'Staycationers' warned they may not be getting best deal
Wednesday, 02, Sep 2009 12:04
Vacationing abroad is proving to be cheaper than staying in the UK in many instances, according to research.
The Office of National Statistics reported trips abroad by Britons dropped 17 per cent in the past year. In their place "staycations" have increased in popularity as UK residents try to save money during the credit crunch.
Flight Centre, however, reports that holidaying in the UK may not be the best deal.
Countries such as Spain and Portugal are often cheaper substitutes to staying in the UK as accommodation is inexpensive enough to compensate for the cost of flying.
For example, Flight Centre highlights the Costa del Sol. It offers packages from £255 that include seven nights in a hotel, return flights out of Gatwick Airport and eight days' car hire.
A comparable holiday in Devon costs about £450.
"In many cases it can work out significantly cheaper than a holiday at home and gives holidaymakers the chance to experience a new place, people and cultures," said UK marketing manager, David Forder.
He added: "The warmer climate is also a big bonus."
Another featured holiday is the beach city, Algarve, Portugal. Travel packages start at £255 which also includes flights, car hire and hotel.
Flight Centre offers this as an alternative to Cornwall where holidays are priced around £700.