Thomas Cook’s Holiday Cost of Living survey shows that overseas holidays are still great value
Thomas Cook’s annual Holiday Cost of Living 2009 survey once again highlights that daily prices in many resorts abroad are still significantly cheaper than staying in the UK, even against the backdrop of a stronger Euro against the Pound.
With continued pressure on consumer’s disposable income, the research, launched today, also shows that some destinations abroad are more cost effective to travel to than taking train journeys within the UK.
To help holidaymakers with budgeting, the survey provides prices of daily holiday essentials in 16 popular tourist destinations worldwide. Taking all holiday expenses into consideration can help you manage your complete holiday budget so that you get the most for your money.
The survey highlights that the majority of best value destinations for daily expenditure are long and mid-haul non-Euro destinations, where the pound goes further. The cheapest destination by far continues to be Goa, where a cup of coffee is more than 10 times cheaper than in the UK. Holidaymakers to Cuba will also enjoy bargain prices.
The favourable exchange rates of North African destinations such as Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco make them great value destinations, as is the Eastern Med favourite, Turkey.
Despite being in the Eurozone, prices in destinations such as mainland Spain, Majorca and Cyprus will still be cheaper than the UK. With a three-course meal costing on average just £11.50 in Spain, this is still a fantastic value for money holiday hotspot.
Thomas Cook’s top 10 value destinations are:
|
COUNTRY - TOTAL DAILY EXPENDITURE* |
A BEER IN BAR |
COFFEE IN RESTAURANT |
3 COURSE MEAL
|
|
UK - £48.51 |
£3.20 |
£2.15 |
£22.15 |
|
Goa - £14.10 |
0.70 |
0.20 |
7.00 |
|
Cuba - £30.75 |
1.90 |
1.00 |
15.00 |
|
Tunisia - £33.05 |
1.57 |
1.30 |
18.42 |
|
Turkey - £33.74 |
2.20 |
1.30 |
13.50 |
|
Egypt - £34.01 |
3.75 |
4.00 |
12.50 |
|
Bulgaria - £34.60 |
1.20 |
1.50 |
14.00 |
|
Mainland Spain - £34.66 |
1.45 |
1.29 |
11.50 |
|
Morocco - £36.17 |
3.00 |
1.20 |
22.00 |
|
Majorca - £42.50 |
2.50 |
1.50 |
20.00 |
|
Cyprus - £45.38 |
2.23 |
1.96 |
18.75 |
For some, it is the perceived cost of a holiday abroad that might be off-putting. With some clever destination choices and savvy budgeting, a holiday abroad can be easily achieved this summer. Our research shows that it is not always as expensive as you might think:
HOLIDAY ABROAD - FLIGHTS, TRANSFERS AND ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED**
Bristol – Palma, Majorca – 4*, 10 nights on 25 April £145 per person
Gatwick – Izmir, Turkey – 4*, 7 nights on 6 May £149 per person
Manchester – Almeria, Spain - 3*, 7 nights on 7 May £149 per person
UK HOLIDAY TRAIN TRAVEL – OFF PEAK, OPEN RETURN TRAVEL ONLY, NO ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED
Birmingham – Newquay on 2 May £122 per person
Newcastle - Brighton on 25 April £123.50 per person
Bristol – Edinburgh on 25 April £132.30 per person
Pete Constanti, CEO of Mainstream Travel at Thomas Cook, said: “There are some fantastic value for money deals available at Thomas Cook on both holidays and foreign exchange. If you’re still looking to book, speak to our agents and they will be able to advise on what hot deals we have, what destinations will fit your budget and what costs will be like in resort. If you are on a tight budget, consider an all-inclusive option, this will mean that you’ve paid for food, drinks and some activities in advance.
“Other ways to get value for money include shortening your holiday, we have a range of 10- and 11-night holidays, if 14 nights is over your budget. Once you get into resort, speak to your rep, they’ll know of all the latest special offers and discounts available.
Constanti concluded: “The most important thing is to plan your money, so speak to our experts in our foreign exchange bureau as they’ll be able to offer valuable advice, and research your destination before you go.”
With all-inclusive bookings the bill must be settled 12 weeks in advance, which gives enough time to save up some spending money. Most resorts host fascinating excursions like island tours and family daytrips, so it is important to take enough foreign currency for these treats.
Make sure you also take currency for local specialties too, as they will be much cheaper abroad than at home. For instance, Turkey is renowned for its rugs, while the Egyptians are famous for their scents and spices.
Ends
*Prices for a beer, a glass of wine, a three course meal, a can of coke, a large bottle of water, a UK newspaper, an ice cream, a packet of cigarettes and a five mile taxi ride were compared.
** Details of holidays quoted in table are:
Thomas Cook – Palma, Majorca – 10 nights at the 4 star Cala Azul Esmerelda on self catering, based on 4 sharing, costs from £145 per person. Bristol – 25 April 09
Call 0844 412 5970, log on to www.thomascook.com or visit your local Thomas Cook or Going Places
Thomas Cook – Izmir, Turkey – 7 nights at the 4 star Paloma Rina Apartments on self catering, based on 4 sharing, costs from £149 per person. Gatwick – 6 May 09
Call 0844 412 5970, log on to www.thomascook.com or visit your local Thomas Cook or Going Places
Airtours – Almeria, Spain - 7 nights at the 3 star Apartments Golf Centre on self catering, based on 4 sharing, costs from £149 per person. Manchester – 7 May 09
Call 0844 871 6636, log on to www.airtours.co.uk or visit your local Thomas Cook or Going Places
About Thomas Cook UK & Ireland:
Thomas Cook UK & Ireland is the second largest leisure travel group in the UK with around 19,000 employees. The company operates a fleet of 43 aircraft, has a network of more than 800 high street stores (Thomas Cook and Going Places), leading websites (www.thomascook.com and www.airtours.co.uk), its own television channel Thomas Cook TV (Sky channel 655) and some of the world's favourite travel brands.
These brands include Airtours, Club 18-30, Cresta, CruiseThomasCook, Direct Holidays, Flexibletrips, flythomascook.com, Manos, Neilson, Panorama, Style Holidays, Sunset, Sunworld Holidays, Swiss Travel Service, Thomas Cook, Thomas Cook Signature, Thomas Cook Sport, Tradewinds, www.hotels4u.com and Elegant Resorts.
The company’s airline, Thomas Cook Airlines flies from various regional airports to destinations worldwide.
Thomas Cook offers a range of financial services, including foreign exchange at competitive rates, the Thomas Cook Credit Card in conjunction with Barclays Bank, the cash passport and a wide range of travel insurance policies. It is the only major travel company to be FSA regulated for its travel insurance, which is underwritten by AXA. The company also owns White Horse Insurance Ireland Ltd.
Thomas Cook also has a leading publishing division, and currently has more than 150 guidebooks and publications on offer.
Thomas Cook UK & Ireland is part of Thomas Cook Group plc (www.thomascookgroup.com).