Package holidays and flights up to 30% more expensive than last year

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Prices for package holidays and flights to popular destinations have soared in the last year, according to research.

A week-long trip to Greece costs about 30% more than it did last year, with holidays in Italy, Spain and Turkey up by a fifth or more.

The sobering figures, from the consumer group Which?, could cause a rethink for those planning to escape the cost of living pressure with a holiday getaway.

The news is just as bleak for those who prefer to put their own trips together: the average price for a flight this Easter to 15 of the most popular destinations is up 51% compared with 2022, with air fares to Italy and Greece up 71%.

Furthermore, there is no respite from the price hikes once you arrive at your holiday destination: hotel rates outside the UK and Europe have risen by 23% on average, from about £138 over Easter 2022 up to £170 for Easter this year. European hotel rates have seen an average rise of 10%, from £108 in 2022, to £119 this year.

“Travellers are likely to experience significantly higher prices than they’re used to for a trip away this year, with huge demand for holidays combining with inflationary pressure to create a perfect storm of spiralling costs,” said Rory Boland, the editor of Which? Travel.

He added: “If you need to book a certain destination or dates, such as during the school summer holidays, book as early as possible to ensure the best price.

“Opting for an all-inclusive break may also be worth considering as you will be protected from currency fluctuations and have the assurance that expenses like food and drink are already covered.

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“If you can be flexible on when and where you go, you’ll still be able to find deals throughout the year, so it’s worth shopping around.”

Which? found those booking a summer 2023 package holiday between 1 November 2022 and 3 January this year would have paid 19% more on average than for a summer break in 2022.

Nonetheless, better-value holidays can still be found: of the six popular destinations the consumer champion looked at, Portugal had the smallest rises in price, with the cost of a week’s holiday up by 7% on average to £705. Despite a significant rise in average costs, Spain still offers the cheapest getaways, with a week’s package holiday costing £693 per person.

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Which? also warns that there are no holiday hacks for those planning to take a break in the UK. With many hotels facing increased energy bills and higher wages, the average price of a three- and four-star UK hotel in Easter 2022 and Easter 2023 has increased by almost a fifth, from £100 to £119.

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Tips for booking a holiday at the best price:

  • Travel in the so-called “shoulder seasons” of May to June and September to October.

  • Book an all-inclusive trip. Spain and Portugal are the cheapest destinations for all-inclusive holidays.

  • Holiday providers can levy extra charges of up to 8% of your holiday if costs including fuel and taxes increase. Five providers – Jet2holidays, Kuoni, Trailfinders, Inghams and Hays – have committed to not levying surcharges this year.

  • If you are not booking a package, wherever possible, book directly with the hotel.

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