Where to go on vacation to get the most for your money?

For travelers planning summer holidays, the question of where to spend their money wisely has become increasingly relevant. A recent analysis by Euronews Business highlights which European destinations offer the best value for money, particularly in terms of accommodation, dining, and other expenses. The findings reveal that Turkey is the most affordable overall destination, while Portugal stands out for offering the best balance between cost and quality in both lodging and restaurants. The study compared average prices across seven popular European tourist destinations using data from Eurostat, focusing on the Household Final Consumption Expenditure (HFCE) index, which covers over 2,000 goods and services. According to this index, the average basket of goods and services costs 100 euros in the EU. In Turkey, the same basket costs just 59.6 euros, nearly 40 percent less than the EU average. This makes Turkey the most affordable option among the countries analyzed. France emerged as the most expensive country overall, with an HFCE index of 100.3, slightly above the EU average. Other countries fell below the average, with Italy at 97.1 euros, Spain at 91.6 euros, Greece at 87.4 euros, Portugal at 86.6 euros, and Croatia at 78.4 euros. These figures reflect national averages rather than prices in specific tourist areas, which can often be significantly higher. When it comes to food and beverage costs, France again proved to be the most expensive. A typical basket of food items costing 100 euros in the EU would amount to 107.9 euros in France. In contrast, the same basket could be purchased for 75.6 euros in Turkey. Spain was the only country where food prices were below the EU average, at 94.9 euros. Prices elsewhere ranged from 101.4 euros in Portugal to 104.7 euros in Greece. Alcohol prices showed some of the most dramatic differences. Turkey had the highest prices for alcoholic beverages, with an index of 210.2—more than double the EU average. Greece followed closely with an index of 154, and Croatia at 133.9. On the opposite end of the scale, Italy offered the lowest prices for alcohol, with an index of 81.9, while Spain remained below the EU average at 90.1. France and Portugal had prices closer to the EU average, at 100.9 and 107.1 respectively. Public transport costs also varied widely. Turkey was the most affordable, with an index of 68.3, while France exceeded the EU average at 112.8. Portugal, Spain, and Croatia all had indices around 80. Seafood prices showed relatively smaller variations, ranging from 95.4 euros in Portugal to 112.7 euros in Greece for a standard basket of seafood products valued at 100 euros in the EU. Travelers seeking the best combination of affordability and quality in accommodation and dining might find Portugal to be the ideal choice. With an HFCE index of 86.6 and restaurant and hotel service costs at 73.6 euros, a figure 26.4 percent below the EU average, Portugal offers a compelling alternative to more expensive destinations. Meanwhile, Turkey's lower overall costs make it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers, despite its high prices for alcoholic drinks. The analysis underscores how different factors can influence the overall cost of travel, depending on individual preferences and spending habits. As the summer season approaches, these insights will help travelers make informed decisions about where to allocate their holiday budgets.