Research by online travel expert Directline Holidays (www.directline-holidays.co.uk) reveals that British travellers can get a better price on their total holiday cost by carefully choosing the right board basis.
Sun seekers heading to Turkey and the Greek Islands may save by booking an all-inclusive deal – as foods and drinks prices are relatively high – while those heading to Croatia or Thailand may find that room only or half-board offers better value resulting from lower shopping costs. Spain retains the crown as best value destination overall.
Using the yearly Post Office® Travel Money Worldwide Holiday Cost Barometer published in January 2013, Directline Holidays investigated how the price of an all-inclusive holiday – including three daily meals and beverages – compares to the cost of room only or bed and breakfast accommodation plus local meal and drink prices across a number leading holiday hotspots.
Maria Whiteman, CEO of Directline Holidays, said: “Choosing the proper holiday is ready balancing your budget together with your dreams, and while the bottom price is an absolute priority, we’re here to enable our customers to pick the perfect value deal for them: the vacation that the majority suits their individual needs in place of simply the most affordable price ticket.”
Spain topped the Barometer for value which kept total holiday spend down, reflected across all board bases from room only to half-board, with all-inclusive remaining great value when compared with other short haul destinations. The Costa del Sol, traditionally a popular destination with British sun seekers, represents notably not pricey for money.
Room Only prices to Costa Del Sol departing 29 April from London Gatwick staying at 3 star Kristal Hotel start from just £250 for seven nights.
Whiteman added: “In some destinations, local wines and spirits is probably not to everyone’s tastes, so it is able to make most sense to remain all-inclusive in a resort that provides world wines and branded spirits. In destinations along with Dubai and the Maldives all-inclusive is superb, especially for those celebrating an important day, as alcohol is terribly expensive, restricted – or banned – outside of the tourist resorts.”
Resort prices could have fallen by 16% year-on-year, but given the daily costs in Turkey – £52.89 in keeping with the Barometer – Directline Holidays suggests holidaymakers is likely to be best off choosing all-inclusive accommodation. For those seeking an active break, an all-inclusive package can offer access to otherwise expensive activities akin to sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, tennis and archery – even cycle hire and yoga classes are included in some resorts.
All Inclusive prices to Turkey departing 29 April from London Gatwick staying at 4 star Ideal Beach start from just £313 for seven nights, or £363 to the five star Krizantem Katya Hotel.
An all-inclusive deal inside the Greek Islands, another traditional British holiday hot spot, may match out because the best value option as daily living costs rank significantly higher than in other European destinations at £57.50 per day or £402.50 every week. Some may prefer the selection of food that self-catering accommodation brings, but many all-inclusive resorts offers several restaurants and cafés that supply variety over every week or fortnight stay – and the savings, especially in destinations akin to Greece, could be significant.
All Inclusive prices to Corfu departing 29 April from London Gatwick staying at 3 star Corfu Panorama start from just £321 for seven nights, or £402 to 4 star Mareblue Beach Resort, or £429 to five star Marbella Beach Hotel.
While relatively high for food costs, Croatia offers low-priced beer (£1.44) and wine (£1.92), so holidaymakers planning a huge celebration may find bed and breakfast the most productive option.
B&B prices to Croatia departing 29 April from London Gatwick staying at 3 star Dalmacija start from just £283.
Thailand represents excellent value for money, especially for those keen to explore local cuisine and customs. Foods and drinks is comparatively inexpensive and available, so Directline Holidays suggests those desirous to get a true taste for the Far East book room only or bed and breakfast accommodation.