THE cost of summer holidays has risen now that the Pound has slumped – but if you haven’t booked yet you have a chance to get more for your money.
We have found the best bargain-priced alternatives to pricey eurozone resorts that will save you a bucket and spade.
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Nick Boden, boss of Post Office Travel Money, says: “Sterling has fallen in value against most currencies so this could be the time to consider exploring alternative holiday resorts or city break options to get the most for your money.”
Jacob Lewis reveals the six top destination swaps while Post Office Travel Money compares the price of some popular beach break buys – beer, ice cream, a meal for four, coffee and suncream.
For city breaks we compare beer, a glass of red wine, a meal for two, coffee and museum entry.
And Sun Travel Editor Lisa Minot uncovers the currency exchange rip-offs to avoid.
IBIZA for BULGARIA
Save 70%
SUNNY Beach has party vibes like the White Isle. One week all-inclusive at the 3* Aurelia Hotel is from £406pp including return flights from Gatwick on September 3.
See onthebeach.co.uk or call 0871 474 3000.
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FLORIDA for CAPE TOWN
Save 23%
GREAT night life, food and outdoor activities await you in Cape Town. Seven nights’ B&B at the 5* Bay Hotel is from £1,095pp including Heathrow flights on Sept 11.
See kenwoodtravel.co.uk or call 020 7749 7216.
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HELSINKI for BUCHAREST
Save 67%
STROLL through museums, parks or even hike in Romania’s capital. Three nights’ room-only at the 4* Golden Tulip Victoria is from £324pp including flights from Stansted on August 28.
See lastminute.com.
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NICE for CROATIA
Save 32%
COASTAL resort Porec is heaven for watersports. Seven nights’ self-catering at 3* Laguna Bellevue Apartments is from £331pp including flights from Stansted departing on Sept 15.
See jet2holidays.com.
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CRETE for MARMARIS
Save 28%
THE Turkish resort is perfect for beach lovers. Seven nights’ half-board at the 3* Hotel Kivilcim is from £283pp including return flights from Stansted on Sept 11.
Call 0871 474 3000 or see onthebeach.co.uk.
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ROME for PRAGUE
Save 21%
THE Czech capital oozes culture – just like Rome. Three nights’ B&B at the 3* Prague Centre Plaza is from £279pp including East Midlands flights on August 30.
Call 0800 408 5594 or see jet2holidays.com.
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Protect money on your trips with these easy tips
By Lisa Minot
KEEP every penny of your holiday spending money safe by avoiding rip-off currency fees.
Don’t leave it until the last minute to exchange your cash. Rates at the airport are so low you will get less than a Euro for every pound.
For a better price, order in advance and pick up at the departure lounge.
Think about switching banks if you have the time. Metro Bank and Revolut do not charge fees for using foreign ATMs or currency conversions if you have accounts with them.
Alternatively, get a currency card and load it up with cash via an app before you leave. It will give you fee-free transactions in shops and restaurants – but some charge for withdrawing cash from ATMs.
Post Office Travel Money, FairFX, Caxton and WeSwap all offer this type of card.
And remember, there is a common way that you can be ripped off at restaurants, shops and bars. If the payment machine asks if you would like to pay in pounds SAY NO and choose the local currency.
If you say yes, you are agreeing to the foreign bank deciding what your conversion rate will be – and it is always worse than your own. Foreign cashpoints also try this same trick.
