Holidaymakers need ‘careful planning’ to find bargain destinations – report

Neil Lancefield, PA Transport Correspondent 25 March, 2023 00:04 UK holidaymakers keen to avoid steep price rises are being forced to choose their destination carefully, new figures show.

Falls in the value of sterling against many other currencies and rises in resort prices mean the cost of typical tourist items are higher in four out of five popular resorts and cities compared with a year ago, according to Post Office Travel Money. The annual Holiday Money Report, which surveyed 40 destinations, found that UK holidaymakers are paying more for expenses such as meals, snacks, drinks, suncream and insect repellent in locations such as the Costa del Sol, Spain; Marmaris, Turkey; Orlando, USA; and Phuket, Thailand.

But prices have fallen year-on-year in six of the 10 cheapest destinations. Cape Town in South Africa has the lowest prices for UK visitors, driven by the rand’s near-16% fall against sterling in recent months and competitive pricing in bars and restaurants.

A three-course evening meal for two, including a bottle of house wine, typically costs just GBP35.80 in the coastal city. Portugal’s Algarve is the cheapest of nine eurozone destinations surveyed despite prices rising by a third year-on-year. The Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh is also in the best value top 10 on the back of a fall in the Egyptian pound’s value.

Even with a 19.2% drop in the value of the Turkish lira, inflation and a 55% rise in the minimum wage at the nation’s bars and restaurants mean prices for UK visitors to Marmaris have more than doubled since last year.

Ed Dutton, portfolio director for financial services at the Post Office, said: “Despite the volatility of sterling, it is still possible to bag a bargain with careful planning. “Check exchange rate movements and the cost of holiday essentials before booking to see where you might get more holiday cash for your pounds but be aware that sterling gains can be cancelled out by big resort price rises, as the increase in Turkey proves. “It will pay to be flexible when deciding on a holiday destination.

“The Egyptian pound and South African rand have been losing ground against sterling recently, while Latin American currencies like the Mexican peso and Costa Rican colon have been surging in value.” The report was produced in partnership with online travel agent Travel Republic, whose managing director Antonio Fellino said: “Britons are considering their options more carefully and really looking hard at how they get great value from the package they book and the destination they’re travelling to. “It’s not surprising that places like Egypt and Turkey are seeing a significant increase in popularity this year.”

– Here are the cheapest destinations for eight items commonly bought by tourists: Cup of filter coffee: Algarve, Portugal (81p)
Bottle of local beer: Cape Town, South Africa (GBP1.62)
Bottle or can of Coca-Cola or Pepsi: Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt (93p)
Glass of wine at a cafe or bar: Algarve, Portugal (GBP1.81)
Mineral water (1.5 litres): Marmaris, Turkey (15p)
Suncream (200ml): Tokyo, Japan (GBP4.34)
Insect repellent (50ml): Kuta, Bali (64p)
Three-course evening meal for two with a bottle of house wine: Cape Town, South Africa (GBP35.80) – Here are the most expensive destinations for eight items commonly bought by tourists:

Cup of filter coffee: Mahe, Seychelles (GBP4.55)
Bottle of local beer: Jumeirah Beach, Dubai (GBP8.99)
Bottle or can of Coca-Cola or Pepsi: Mahe, Seychelles (GBP3.85)
Glass of wine at a cafe or bar: New York, USA (GBP11.41)
Mineral water (1.5 litres): Rodney Bay, St Lucia (GBP4.95)
Suncream (200ml): Tamarindo, Costa Rica (GBP21.84)
Insect repellent (50ml): Reykjavik, Iceland (GBP17.16)
Three-course evening meal for two with a bottle of house wine: Reykjavik, Iceland (GBP135.87)

