BBC News - Eurozone Holidaymakers Feel Pinch
Eurozone holidaymakers feel pinch - BBC News
 BBC News | Eurozone holidaymakers feel pinch BBC News, UK - The Kellys toyed with going to America instead because of the very favourable exchange rate for Britons heading to the States. ... |
A few miles down the coast there are a string of beachside restaurants on the Plage de la Nartelle. A year ago it was the equivalent of 68p. As the temperature edges up towards 30C, I wander along the beach to a soundtrack of waves gently breaking on the white sand and children shrieking and shouting, somewhat less gently, in the warm sea. But the thought of a long flight with the children put them off. But there are plenty of ordinary families here as well camping or renting villas. But travel agents are reporting a surge in interest in countries such as Bulgaria and Turkey where the cost of hotels, food and drink can be much less. Credit crunchDespite the exchange rate, bookings to the Eurozone remain strong this summer. Douglas O'Neill, a transport analyst at Blue Oar Securities, thinks the combined effect of the exchange rate and the credit crunch may tempt more of us, after the summer, to stay at home. E-mail this to a friend Printable version Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? For Mr Sugden it is the cost of an altogether more humble orange juice this year that has really struck him. For the Sugdens and for others that means less bang for their buck - or less ice cream for their pounds. From little things like ice creams for the children and toys for the beach all the way through to car hire, which was a lot more this year." The Kellys toyed with going to America instead because of the very favourable exchange rate for Britons heading to the States. If it costs a fortune think of the wallet and indeed the waistline - and buy a few less. If this is the Little Violet the big one must make the QE2 look like a dinghy. Many booked their holidays before the exchange rate took a tumble and the economy a stumble. Mr Kelly, 39, says: "We've found that the places we go to on a regular basis are noticeably more expensive. Ric Barroilhet says less Brits are visiting the region"I think the Brits who have houses here and come here regularly are still coming," he says. St Tropez is famed as the playground of the rich and famous"When you go back and check your credit card it can be a surprise, but most importantly the amount of cash you bring out you get through a lot quicker." Mrs Kelly, 41, agrees. St Tropez might be the ultimate playground for the rich and famous, with luxury yachts zipping across the bay and helicopters whisking those who have just arrived - and can afford it - straight to Monaco. The beaches are teeming - but not with Brits. The Dutch, Danes and French predominate and Ric Barroilhet, 50, who has run the Barco Beach restaurant for eight years, has noticed a change. The sand ones made with a bucket can look pretty good too and generate plenty of pride, and photos. We'll be on the water on the way back," he remarks. We've found that the places we go to on a regular basis are noticeably more expensive Matt Kelly, holidaymaker Mrs Sugden's husband, Peter, 65, chats away with a huge, three storey yacht improbably called My Little Violet bobbing away in the calm Mediterranean behind him. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience.
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