Travel to the Euro zone without feeling the pinch

Holidaymakers looking to cut costs to counter the euro exchange rate should look to the Canary Islands, where lower taxes and government subsidies make eating, drinking and refuelling much cheaper than in mainland Spain. According to the recently published Post Office holiday costs barometer, Spain is already the cheapest Euro zone country but there are several reasons why the Canaries are much cheaper still.

In mainland Spain almost everything is subject to a tax of 16.5% but in the Canaries the tax is only 4.5%, making food, drink, fuel etc. all significantly cheaper. Not only this, but any foods that are shipped in from the mainland (beef, vegetables etc) are subsidised by the government so that instead of being more expensive (like most islands that have to import the majority of their food) they are actually much cheaper. Tourists who are in self catering villas can take advantage of this subsidy just as much as the locals can.

For example, Mahou Beer (made in Madrid) is 1.50 euros in the capital and a mere 1.20 euros in Lanzarote. Mi chocolate milk on mainland Spain is 1.11 euros, in Lanzarote it’s just 42c. The cost of petrol and diesel is also about a third cheaper, making car hire and taxis much more affordable.

Premier Holidays is the largest villas with pools specialists in the Canaries, still with availability across the islands in July and August. For example, Villa Rosato is a three bedroom luxury villa set in Puerto Calero, Lanzarote. Set in spacious grounds with sub-tropical gardens and extensive south facing terraces, it’s just a five minute walk to the exclusive marina with a choice of shops and restaurants.

This villa is available throughout July and August with prices starting from £1488 per week. This price is for the villa only and doesn’t include flights which can be booked via a number of airlines including Easyjet, Thomsonfly and XL Airways. Easyjet are currently offering July flights from London Gatwick to Lanzarote from £87.99 one way.

For more information and bookings, visit Premier-holidays.com .