Article published on: 2008-03-11

Bulgaria has cemented its reputation as the cheapest package holiday destination on the British market, a survey shows.

A pint of beer and a Big Mac costs just GBP 1.49 in Bulgaria, making it the world's best value holiday hotspot, according to the survey of Teletext Holidays, a tourism site.

The findings cement Bulgaria's reputation as a cheap package holiday destination, with many Brits now shunning the Costas in favour of Black Sea resorts like Sunny Beach and Golden Sands.

Holidaymakers can fly to the Baltic state for around GBP 58, check into a three star hotel room for less than GBP 50 and enjoy a three course meal for GBP 7, claims the World's Best Value Breaks Report which surveyed holiday costs in 20 worldwide destinations.

Research revealed that traditional holiday favourites such as Spain, which trailed in 17th place, Italy and France are left firmly in the shade when it comes to value-for-money escapes.

The Teletext Holidays survey claimed average hotel prices in Spain vary between GBP 80- GBP 145 per night, while holidaymakers have to fork out GBP 18 for a three course meal.

Although Bulgaria boasts the cheapest pint in Bulgaria - costing 49p - beer-lovers can also enjoy a cheap booze-up in Morocco (51p), the Czech Republic (61p) and South Africa (83p).

Marrakech, famed for its winding souks, minarets and medinas, is singled out for offering luxury breaks at affordable prices. A five-star hotel room with breakfast in the city will set you back GBP 80.

Two other African hotspots - Tunisia and Egypt - are also recommended for holidaymakers on a shoestring, while Greece, Turkey and Portugal are other short haul winners.

Surprisingly, two long haul destinations are featured in the top 10. Despite the flight costs, splashing out on a three-course meal in South Africa or India won't cost more than a tenner.

Source: www.novinite.com and www.sofianewsagency.com