The Easter holidays represent a fantastic opportunity to get away from work and school life in order to relax and enjoy the prospect of a stress-free few days.
Whether it’s a long weekend away, a day trip or even a full blown holiday, getting good value for money is always important.
With the pound growing in strength in recent weeks, it’s likely that good value will occur on trips abroad this Easter.
Since April last year, the pound has risen 3% against the euro, meaning Europe is a great option for a last minute Easter getaway.
The appeal of Europe
The relatively cheap cost of flying to European destinations is another positive factor, with a number of budget airlines covering almost every possible destination on the Continent.
According to M&S Bank, the most affordable destinations this Easter are all in Europe – namely Mallorca, Malta, Cyprus, Tenerife and Crete.
All offer the opportunity for fantastic weather, as well as a number of other attractions to keep all members of the family entertained, whether they are young or old.
“With an average flight time of less than three hours, and with 10 hours of sunshine a day, Mallorca is an ideal choice for families on a budget,” said Fraser Millar from M&S Bank.
Taking advantage of exchange rates
“The strong performance of the pound has had a significant impact on the average cost of a sunshine break this Easter, which is great news for those planning to head abroad.”
Budgeting for a holiday to ensure that it remains a cheap option is essential, as costs when abroad can quickly add up if left unchecked.
According to Travelex, Brits looking to exchange £500 into euros can pocket an extra €25 compared to last summer.
The company also suggested that the pound is performing well against the US dollar, the South African rand and the Thai baht, for those considering last minute trips that are further away this Easter.
Financial management options
Travelling with a prepaid travel card can provide money to spend without the need to carry lots of travellers’ cheques or foreign currency.
With a prepaid card you can only spend the amount which is on it at any given time, making budget management a simple exercise.
Additional security exists on these cards, while the exchange rate seen will be the one when the original transaction took place – providing protection should the exchange rate vary dramatically during a trip.
