06 January 2009

Go long haul for best holiday bargains - survey

Long haul destinations such as Thailand and South Africa have been highlighted as being more affordable for UK travellers.

This is due to their lower living costs and better exchange rates, according to a study.

Thailand heads the field as the cheapest destination ââ¬' 43% less than Spain, lowest priced in the eurozone, and under half the price for meals, drinks and other tourist items than Italy, its top-priced member.Ã~

The Far East country is around one quarter the cost for the same items in Barbados, the most popular Caribbean resort but also the highest priced in the Post Officeââ¬â¢s long haul holiday costs barometer.

Despite its recent troubles, Thailand remains a great prospect for UK holidaymakers, the study suggests.Ã~

Although the Thai baht may have strengthened against sterling, prices remain very low and discounts are being made available at top resorts like Phuket and Hua Hin.

South Africa, where sterling is still stronger than a year ago, is second only to Thailand in the best value barometer.

Malaysia comes out as the third best value destination.

Kenya is fourth placed in the barometer, as the country seeks to claw back its share of the holidaymakers after post-election riots devastated tourism in 2008.

Mid-haul destinations led by Egypt and Dubai also look set to be popular in 2009.

Gordon Gourlay, managing director of First Rate, the wholesaler behind the Post Officeââ¬â¢s foreign currency services, said: ââ¬Åâœ2008 saw sterling drop in value against almost every currency, and of course reach an all time low against the euro.Ã~

ââ¬ÅâœAs people across the UK plan trips overseas for 2009 they may find that long haul destinations are now within easier financial reach than some eurozone destinations.Ã~

ââ¬ÅâœIn turn, foreign exchange retailers should expect to see higher demand for currencies such as Thai baht, South African rand and Malaysian ringgit during 2009 as the effect of sterlingââ¬â¢s slump against the euro encourages savvy travellers to expand their horizons to more exotic locations.ââ¬~

The results are based on the Post Office Holiday Costs Barometer of tourist staples in 15 long haul countries.

by PhilÃ~Davies

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• Cost of living - Barbados
  
  

  I really don't know where the source of the cost of various items in Barbados comes from, but I live in Barbados and here are the accurate costs: Cup of Coffee - $4 Heineken - $6 Bottle Coke - $2 Bottle Water - $2 Suncream - $20 Insect repellent - $12 Marlboro Lights - $13 Current exchange rate here 3 Barbados Dollars to the Pound.

  By Karen Budd, Monday, January 5, 2009