Vacation value

BUDGET FRIENDLY TRAVEL NEWS BY

NIGEL THOMPSON Introducing our new column looking at ways to make your holiday pounds go further…

Clothing for winter sports holidays can be expensive and left gathering dust if you don’t go regularly, or just try it once and decide it’s not for you. Crystal Ski has a solution with a new collection of kit to rent at affordable prices from leading brands such as Columbia, Fusalp, Poivre Blanc and North Face.

The Ski Edit collection – in partnership with fashion rental service By Rotation

– also helps sustainability on the slopes with clothing, often made from recycled plastics, being reused.

A unisex jumpsuit can be hired for a week from £30, with salopettes at £15 and a jacket for £20. Crystal Ski’s Ellie Eyles said: “We want to make skiing more affordable and accessible to everyone.’’

The firm recently launched Bosnia and Herzegovina as a budget snowsports destination for this season, with prices from £391 per person and overall an average of £200 cheaper than other value places such as Bulgaria and Andorra.

crystalski.co.ukbyrotation.com/collections/the-ski-edit

■ A week-long holiday at sea could save a family of four as much as £1,600 on day-to-day costs compared to a selfcatering or B&B getaway.

P&O Cruises says the savings come from typical purchases including meals and entertainment and travelling to sights, which are all included, as are children’s clubs. Also, shore excursions and drinks packages can be bought in sterling to avoid currency fluctuations.

A seven-night fly-cruise to the Canary Islands costs £499 per person, while a no-fly from Southampton to Northern Europe can be found for £20 per person less.

Consumer expert Alice Beer said: “A cruise where nearly everything is included offers incredible value for money.” pocruises.com