Spain is rated as the best value holiday destination in the world ⋆

Spain is rated as the best value holiday destination in the world

Brits have named Spain as the most Costa-effective holiday hotspot. The mainland, which includes popular resorts Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca, topped a table of value-for-money destinations with a score of 92 out of 100. best value holiday destination

According to a survey of 2,000 adults, the Spanish-owned Canary Islands took second place with 91. Greece was third, scoring 89 for value. The research by Post Office Travel Money also placed Turkey, Portugal, Croatia and Mexico in the top 10.

Bulgaria, traditionally a bargain destination, dropped out of the top 10 to number 12. Its score of 80 put it below Thailand, Malta and Cyprus. And while France and Italy are popular destinations, they were viewed as costly countries to visit. France came 22nd of 26 destinations, and Italy 17th.

Mexico (sixth, 85 per cent) achieved the highest number of approval ratings by long-haul holidaymakers who had visited the country.

However, holidaymakers travelling to destinations there such as Cancun and Riviera Maya will need to factor in a rise in the value of the Mexican peso, the Post Office warns. It means they will get around £70 less (-12.2 per cent) to spend when they change £500. Compared with this, sterling will buy just 3.8 per cent fewer Thai baht (-£19.83).

The destinations receiving the lowest good value ratings are Dubai (44 per cent) and Scandinavia (42 per cent). However, British visitors to Scandinavian countries will get more for their money this year because sterling is up 4.7 per cent year on year against the Swedish krona (£22.42), 2.6 per cent against the Norwegian krone (+£12.59) and 1.6 per cent against the Danish krone (+£7.88).

The research also revealed sun-seekers heading to Turkey will get more for their money this year, due to a strong pound against the lira.

Nick Boden, head of Post Office Travel Money, said people need to “consider the costs they will face in resorts abroad before they take the plunge and book a holiday”.

He advised: “While people weigh up the cost of flights and accommodation or package deals, they will need to watch the pound, as that will make a sizeable difference to the overall cost. By choosing destinations such as Turkey in Europe, or Thailand or Mexico further afield, they could save cash.”