Carole Rees, a 45-year-old travel enthusiast from Rhondda, Wales, recently discovered that a brief trip to Benidorm was not only more enjoyable but also less expensive than a typical day out in London. Choosing a getaway over a capital city excursion, Carole spent a total of £200 on her adventure, compared to the potentially higher costs of staying local.
She secured a flight from Bristol Airport to Alicante for just £35, a fraction of the round-trip train fare from Cardiff to London, which can reach £170. Carole’s 24-hour escape included a full board hotel stay in Benidorm costing £76 — covering all meals and allowing her to soak in the Spanish sun without worrying about extra food expenses.
Landing at Alicante airport, she took a swift 45-minute shuttle to her hotel, quickly settling in before exploring the city. Carole described strolling along Llevant Beach and shopping by the seafront, culminating her day with drinks at the vibrant Benidorm strip, where two-for-one cocktails cost just €7, less than £6. The evening ended with a serene moment at her hotel’s rooftop bar, enjoying panoramic views of the coast.
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Carole’s day concluded with a visit to the historic Old Town, giving her a taste of Spanish culture, before catching her 4 pm flight back to the UK. Her total outlay included around £40 spent on wine, cocktails, and tips, with all meals included in her accommodation price.
Reflecting on the experience, she said, “If you’re considering a trip, go for it. It’s so much fun and surprisingly affordable. I can’t wait for my next one.”
Experts weigh in on why such comparisons are emerging, noting that high domestic transport costs in the UK, particularly for trains, make short international breaks an attractive alternative. Maximillian Schwerdtfeger from EcoExperts highlighted, “Aviation emissions remain a concern, but prices and accessibility must improve for alternatives to compete.” Meanwhile, travel agent Karen Marin Reyes observes a growing trend among UK travelers favoring overseas holidays due to the prohibitive costs of train travel and expenses in London.
Carole’s trip is a vivid example that, with savvy planning, a sunny and affordable European getaway can be just a flight away—sometimes cheaper and certainly more rewarding than a typical outing at home.