A search on holiday price comparison site TravelSupermarket shows that a fortnight’s holiday to Phuket in Thailand this summer costs a third less than the price of a holiday to Menorca.

The site also reveals a holiday to Orlando for a family of four from the UK is £1,240 less than the equivalent holiday to Ibiza and a holiday to Bali is a few pounds less than to Ibiza.

Emma Coulthurst, travel expert for TravelSupermarket, said: “People may think that their holiday budget can only stretch to the Med, that they can’t afford long-haul and that holidays are going to be more expensive this year due to volatile exchange rates.

“But the reality is holiday package prices are lower this year in some locations and there are bargains to be grabbed.”

TravelSupermarket price data found that holidaymakers flying on Tuesday 15 August from London airports to Ibiza or Menorca for a fortnight on a 3 star room only basis will cost a family of four £806 and £740 each respectively.

If they switch and fly the same day from Heathrow to Orlando, it will cost just £496 per person. If they fly to Bali, it will cost them £789 each.

Long-haul destinations are also looking reasonably priced for couples.

Coulthurst said: “Normally we’d say to avoid the school holiday dates if you haven’t got children and are going short-haul. However, the best time, price wise, to go long-haul to many destinations including Thailand and Bali is May to August in the low season, so there is nothing to stop couples and friends travelling in August at these prices too.

“We see most search for the Canaries, Majorca, the Algarve and the Balearics and Spanish mainland for the summer. However, it is definitely worth comparing and contrasting what you can get in long-haul destinations and short-haul destinations for the same dates, to ensure you get the most value from your holiday money and choose the best holiday for you”.

Long-haul vs. short-haul

3* or above room only comparison, departing Sat 19 August for a family of four for a fortnight:

·       Orlando, U.S., Seralago Hotel & Suites, room only, from £514 each from Heathrow or from £620 each from Manchester

·       Phuket, Thailand, Blue Ocean Resort, Patong, room only, from £527 each from Heathrow and from £557 each from Manchester

·       Pattaya, Thailand, Centara Pattaya Hotel, from Heathrow from £583 each

·       Ibiza, Torrent Bay by Intercorp Hotel Group, Port des Torrent, from Manchester from £716 each and from Gatwick for £739 each.