Portugal has been named the most affordable holiday destination for 2017, as Brits ditch long-haul travel for bargain breaks closer to home.
From the sunny Algarve coast to the city of Lisbon, Portugal has long been a favourite holiday hotspot for British tourists.
But the destination is also the best for value, according to the annual Post Office Holiday Money Report, which compared the average costs of holidays in 44 worldwide destinations.
The Post Office barometer monitors the price of eight tourist items comprising of dinner for two with wine, a range of drinks, suncream and even insect repellent.
Findings revealed that Portugal's southern coastal region, the Algarve, was the best value spot for the second year running, with a barometer total of £33.36 - only £4 (10%) more than a year ago.
The second cheapest spots for British holidaymakers over the next 12 months is set to be Sunny Beach in Bulgaria, coming to a total of £33.53.
While third place was scooped up by Spain’s Costa del Sol at £38.79.
The report revealed Turkey will set travellers back £49.74, Prague will be around £51.17 and Budapest came to a total of £53.18.
It’s also a great time to book a European break because the pound is currently climbing against the euro following an announcement by the Bank Of England hinting an interest rate hike.
However, if you do want to venture further afield, the Japanese capital of Tokyo was the only destination outside of Europe to feature in the top 10.
A total tally of all of the items mentioned above would set you back just £58.47 in Tokyo, according to the report.
Andrew Brown of Post Office Travel Money said: "Holidaymakers can do little about sterling’s value but they can do their homework and plan trips to resorts or cities where prices for meals, drinks and other tourist staples are low.
"Europe is looking unbeatable value with nine of this year’s 10 cheapest destinations, not to mention local price falls in half the European resorts and cities we surveyed.
"Further afield, Tokyo and Cancun are good bets for bargain hunters but don’t discount Cape Town or Bali. If the rand and rupiah fall in value, low costs on the ground could make these great choices too.”
A quick search on Skyscanner.net reveals return flights to Faro, Portugal, in March are currently just £35.
While direct return flights to Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city of Lisbon are just £46.
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