FOR the first time since the pandemic began, the UK is living restriction-free, with no travel rules in place. So, what better time to book a break than now?
No more costly tests or lengthy passenger locator forms means holidays can be faff-free — and for an absolute bargain, look to Turkey.
6
Turunc Bay in Marmaris, the city which has been revealed as Europe’s cheapest holiday destinationCredit: Getty
6
Marmaris in Turkey is the cheapest city break in the world, according to a new report
The Post Office’s annual Holiday Money Report has revealed the city of Marmaris is the cheapest tourist destination, with a three-course meal for two, including a bottle of wine, just £16.02 on average.
A standard filter coffee there is roughly 59p — it costs nearly triple that for a cup at Pret A Manger in the UK.
The collapse of the Turkish lira has helped Marmaris to the top spot.
If it’s cheap beer you’re after though, Bulgaria still pips every other country to the post.
The report, which looked at the costs of eight holiday items, including booze, food and suncream, showed a local beer in Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach costs an average 45p.
The wine’s pretty cheap too, with a small glass costing roughly £1.12, making it the ultimate spot in the world for bargain booze.
6
Bulgaria is the best destination for cheap beer, less than half the price of second place
Overall, the Eastern European country ranked second cheapest, with all eight items totalling £26.19.
The third cheapest destination, Portugal’s Algarve, trailed this at £44.39, meaning a getaway to Bulgaria or Turkey is significantly more budget-friendly for families or groups.
Orlando in Florida appeared in the top ten for the first time in the survey’s 16-year history, after prices fell 10.1 per cent year on year.
Post Office Travel Money says people visiting the world’s theme park capital will find prices around 22 per cent lower than pre-pandemic.
In Orlando, the average three-course meal for two with wine is £43.50, and a coffee is £1.87.
Those after a budget long-haul getaway should head to Cape Town in South Africa, which is the cheapest destination outside of Europe and came in fourth overall with all eight holiday items totalling £53.23.
Wineries are abundant and you’ll only spend £3.37 for a small glass.
Spain’s Costa del Sol came sixth, followed by Mombasa in Kenya, Funchal in Madeira and Sliema in Malta.
But in Reykjavik in Iceland, Bridgetown in Barbados, and Jumeirah in Dubai costs are up by more than 20 per cent since the last report.
Nick Boden, boss of Post Office Travel Money, urged holidaymakers to do their homework.
“They need to be aware that prices have risen sharply in some destinations and fallen significantly in others,” he said.
6
Iceland, Barbados and Dubai are the costliest destinations for holiday essentials
6
Revellers in Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach resort can buy a beer for just 45pCredit: Getty
6
Reykjavik in Iceland has seen prices soar by more than 20 per cent in the past yearCredit: Getty
