Money Tips
Which destination will break the bank this Easter?
Lanzarote is the most affordable family holiday destination this Easter, costing £3,604 for a family of four.
This beats the average week-long family holiday cost of £3,750, up just 1% from last year. Portugal at £3,653 and France at £3,713 all came out under the average cost as well.
However, those with grander ambitions will have to pay a little more. Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic comes in as the most expensive destination at £6,024 in total, followed by Florida in the United States (£5,568) and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (£5,236).
The largest cost is often long-haul flights. M&S suggests that families looking to reduce costs should consider downgrading flights by travelling indirect, accommodation, and include self-catering options instead of eating out. It calculates that this can push costs 5.9% lower, bringing the cost for Punta Cana down to £4,941, Florida down to £4,856, and Dubai down to £4,196. UK holidaymakers are better off in some of these areas thanks to an improvement in the value of the pound.
Paul Stokes, head of products at M&S Bank, said: “Families may find that there are only three budget-breaking destinations this Easter, but there are a number of ways to make those budget-breaking destinations a little more affordable; families can save hundreds of pounds by flexing the type of flights and accommodation they select. Those heading away this Easter should also be encouraged by cheaper local costs in a number of locations. Families can save a significant amount of money by researching their travel money and ensuring their provider offers the same rate they’ve seen online when they arrive in-store to purchase their currency.”
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Table 1: Cost of a family Easter holiday in ten popular destinations
| Location | 2018 price per person | 2018 price per family | 2017 price per family | Difference £ | Difference % |
| Lanzarote (Canary Islands) | £901 | £3,604 | £3,451 | £153 | 4.4% |
| Portugal | £913 | £3,653 | £3,512 | £141 | 4.0% |
| France | £989 | £3,713 | £3,546 | £167 | 4.7% |
| Malta | £991 | £3,964 | £3,790 | £174 | 4.6% |
| Italy | £1,048 | £4,192 | £4,026 | £166 | 4.1% |
| Cyprus | £1,073 | £4,292 | £4,158 | £134 | 3.2% |
| Greece | £1,079 | £4,317 | £4,170 | £147 | 3.5% |
| Dubai (UAE) | £1,309 | £5,236 | £5,416 | -£180 | -3.3% |
| Florida, (USA) | £1,392 | £5,568 | £5,854 | -£286 | -4.9% |
| Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) | £1,507 | £6,026 | £6,403 | -£376 | -5.9% |
| AVERAGE | £1,120 | £4,457 | £4,433 | £24 | 1% |