Summer sun from only £2.80 per hour

With some Brits debating whether to tighten their belts and holiday in the UK this summer, a leading tour operator has reacted by calculating an hourly sunshine rate from just £2.80 an hour* to key European destinations – highlighting the value of overseas packages.

By enlisting the expertise of a meteorologist, Jet2holidays.com, which operates from six Northern airports, has predicted this year’s top five European ‘Summer Hotspots’, which enables them to advise travellers on this year’s best ‘pound per sun’ deals.

Using stats for June, July and August, the tour operator has revealed that a seven-day break to the Algarve is ‘top of the hots’, boasting 11 hours of 27.5?C sunshine a day from a bargain £2.80 per hour. Other destinations making up the hotspots are Turkey (£3.70 p/h), Majorca (£3.80 p/h), Costa del Sol (£4.00 p/h) and Corfu (£4.80 p/h).

Whilst providing accurate forecasts of the best holiday destinations for sun worshippers, it has used the same calculations to give an indication of predicted weather conditions holidaymakers can expect if they stay in the UK.

With an average British holiday costing £191 per person for six hours of guaranteed sunshine per day, Tenby is the UK destination which will have the least sunshine priced at £4.50 per hour for an accommodation-only deal. Other places ranking alongside the Welsh holiday favourite are Morecambe, Bognor Regis, Ilfracombe and Cleethorpes.

Lucy Black, Marketing Manager at Jet2holidays.com, said: “While we’re not criticising British holidays, the UK is notorious for bad weather. Therefore, we developed this simple comparison, which allows holidaymakers to make an informed decision on this year’s summer holiday.

“By investigating weather forecasts well in advance, we can provide our customers with accurate information to ensure the best possible holiday experience, highlighting where they can get maximum sunshine for the lowest price possible.”

Jonathan Powell, Senior Weather Forecaster at Positive Weather Solutions, who provided the weather statistics, said: “After a run of two poor summers in the UK, going abroad for your holidays this year is still by far the best option for people seeking reliable sunshine.

“The British weather doesn’t seem to be settling into a pattern to provide sustained warm temperatures and periods of sunshine, so the best bet is to travel to the likes of the Algarve, Corfu, and Turkey, where warmth and sunshine are virtually guaranteed.”

For bookings visit jet2holidays.com.

*Lead in deal - price per person (£219), based on four people sharing on a self catering basis in a two-bedroom apartment in the Algarve. Flights depart Sunday 14th June, 2009 from Leeds Bradford International Airport. Statistics calculated by dividing total weekly sunshine hours by average holiday cost per person.