Post Office report on holiday prices shows Spain as cheapest in Europe
Fact File
Here are the report’s top 10 cheapest destinations, based on the cost of: a coffee; a bottle of beer; a can of Coca-Cola; a bottle of water; suncream; insect repellent; 20 Marlboro Lights; and a three-course evening meal for two, with wine.
- Sri Lanka (£27.95)
- Spain (£37.72)
- Czech Republic (£39.57)
- Bulgaria (£39.65)
- Mexico (£44.03)
- Hungary (£45.57)
- Portugal (£45.58)
- Thailand (£46.15)
- South Africa (£47.62)
- Vietnam (£50.71)
Resort prices in Spain have dropped by 40 per cent in the last five years, according to a report by the Post Office.
The Worldwide Holiday Costs report rates 40 holiday hotspots based on exchange rate trends and local costs in resort, including the cost of eating out in a local restaurant, buying a beer in the local bar, and buying suncream or a bottle of mineral water in the supermarket.
Overall, Spain was found to be the second cheapest destination, behind Sri Lanka which climbed to the top from fifth place last year.
The most expensive of the 40 holiday destinations was Australia, where costs were found to be over four times more than in Spain.
Turkey, once regarded as one of Europe’s cheapest destinations, came in at 17th place and was 60 per cent more expensive than Spain.
Sarah Munro, Post Office head of travel money, said: "Given that sterling is worth around 20 per cent more than a year ago against the Turkish lira, we expected to see a lower barometer cost for Turkey, especially as the country had a disappointing 2011.
"However, we were surprised to find that local costs have actually risen by 21 per cent and it is only the strong sterling exchange rate that is masking that increase.
"It will be interesting to see how Turkish resorts respond to the challenge presented by Spain and Portugal. With Greek tourism also facing a fight for survival, we could see a price war between the eastern and western Med in 2012."
Spanish resort photo: istockphoto.com
