As we’ve already reported, the pound hit a new three and a half year high against the euro yesterday. This isn’t only good economic news, but good holiday news. If you’ve been spending your life looking despondently at the latest iphone weather report, or if you’re just sick of being sodden, the time is right for a trip away. After years of diminishing returns, the current strength of the pound means that holiday makers visiting euro-zone countries will get roughly 12 per cent more for their money than they would have done only a year ago. That might not sound like a huge amount but, to put it in real terms, that’s an extra £26.32 for every £250 pounds exchanged.
This could buy 10 beers in Greece (at an average of £2.54 each)
Or nearly three Paella dinners in Spain (at an average of £9.50 a portion)
Or pay for the cost of a lift to the top of the Eiffel Tower for Two Adults (at £10.50 an adult you’d have change to spare)
Or get you TWENTY SIX cups of the world’s best Cappuccino in Italy (at an average of £1.00 a cup if drunk at the bar)
But generally speaking, wherever in Europe you end up, that money could buy a meal for two, drinks for several or gifts for the family back home.
With uncertain forecasts, flooding and frustration dominating the British summer the amount of people searching for a good holiday deal has unsurprisingly rocketed by 20 per cent for the first half of the year. According to the Association of British Travel Agents an estimated 13 million people will head for sunnier shores before September. Be one of these people and take advantage of the pound hitting a new three and a half year high against the euro.