Self-catered holidaymakers should head to Spain

Tip Posted on 11/07/2012

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Self-catered holidays are significantly cheaper in Spain and Portugal compared to other European destinations, according to a recent Post Office survey. The results are based on the cost of feeding a family of four by shopping in supermarkets, which works out at almost half the price in Majorca and the Algarve compared to Cyprus.

Self-catering has always been an attractive option for British families choosing to holiday in rented apartments or hotel suites. Heading to supermarkets is typically the cheap option and grants travellers the flexibility to cook what you want, when you want. However, the Post Office survey has revealed that a basket of 20 daily necessities, including alcohol ranges from a very reasonable £56.67 in Majorca to £104.29 in Cyprus. Therefore, Britons choosing the self-catered option should look carefully at their destination when calculating the overall price of your trip.

Supermarket products were also good value in the Portuguese Algarve, Spain's Costa Blanca and Menorca. The survey equally showed that 15 per cent of those interviewed had gone for a self-catered holiday to save money, but ultimately overspent in the supermarket. Selecting such locations could therefore help families stay within budget and enjoy an inexpensive summer holiday abroad. The head of Post Office Travel Money, Andrew Brown, stressed: "Although self-catering can be a great way for families to save money, they should choose their destination carefully."

The Post Office survey is particularly relevant this summer as Great Britain's pessimistic summer weather forecast is increasingly pushing Britons to book last-minutes breaks in the sun, despite the credit crunch. For example, travel comparison website On the Beach noticed a 20 per cent increase in bookings made to European destinations from the end of June to the first week in July. We advise you research your destination before booking, and pick Spain over Greece if you prefer a self-catered holiday. Another way you can save your holiday cash is by avoiding exchanging cash at the airport or making several withdrawals from ATMs as the rates are poor and you will be charged.

Find your flights to Majorca with the easyvoyage.co.uk search engine.

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