Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
COSTA LESSER
Spain numero uno in poll of cheapest places for holiday
RUKI SAYID
BRITS have named Spain as the most Costa-effective holiday hotspot.
The mainland, which includes popular resort areas Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca, topped a table of value-for-money destinations with a score of 92 out of 100.
According to a survey of 2,000 adults, the Spanish-owned Canary Islands took second place with 91. Greece was third, scoring 89 for value.
The research by Post Office Travel Money also placed Turkey, Portugal, Croatia and Mexico in the top 10.
Bulgaria, traditionally a bargain destination, dropped out of the top
10 to number 12. Its score of 80 put it below Thailand, Malta and
Cyprus. And while France and Italy are popular destinations, they were viewed as costly countries to visit.
France came 22nd of 26 destinations, and Italy 17th. Expensive Scandinavia was given the lowest value rating, scoring just 42, while Dubai was near the foot of the table with 44. The research also revealed sun-seekers heading to Turkey will get more for their money this year, due to a strong pound against the lira.
Nick Boden, head of Post Office Travel Money, said people need to “consider the costs they will face in resorts abroad before they take the plunge and book a holiday”.
He advised: “While people weigh up the cost of flights and accommodation or package deals, they will need to watch the pound, as that will make a sizeable difference to the overall cost. By choosing destinations such as Turkey in Europe, or Thailand or Mexico further afield, they could save cash.”