Tags:

big-green-smile listed on couponmatrix.ukbrasserie-blanc listed on couponmatrix.ukenterprise-car-club listed on couponmatrix.ukhearing-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukhome-detail listed on couponmatrix.uksimon-jersey listed on couponmatrix.uk
big-green-smile listed on couponmatrix.ukWelcome to Big Green Smile, the home of eco-friendly and sustainable cleaning and beauty products! We believe in taking care of the planet while still looking and feeling our best, which is why we only use ingredients that are good for you AND the environment. Plus, we're super affordable - just enter the Big Green Smile discount code at checkout to save even more on your order! Thank you for shopping with us and supporting our mission! At Groupon, we understand that everyone loves a good deal. That's why we work hard to find the best discount codes for your favorite brands, including Big Green Smile. Whether you're looking for a percentage off your total purchase, free shipping, or a generous gift with purchase, we'll do our best to help you save money on the products you love. Be sure to check back often, as we are constantly updating our offers! One of our most popular products is the Natural Lip Balm, which uses only organic ingredients to soothe and protect your lips no matter the weather. It comes in a variety of delicious flavours, from strawberry to chocolate, there’s a flavour to suit everyone’s tastes! With being affordable and good for the planet, what are you waiting for? Try Big Green Smile today, and don’t forget to save money on your purchase with a Big Green Smile promo code too!
brasserie-blanc listed on couponmatrix.ukDine in style and sophistication at the renowned French chef’s restaurants, where you’ll be warmly welcomed and served freshly prepared meals from a fantastic menu. With one of our Brasserie Blanc vouchers you’ll be able to knock a nice chunk off that bill - your friends and family will thank us later - so why not head to the website today and start whetting your appetite by checking out the menu.
enterprise-car-club listed on couponmatrix.ukEnterprise Car Club brings you all the convenience that comes with driving a vehicle - but does away with the hassle of owning one. Membership lets you rent cars and vans by the hour, picking them up from parking bays located in thousands of handy locations across every major town and city in the country. Short-term rental keeps costs minimal, and the Enterprise Car Club promo code makes it even cheaper, getting you behind the wheel whenever you like - whilst letting someone else worry about keeping the vehicle clean and roadworthy.
hearing-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukOur selection of Hearing Direct coupons can help you save on items designed to help make daily life easier when dealing with hearing loss. Various hearing aids are available alongside the likes of amplified phones, ear hygiene products, loud alarm clocks and assistive listening devices. Products are also offered to help customers listen to the TV, catch doorbell chimes, protect their hearing or get relief from tinnitus. Designed with the emphasis on accessibility and ease of use, big-buttoned TV remotes and computer keyboards are available along with watches and various alerting devices. So if you're in the market for items to make life a little more manageable, have a look at Groupon's Hearing Direct promo codes to see how you can save. Drawing on the collective experience of a team boasting years in and around hearing aid manufacturing, Hearing Direct was set up around the simple concept of making hearing aids available to all at affordable prices. The team used their insider knowledge of the true value of the micro-engineered digital devices to help them remove various associated costs and pass the savings on to customers, with various in the ear (ITE) and behind the ear (BTE) options available. Every item listed on the site comes with a 30-day no-hassle money back guarantee, as well as a 12-month manufacturer warranty, with all hearing aids coming with a packet of batteries included. Their customer services team are on-hand to help offer advice and answer questions on products or services, while the site itself provides a host of guides on everything from hearing checks to buying a hearing aid online, selecting an appropriate amplified device, and more. Once an appropriate device has been found, our latest Hearing Direct coupon codes can help you bag some big savings. So if you're looking for something to make hearing the television a little easier, a new hearing aid or accessories, or even a clearer watch, remember to peruse our collection of Hearing Direct coupons before you buy.
home-detail listed on couponmatrix.ukConvert your humble abode into your dream domicile with some help from Home Detail, the homeware and furniture experts with an eye for stylish comfort. Think everything from rattan garden seating to ergonomic gaming chairs, all available for less with the latest Home Detail discount code to hand! Even if you just need a new mattress or air conditioning unit, there’s no furnishing essentials that don’t fall beneath Home Detail’s banner.
simon-jersey listed on couponmatrix.ukWho says workwear shouldn’t bring out the best in you? Simon Jersey certainly don’t, sporting clothing and accessories that guarantee you’ll look your finest even when on the clock. Put a Simon Jersey discount code to good use and you could land two new work outfits for the price of one. Whether your nine to five is in a kitchen, a hospital, an office or a bar, Simon Jersey is always ready with threads that exude experience and charm.