Latest news with #Quotezone
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brits heading to Europe warned to budget for 'extra tax' in summer hotspots
Brits are being warned to check before travelling to the likes of France, Italy, Spain and more to avoid being surprised by a common extra cost when they check-in at their hotel Brits planning their summer holidays are being warned to check for additional costs before they head off to their destination. That's because there are plenty of hotspots in the likes of France, Spain and Italy charge a tourist tax, often for every day of your stay. While this isn't usually more than a few euros each day, it's worth noting that it's rarely included in the original cost of your holiday, but rather is paid when you check-in to your hotel. However, a survey from Quotezone revealed that 45% of Brits don't plan for additional expenses on holiday - and so can be caught off-guard when they're asked to pay at reception. Greg Wilson, CEO and travel insurance expert at said: "If you're planning a trip to any city in Europe this year, you must be aware of the potential additional costs to your holiday such as tourist tax – often these extras are not obvious beforehand and normally due for payment when you check out of your accommodation. Tourism taxes range anywhere between less than €1 to almost €15 per night and can be charged per person." Although tourist taxes aren't new, they've been an increasing source of tension in recent years as holiday destinations look to combat overtourism. Just recently, Jet2's CEO Steve Heapy raised concerns that tourist taxes might increase as a result of the over tourism demonstrations in Spain. It comes following protests in hotspots such as Barcelona and the Canary Islands, with locals calling for more restrictions. The Mayor of Salou Pere Granados had previously championed a charge of 84p per day for tourists, explaining at a round table: "The tourists pay tax in the same way as the residents pay taxes. If I come to London, I generate waste." However, Benidorm's mayor Antonio Perez said he was against the tourist tax "because it's stigmatising the visitors as the ones who are preventing me from having a better city or better services". Meanwhile in Italy, in recent years Venice has introduced a tourism tax for 'day trippers', in a bid to combat the crowds that descend upon the city, including during peak cruise holiday seasons. Just last year city officials confirmed they would be increasing the tax for 2025, and even doubling the fee for last-minute holidaymakers. The experts at Quotezone warned: "When budgeting for your trip, it is important to take additional fees and tax into consideration. Recently many countries have actually raised their fees for tourists. Visitors in Paris may find themselves paying up to €14.95 a night – while Venice has introduced a trial for visitors to pay a €5 entry fee to the city during daytime hours, including additional costs for anyone staying in the city overnight. While planning your trip, make sure to research tourist tax in that area so you can be prepared for the additional costs."
Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
'Most budget-friendly' city break in Europe is ideal for a summer holiday
The Spanish capital is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do, and it's also one of the 'most budget-friendly' city break destinations in Europe, according to travel insurance experts Madrid, Spain's capital and a hive of activity, has been crowned as one of the "best budget city break" locations for those looking to escape during the summer. Characterized by its energetic streets, Madrid is also celebrated by Spain's tourist board for its "welcoming and diverse" atmosphere, affirming it as an ideal spot for every type of traveller. Research by travel insurance gurus at Quotezone pinpoints Madrid as offering one of the most wallet-friendly getaways on the continent, standing out as the sole Spanish metropolis in the line-up and trumping other European hotspots like Athens, Vienna, Rome and Paris when it comes to saving those pennies. READ MORE: 'Gorgeous' £9 body spray perfume 'just as good if not better than Sol de Janeiro' The selection was made by weighing up elements critical to frugal globetrotters - think tourist levies, snooze spots prices, cost for nosh and a pint, public transit fares, and how far you'll need to trek from the tarmac. As visitor taxes hike up elsewhere, Madrid's lack of this surcharge is a notable highlight. The city also scores points for its reasonable food scene. Despite having its share of swanky eateries, the capital doesn't disappoint when it comes to more modestly priced meal choices, reports the Express. You won't have to splash out much in Madrid, with an average spend of about €14 (circa £12) for dining delights, the study reveals. And, for those desiring a bevvy to sip in the sun, the typical price tag for a brew sits at around €3.50, which equates to near £3, albeit a tad steeper than the likes of Zagreb, where a local ale will set you back just about £2.50. However, in contrast to the average pint price of £5.90 found in London, Madrid's beer comes across as a significant money-saver. As noted by Quotezone, a single public transport ticket in Madrid costs just €1.50 (around £1.30), representing a budget-friendly way to traverse the bustling cityscape. Madrid offers a wealth of activities regardless of your holiday preferences; from its vibrant streets lined with a myriad of shops and global cuisine restaurants to bars and a pulsating nightlife. History buffs will revel in the numerous museums and the plethora of historic buildings that can be found throughout the city. "Madrid's authenticity is hard to beat," remarked the Spanish tourism board. "It is welcoming and diverse. Madrid is, without a doubt, one of Europe's most interesting cities."
