GREAT TRAVEL MONEY RATES ON THE EURO LEAVE UK STAYCATIONS IN THE SHADE FOR HOLIDAYING BRITS

Travelex research has found that the Euro's 18 month high offers even better value for holidaymakers on their travel money and that Euro destinations work out at up to 40% cheaper than holidaying at home.

As the Euro continues to suffer due to the ongoing debt crisis, research by foreign exchange specialist Travelex reveals that European hotspots are leaving the 'UK Staycation' in the shade for holidaying Brits.

Travelex is providing the best price foreign exchange for even more holiday spending. It is estimated that approx 180,000 Britons are set to fly out to Eurozone destinations from Heathrow and Gatwick every day over the Summer holiday period, and they can expect to enjoy more than just hot weather. With the value of the Pound up by four per cent on the Euro year on year, travellers will be getting more for their travel money holidaying in European destinations, as opposed to staying local.

Travelex research compared the cost of a week's holiday for a family of four in Greece and Spain to the same break in the UK. The results showed that a week-long holiday including flights, accommodation, activities and a restaurant meal was almost 40% cheaper in the Eurozone destination. The staggering figures showed Brits could save up to £440 by heading abroad.

The cost of a typical one week UK Staycation was valued at £1,600 in contrast to the same holiday in Greece or Spain island which came out at around £1,160. Overseas accommodation came out just under £280 cheaper and a two course meal for a family of 4 with wine came out at approximately £20 cheaper. This leaves plenty more spending money for holiday activities which were nearly half the price of those back in the UK.

David Swann, Currency Strategist, and Travelex: 'Holidaymakers heading abroad this Summer will be welcoming the recent strengthening of the Pound, which is currently at an 18-month high against the Euro. What that means for Brits purchasing their travel money is that when exchanging £500, they will receive an extra €24 compared to last July, or an extra €95 compared to the Pound's low in December 2008.

While last year Brits took to 'neurozone' destinations like Turkey and Egypt for value and sunshine, this research shows that the cost of holidaying in Europe has become cheaper as operators slash prices to woo back the lost customers and thanks to the favourable exchange rate.'

Holiday makers can make the most of the strong Pound exchange rate as Travelex provides the best price foreign currency in the UK – guaranteed, or the difference refunded as part of the Travelex Price Promise online at www.travelex.co.uk.

For more information please contact:
Brett Lowther
M&C Saatchi PR
brett.lowther@mcsaatchi.com

Notes to Editors
EURO vs UK STAYCATION

EURO vs UK STAYCATION

Based on exchange rate of EUR 1.18 on 01/07/2010 from Travelex.co.uk
Greece
Holiday villa in Greek island:
€590 / £500
Weekly supermarket shop for four:
€118 / £100
Flights for four:
€472 / £400
Activities:
Greek boat trip for 4: £30, aqua splash £35, fishing trip £35 = €118 / £100
Meals:
2 course meal for 4 with wine (with children's options): €71 / £60
TOTAL

€1,369 / £1,160




Spain

Holiday villa in Seville:
€580 / £490
Weekly supermarket shop for four
€130 / £110
Flights for four:
€485 / £400

Activities:
Spain boat trip for 4: £50, aqua splash £23, fishing trip £45 = €118 / £100

Meals:
2 course meal for 4 with wine (with children's options): €76 / £65
TOTAL
€1,375 / £1,165

Holiday home in UK (Guernsey):
€580 / £490
Weekly supermarket shop for four
Flights for four: €472 / £400

UK boat trip for 4: £85, waterslides trip: £75, fishing trip: £60 = €260 / £220
2 course meal for 4 with wine (with children's options): €94 / £80
TOTAL
€1,888 / £1,600



ABOUT TRAVELEX:
Travelex is the world's largest foreign exchange specialist with almost 800 retail branches in more than 26 countries, at key airport, seaport, rail and tourist locations. Over 40% of travellers - 1.7 billion passengers a year - pass through airports where Travelex operates including the major gateways at Amsterdam, Beijing, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York, Rome, Paris, Sydney & Tokyo. Every hour, Travelex provides foreign currency to more than 2,000 customers.