Shall we go all-inclusive, half-board or B&B? This is a question asked by thousands of families when choosing a holiday. Directline Holidays has come up with some help by pinpointing which countries offer the best deals to save you money.
Those heading to Turkey and the Greek Islands may save by booking all-inclusive as food and drink prices are relatively high. But if you are heading to Croatia or Thailand, room-only or half-board offers better value because of cheaper shopping costs. Spain retains the crown as best value destination overall.
Using the annual Post Office Travel Money Worldwide Holiday Cost Barometer, Directline Holidays investigated how the cost of an all-inclusive holiday – including three daily meals and drinks – compares to the price of room-only or B&B plus local meal and drink prices across a range of leading holiday hotspots.
Directline boss Maria Whiteman said: “Choosing the right holiday is about balancing your budget with your dreams, and while the lowest price is an absolute priority, we’re here to enable our customers to select the best value deal for them: the holiday that most suits their individual needs rather than simply the cheapest price tag.”
Spain topped the Barometer for value which kept total holiday spend down, reflected across all board bases from room only to half-board, with all-inclusive remaining great value compared to other short haul destinations. The Costa del Sol, traditionally a preferred destination with British sun-seekers, is good value for money. Room-only prices to Costa Del Sol departing April 29 from Gatwick, staying at the three-star Kristal Hotel start from £250 for seven nights.
Maria added: “In some destinations, local wines and spirits may not be to everyone’s tastes, so it may make most sense to stay all-inclusive in a resort that offers world wines and branded spirits. In destinations such as Dubai and the Maldives all-inclusive is the best option, especially for those celebrating a special occasion, as alcohol is very expensive, restricted – or banned – outside of the tourist resorts.”
Resort prices may have fallen by 16% year-on-year, but given the daily costs in Turkey – £52.89 according to the Barometer – Directline Holidays suggests holidaymakers may be better off going all-inclusive. For those seeking an active break, an all-inclusive package can offer access to otherwise expensive activities such as sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, tennis and archery – even cycle hire and yoga classes are included in some resorts. All-inclusive prices to Turkey departing April 29 from Gatwick staying at the four-star Ideal Beach start from £313 for seven nights, or, £363 at the five-star Krizantem Katya Hotel.
An all-inclusive deal in the Greek Islands, another traditional British holiday hotspot, may work out as the best value option as daily living costs rank significantly higher than in other European destinations at £57.50 a day or £402.50 a week. Some may prefer the choice of food by self-catering, but many all-inclusive resorts offer several restaurants and cafés providing variety over a week or two-week stay and the savings, especially in destinations such as Greece, may be significant. All-inclusive prices to Corfu, departing April 29 from Gatwick, staying at the three-star Corfu Panorama start from £321 for seven nights, or £402 at the four-star Mareblue Beach Resort, or £429 at the five-star Marbella Beach Hotel (above).
While relatively high for food costs, Croatia offers low-priced beer (£1.44) and wine (£1.92), so holidaymakers planning a large celebration may find B&B the most efficient option. B&B prices to Croatia departing April 29 from Gatwick staying at the three-star Dalmacija start from £283.
Thailand represents excellent value for money, especially for those keen to explore local cuisine and customs. Food and drink is relatively inexpensive and readily available, so Directline Holidays suggests those eager to get a real taste for the Far East book room-only or B&B.
Visit www.directline-holidays.co.uk and for the full Barmometer see www.postoffice.co.uk
