space.
10. Puerto Del Carmen, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
 Lanzarote's largest resort area offers some of the island's best beaches, with calm waters all year round. The coast is a succession of lovely sandy stretches interspersed with small rocky outcroppings, including the little cove of Pena Grande, with fine white sand.