Cheap Holidays in Europe – Take Advantage of The Rising Pound

Having had a tumultuous few years because of the recession the British Pound is slowly making its way back to the top. For tourists that means getting far more for the same amount of cash, whether they are going on a city break or heading off for their yearly beach break. For those who are looking forward to getting more for the same price on their beach breaks it is best to go for cheap holidays to the Greek islands and Spanish Costa’s. Not only is the Euro on a downward trend against the Pound, both countries labour markets are flagging, therefore keeping prices lower in Euro terms, a win, win for international tourists.

Visitors travelling to the Spanish Costas have more than a few choices. Alicante and the surrounding areas are very popular and have excellent facilities thanks to a building boom that has lasted some 40 years. From Alicante holidaymakers can travel north for a stay in that well trodden tourist paradise of Benidorm, or they can head further south to Torrevieja and its environs for a city with a little bit of Spanish tradition preserved. The city also has some decent beaches as well as open air shopping centres and nightclubs, the most famous of which is Pacha on Avenue Delfina Viudes.

Further north on the Costa Daurada (Gold coast) holidaymakers can book cheap holidays to one of Spain’s most affluent regions, Catalonia. There are resorts up and down the coast with the pick of them being located close to the historical city of Tarragona. One of the attractions of travelling as the Pound is strengthening against the Euro is that the price of big outings are lower relative to what they were a year or two years previously. With that in mind, a trip to Port Aventura is in order. Arguably Spain’s best theme park, Port Aventura is also home to one of Europe’s largest water parks and includes an artificial beach for a spot of extra sunbathing.

Travellers taking advantage of attractive exchange rates will really feel the benefits when visiting city destinations. Brits staying on either the Costa Daurada or the Costa Brava can head into Barcelona for a day of sightseeing in one of the world’s great cities. Among the sites there are some modernist masterpieces designed by Gaudi. The most visited of his works include Casa Mila and La Sagrada Familia, the gigantic cathedral that already dominates the city’s skyline without having had its main spire built. Holidaymakers taking all inclusive holidays in other popular Mediterranean destinations can opt for similar city excursions.

Greece and Turkey are both popular for summer holidays as both countries have a wealth of history and an abundance of golden, sunny coastlines. With the Pound once again strengthening against the Turkish Lira as well as the Euro, excursions to both countries capital cities are attractive for visitors on a coastal or island break. The sites of Athens are well trodden and should be seen at least once by anyone who has not been. Tourists can start with the Acropolis before learning more at the Archaeological museum or the Benaki museum. Istanbul’s gems include the 1500 year old Blue Mosque and the city’s grand bazaar, an emporium of everything traditional.