British Travellers Eye Turkey for Affordable Getaways Amid Rising London Costs

As the cost of living in the UK capital continues to rise, many British travellers are turning their attention to more affordable holiday destinations, with Turkey emerging as a leading choice. A recent analysis by travel experts has highlighted a significant cost disparity between dining out in London and Ankara, the capital of Turkey, offering an enticing option for those looking to stretch their holiday budget further.

According to Jorge Díaz Largo, CEO and Founder of Hellotickets, a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in London now averages £80. In stark contrast, the same meal in Ankara costs just £22.17—a remarkable 72.3% lower. This price difference is a key factor driving interest in Turkey as a travel destination for Brits, especially during times of economic uncertainty.

Top 10 most popular holiday destinations 

“For Brits wanting to keep their costs low, Turkey offers a relatively inexpensive holiday experience, from flights and accommodation to food and activities,” Díaz Largo explains. “Compared to the UK, a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant in the Turkish capital costs almost a quarter of what it does in London.”

The allure of Turkey extends beyond just affordable dining. The country offers a rich cultural experience, stunning landscapes, and warm weather, making it an attractive option for UK holidaymakers. Furthermore, Turkey’s appeal is bolstered by its accessibility, with frequent and reasonably priced flights from the UK.

Cape Verde, another destination highlighted by Hellotickets, is also gaining popularity among British travellers. Known for its warm, sunny climate year-round, Cape Verde provides a reliable escape from the often unpredictable and wet UK weather. The archipelago, located off the northwest coast of Africa, offers a range of holiday experiences, from relaxing beach getaways to adventurous island hopping.

Díaz Largo advises travellers looking to make the most of their holiday budgets to plan ahead. “While there’s no single ‘cheapest time’ to book, you should generally try to book your holiday as far ahead as possible,” he suggests. “For those wanting to book excursions, tour operators often offer discounts for early bookings. Therefore, try to book your holiday several months in advance to take advantage of these early-bird rates.”

He also recommends that travellers join loyalty programmes with airlines, hotels, and tour operators. These programmes often provide exclusive discounts and allow members to accumulate points that can be redeemed for future savings. “A top tip is to join any loyalty programmes of airlines, hotels, and tour operators to accumulate points and receive member-exclusive discounts,” Díaz Largo adds.

A study conducted by the Hellotickets team further reveals the most popular holiday destinations among UK travellers. Turkey tops the list, receiving an average of 27,129 Google searches per month, underscoring its status as the UK’s favourite holiday destination. Cape Verde follows closely with 25,060 searches, while the Maldives takes third place with 23,935 searches per month.

Interestingly, Spain, which has long been the preferred destination for many British holidaymakers, especially older travellers, ranks only in tenth place. This shift in preference indicates a growing interest in exploring new destinations that offer both affordability and unique experiences.

With the rising costs in the UK, particularly in London, destinations like Turkey and Cape Verde are becoming increasingly attractive to British travellers. These locations offer not only a respite from the high expenses of the UK but also an opportunity to explore diverse cultures and landscapes without breaking the bank. As more Brits seek out value for money in their travel plans, Turkey’s affordability and rich offerings are likely to keep it at the top of their destination lists.