Researchers have calculated how much the price of different holiday destinations rise as the weather warms up in peak season to help families keep costs down. The price of flights from London and accommodation in Benidorm, Spain, for two adults and two teenagers – for a week-long trip in May when the temperature is 22 degrees – will set you back £803 per family. But this rises to £1,570 in August when the mercury hits 30 degrees – £96 for each extra degree.
Families who opt to travel outside of a peak weather window could be saving £235 for each degree lower in temperature, on average across seven popular destinations, and put it towards other aspects of the trip, such as activities with the kids, meals out or shopping.
A week-long holiday for a family of four in Florida tallies up to £2,100 in May when the thermometer typically reads 29 degrees. But this nearly doubles to £4,043 in August, when average temperatures are just two degrees higher at 31 – an additional £972 per degree.
The research was commissioned by Post Office, which also found trips to Cyprus set a family of four back £737, for a milder 24 degrees in May. But this ramps up to £1,272, or £89 per degree, for a week in 30 degree heat in July.
Greece is among the more reasonable options, with a family paying around £1,793 for 28 degrees in August, but costs just £1,285 in May at 23 degrees.
It comes after research of 2,000 travellers found four in 10 who are planning a holiday this year intend to go ‘out of season’. Overall cost savings (58%), fewer tourists (51%) and a quieter journey to and from their destination (37%) were among the reasons why. It also found 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 found another popular way 77% of travellers have cut back on costs is to fly mid-week, avoiding peak weekend prices. It also emerged 87% prefer to spend their trips abroad in warmer climates.
As many as 85% have either been away already or plan to this year, with Spain (31%), Italy (15%), France (14%) and Greece (14%) among the most popular destinations.
September (18%) is the month adults are more likely to vacation, although August still proves popular for 14% despite being the peak of the summer break.
However, holiday costs could be limiting family travel for many as nearly half (44%) of families feel priced out of travelling during school breaks, with 44% wanting more affordable travel options.
The research, conducted via OnePoll, found the typical adult who travels abroad will budget around £773 for a week-long trip to a country with a typical temperature of 25 degrees.
Laura Plunkett added: “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.”