In a recent study conducted by Post Office UK, Tamarindo in Costa Rica emerged as one of the most expensive travel destinations for British tourists. The survey, which analyzed travel costs to various locations around the world, found that Tamarindo, located in the province of Guanacaste, topped the list with a total cost of £158.04 (approximately $203.67 or ¢100,000) for essential items such as meals, drinks, sunscreen. and insect repellent.
The study highlighted the significant increase in prices in recent years, attributing it to the strengthening of the Costa Rican colón. Among the eight products analyzed, Costa Rica ranks first for prices of two items. Tamarindo, in particular, was found to have one of the highest prices for a bottle of water and the second highest price for insect repellent. The cost of sunscreen alone in Tamarindo was £23.55 (about $19.26 or ¢15,000), while a meal for two came to £107.38 (about $87.62 or ¢68,000).
The report notes that the price rise, which recorded a 13.2% increase year-over-year, was not unique to Costa Rica. Cancun, Mexico, once a top 10 destination, now ranks 33rd due to the revaluation of the Mexican peso. This change in ranking highlights the impact of currency fluctuations on travel costs and affordability of popular tourist destinations.
Despite high costs in some locations, the study also found a notable recovery in the pound sterling, leading to a reduction in tourism spending in more than 60% of resorts and towns surveyed compared to the previous year. This recovery offers a glimmer of hope for UK travelers looking for more affordable options for their international adventures.
While Tamarindo takes the top spot, New York follows closely as the second most expensive destination, with a total spend of £143.28 ($185.17) for the same set of essential items. Other destinations rounding out the top ten include St John's in Antigua, Rodney Bar in St Lucia, Bridgetown in Barbados, Dubai, Scarborough in Tobago, Cancun in Mexico, Darwin in Australia and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
For UK travelers looking to stretch their budget further, Post Office UK recommends exploring Portugal and Cyprus, which offer a combination of affordable prices and rich tourist experiences. These destinations provide an attractive alternative for those looking to escape the high costs associated with popular destinations like Tamarindo and New York.
