Cheapest destination for an Easter holiday revealed - and how to find the deals

The scenic coastal town of Porto in Portugal has been named the most affordable holiday spot for April 2019.

While Easter holidays have seen a slight annual overall increase of £23, a break in Porto represents a saving of £176 compared to the average family budget of £4,150, coming in at £3,974 for a family of four, according to research by M&S Bank.

The French region of Bordeaux also beats the average cost of a family holiday by £58. Brits could utilise the saving to treat themselves to a nice meal out.

Elsewhere, savvy travellers can save nearly £500 on a holiday to Malta – the third cheapest location, with an average cost of £4,213 – by opting for cheaper activities and day-trips, such as a walking tour to the old town of Mdina instead of a trip to the aquarium. This would take the overall cost back within the £4,150 budget, at £3,729.

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A trip to Venice in Italy – to sample the city’s famous canals and gondolas – could cost families £4,423, but budget-conscious families can save up to £520 by choosing lower-cost alternatives to bring the holiday back under budget again.

While travelling further afield typically costs more, with Florida, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, and Dubai, costing £7,387, £6,058, and £5,941 respectively, families can still save hundreds of pounds in these location.

For example, staying in self-catered accommodation instead of a hotel can reduce the overall cost of an Easter break in Florida by £1,145.

Paul Stokes, at M&S Bank, said: "While the average cost of a family holiday this Easter is up slightly on last year, there are still savings to be made. Families can choose cheaper destinations, with the possibility of enjoying a little luxury with upgraded accommodation, or utilise some budget-busting tips to make travelling further afield a little more affordable.

"Families should also do their research when purchasing their travel money and shop around for a provider that offers competitive exchange rates and the convenience of collecting their currency at a bureaux close to them, or when finishing any last-minute holiday shopping."

Cost of a family break over Easter in 10 popular destinations

1. Portugal - £994

2. France - £1,023

3. Malta - £1,053

4. Cyprus - £1,101

5. Italy - £1,106

6. Greece - £1,137

7. Spain - £1,304

8. UAE - £1,485

9. Dominican Republic - £1,515

10. USA - £1,847

Top tips to finding a good holiday deal

• Try to be flexible with flight times, an indirect, night or weekday flight (if possible) could prove cheaper 

• Check comparison sites to compare the price of flights and accommodation before booking

• Always set a budget and remember to factor in travel money for snacks, excursions, taxis, tips and other costs, even if you are travelling half-board or all-inclusive

• Research to find out if buying tickets in advance and online, such as attraction passes, is any cheaper than waiting until you arrive

• Don't rely on internet rates if buying travel money in-store; many providers have different rates online and some change their rate throughout the day

• Don't leave your holiday money until the last minute; airport bureaux often offer less competitive rates and may not have a wide variety of note denominations

• Always take both travel money and a credit/debit card to ensure you have multiple methods of payment.