Make your holiday budget go even further with Canvas Holidays
With the pound strengthening against the Euro, a European camping holiday offers even more value for money. We’ve put together some examples of just how much you can save, and some tips for making your budget stretch as far as possible this summer.
We looked at the price of an average holiday shopping basket in France and the UK. As you’ll see from the results, your weekly shop in France is over £8 cheaper than in the UK.
Tesco prices on 04/06/10 | Super U prices on 04/06/2010 |
| 1 x fresh baguette - £0.72 | 1 x fresh baguette - €0.42 |
| 200g Brie cheese - £1.29 | 200g Brie cheese - €1.09 |
| 6 free range eggs - £1.54 | 6 free range eggs - €1.55 |
| 1 x bottle of Côte du Rhone red wine - £3.59 | 1 x bottle of Côte du Rhone red wine - €1.27 |
| 1 x carton of orange juice – £1.20 | 1 x carton of orange juice - €0.75 |
| 1 x pack of ham - £2.00 | 1 x packet of ham - €1.75 |
| 1 x butter - £1.38 | 1 x butter - €1.15 |
| 6 x bottles of beer - £2.78 | 1 x pack of beer (10 bottles) - €2.45 |
| Jar of Nutella - £1.78 | Jar of Nutella - €1.60 |
| 1L bottle of Coca-Cola - £0.83 | 1L bottle of Coca-Cola - €0.86 |
| Sun lotion SPF 50 - £12 | Sun lotion SPF 50 - €11.94 |
Basket total: £29.18 (€35.44) | Basket total: €24.83 (£20.47) - save over £8! |
Exchange rates taken from American Express. Prices correct at time of writing (24.06.10)
Eating out costs less too…
Eating out is part of the fun of a holiday abroad. It’s a chance to experience new dishes – plus someone else does the washing up! We looked at the average price of a three course meal in France, Italy and Spain – and we think you’ll be surprised at how little eating out can cost.
- In France a three course set menu can cost as little as €16 per person (that’s just over £13). You’ll find a pint of beer is around €4.40 (£3.62) and a glass of wine around €3 (£2.47).
- If you’re travelling to Italy, you’ll find a three course set menu is still good value at €20 (about £16.50). A pint of beer or glass of wine is around €4 (£3.30).
- In Spain, it costs even less. Enjoy a three course meal from just €13 (about £10.71) and a pint of beer from €3 (£2.41). A glass of wine is just €2.50 (just over £2).
Top tips for eating out
We’ve also put together these top tips to ensure you get the best value possible when eating out.
- Have your main meal of the day at lunchtime rather than in the evening. Fixed lunchtime menus are usually just as good, and cost less than the evening menu.
- Order the ‘menu of the day’. This is a good value two or three course meal cooked using local ingredients, that offers better value than ordering ‘a la carte’.
- Look for restaurants that are located in side streets and away from the main tourist attractions.
- When ordering wine, ask for the house wine. It is generally of good standard and will be cheaper than buying a named bottle. It is usually decanted into a glass bottle or jug, and served in quarter, half or full litres. A quarter litre is usually much cheaper than ordering one or two glasses.
- If you want water to accompany your meal, ask for a jug or glass rather than ordering expensive mineral water.
Before you go
Of course there are plenty of ways to stretch your holiday budget before you even travel. Here are a few ideas on how to get the best value from your holiday.
- Book early.
By booking early you can take advantage of the best special offers, and also secure your first choice of dates, accommodation and campsite. If you’re planning a fly-drive holiday, booking early is especially important as the flight prices tend to increase closer to the departure date.
- Travel midweek
Ferry supplements and flight prices are less if you can travel midweek. If you are unable to travel midweek, choose an off-peak departure time. Please remember that you must arrive on-site before 10pm.
- Fly-drive
Sign up for e-newsletters to ensure that you are not missing out on special offers from the low-cost airlines. Buy your drinks and snacks before you board. On board the plane a bottle of water can cost you pounds instead of pence. Book your airport parking in advance – paying on the day can cost you up to 50% more than booking before you go.
- Low season travel
If you can travel outside the school holiday dates, you will save money on accommodation and travel costs, plus you can take advantage of quieter resorts.
- Currency
Shop around for the best exchange rate before purchasing your currency. Don’t be tempted to leave it to the last minute and purchase at the airport or on your cross channel sailing – the exchange rates are likely to be much higher than the high street rates.
While on holiday
- Self-catering holidays
Self-catering is very budget friendly; make use of the excellent cooking facilities in your camping accommodation.
- Shop wisely
Larger local supermarkets have a great range of products, and as at home often have special offers and two for one deals. Many also have a good café, ideal for a relaxing cup of coffee. Like at home, it is cheaper to buy multi packs – so buy large items such as bottled water in bulk. If you are taking your car, why not take essential items such as tea, coffee and washing up liquid with you from home?
- Shop locally
Visit a market for the best local produce. It makes a free, fun day out for the whole family, and don't forget that you can always try your hand at bartering! When shopping for food, pick seasonal fruit and vegetables and go for local products. Before you travel home, stock up on your favourite foreign products such as cheese and wine, as they will be much cheaper than in the UK supermarkets.
- Using credit & debit cards
Most debit and credit card providers charge commission every time you use your card abroad. It is advisable to check with your own bank before you travel.
- Using your mobile phone
Before you travel check with your network provider that you are on the best roaming tariff. Try to use your phone as little as possible – if you do need to phone home, consider buying a payphone card as this will work out less expensive than calling from your mobile. Receiving a text is usually cheaper than receiving a call, so tell your friends and family to text rather than ring.
Activities and days out
- Book a camping holiday with Canvas and you’ll find a whole range of facilities and activities on your doorstep. From fabulous swimming pools to local beaches, excellent sports facilities, on-site entertainment and our free clubs, you could entertain yourself and your family for your whole holiday for free, without even leaving the campsite.
- For days out, buy any available city passes and/or museum passes, which give discounted entry to museums, attractions and public transport. You may also find discount vouchers for some attractions in the Canvas reception on-site.
- Buy themepark tickets from Canvas Holidays before you travel. They are cheaper or the same price as public entry prices, and you will save time queuing to buy tickets when you arrive.
- If you are having a family day out, take a picnic. It’s better value than eating in a restaurant and a great way to spend some quality family time together.
Petrol
- Avoid buying petrol on the motorway – it’s more expensive than in the towns. Supermarket petrol stations are the cheapest option for buying fuel.
- Use the self service option if it is available. Many local stations will charge a few cents extra a litre if the attendant fills your car up for you.
Canvas Holidays have provided these tips as a guide only and cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies contained within. Prices correct as of 06/06/2010.