Better to holiday in Wales
Wednesday, June 4th, 2008Sorry Western Mail, but who are you kidding? If you’re going to write a two page article that compares the cost of a two week family holiday in Majorca to a ’similar’ two week holiday in Saundersfoot, PLEASE get your journalist to do a proper job!!!
According to Darren Devine in today’s Western Mail a ‘typical’ two week holiday in Majorca will cost the Welsh family (mum, dad and two kids) a staggering £6,419.30; while the comparable holiday in Wales costs a mere £1,983.05. Do you think we’re all stupid, or what?
In less than two minutes searching on just one package operator’s site (Thomson), I found a wide range two week self catering Spainish holidays costing from a little as £2324 - including flights from Cardiff, Coach transfers and the Hotel. The holidays were for a family of four, flying from Cardiff, staying in 3 star+ hotels in the first two weeks on August. Spending an extra five minutes I find four BMI flights for the same dates costs just £785 including taxes, charges and 4 bags. Using Google, and a little common sense (something that is clearly lacking in some Western Mail journalists), I’ve quickly found a great range of seafront 2 bedroom apartments and villas (on Owners Direct) costing from a little as £450 a week.
So my two week family holiday in Majorca for my family of four has cost me £1685 for flights and accommodation. Add airport parking, food and a sensible activity budget and we’re talking around £2500 for these two weeks in the Spanish sun. OK this is still dearer than the same two weeks in Saundersfoot, at the Western Mail’s price of £1,983 (alternative products are available), but to me a price difference of around £500 is a lot more realistic.
If you’re going to write a price comparison article, please enlist the help of some local price comparison experts - Wales after-all has an abundance of these today. Better still, why not write a decent article that illustrates the total holiday experiences your typical UK family can have on well planned two week holiday in Wales, with a similarly budgeted Spanish holiday, then ask your readers to judge which holiday provides the best family memories? I know where my money would go.