IF you still haven't booked the summer holiday, it's time to head east.

The best value place to take a break in Europe is Bulgaria - and even it's even cheaper than last year.

Research by M&S Bank has shown that holidays for families are cheaper by 1.4 per cent this year than in 2017, a saving of £56, with Sunny Beach in Bulgaria coming out on top.

A holiday for a family of four there will cost £3,136 all in, which works out at £734pp for flights, accommodation, food, drink and activities for seven nights.

Turkey is hot on the heels of Bulgaria, with a holiday to Antalya for a family of four costing £3,144, or £786pp.

In third place is Pula in Croatia, which will cost a family of four £3,348, or £837pp.

Dubai is in fourth place, followed by Lanzarote.

The next five cheapest destinations are Zakynthos, the Algarve, the Dordogne, Orlando and Toronto.

Paul Stokes, head of products at M&S Bank, said: “Due to rising costs in previous years, families have budgeted more.

“So for those who have got used to rising costs and adjusted their spending accordingly, it means they can enjoy more from their holiday this year.”

Bulgaria was also featured as the cheapest destination for Brits by the Post Office Travel Money Holiday Costs Barometer, which compares costs in 19 European beach resorts.

The study looked at the total cost of 10 tourist staples in every resort, like lunch and evening meals, drinks, sun cream, insect repellent and a daily newspaper, and at £37, the items cost 10 per cent less in Sunny Beach than last year – cheaper than every other destination.

But what is so great about Sunny Beach? Well, while it is less mature than the more traditional European resorts, it also has plenty to offer in terms of where to stay and things to do and see.

The resort not only offers good hotels at a fraction of the price of other places, but also great nightlife, beautiful scenery and tasty local food and wine.

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