A third of parents won’t have a family holiday this year, according to reports. But for those who do, what really is best?
Rising prices of all inclusive foreign holidays have seen many switch to self catering, but could you be being lulled into a false economy for your week in the sun?
Jackie Annett investigates how much it costs on an all inclusive vs self catering or bed & breakfast holiday, plus the typical cost of a meal out and grocery basics abroad.
All prices per person based on a family of four with kids aged 4 and 6 taken from Love Holidays and Jet2Holidays, flying from Manchester at the start of August.
Do you have a holiday story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
Portugal
Ukino Terrace Algarve Concept Hotel, 3 star
A popular holiday spot for families. It’s great for beach lovers with a bit of shopping thrown in. Armacao De Pera is only a 20 minute taxi ride from the lively resort of Albufeira in the Algarve with its bustling nightlife.
All inclusive: £818 (All meals plus local drinks from 11am-11pm)
Self catering: £625
Three course meal for two, mid-range restaurant: £43
Imported beer from supermarket (0.33l): £2.58
Coke in restaurant: £1.33
Small bottle of gin from supermarket: £8.63
Groceries
Bread: £1.06
Milk (1 litre): 71p
Eggs (12): £2.02
Cheese (1kg): £7.16
Chicken fillets
(1kg): £5.28
Turkey
Fun & Sun Smart Voxx Resort, Marmaris, Dalaman, 4 star
Turkey is a large peninsula that bridges the continents of Europe and Asia. At the Hanay Suites you can make the most of table tennis, the spa, kids’ playground, restaurant and pool bar.
Half board: £906 (Meals included are breakfast and dinner)
Self catering: From £681
Three course meal for two, mid-range restaurant: £16.73
Coke from a restaurant: 62p
Imported beer from the supermarket (0.33l): £1.53
Small bottle of gin from the supermarket: £8.59
Groceries
Bread: 31p
Milk (1 litre): 69p
Eggs: £1.10
Cheese (1kg): £4.78
Chicken fillets (1kg): £2.94
Cyprus
Cyprus Paphiessa Hotel & Apartments, Paphos, Cyprus, 3 star
Paphos is a coastal city in southwest Cyprus where families can take it easy or find thrills and adventure. The Paphiessa Hotel & Apartments are only five minutes away from Lighthouse Beach.
All inclusive: From £679 (All meals plus drinks including some selected imported drinks 11am-11pm)
Self catering: From £486
Three course meal for two, mid-range restaurant: £47.36
Imported beer from the supermarket (0.33l): £1.44
Glass of Coke in a restaurant: £1.82
Small bottle of gin: £13
Groceries
Bread: £1.09
Milk (1 litre): £1.33
Eggs (12): £2.70
Cheese (1kg): £8.14
Chicken fillets (1kg): £6.25
Canary Islands
Elba Lucia Sport and Suite Hotel, Costa de Antigua, Fuerteventura, 3 star
Just 60 miles away from the northwestern coast of Africa, Fuerteventura is a great option for year round sun. The 3-star budget hotel is situated in the heart of the Costa de Antigua resort, not far from the coast.
All inclusive: From £598 (All meals plus local drinks from 10:30am-11pm)
Self-catering: From £481
Three course meal for two, mid-range restaurant: £43.05
Coke in a restaurant: £1.63
Imported beer from supermarket (0.33l): £2.15
Small bottle of gin: £8.60
Groceries
Bread: 96p
Milk (1 litre): 78p
Eggs (12): £1.96
Cheese (1kg):
£9.18
Chicken fillets (1kg): £5.78
Spain
Hotel Playas de Torrevieja, Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, 3 star
The Costa Blanca region boasts golden sandy beaches and year round sunshine. The Hotel Playas de Torrevieja is located in an ideal spot for a Spanish beach holiday just 250m from Playa de la Mata.
All inclusive: From £574 (Meals/snacks plus local drinks from 10:30am until midnight)
Bed & breakfast: £453
Three course meal for two, mid-range restaurant: £40.51
Glass of Coke from a restaurant: £1.24
Imported beer from the supermarket (0.33l): £1.46
Small bottle of gin from the supermarket: £8.63
Groceries
Bread: £1.24
Milk (1 litre): 79p
Eggs (12): £1.96
Cheese (1kg): £7.94
Chicken fillets (1kg): £6
Majorca
Blue Sea Club Marthas Resort, 4 star
The largest of the Balearic Islands, Majorca has always been popular with British tourists. The 4-star Blue Sea Club Marthas Resort is situated in the picturesque Cala d’Or resort, near to a gorgeous local beach.
All inclusive: From £727 (Meals included plus local drinks from 10am-11pm)
Self-catering: From £599
Three course meal for two, mid-range restaurant: £45
Glass of Coke from a restaurant: £2.47
Imported beer from the supermarket (0.33l): £3.50
Small bottle of gin from the supermarket: £8.50
Groceries
Bread: £1.06
Milk (1 litre): £1.27
Eggs (12): £2.34
Cheese (1kg): £6.91
Chicken fillets (1kg): £6.67
Greece
Loli Village, Pefkohori, Halkidiki, 2 star
Halkidiki is a region in the north of Greece known for its picture perfect peninsulas and beautiful beaches. Adventure seekers will love the monasteries of Mount Athos which are 120km away and the Petralona Caves just 60km away.
All inclusive: £755 (Meals included plus local drinks from 10am until midnight)
Self catering: £521
Three course meal for two, mid-range restaurant: £38.75
Glass of Coke in a restaurant: £1.55
Imported beer from the supermarket (0.33l): £1.29
Small bottle of gin: £13.74
Groceries
Bread: 94p
Milk (1 litre): £1.24
Eggs (12): £3.10
Cheese (1kg): £9.02
Chicken fillets (1kg): £6.92
Greek Islands
Rodos Palace, Ixia, Rhodes , Greek Islands, 5 star
People visit Rhodes for its rich history, stunning scenery and beautiful bays. The 5-star Rodos Palace hotel is situated on the picturesque coast of Ixia, Rhodes.
All inclusive: £871 (All meals plus local drinks and snacks from 10am until midnight)
Bed and breakfast: £808
Three course meal for two, mid-range restaurant: £38.75
Glass of Coke in a restaurant: £1.55
Imported beer from the supermarket (0.33l): £1.29
Small bottle of gin: £13.74
Groceries
Bread: 94p
Milk (1 litre): £1.24
Eggs (12): £3.10
Cheese (1kg): £9.02
Chicken fillets (1kg): £6.92
South of France
Sowell Family Riviera Aparthotel, Saint Raphael, 3 star
A popular Mediterranean destination for decades, the South of France appeals to those who like a touch of glamour. This hotel is a stylish base to explore the stunning Cote d’Azure with the sandy bay of Saint Raphael less than 5km away.
All inclusive: From £1,620
Room only: From £1,097
Three course meal for two, mid-range restaurant: £49.51
Coke from a restaurant: £2.73
Imported beer from the supermarket (0.33l): £2.50
Small bottle of gin: £17
