03 November 2009

London in top ten 'best value' destinations

London is included in a list of the ten best value destinations in the world to visit in the coming year in a book published this week.

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2010 claims to capture the world’s hottest travel trends, destinations, journeys and experiences for the year ahead, bringing together the expertise of Lonely Planet authors, staff and travellers.

This is the fifth annual collection of the best places to go and the best things to do around the world for the year ahead

London makes the list because: "Long ludicrously expensive, London has become much more affordable for visitors from abroad, if not for its residents."

Lonely Planet travel editor Tom Hall said: "It may seem a surprising inclusion but as a direct result of the economic crisis London has become much more accessible to foreign visitors.

"The tables have turned and London’s reputation as one of the world’s most expensive cities is over."

Other places which are tipped as 2010s best-value destinations include Iceland, following the collapse of its currency, and perennial cheap favourites such as Thailand and Mexico.

Las Vegas also makes the list due to the huge discounts available as a result of being hit hard by the credit crunch.

2010’s Best Value destinations:

Iceland

Thailand

London

South Africa

Malaysia

Mexico

India

Bulgaria

Kenya

Las Vegas