Best value holiday hotspots

Mark Durden Smith: Well travelled

by Tina Banerjee - 15/08/2008

A pint of beer and a Big Mac costs just £1.49 in Bulgaria, making it the world's best value holiday hotspot, according to a new survey.

Holidaymakers can fly to the Balkan state for around £58, check into a three star hotel room for less than £50 and enjoy a three course meal for £7, claims the World's Best Value Breaks Report which surveyed holiday costs in 20 worldwide destinations.

Research revealed that traditional holiday favourites such as Spain, which trailed in 17th place, Italy and France are left firmly in the shade when it comes to value-for-money escapes.

The Teletext Holidays survey claimed average hotel prices in Spain vary between £80-£145 per night, while holidaymakers have to fork out £18 for a three course meal.

The findings cement Bulgaria's reputation as a cheap package holiday destination, with many Brits now shunning the Costas in favour of Black Sea resorts like Sunny Beach and Golden Sands.

Although Bulgaria boasts the cheapest pint in Bulgaria - costing 49p - beer-lovers can also enjoy a cheap booze-up in Morocco (51p), the Czech Republic (61p) and South Africa (83p).

Marrakech, famed for its winding souks, minarets and medinas, is singled out for offering luxury breaks at affordable prices. A five-star hotel room with breakfast in the city will set you back £80.

Two other African hotspots - Tunisia and Egypt - are also recommended for holidaymakers on a shoestring, while Greece, Turkey and Portugal are other short haul winners.

Surprisingly, two long haul destinations are featured in the top 10. Despite the flight costs, splashing out on a three course meal in South Africa or India won't cost more than a tenner.

When it comes to the best value hotels however, the report says that the Caribbean is unbeatable. A double room in a three star property in Cuba can be booked from as little as £25 per night.

ITV's Wish You Were Here presenter Mark Durden Smith reveals his top tips for getting the best value break.

* Make the time to do the research. An hour online is worth its weight in gold.

*. Word of mouth. Recommendations from people you trust is a fantastic way to compliment your online research.

* If you can be flexible with the dates and times you fly, there are bargains to be had. If you can, avoid travelling during peak holiday times. And if you can stomach the morning alarm call, the early morning departures are far less likely to suffer from delays.

* On the flip side - if you can't be flexible but know where you want to go and when - book in advance and you will have plenty of time to enjoy looking forward to the trip.

* If going abroad and you are exchanging currency, look for places where buying back is commission-free.

* When you arrive, ask the locals where they like to eat. Tourist hot-spots can be a rip-off and those who live there all year round tend to know where to get the best food for the best prices.

* The best way to get a feel for a new place is to take your running shoes - good for the love handles and saves you paying for the sight-seeing tour!

* Don't always take the obvious option. For instance, in New York hotel accommodation can be astronomical but there are some great B&Bs that offer much better value for money.

* Buy a yearly travel insurance package. There are some very reasonable deals to be found. Teletext Holidays now provides insurance via TV and online services.

* For every destination that is in high season there's one that's in low season where there are deals and adventures to be had if you don't follow the crowd.

* My pet hate. Don't let local taxi drivers rip you off. Find out how much it costs to make a journey before you get in the cab so they don't take you for a ride.

* There's no place like home. The UK has some of the most amazing and interesting holiday destinations on the planet. Once the last bag has been squeezed in the boot, cross your fingers, pray for sunshine but appreciate this beautiful country of ours whatever the weather.