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)

eds-easy-diner listed on couponmatrix.ukgive-me-cosmetics listed on couponmatrix.ukhatton-adventure-world listed on couponmatrix.ukhighland-fayre listed on couponmatrix.ukmuddy-puddles listed on couponmatrix.uktapi-carpets listed on couponmatrix.uk
eds-easy-diner listed on couponmatrix.ukGet a taste of the states just around your corner from your house at your local Ed’s Easy Diner. Putting out plates of all-American classics like hot dogs, burgers and racks of ribs, you’ll find plenty of mouth-watering meals to devour at a discount with an Ed’s Easy Diner voucher. Find plenty to feast on around the clock through their numerous menus and even take away if you’re feeling lounging with some lazy food.
give-me-cosmetics listed on couponmatrix.ukShop natural, cruelty-free beauty for less with Give Me Cosmetics—this skincare and beauty brand has been making waves with its incredible masks, scrubs and treatments for hair, face and body. The brand has a total ban on animal testing too, so you can shop with peace of mind that no furry friends have been harmed in the process. Make the most of a Give Me Cosmetics discount code to cut the cost of your next skin-saving haul—if you’re after a beauty boost, our offers will help you save big!
hatton-adventure-world listed on couponmatrix.ukThere is so much to do at Hatton Adventure World! Originally a farm, Hatton has grown into a full blown day out of endless fun and activities. The year round centre makes it a major attraction of the Midlands, drawing in happy families time and again. From rides and slides, to meeting the animals, laser tag and strawberry or pumpkin picking, there is something for everyone in the family. With your Hatton Adventure World discount code, visitors big and small can get tickets for less and head off for a great day out.
highland-fayre listed on couponmatrix.ukHighland Fayre’s luxury food hampers are the stuff dreams are made of. Based in Scotland, this brand specialises in the best Scotland has to offer, including chocolate, fresh food, wine and cheese, as well as a range of gourmet food products from around the world. Try out a hamper for yourself or send one as a thoughtful gift, and be sure to apply a Highland Fayre discount code for money off your purchase. Check Groupon for Highland Fayre’s best offers, including site-wide discount codes, sales and more. Groupon should be at the front of your mind when making a purchase from Highland Fayre. Whether you’re looking for a delicious Christmas hamper or an indulgent vegan gift box, we can help you save with Highland Fayre voucher codes for free shipping or percentage discounts, and we’ll keep you informed about any new sales. We’re always refreshing our page, so keep checking back to access the best Highland Fayre deals. This brand shines when it comes to the Highland Fayre Scottish hampers. Sample Scotland’s best biscuits, wines and more indulgent treats – it works perfectly as a delicious gift for birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas. You can even enjoy a great saving if you shop with a Highland Fayre promotional code from Groupon: just enter the code at the checkout when you place an order.
muddy-puddles listed on couponmatrix.ukMuddy Puddles is an online retailer specializing in outdoor clothing and accessories for kids. Their mission is to get kids excited about exploring the great outdoors, no matter the weather. And with a Muddy Puddles discount code, you can save on your purchase of raincoats, wellies, and more. So whether you're looking for a new coat for your little one or some gear to get them started on their next adventure, be sure to check out Muddy Puddles.
tapi-carpets listed on couponmatrix.ukWhatever the style and whatever the floor covering, Tapi Carpets has the perfect flooring to match. From luxurious carpets to timeless engineered wood and laminate underlays, find the flooring to match your interior before using a Tapi Carpets discount code to get it for a fraction of the price. No home is quite complete without something beautiful underfoot, so think of Tapi Carpets next time you fancy shaking up your décor.