A recent survey highlights changing costs for city breaks across Europe.
- 60% of popular destinations have seen a decrease in prices.
- Vilnius emerges as the most affordable city break destination.
- Amsterdam tops the list as the most expensive city to visit.
- The strengthening of the pound contributes to these price changes.
A recent survey has unveiled significant shifts in the cost of city breaks, with prices dropping in over half of the popular destinations in Europe. This decrease is attributed to the strengthening of the pound and reduced accommodation expenses. Cities such as Vilnius, Lisbon, Lille, and Krakow are listed among the top affordable locations, offering tourists excellent value for their money.
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is celebrated as the most budget-friendly destination, with a cost of £236.51 for a typical city break. This includes various expenses such as accommodation, meals, and transfers. Amsterdam, in stark contrast, is the priciest, with the same services amounting to £669.40, underscoring the vast pricing disparities within Europe.
The survey by Post Office Travel Money demonstrates how Eastern European cities dominate the affordable end of the spectrum. Vilnius has unseated Lisbon, last year’s leader, highlighting its sustained appeal as an economical choice among travelers. The survey evaluated costs across 37 cities, marking its 17th year of providing such insights.
The pound’s increased strength, particularly against most European currencies except the Polish zloty, has played a crucial role in lowering the overall expenditure for UK tourists opting for city breaks. This financial advantage makes 2024 an opportune time for British travellers to explore Europe without the usual financial burden.
According to consumer research involving over 2,000 UK adults, 42% of those planning to travel internationally are considering city breaks, underlining the popularity of such excursions. As Laura Plunkett of the Post Office noted, it’s vital for tourists to factor in the additional costs of meals and beverages, which can substantially impact the overall holiday budget.
The competitive pricing of meals and drinks in cities like Lisbon and Athens offer further savings for budget-conscious tourists. These factors combined with affordable accommodation make several European cities not only appealing but financially accessible, thus attracting a multitude of visitors eager to capitalise on this dip in travel costs.
The survey underscores a fortuitous period for travellers, with lowered costs reinforcing the appeal of European city breaks.
