UK travellers are being urged to take advantage of the pound’s continued strength against European currencies, by booking a winter holiday abroad to countries with a favourable exchange rate. (Featured image is by ReneS)
Post Office Travel Money’s European Christmas Markets Barometer revealed that all ten cities included in its survey were cheaper this year, as a result of the sterling’s relative strength. The pound is now worth 5.6 per cent more against the euro than 12 months ago.
The Barometer compared the cost of return flights, airport transfers, two nights’ accommodation, two evening meals with wine, coffee and beer, festive drinks and snacks for two people at ten cities which are popular for their Christmas markets.
Tallinn emerged as the cheapest destination, with a total cost of £370.68. Estonia’s capital proved to be the best value for a European Christmas Market trip, including accommodation, travel and eating out.
Second place in the ranking was occupied by Budapest, Hungary (£469.47). Prague in the Czech Republic (£476.29) came in third place, with Trento, Italy (£501.99) and Riga, Latvia (£515.72) following in fourth and fifth place respectively.
The top ten was completed by Lille, France (£538.02), Berlin, Germany (£621.71), Bruges, Belgium (£668.93), Vienna, Austria (£675.76) and Copenhagen, Denmark (£682.27).
The research also revealed that while accommodation prices were lowest in Budapest, Prague and Riga, flights to Trento, Tallinn and Copenhagen were the least expensive.
“Budget-conscious tourists who are planning a European shopping trip can save themselves hard-earned cash by picking a city where costs are low and its currency is weak against the UK pound,” said Andrew Brown, Post Office head of travel money.
“We know that Christmas can be a hectic and stressful time so we want to help people plan ahead for a perfect festive season.”
Recent research from the World Travel market 2012 has revealed an upsurge in the number of multiple holidays taken by Brits each year. In 2012, 34 per cent of UK travellers took two holidays, up from 28 per cent in 2011.
