Brits heading on Spain and Portugal holidays this summer face huge price hikes
Families have seen some holiday prices to top hotspots rocket by nearly quarter this summer, research has revealed.
The jump means travellers looking forward to their break abroad risk having to shell out hundreds of pounds more than last year.
Analysis by the website TravelSupermarket for the BBC revealed big price rises in a host of destinations popular with Brits. The data compared all-inclusive seven-night family breaks departing this August with a year ago.
Prices to Cyprus have leapt 23%, from an average £950 per person to £1,166. The cost of a week away to Egypt has soared by a fifth - almost £200 each - from £980 to £1,176. Jetting to top getaway Spain has risen by 9%, or from £835 to £913 And a typical week away to Portugal will cost £972 per person this summer, against £936 last year.
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For those looking further afield, the analysis found the United Arab Emirates has seen the steepest price rise overall. A week away now costs an average £1,525 per person, up 26% - or £300 - from £1,210 per person in 2024.
Chris Webber, head of deals at TravelSupermarket, said: "Like most things, family summer holidays have become more expensive over the past 12 months — and our data backs that up. We've seen price rises of between 4% and 26% across popular destinations like Spain, Greece, Turkey, the UAE and Portugal. These increases are likely tied to rising fuel prices driving up flight costs, along with hotel expenses rising due to energy costs - which in turn pushes up food and drink costs for all-inclusive packages."
It is not all bad, with some destinations actually cheaper this year. For instance, a week in Italy will cost an average £1,128 per person this summer, or £137 less than a year ago. Tunisia is also around £30 better value, at an average £763.
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And while accommodation and flights may have risen, other holiday costs have come down.
Research published last month by the Post Office found Brits planning foreign holidays will be quids in thanks to the pound's strength. Sterling has shot up against a host of currencies - in some cases, by a lot. For instance, the pound's 30% rise against the Turkish lira in the past year means holidaymakers jetting there will have £116 more to spend for every £500.
In many cases, car rental prices have also fallen. A study by iCarhireinsurance.com last month revealed that the average cost of a week's car hire this summer is £369, 43% lower than the 2022 high of £652, but still 19% more than in 2019 (£310).
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