Soaring pound promises cheap half-term breaks

FAMILIES will save hundreds of pounds on May half-term holidays after the pound soared in value against the euro. The strong pound means holidays will typically cost about 5 per cent less than they would have a year ago – saving an average family £124.

Sterling has gained 14 per cent against the euro since this time last year, which means a customer exchanging £300 today would receive about €402 – an extra €50.

The stronger pound also means big savings on everything from accommodation to flights.

A study by M&S Bank found that a week-long trip to Spain for a family of four in May would cost £229 less than last year, a fall of 8 per cent, while a holiday to France would cost £207 less, a 7 per cent reduction.

A trip to Italy would be £208 cheaper as a result of the stronger pound against the euro, while a visit to Portugal would be £131 less than last May.

Even in European countries outside the single currency zone, holidaymakers can make big savings. A week- long trip to Croatia would cost £119 less for a family of four, while Bulgaria would be £97 cheaper.

Sterling has been rising steadily in recent months as the British economy prospers.

But it received an extra boost last week when the Conservative General Election victory pushed its value up even higher.

Paul Stokes, at M&S Bank, said: ‘Families looking to book a half-term holiday this May will benefit from lower prices thanks to the strong performance of the pound against many foreign currencies this year.

‘Those heading to eurozone destinations will find their money stretches even further.’ ÷ Flight delays increase during popular family holiday dates, it was revealed yesterday.

Easter last year saw a rise of more than a third in compensation claims from airline passengers for delayed flights, compared to other times of the year.

Peak travel days in the summer saw a rise of 45 per cent in compensation claims for late takeoffs, research by passenger rights group Refund.me shows, with claims most often filed for delays of more than three hours.