One in three British holidaymakers take their own food with them

You can take food with you of course, but you shouldn't overlook the joys of Spanish cuisine

No matter where you travel in the world, you can be sure of at least three certainties: the close proximity of an Irish pub, the ubiquitous Coca-Cola umbrellas adorning squares and beachfronts, and the easy presence of Brit-friendly food served everywhere you turn.

So the news that more than a third of British holidaymakers pack their own food with them when they travel overseas may come as a surprise…

Travel website Sunshine.co.uk conducted a survey on British travel habits, and discovered that 35 per cent of holidaymakers stuffed the tastes of home into their cars and cases before setting off.

The majority cited cost reasons, but many others remarked that they were fussy eaters and knew that they would crave certain foodstuffs while away.

Holidaymakers on the Costa del Sol need not worry, though – there is an abundance of supermarkets and stores along the coast that specifically target the sizeable British expat population. Everything from baked beans and brown sauce to mushy peas and Cadbury chocolate is easy to come by should the mood take.

Dining out on the Costa del Sol is incredibly varied, too. Homesick Brits can enjoy a Sunday roast, a full English breakfast, fish and chips and all manner of Brit-friendly dishes at every resort along the coast.

However, visitors to the Costa del Sol should certainly dip their toe into Spanish cuisine (although not literally, of course). Some of the finest and most famous Spanish dishes hail from Andalucía, which means that tasty and affordable dining, Spanish style, is always a treat.

A night spent tapas-bar-hopping; a lazy Sunday afternoon polishing off a paella, or even an early morning café con leche with a sweet and aromatic churro – wonderful, delicious and affordable, and the perfect way to widen the palate.

You may have your favourite tastes of home, but if you visit the Costa del Sol then it would be a crime not to try the local specialities. And no, we’re not just talking about a pie and a pint…