And it’s always important to remember where we come from, and for us that means I’ll never forget the Algarve and for different reasons Bulgaria.
With the Portugal hotspot and the Black Sea beaches among our first trips as a couple.
And Europe’s most affordable fly and flops.
This reveal seeped in as I returned today from the Post Office, who held this survey, to exchange unspent money from LA.
Holiday savings
And I reflected on the family of four we met in Sunny Beach, Bulgaria, 27 years ago, who were on their second trip that year.
Because it was so affordable that they couldn’t spend all their budget.
Now, the downside was that the facilities and services were on the slide.
And featured later that year on TV’s Holidays from Hell.
Check in with the Post Office
All of which is a reminder that we should always do our homework to get value and delivery.
Which is, of course, what we got in multi-gen Cabanas.
Forty destinations were surveyed for the Post Office Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer.
Where eight items that visitors typically purchase on holiday were assessed.
Value for money
A three-course meal for two with wine, cup of coffee, bottle of local beer, can of cola, glass of wine, bottle of still water, sun cream and insect repellent.
Portugal is the only European destination in the top five most affordable destinations.
The Algarve is also the best value place across 40 destinations worldwide to buy a glass of wine at £1.76 and a coffee at 0.88p.
The Post Office reports that prices in resorts and cities are one of the biggest concerns for holidaymakers planning trips abroad.
Their research shows that 84 per cent, rising to 89 per cent of family travellers said that costs for items like meals and drinks were paramount.
Across the Algarve
Our friends in the Algarve have done a deep dive on their region.
And, yes, it is a hub for scuba and water sports fans too.
Hugo Nascimento, Executive Director of Algarve Tourism, tells us: ‘Accommodation in the East and West of the region is typically more affordable than the central area.
‘Of Portimão, Albufeira and the ‘Golden Triangle’ area between my old favourite Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura and Amancil.
‘For those that don’t want the expense of hiring a car, towns like Loulé, Faro and Olhão are good choices as they are close to airport.
‘Or head inland for an off-the- beaten track holiday to regions such as Aljezur, Vicentina Coast, Silves and Monchique.
‘Where again prices are less expensive.”
The full package
All good reasons why I’ll never forget the Algarve.
And why now with fresh money burning a hole in my pockets from my savings from my trip to California…
I’m looking back now nostalgically at those old Algarve holiday pics.