Price is king

You may laugh, but I have a number of friends in Mallorca who went there last year and were amazed with the beaches, the safari parks, the bars, restaurants, the hotels and the prices. A few weeks ago I ended up in some dive in Can Pastilla - there was little open and we’d had a long day yomping along the beach from Sa Rapita to Colonia Sant Jordi, thirsty work. A pint and a water set me back nine euros, I’ve paid less in London - not to mention Barcelona, Madrid or Paris - even in ski resorts.

According to the latest statistics, hotel prices in the Balearics and the Canaries have not risen by as much as in other competing Spanish destinations this year, but for those visitors on a rather tight budget, in particular families, venturing out of the hotel could very quickly become a very expensive experience if they are not careful. Hence the attraction of all-inclusive packages; right now they are proving more popular than ever because people can stick to and manage their budgets. It’s called a free market and freedom of choice.