Holiday packages to some of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe have jumped up by up to 25 per cent new research shows. The BBC reported that online price comparison site TravelSupermarket has compiled some figures showing which destinations have gone up the most in the last 12 months.
Prices have been rising across the Mediterranean with Crete in Greece top with 25 per cent increase. The average price of a week with full food and board in Majorca in Spain is up 21%. Prices for Tenerife have risen more than 22%.
Overall the most popular destinations, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Portugal and Cyprus have gone up by nearly 12%. A week in Morocco is 27% more expensive than last year. Bulgaria has gone up 13%.
The comparison showed the following increases for a 7-day family holiday in Aug 2022 and 2023:
Spain: £808 up to £926
Turkey: £902 up to £991
Greece: £974 up to £1,098
Portugal: £949 up to £1,000
Cyprus: £1060 up to £1,153
Mexico: £1,656 up to £1,782
Egypt: £1,135 up to £1,235
Bulgaria: £746 up to £842
UAE: £1,426 up to £1,686
Morocco: £755 up to £959
Richard Singer, chief executive of TravelSupermarket said it was unlikely prices would go down - but explained that sometimes booking late could get a good deal. He added: “It is unlikely that prices will fall substantially for this summer,” he says, because despite higher prices, demand is outstripping supply. Prices for next year are looking on a par with this year.”
Earlier this month Travelodge said people were prepared to pay more for a break this summer - despite huge staycation price rises. A survey of 2,000 adults by hotel chain Travelodge found that almost two thirds have booked a summer vacation, compared to two in five who went away in the summer of 2022.
Nearly three quarters of those planning a holiday have decided to stay in the UK, according to the report. Travelodge said its study indicated that people are planning to spend nearly double the amount of money on their British summer holiday this year compared to 2022.
Staycationers will spend an average of more than £1,000 for their holiday compared with £513 last year, it was suggested. Consumer organisation Which? put out some holiday tips to cut costs:
Choose a more affordable destination
Choosing the right destination can have a big impact on holiday budgets and accommodation prices, but Which? found top-rated destinations with hotels at reasonable prices.
Shop around for the best value hotel room rate
If booking hotel accommodation, Which? suggests shopping around for the best prices. It is worth browsing online comparison sites for longer stays in hotels, as the cumulative savings can be substantial. In 2021, Which? investigated the best and worst comparison sites and found that consumers could make substantial savings on lengthier bookings by using certain sites. Trivago found the best prices most consistently, but Kayak, Skyscanner, TravelSupermarket and TripAdvisor also performed well.
Try booking directly with the hotel
Using comparison sites to check prices and locations is a good place to start, but don’t be afraid to contact the hotel or B&B directly. Which? found that holidaymakers can often get even better rates or perks - like free breakfasts or champagne on arrival - by booking directly.
Book your car hire through a broker
If hiring a car to travel in the UK, Which? research found that, on average, customers get a better price booking with a broker than going direct. The best brokers also throw in extras for free. Zest Car Rental, recognised by Which? for its pricing transparency and customer service, offers excess reimbursement insurance and, often, a second driver free of charge.
