A new study has found that UK holidaymakers will find that their money goes 11.5% further in Europe this summer, with Bulgaria emerging as the best value.

Of the 12 different locations analysed, Bulgaria was the cheapest for sun cream, ice creams, soft drinks and a family meal out, with all the above costing £110.17 on average compared to £121.11 in the next most reasonable place, the Costa del Sol.

The Post Office Travel Money poll also discovered that four in five parents’ budgets are hit by children asking them for extra things like ice creams. The firm’s boss, Andrew Brown, says this may wipe out the summer’s added savings.

“Our beach barometer shows just how much beach extras can add to the family holiday budget,” he said.

“Giving in to kids’ demands is understandable but it can wipe out the extra spending money that holidaymakers will have in their pockets this year, thanks to sterling’s gains against the euro and other European currencies.”

Crete and Ayia Napa were two of the more expensive destinations at £189.15 and £170.89 respectively. Bournemouth was not found to be too pricey with the items listed earlier coming to £147.23 in total.

There were also big differences in the individual items’ prices, with Portugal cheap for many of them. A Coca-Cola in the Algarve cost 86p compared to £2.16 in France, while a chocolate-covered ice cream was £1.29 in Portugal and £2.76 in France.

And a three-course family meal complete with drinks came to only £42.99 in the Algarve in Portugal, which is easily accessible from Stansted, Luton and Gatwick, but an equivalent dinner in Crete would set you back as much as £73.28.

Copyright © Press Association 2012

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