New research has discovered that the cost of a family holiday increases by up nearly £100 for every additional degree of heat in Spain.
The study, conducted via OnePoll, set out to calculate how much the price of various getaway destinations rise as the weather warms up during peak season, aiming to help families reduce costs.
Findings show that a week-long trip in May for two adults and two teenagers, including flights from London and accommodation in Benidorm, Spain, when the temperature is 22 degrees, will cost a family £803. However, this price escalates to £1,570 in August when the temperature reaches 30 degrees – an increase of £96 per extra degree.
Families who choose to travel outside of peak weather periods could save an average of £235 per degree lower in temperature across seven popular destinations. This saving could be used towards other aspects of the trip, such as children’s activities, dining out or shopping.
A week-long holiday for a family of four in Florida costs £2,100 in May when the average temperature is 29 degrees. But this nearly doubles to £4,043 in August, when average temperatures are just two degrees higher at 31C – an additional £972 per degree.
The Post Office commissioned the research, which also found that trips to Cyprus cost a family of four £737 for a milder 24 degrees in May. However, this increases to £1,272, or £89 per degree, for a week in 30-degree heat in July.
Greece emerges as a cost-effective choice, with families shelling out approximately £1,793 for balmy 28-degree weather in August, while the price drops to just £1,285 in May when temperatures hover around 23 degrees.
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This insight follows a study involving 2,000 holidaymakers which revealed that nearly half of those planning trips this year are opting for “out of season” getaways. The main attractions for choosing off-peak travel include significant cost reductions (58 per cent), fewer crowds (51 per cent), and a more peaceful journey (37 per cent).
Additionally, the research highlighted that one in ten (11 per cent) travellers who vacationed during the less busy periods saved upwards of £400.
Laura Plunkett, head of Post Office travel, commented on the findings as the company introduces its travel money card: “It’s evident from our research that holidaymakers feel warm weather is an important part of the holiday experience, and so are the memories we make while away.”
She added: “It can be increasingly difficult to budget for yearly holidays, especially for those travelling with children who are restricted to peak holiday prices due to the school holidays. However, there are savvy ways to save money on holiday.”
“Our research has shown that families can still enjoy hot holidays at a better price point by considering October half term for travel. In fact, a holiday to Cyprus is £321 cheaper in October than August, and still a balmy 25 degrees.
“Families looking at Florida could also pocket a saving of £406 in October, when it is 29 degrees – merely two degrees cooler than in August.”
Interestingly, the research discovered that 77 per cent of travellers found a common method to save cash was to book mid-week flights, thereby bypassing sky-high weekend rates. The survey also revealed a whopping 87 per cent favoured visiting destinations with warmer climates during their overseas trips.
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A massive 85 per cent even confessed to either having already set off on a journey this year or harbour plans to do so. Countries topping the list include Spain (31 per cent), Italy (15 per cent), France and Greece (each at 14 per cent).
September proved to be an ideal time for travel for 18 per cent of participants while August continues to remain popular amongst 14 per cent, despite being the pinnacle of the school summer holidays.
Unfortunately, it appears skyrocketing holiday expenses seem to hinder family travel plans as nearly half stated they feel outpriced, especially during school breaks, leading to a demand for more cost-effective travelling alternatives by 44 per cent of families.
Research also revealed that the average adult who voyages abroad sets aside about £773 for a week-long getaway to a location boasting an ideal temperature of 25 degrees.
Laura Plunkett weighed in, stating: “People put a lot of time and effort into making sure they get a great deal on their flights and accommodation, and booking out of season can be a smart way to maximise your holiday experience within your budget.”
But she stressed: “However, timely booking is just one way that holidaymakers can save money. It’s important to think carefully about how to get the most out of your spending money as well, which can often be left until the last minute, leaving you exposed to poor rates or unexpected card fees.
“Keeping an eye on exchange rates and getting your travel money or a pre-paid card when rates are good is another way to maximise the holiday budget.”
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