So the time has come to start planning your trip. You’ve browsed flights and found some good deals, checked the weather forecast and made a list of all the exciting things you want to see and do. Lovely. Now comes the hard part- deciding how much spending money to take with you. For those on a budget, working out the costs of hotels, transport and other holiday essentials can be a huge deciding factor when choosing your dream destination.
So to help you work out how much money you’ll need to take with you, we’ve taken a closer look at the cost of holiday essentials in top destinations around the world.
Europe
Rome- Italy
With a flight time of under three hours and picturesque coastal towns just an hour’s drive away from the city, Italy’s capital is the perfect sun soaked destination for those on a budget. Perhaps rather surprisingly, Rome offers some of the most affordable basic items around -a loaf of bread costs just £0.73 whilst a bottle of water is only £0.66 – so you’ll have more money to spend on the fun stuff. Plus, as a nation of coffee shop lovers, we’re delighted by the price of an average Cappuccino- which’ll set you back just £1.03.
Africa
Marrakech-Morocco
Explore the striking palaces, take a stroll through the Old Town alleyways or get lost in the maze of souks. It’s not surprising that so many visitors are charmed by this city, and it’s not surprising that so many run out of time during their trip. Fortunately, it’s easy to get around Marrakech quickly and cheaply: jump in a taxi for just £2.45 per 5 mile journey, or hop on a bus for only £0.27.
Cape Town- South Africa
Snugly situated in the south western corner of Africa, Cape Town is a place of unique beauty. Enjoy a meal for two in a medium priced restaurant for just £22.00 whilst soaking up the stunning surroundings of the admirable Table Mountain. And because it would be rude not to celebrate such an enviable location without a beverage or two, grab a bottle of wine here for just an extra £3.72.
Asia
Chiang Mai- Thailand
Southern Thailand may have got a little more expensive in recent years, but the leafy boulevards of Chiang Mai offer an affordable, yet equally alluring alternative for those prepared to head further North. This mountainous area offers some of the best trekking experiences in Thailand for a fraction of the price, but if shopping is more your thing, you can pick up a pair of Levi 101 Jeans for as little as £22.00. Or why not sample the local culture? After all, an evening at the theatre in top priced seats will cost you just £13.00 for two.
Siem Reap- Cambodia
Forget exchange rates and currency conversions, if there’s one way to find out how expensive a country is, it’s asking that all important question, ‘how much does a pint cost?’ And the £0.36 price tag on Siem Reap’s domestic beer should be enough to delight foreign exchange experts everywhere. After an early start exploring the remarkable ancient Angkor temples, you’ll be forgiven for wanting to head straight back to the comfort of your 3* hotel, which’ll cost just £28.17 a night on average.
If you’re heading to a destination that’s not on this list or, if you want to find out more about the costs of holiday essentials around the world, have a look at this holiday spending calculator so you can start planning your travel budget now.
This piece was submitted by Natwest.