Big-spending Scots in Spain shatter national stereotypes

Holidaying Scots spend more on the Costa del Sol than any other Brits

You’ve ten seconds to shout out as many Scottish stereotypes as possible. Ready? Go. Big drinkers. Tight. Friendly. Sardonic. Glum. Poetic. Tight. Burn easily. Dour. Funny. Tight. Did anybody say tight?

It’s inescapable: Scots have a reputation for keeping their purse strings more tightly controlled than US border control. Where such a reputation comes from, few people would really be able to tell you. But like all good (bad) stereotypes, it is usually easily dismissed once you get to know the group of people in question…

And a recent survey by Post Office Travel Money has seen Scots collectively shatter that illusion in the most spectacular fashion imaginable – they’re actually the UK’s biggest spenders when on holiday, flashing the cash in their favourite holiday destination, the Costa del Sol.

While images of champagne-spraying Londoners and Essex types frolicking on the beaches and beach clubs of Puerto Banús are a common sight at this time of year, it is actually the Scots who are putting their hands in their pockets with more regularity.

Scottish holidaymakers to the Costa del Sol spend an average of 707.92 pounds on each trip, which is 20 per cent more than they had budgeted for. Other Brits spend an average of 557.49 pounds: a figure that exceeded their planned budget by a mere six per cent.

Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach resort was cited as the place where Scots’ money goes furthest, but the Costa del Sol ran it a close second, making it not only the most popular holiday destination in the world, but also one of the cheapest in Europe. Majorca was third, followed by Portugal’s Algarve. Unsurprisingly, Italy’s upmarket resort of Sorrento was the destination most likely to shatter one’s budget, with the average holidaymaker spending almost a thousand pounds while there.

The findings from the study revealed that Scots also spent 41.9 per cent more on gifts for family members than other Brits, and 58.2 per cent more on visits to water parks. So you can’t accuse the Scots of not making the most of the stunning Spanish weather while visiting.

“The good news for Scottish holidaymakers, and all Brits, is that prices are down in many resorts, particularly for meals,” said the Post Office’s Andrew Brown, who also had some tips to help families’ money go further. “Pack last year’s lilo, snorkelling gear, towels and aqua shoes rather than waiting to buy them in the resort.”

Sound advice indeed. The findings that Scots are the biggest British spenders may surprise some, but the revelation that the Costa del Sol offers real value for money shouldn’t. It is such a varied region, with numerous resorts suitable for all types of budgets and travelling parties.

If you’re a family with young children looking for some fun in the sun, then Benalmádena is perfect. A young group of friends looking for a good time? Puerto Banús is calling. A married couple hoping to enjoy romantic meals, strolls along the beach and classy cocktail evenings? Then Marbella is perfect for your needs.

And there is plenty more, too. There are the cute, traditional inland villages, the history of nearby Sevilla and Granada, and ‘Britain in the Sun’ that is Gibraltar. Wherever you go, you’re sure to have a great time. Just don’t be surprised to see a group of Scots flashing the cash at every turn.