How holiday costs in Spain, Cyprus, and Florida soar with every degree of temperature increase
Researchers have worked out how the cost of various holiday destinations increases as the weather gets hotter during peak season, in an effort to help families reduce their expenses.
A week-long trip for two adults and two teenagers from London to Benidorm, Spain, in May when the temperature is 22 degrees, will cost a family £803. However, this price jumps to £1,570 in August when the temperature reaches 30 degrees - that's an extra £96 per degree.
Families who choose to travel outside of the peak weather period could save an average of £235 per degree lower in temperature across seven popular destinations. This saving could be used towards other parts of the holiday, such as children's activities, dining out or shopping.
A week-long holiday for a family of four in Florida comes to £2,100 in May when the typical temperature is 29 degrees. But this nearly doubles to £4,043 in August, when the average temperature is just two degrees higher at 31 - an additional £972 per degree.
The research was commissioned by the Post Office, which also discovered that trips to Cyprus cost a family of four £737, for a milder 24 degrees in May. But this increases to £1,272, or £89 per degree, for a week in 30-degree heat in July.
Greece is one of the more affordable options, with a family paying around £1,793 for 28 degrees in August, but it costs just £1,285 in May at 23 degrees.
A study of 2,000 travellers revealed that four in 10 holidaymakers planning a trip this year are opting to travel 'out of season'. The main reasons for this include overall cost savings (58%), fewer tourists (51%) and a quieter journey to and from their destination (37%). The research also found that one in 10 (11%) who have travelled outside of peak season have saved over £400 as a result.
Laura Plunkett, head of Post Office travel, which is launching its travel money card, said: "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. 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 considering Florida could also save £406 in October, when it is 29 degrees - just two degrees cooler than August."
The study also discovered another popular way 77% of travellers have cut back on costs is to fly mid-week, avoiding peak weekend prices. The survey also revealed that a whopping 8% of holidaymakers prefer to spend their time abroad in warmer climates.
A significant 85% have either already jetted off or plan to do so this year, with Spain (31%), Italy (15%), France (14%) and Greece (14%) topping the list of most popular destinations.
September is the preferred month for 18% of adults to take their holidays, although August remains a favourite for 14% despite being the height of the summer break.
The study also found another popular way 77% of travellers have cut back on costs is to fly mid-week, avoiding peak weekend prices.
However, the cost of holidays could be a barrier for many families, as nearly half (44%) feel they are priced out of travelling during school holidays, with the same percentage calling for more affordable travel options.
The study, carried out via OnePoll, discovered that the average adult planning a trip abroad budgets approximately £773 for a week-long stay in a country where the typical temperature is 25 degrees.
Laura Plunkett commented: "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. 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."
Here's a breakdown of additional costs per degree hotter, for a family of two adults and two children aged 13. These figures include the average accommodation cost of a 3 and 4 star hotel for seven days, flying Saturday to Saturday:
- Florida - £972 per degree.
- Cyprus - £89 per degree.
- Albania (Vlore) - £138 per degree.
- Turkey (Marmaris) - £133 per degree.
- Dubai (United Arab Emirates) - £117 per degree.
- Spain (Benidorm) - £96 per degree.
- Greece (Crete) - £102 per degree.