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:

bedroom-athletics listed on couponmatrix.ukcharles-clinkard listed on couponmatrix.ukcity-plumbing listed on couponmatrix.ukemirates listed on couponmatrix.uklegoland-discovery-centre listed on couponmatrix.ukslingsby-interiors-ltd listed on couponmatrix.uk
bedroom-athletics listed on couponmatrix.ukIf slippers and dressing gowns are your favourite clothing combo, you’ll love the luxury that Bedroom Athletics provides. Featuring only the finest fabrics and fleeces across a range of slippers and fur dressing gowns, you can use the latest Bedroom Athletics discount code from Groupon to secure savings on attire that’ll send you to sleep in a jiffy. With all the bedwear you could ever need stocked under one roof, let Bedroom Athletics keep you cosy.
charles-clinkard listed on couponmatrix.ukCharles Clinkard is one of the most established footwear retailers in the UK, with over 90 years under their belt. Charles Clinkard is now one of the top destinations for Family Footwear stocking brands such as Clarks, Gabor, Rieker and Skechers. Whether you choose to shop online, or in one of the 34 stores, you’ll be sure to find what you are looking for and with the Charles Clinkard discount code you can enjoy fashionable footwear for less. The company was formed in 1924, when the family, then just Charles and Eveline Clinkard, opened their first shoe shop in Middlesbrough.
city-plumbing listed on couponmatrix.ukAs the home for everything to do with plumbing, City Plumbing is the expert in radiators, boilers, taps and DIY tools. If you have a project coming up, City Plumbing can’t be beaten on convenience and price – thanks to its wide selection of products, free delivery and app discounts. Whether it’s a replacement part or a whole new bathroom, use a City Plumbing discount code from Groupon to keep your home makeover budget in check.
emirates listed on couponmatrix.ukThe award-winning airline is here to make your next flight an experience like no other, with excellent quality customer service and premium options at reasonable prices! Get away in style with Emirates and when you use an Emirates promo code you’ll be well on your way to jet-setting for less. From Brisbane to Boston, Nairobi to New York, name it and Emirates will get you there in total comfort and ease.
legoland-discovery-centre listed on couponmatrix.ukIs there anyone who doesn’t love Lego? From our favourite toys to the big screen, Lego has inspired imaginations around the world. At Legoland Manchester you can enjoy lego at a whole new level. We’re talking games, races, rides, factory tours, creative workshops and much much more. Legoland Manchester is the perfect day trip for the whole family, whether young kids, teens or adults, Legoland will bring out the imagination in you. With Legoland Manchester vouchers you can enjoy the wonders of lego for less. Create experiences of a lifetime at Legoland Manchester.
slingsby-interiors-ltd listed on couponmatrix.ukSlingsby is a UK based company that sells office commercial and industrial workplace materials. They offer a wide range of products at competitive prices, including anything from ladders and storage cupboards to PPE and office supplies. Use a Slingsby discount code to get the best deals on essential provisions for your workplace. So regardless of if you’re beginning a new start-up or expanding your business to new locations, you’ll find all you need to succeed with Slingsby. If you're looking for a great deal on office supplies, then you need to check out Slingsby. They offer a wide range of products at competitive prices, and you can use a Slingsby voucher code from Groupon to get even more savings. With our codes, you can secure savings on stationery, storage and furniture alike – so you can craft the ideal office space for a fraction of the price. One of the top-performing Slingsby products is their selection of chairs. They have a wide variety of styles to choose from, and you can use a Slingsby voucher code to get a great deal when buying in bulk. Be it a new chair for your home office or a whole selection of seats for a new warehouse, you’ll find seating solutions in all shapes, sizes and price at Slingsby.