Thomas Cook, one of the U.K.’s premier travel agencies has released its 2010 Cost of Living Survey. This survey annually quantifies the travel costs that British tourists can expect to face when on vacation, holiday as they call it.
I fine these vacation cost lists fascinating, especially since the British often serve as pilot fish and are soon followed by U.S. tourists who are searching for bargain destinations.
The British are also rather demanding tourists who demand cleanliness and good value for money. Once they have “trained” the tourism providers, Americans can be relatively confident that they will find services that meet our standards.
And, as to bargains, no one can beat the Brits for finding exotic spots where they get great value for their money. Best news: Prices are falling. Who is going to argue with that?
Here is the list of the best bargain destinations recommended by Thomas Cook.
Top Seven Short and Medium Haul Destinations from Britain
(Overall, daily, US dollar costs rounded to the nearest dollar, based on US$1.50/£1)
1. Morocco $44 Cheaper in 2010 by $10
2. Egypt $45 Cheaper in 2010 by $5
3. Mainland Spain $46 Cheaper in 2010 by $4
4. Turkey $52 More in 2010 by $2
5. Canary Islands $54 Cheaper in 2010 by $9
6. Tunisia $54 More in 2010 by $5
7. Balearic Islands $58 Cheaper in 2010 by $6
Top Seven Long Haul Destinations
Destination Three Course Meal, Beer, Total Daily Expenses
1. India $9, $1, $26
2. Cuba $15 $1.50, $32
3. Malaysia $21, $3.36 $47
4. Mexico $38 $2.70 $60
5. South Africa $25 $1.60 $60
6. Canada $30 $3 $60
7. USA $24 $3.80 $70
UK daily expenses total $74
Charlie Leocha is the President of Travelers United. He has been working in Washington, DC, for the past 14 years with Congress, the Department of Transportation, and industry stakeholders on travel issues. He was the first consumer representative to the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections appointed by the Secretary of Transportation from 2012 through 2018.