Daily Mirror
03-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
One of Europe's cheapest cities where you can dine out for £7 and beer is £3
Istanbul, one of the most visited cities in the world, has also been named one of Europe's cheapest capital cities for a city break, with meals and beer prices revealed Turkey's greatest metropolis, Istanbul, famously sprawling across the divide of Europe and Asia, has earned praise as a "magnificent" travel spot and has just been featured on a newfound index touting Europe's most economical city breaks. The vast urban landscape showcases diverse cultural legacies of empires past, comprising an ancient Old City alongside burgeoning modern areas. Travel insurance experts at Quotezone have flagged it as one of the continent's top contenders for value-for-money city jaunts, spotlighting the exceptional affordability encountered by those dining out in Istanbul. These connoisseurs of travel focused their analysis on the 12 most frequented capital cities throughout Europe including the likes of Paris, Rome, Berlin and Madrid. They assessed expenses such as tourist taxes, accommodation, eating out, drinking, and public transportation costs. While Istanbul lost out on the number one position to Warsaw in Poland and Zagreb in Croatia, it nevertheless fared impressively in terms of cost-effectiveness. The report from Quotezone said: "Istanbul ranks as the third best capital city for holidaying this summer, with the cheapest meal prices in the index, despite being 34.74 km away from the airport." The investigation revealed that one could relish a meal in the city for less than £8. On average, dining out would set you back around €8.65, equivalent to about £7.39. For those who enjoy a cool beer, the study indicated that the mean price for a local brew in Istanbul stands at €3.17 – roughly £2.71. Istanbul - the city where East meets West, modernity graces tradition and every corner offers a culinary wonderland for those with an appetite for exploration. Food enthusiasts will be thrilled to hear that Istanbul presents an exceptional blend of local fare and inventive fusion cuisine, reports the Express. One establishment soaking up accolades on Tripadvisor is Gulhane Sark Sofrasi. It's not only top-rated but has bagged itself a Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award for 2023. Seafood lovers, Mediterranean food aficionados, and Turkish cuisine enthusiasts will find a home here in the menu's diversity. Yet, gourmands should plan ahead - recent reviews suggest reservations are essential to avoid disappointment during peak evening hours. No jaunt through Istanbul's streets is truly savoured without indulging in the customary sip of Turkish coffee. Esteemed as much for its rich, sweet flavour as its place in fortune-telling lore and traditional marriage ceremonies, it's a cultural keystone. For a genuine caffeine kick in the city's heart, Fazıl Bey's Turkish Coffee within the bustling Kadıköy Bazaar comes highly recommended and is a favourite haunt among the locals. Beyond its reputation for lively Turkish folk tunes, the café teems with a variety of coffee aromas sure to satisfy any palate. One traveller reflecting on their visit gushed: "Istanbul is a magnificent city... one full of beauty, history, spectacular architecture, amazing restaurants, views to die for, wonderful little family-owned hotels, exceptionally kind and honest people, fun-filled nightclubs, exotic sounds, exotic smells, and many other fabulous things too numerous to mention.
