Holiday maths: Look beyond the headline price

We've all done it. Opened a holiday search, sorted by lowest price and gone straight to the cheapest package holiday or last-minute deal. But when it comes to getting the best value, the headline price only tells part of the story. A holiday that costs more upfront could actually leave you spending less overall once meals, drinks, transfers and day-to-day spending are factored in. Equally, a bargain deal could end up costing more if you're paying for everything separately once you're away. 

That's where a little holiday maths comes in. Looking beyond the package price can help you understand the true cost of your trip and make your holiday budget work harder. Because the cheapest holiday isn't always the best-value holiday. 

The headline price is only one part of the equation. Small decisions about when you travel, where you stay and what's included can have a much bigger impact on what you spend overall. 

You can often get better value by: 

• Travelling outside peak school holiday periods 

• Comparing different board bases 

• Considering lesser-known resorts 

• Choosing a holiday type that suits the way you like to holiday 

For example, a Self Catering holiday might appear cheaper at first glance. But if you're likely to eat out for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, the maths can start to look very different. Equally, an All Inclusive holiday isn't automatically the best choice if you're planning to spend most of your time exploring away from the hotel. The maths only adds up when you're paying for things you'll actually use and enjoy. 

Before you book, take a minute to check where your money will work hardest: 

1. How much am I likely to spend on food and drinks? 

2. Will I need taxis or public transport during my trip? 

3. Are activities, entertainment or facilities included? 

4. Am I paying for extras I'm unlikely to use? 

5. Does the board basis suit the way I actually holiday? 

The answers can quickly change which holiday makes the most sense for your budget and travel style. Taking a step back and considering everything you're likely to spend can often paint a very different picture and help you spot where the real value lies. 

Food and drinks 

Food and drink can be one of the biggest expenses once you're on holiday. A lower-priced Self Catering holiday might seem like a great deal, but if you prefer eating out regularly, those costs can soon start to add up. Nobody wants to spend their holiday constantly checking their bank balance before ordering another drink or deciding where to eat. An All Inclusive holiday, however, can make it easier to budget before you travel, as most of your food and drink is included upfront. If you'd rather know what you're spending before you leave home, paying a little more at the booking stage could work out better value overall. 

Hotel facilities and extras 

The cheapest hotel isn't always the one that offers the best overall value. Some hotels include waterparks, entertainment, kids' clubs, sports facilities and activities as part of your stay. Others may charge extra or offer fewer facilities on-site. If you're planning to spend plenty of time around the hotel, it's worth looking at what's included as well as the price. A hotel with pools, entertainment and activities included may offer more overall value than a cheaper stay with fewer facilities. 

Location and getting around 

Where you stay can make a difference too. A cheaper hotel that's further from the beach, resort centre or local attractions could mean spending more on transport throughout your trip. Saving money on the hotel doesn't always feel like a win if you're spending your trip paying for taxis. Sometimes paying a little more for a better location can help keep day-to-day costs down once you're away. Being able to walk to the beach, restaurants or local attractions could mean reaching for your wallet less often during your trip. 

One traveller's perfect holiday can be another's unnecessary expense. Families might find better value in destinations such as Turkey or Egypt, where large All Inclusive hotels often pack in pools, entertainment and family-friendly facilities. Meanwhile, couples may prefer adults-only holidays, where central locations, dedicated facilities and a quieter atmosphere can offer better value for the type of holiday they're looking for. And those planning to spend most of their time exploring on a city break may not need the extras that come with a larger resort. 

Before you book, it's worth taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture. Looking beyond the headline price doesn't mean spending more, it means understanding exactly what you're getting for your money. By considering what's included, how you'll spend your time and what your costs are likely to be once you're away, you'll be in a better position to decide which holiday genuinely offers the best value. 

Because when it comes to holiday maths, it's not about finding the cheapest holiday. It's about finding the holiday that gives you the most for your money. 

Feeling inspired to put your holiday maths to the test? Explore our latest cheap holiday deals or head to the Sundeals blog for more honest advice on getting the best value from your holiday budget. 

Author: Rachel Coppenhall