Turkey named cheapest family holiday destination in Tui and Post Office report

New research has named Turkey as the cheapest family holiday destination in Europe, but price rises have been recorded across the continent.

Tui and the Post Office surveyed 16 of the operator’s destinations to check the cost of a range of items.

Marmaris emerged as the cheapest resort, followed by the Algarve and Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach.

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However, prices have risen in the past year at 15 of the 16 surveyed destinations, the report found.

Laura Plunkett, the Post Office’s head of travel money, said: “Ironically, two of the cheapest destinations we surveyed – Turkey and Bulgaria – have seen the biggest rises. However, they are still places where bargain hunters will get the most for their money.”

The 12 items used in the survey were: bucket and spade; inflatable lilo; mask and snorkel set; sun cream; insect repellent; ice cream (e.g. Mars/Magnum); sun lounger (half-day hire); water ride (pedalo or similar); bottle of beer/lager (in a cafe/bar); bottle/can of Coca-Cola (in a cafe/bar); glass of wine; three-course family meal including wine/soft drinks.

The total cost in Marmaris was £114.70, while in the Algarve it was £120.01 and in Sunny Beach £120.73. The most expensive destination was Ibiza, where the cost came to £215.71.

Plunkett said: “Although sterling is at a 2023 high against European currencies, inflation has hit local prices abroad just as it has in the UK. This means families should expect to pay more for meals, drinks and other tourist items in most resorts.”

Prices varied by up to 88% across the 16 destinations, the report found, while the only one to record a fall was Italy’s Puglia region, where prices in Alberobello were down by 10.3%.

Tui UK and Ireland’s commercial director Richard Sofer, said: “Holidays will always be a priority for our customers, but value for money is clearly more important now than ever before.

“Despite the rising costs of living, many customers aren’t willing to sacrifice their precious annual getaway and we’ve seen a trend in customers opting for more affordable destinations, including Bulgaria and Turkey, with Greece and the Balearics also a firm favourite.”

Sofer added that people are being “savvy” with their holiday choices, pointing out that all-inclusive packages are seeing “strong demand” and some people are cutting down the length of their stays.

Plunkett, who recommended families set a budget and stick to it, outlined a series of cost-cutting tips.

She said: “Meals can be a budget buster so compare prices before choosing where to eat.

“Beachfront cafes and restaurants are likely to be more expensive than more authentic ones a street back. Check whether service is included before paying because tips are not expected in many European countries.

“Avoid getting charged a fee for withdrawing cash at an ATM abroad by getting sufficient holiday currency before leaving home. Always pay in the local currency when using a payment card, and consider loading currency onto a pre-paid card.”