Cut-price Easter getaway

9 in 10 overseas holidays for a family of four are cheaper than a year ago

NINE in ten holidays this Easter could be cheaper than a year ago due to the strength of the pound.

Sterling has risen sharply against dozens of foreign currencies in recent months as the UK’s economy improves.

It has performed particularly well against the euro as many European countries struggle to recover from the financial crisis.

Now research from M&S Bank has shown that the average cost of a week-long Easter holiday for a family of four has fallen by 4 per cent – or £83 – compared to 2014.

The study discovered favourable exchange rates mean prices in nine out of ten popular holiday destinations have fallen, with only Turkey more expensive.

The savings made in six of the ten destinations would be enough to pay for a hotel room upgrade or five days’ worth of ice cream for the family, it said.

With the pound strengthening almost 13 per cent against the euro year on year, three of the five best-value holiday destinations were in the eurozone.

France offered the greatest drop, with the cost of a holiday down by £145 – savings that could be used to fund a luxury trip to the Eiffel Tower, including a three- course meal and cham- pagne at the top. There were also substantial savings to be made in trips to Spain and the Canary Islands, as well as Italy and Bulgaria.

Paul Stokes, of M&S Bank, said: ‘The pound has performed strongly against many foreign currencies over the past year, so families looking to book an Easter break can make some great savings.

‘Choosing the right destination means families could enjoy everything from room upgrades to

once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Taking exchange rates into account and shopping around for the best deal will help families to get even more from their travel money this Easter.’

In Croatia, a typical seven-day trip has fallen by £132 or 6 per cent. This saving could pay for an island boat tour for a family of four, with lunch included.

For Spain, an average saving of £126 would cover the cost of a trip to the zoo, including a ‘once-in-alifetime swim’ with sea lions.

The study looked at seven nights’ accommodation, flights, dinner, spending money and one activity, based on data from expedia.co.uk and expatistan.com.

Millions of Britons are expected to take advantage of the strong pound by booking cheaper breaks in Europe and beyond. A recent study by travel money firm Centtrip claimed the strength of sterling means there has never been a better time to book a holiday.