Anyone planning a last-minute Easter getaways should consider travelling further afield with overseas holidays reportedly 40 per cent cheaper than a staycation. Research by travel money specialist, FairFX, analysed the price of popular European destinations, including France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal and compared the costs with a break in the UK.
Analysis included flights and fuel, Airbnb accommodation for four nights, as well as the average cost of the top TripAdvisor attractions at the destination. The results found that all the European holiday destinations were considerably cheaper than a trip within the UK, offering best value for money with an entire holiday abroad for five days for under £1,000.
The average cost for a holiday abroad (£814) was revealed to be 40 per cent less than a staycation in the UK (£1,143). France proved to be most affordable, with accommodation, flights and the average cost for visiting an attraction on TripAdvisor costing just £652 per person, a massive 70 per cent less than the cheapest UK destination investigated (Scotland).
A similar trip to Italy would cost £767, which is closely followed by Greece, where affordable accommodation kept overall costs low, costing just £826 per person. Portugal costs £839, compared to a staycation in Wales, which was found to be £1,198.
The average cost of accommodation varies depending on the destination you are choosing to visit, but FairFX research found that on average, accommodation within the UK is up to 79 per cent more expensive than abroad. A 4-night stay on Airbnb in the UK costs on average £962 compared to just £537, on average, for a four-night stay in Europe.
The destination that offered the greatest value for money was France, where the average price of an Airbnb stay will cost just £98 per night. Meanwhile, the nightly average for accommodation in England is £237, Scotland £230 and Wales an impressive £255 for the same four-night stay.
Many of the popular holiday destinations within Europe were also a great deal cheaper than accommodation at home, with the average price of a one-night stay in Greece costing just £127, Italy £130 and Portugal £138. Even the most expensive European destination, Spain offered accommodation for £179, per night on average during the Easter holidays.
Despite rising costs of fuel making holidaying within the UK less affordable, the average price for a six-hour round trip costs the average driver just under £150. Meanwhile, the average cost of a flight to one of the European destinations investigated is on average £250 per person.
Ian Strafford-Taylor, group chief executive of FairFX, said: “As the travel industry bounces back, it's looking to take advantage of pent-up demand by tempting Brits abroad. Our research shows that anyone looking for a last-minute break this Easter should consider their options outside of the UK as it could be more than 40 per cent cheaper to get on a plane, than staycation within the UK.
“The pound is currently up three per cent against the euro compared to April 2019, the last time Britons could travel to Europe without restrictions. That means holidaymakers receive an additional 32€ which translates to an extra £26 for every £1,000 exchanged, allowing more value for money, making it even cheaper to enjoy your time while you’re there.
“Those planning trips within Europe should keep a close eye on the exchange rate and consider locking in rates on a prepaid currency card to guarantee the best value for money.”
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