Save your pay and fly away! You might think it's cheaper to have a staycation but here's proof that going abroad can cost a lot less

Posted at 28-08-2021

You mIght have thought a trip to Devon or a staycation in the Cotswolds would be a cheap and cheerful way of having a break this year.

In fact, you may be surprised to learn that ‘staycationing’ is now often much more expensive than going abroad, even when you factor in flights and the price of Covid testing.

From the jaunt to Barbados that’s half the cost of a Hampshire retreat, to the European lakeside trip that’s far cheaper than the Lake District, here we compare UK holidays with what’s on offer in sunnier climes — with some eyebrow-raising results…

Sea views

Aeronwy’s View by StayBC

Accommodation: £1,684

Travel: £43 Total: £1,727

Hotel Amalfi

Accommodation: £1,334

Travel: £133 Total: £1,467

Saving: £260

Wales is a fantastic country, but Italy’s Amalfi Coast, considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the world, has almost guaranteed sunshine — and a better chance of finding a decent plate of pasta.

There is a better chance of finding a decent plate of pasta than Swansea, pictured

Italy’s Amalfi Coast, considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the world, has almost guaranteed sunshine

Foodie getaway

The Clarendon Hotel, Deal

Accommodation: £1,440

Travel: £43 Total: £1,483

Hotel Zinema7, San Sebastian

Accommodation: £1,064

Travel: £160 Total: £1,224

Saving: £259

You’ll be aware that San Sebastian in the Basque region of Spain is one of the best places to eat on the planet. Think Basque burnt cheesecake, local sheep’s milk cheese, and whole roasted fresh fish like turbot and sole. And it’s cheaper to go to this gastro paradise at the moment than it is to go to the seaside town of Deal. There are some nice restaurants there, sure, but will you find the world’s finest anchovies?

There are some nice restaurants there in Deal (pictured), sure, but will you find the world’s finest anchovies?

You’ll be aware that San Sebastian in the Basque region of Spain is one of the best places to eat on the planet

Lakeside retreat

Thornbeck Manor, Windermere

Accommodation: £5,111 Travel: £43

Total: £5,154

Adora Luxury Hotel, Lake Bled

Accommodation: £2,501 Travel: £162

Total: £2,663

Saving: £2,491

Yes, the Lake District is lovely, but prices there have become so astronomical that it makes financial sense to check yourself into a luxury hotel in the fairytale-esque setting of Lake Bled in Slovenia instead.

Take a dip in the lake, hire a boat and row to the castle-topped island in the middle and then unwind back at this historic converted villa.

Yes, the Lake District is lovely, but prices there have become so astronomical

It makes financial sense to check yourself into a luxury hotel in the fairytale-esque setting of Lake Bled in Slovenia instead

City break

Holiday Inn Express, central Edinburgh

Accommodation: £1,113

Travel: £43 Total: £1,156

CMG St Antoine/Bastille, Paris

Accommodation: £518

Travel: £287 Total: £805

Saving: £351

Both very beautiful capitals but £351 buys a lot of baguettes, Edinburgh!

Edinburgh

Paris

Cultural escape

Citystay, Vesta Apartments, Cambridge

Accommodation: £1,411

Travel: £43 Total: £1,454

Inn Bruges

Accommodation: £921

Travel: £232 Total: £1,153

Saving: £301

Both set around rivers and with brilliant architecture, there are many similarities between Cambridge and Bruges. But for £300 less, why wouldn’t you want to enjoy Bruges’ famous beer, canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings?

Here we’ve found a cool and airy apartment with high ceilings and wooden beams from which to enjoy the historic city.

Surfers' paradise

Croyde Bay Hotel, Devon

Accommodation: £916

Travel: £43 Total: £959

Camy House, Nazaré, Portugal

Accommodation: £280

Travel: £71 Total: £351

Saving: £608

Devon’s Croyde Bay is a renowned surfing beach known for its huge waves. But Nazaré in Portugal is home to the biggest surfable waves on the planet.

With a saving of over £600 and the added bonus of sunshine and great Portuguese food, this is a no-brainer.

Hiking trip

Florence Nightingale Suites at Lea Hurst, Peak District

Accommodation: £2,888

Travel: £43 Total: £2,931

Apartments Kirchbühl, Grindelwald, Switzerland

Accommodation: £1,693

Travel: £357 Total: £2,050

Saving: £881

If you’re into hiking, the Peak District is an obvious choice for your staycation. But you can save nearly £1,000 by going to glorious Grindelwald in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland instead. With stunning mountains and cosy wooden cabins, it can feel like you’re in a Disney film.

Fresh term, fresh start: As children across the UK return to... Sponsored UK's daily Covid deaths jump 24% in a week to 140 while...

Share this article

Luxury hotel

Four Seasons Hotel, Hampshire

Accommodation: £10,010

Travel: £43 Total: £10,053

St Peter’s Bay Luxury Resort and Residencies, Barbados

Accommodation: £4,365

Travel: £1,106 Total: £5,471

Saving: £4,582

Heart set on relaxing in splendour in a hotel? Then the Four Seasons in Hampshire fits the bill. Set on a spectacular Victorian estate, this five-star hotel promises to deliver. However, you could jet off to Barbados for half the price. Think palm trees, cocktails by the pool, white sand beaches and crystal-blue sea. No argument.