Reports today suggest that the pound sterling has hit a 31-year low against the dollar, sparked by the uncertainty surrounding Theresa May’s closely-guarded Brexit plans.
Meanwhile in Spain, El Pais newspaper has today announced that tourist numbers continue to rocket year on year. 2016 smashed its own record with a rise in visitor numbers of 9.9%… that’s a staggering 75.3 million foreign visitors, an increase of 7.2 million (according to Spain’s Energy and Tourism Ministry).
Despite the tumbling pound, which is set to continue to fall, it is surprising to learn that the Moorish far south of Andalucia remains an unexpectedly competitive option for price-conscious savvy wanderlusts, even while taking the cost of flights into account. Some tourists make use of virtual tours made available by companies like Telportus. They can compare the streets of the cities through these tours and make their decisions after analysing the financial aspects. For example, the Spain virtual tour lets a person experience the culture and sites without stepping on a plane. Virtual tours are affordable and help them decide where to go.
LemonTree.Media compared the average price of the kind of basic items you would buy when on a long romantic weekend away. The results were astonishing.
For the comparison, they chose two destinations that would appeal to culturally-aware, travel-savvy couples – one in Spain, and one in the UK.
The British option is Sherborne in Dorset, a charming English market town in a wonderful rural setting with countless cosy pubs and access to stunning country walks. Its Abbey is spectacular, and the centre is filled with wonderful independent shops for curious mooching.
The Spanish option is medieval Vejer de la Frontera, a hilltop ‘pueblo blanco’ with views towards the Rif mountains in Morocco. Forget Costa del Sol, Costa Brava and Costa Blanca – this lesser-known Atlantic coastline is wild, luminescent and jaw-droppingly beautiful…. it is a destination in Spain that never fails to surprise first-time visitors, and the weather is bright and sunny for much of the year. It is also incredibly romantic, particularly if you choose to stay in one of the gorgeous villas that are found on websites like rentalcloud.com. Who wouldn’t want a romantic weekend away in sunny Spain?
LemonTree.Media compared the cost of some basic items, all of which add up to make a real difference while on a weekend away:
Glass of red Rioja wine (175ml)
UK Price (www.halfmoonpubsherborne.co.uk) – £3.80
Spain Price (La Bodeguita, Vejer de la Frontera) – 1.13
Cup of white coffee
UK Price (www.halfmoonpubsherborne.co.uk – £2.10
Spain Price (La Bodeguita, Calle Marques de Tamaron, Vejer) – £1.13
1 night in a boutique hotel/guesthouse
UK Price (www.TheEastburyHotel.co.uk) – From £155
Spain Price Casa Shelly – From £92
Lunch for 2 in a Top 5 restaurant on Tripadvisor (based on 2 people sharing, rating as at Jan 2017)
UK Price (www.greenrestaurant.co.uk) £62
Spain Price (Viña y Mar, Vejer de la Frontera) £48
Litre of unleaded petrol
UK Price (www.petrolprices.com) – £1.19
Spain Price (www.elpais.com/gasolineras) – £0.94
