Head east to bag best Christmas market bargains
THE Baltics are the best bet for holidaymakers looking for bargains as they head to the pick of Europe’s festive markets, research suggests.
Latvia’s capital Riga has topped the list of value-formoney destinations for the fourth time in a row in the Post Office Travel Money seasonal spree lowdown.
Winter wonderlands await visitors keen to soak up Christmas cheer and tick a few gifts off wish lists.
Croatia’s capital Zagreb was runner-up in the survey of 12 European cities, with Krakow in Poland completing the top three.
But Austrian capital Vienna was found to be the priciest spot in the cost comparison. Meanwhile, Lille in France, which is served by Eurostar, was among the best value of cities in Western Europe. The Post Office looked at expenses such as return flights, two nights in threestar accommodation, airport transfers, two evening meals with wine, coffees, festive drinks and snacks.
Riga’s top spot – at £507.19 for a mini-break – was due largely to the low cost of accommodation and cheaper flights, the Post Office said.
Tallinn, the first city of neighbouring Estonia, was fourth in the list at £683.73. Stunning and historic Vienna trailed in last at a whopping £920.92, with wonderful Danish capital Copenhagen not much cheaper at £881.07.
Middling locations included Prague in the Czech Republic (£732.55) and Sweden’s first city Stockholm (£740.60)
The Post Office findings were released as it found nearly half of us (42 per cent) feel the leaping cost of living will have some impact on holiday plans.
Nick Boden, head of its travel money arm, said: “Short breaks are a practical way to holiday abroad for a lower cost and Christmas markets are a real attraction.
“Budget-conscious Britons who do their homework can potentially save hundreds of pounds by picking a city like Riga where costs are low.”