Researching destinations before booking a trip away is always a good option
When heading abroad with a family it can be difficult to keep costs down, particularly if you are travelling during the school holidays when prices tend to rocket in price. Family holidays can be expensive, especially when factoring in flights, accommodation, food, and activities. However, there are ways to keep the costs of a holiday down, this includes travelling off-peak if possible. Another way is researching destinations before booking a trip away.
Booking in advance, particularly for peak seasons, can secure better deals and allow you to spread the cost over time. One location in Turkey has been ranked the cheapest short-haul holiday destination for UK families.
The port city of Marmaris has the lowest prices out of 16 popular locations for 10 tourist items, Post Office Travel Money said. This included just £67.67 for a three-course meal for two adults and two children with wine and soft drinks.
Other low prices included 16p for a 1.5-litre bottle of mineral water from a supermarket, £1.81 for a bottle or can of cola at a cafe or bar, and £2.61 for insect repellent. Post Office Travel Money said the low prices for UK visitors are partly due to a sharp fall in the value of the Turkish lira.
Families visit Turkey for its rich blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and family-friendly activities. Turkey offers diverse experiences that appeal to all ages The country is generally considered a more budget-friendly destination compared to many destinations.
Sunny Beach, Bulgaria, was found to be the second-cheapest destination, with Portugal’s Algarve taking the third spot. Laura Plunkett, head of travel money at Post Office, said: “The collapse of the lira makes Turkish resorts like Marmaris a natural choice for families.
“However, visitors should be aware that while sterling is worth a third more than last July, local prices have increased dramatically because of the currency’s collapse.
“Thankfully, once the positive exchange rate is applied to those local prices, British visitors will only have to pay around 10% more than a year ago, and this increase is much lower than in many other destinations.”
The total price for the basket of goods at (£128.99) was nearly half the price compared with the most expensive destination looked at, which was Spain’s Ibiza (£242.79). Prices for UK holidaymakers have risen in 13 of the 16 locations.
Ms Plunkett added: “We found big price variations in the destinations surveyed, particularly comparing those in the eurozone. For example, prices in the Algarve are almost £100 lower for the same 10 items surveyed than in Ibiza.”
To enter Turkey, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 150 days after the date you arrive and at least one blank page. If you live in Turkey, your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. Before you travel check that your destination can provide the healthcare you may need and you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation.
