Travel influencer Carole Rees from Rhondda, Wales, has shared how her brief trip to Benidorm turned out to be more affordable than spending a day in London.
Opting for a £200 getaway to the Spanish coastal city, Carole found the cost of her flight remarkably low at just £35. This contrasts sharply with the potential £170 she would have spent on a return train ticket from Cardiff to London.
Carole described her experience: “I took a 6am flight from Bristol Airport to Alicante and stayed overnight in a full board hotel in Benidorm. You can do it cheaper by skipping the overnight stay, but every penny was worth it. I had the most amazing 24 hours there.”
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She added, “If I had gone for a night out back home or taken a day trip to London, I would have spent far more — plus, I got to enjoy the sun!”
The flight was followed by a quick 45-minute shuttle bus ride from Alicante Airport to her hotel, making the journey both affordable and efficient. Her hotel stay cost £76 for full board, including a delicious Spanish buffet.
During her short visit, Carole explored the city on foot, soaking up the sunshine and taking in the scenic Llevant Beach. She enjoyed shopping along the seafront before unwinding at her hotel’s rooftop bar with panoramic views of Benidorm’s coastline.
Carole then experienced the lively nightlife along the iconic Benidorm strip, famous for its vibrant bars and clubs. She took advantage of a two-for-one cocktail deal priced under £6 and described the night as “the perfect trip,” ending with a glass of red wine and stunning views before heading to bed at 10pm.
Before her afternoon flight the next day, Carole wandered through Benidorm’s charming Old Town, rich in traditional Spanish history dating back to the 14th century.
In total, she calculated her expenses: “I spent £200, with all my food included. I only spent about £40 on wine, cocktails, and tips.”
Carole enthusiastically recommended the trip, saying, “If you’re considering a trip, I’d say go for it. It’s so much fun. I can’t wait for my next one.”
Experts have weighed in on the cost comparison between domestic and international travel. Maximillian Schwerdtfeger from EcoExperts highlighted that “aviation contributes 2.5% to global carbon emissions, and prices must decrease for more eco-friendly alternatives. The UK has some of the highest train fares in Europe.”
Karen Marin Reyes, a Cardiff-based travel agency owner, added, “With Cardiff to London return tickets costing up to £110, many UK travelers are choosing international holidays instead. We’ve seen more clients opt for Spain or Greece over domestic trips.”
She noted deals such as £95 return flights from Bristol to Barcelona—almost £100 cheaper than train tickets from Cardiff to London even after factoring in the £10 train to Bristol.
“Personally, I’ve chosen to travel abroad rather than London because a return ticket can cost up to £110, plus you may spend around £200 on food and drinks there,” she explained.