THOMAS COOK HOLIDAY COST OF LIVING 2008 - Survey reveals going abroad is still cheaper than a holiday at home

The rising cost of the Euro has grabbed headlines over recent months and, while it will cost you more to get your Euros this year due to the weakness of the pound, Thomas Cook wants to reassure holidaymakers that daily prices in resort have not risen dramatically compared to last year. So going abroad still guarantees better value than holidaying at home.

Today, Thomas Cook has revealed the results of its Holiday Cost of Living survey 2008. The annual survey reveals what Brits can expect to pay for popular holiday essentials such as drinks, sun cream, meals out and car hire across 23 worldwide destinations. So whether you've already booked and are keen to know what's in store or if you're looking for a late bargain and after guidance on where to go for a good deal - Thomas Cook has the heads-up for holidaymakers this summer.

Brits heading to the European hotspots of Majorca, Greece and Spain will see a slight increase in prices but, reassuringly, items such as a pint of beer, can of coke and a three-course meal will cost less than you can expect to pay at home. And it's good news for those off to the Algarve, the Canaries and Italy because, despite being in the Euro Zone, these holiday favourites are showing no sign of price hikes.

For the second year running, Turkey, Bulgaria and Florida continue to shine as great value destinations for all the family, thanks to favourable exchange rates, whilst those heading further afield will be bowled over with the bargain prices in Goa, Morocco and Cuba.

Prices appear higher in some tropical long-haul destinations such as Maldives, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Mexico but, with many of these offering all-inclusive packages as standard, holidaymakers won't need to worry as everyday essentials are included in the total price.

The cheapest holiday destinations for summer 2008 are as follows:

* Total cost of living is the total cost of 15 typical items in that country. These are: pint of beer, bottle of beer, double spirit and mixer, litre of petrol, loaf of bread, litre of milk, can of coke, daily UK paper, suntan cream, three course meal, bottle of wine, ice cream, cup of coffee, a five mile taxi ride and a packet of cigarettes.

Mark Nancarrow, managing director of financial services at Thomas Cook, said: "The Holiday Cost of Living reassures Brits that going abroad is not going to be as expensive as they may expect. Prices may have increased slightly but most destinations work out cheaper than equivalent breaks in Britain. And, with the British weather as unpredictable as ever, going abroad guarantees you the holiday essential of sunshine at no extra cost!"

In all holiday destinations, Thomas Cook recommends becoming a savvy spender to help money go that bit further with the following three top tips:

Still looking to book - look out for great deals. Thomas Cook's 'Great Late Escape' is offering 1000s of great deals on every aspect of a summer holiday from the long awaited family trip, not-to-be-missed offers on hotels and flights for that weekend city break or money off car hire. And watch out for Thomas Cook's destination weekends where customers can pick up great savings on holidays and foreign exchange for destinations worldwide. Forthcoming weekends include Greece (23-26^th May), Florida (30^th May- 2^nd June) and Tunisia and Morocco (6^th-9^th June).

Before you go - plan your spending money. Secure great rates on foreign exchange at Thomas Cook's foreign exchange bureaux online, in all stores or at the airport. If you're planning on using a debit or credit card abroad - beware of hidden costs the provider may charge you on transactions abroad. Opt for a travel-friendly one like the Thomas Cook Credit Card that offers a host of benefits on spending both at home and abroad or the Cash Passport which is a pre-loadable card that can be used like a debit card and ideal for those on a budget. For more information, log on to www.thomascook.com

When you are there - shop around. Seek out restaurants, bars, supermarkets and souvenirs shops away from the main tourist routes to avoid inflated prices. 

Mark Nancarrow added, "To help your money go even further, we encourage Brits to be more prepared this summer. A little bit of planning on what form of spending money is best for your type of holiday can go a long way in helping you avoid nasty shocks in resort or when you come home."

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