Far east: best for winter sun
Britons in search of winter sun on distant shores will find excellent value in the Far East, according to new research...
Out of 16 countries featured in an annual study of long-haul holiday spending, Thailand, Bali and Malaysia were at the top of the list of destinations providing significantly better value than the Caribbean, the traditional winter sun favourite.
Egypt, Kenya and South Africa also fared well, while Australia, Antigua and New Zealand were revealed to be the least cost-effective destinations.
The Post Office's Holiday Costs Barometer compares the average cost in various countries of nine essential holiday purchases, including a cup of coffee, suncream, a postcard and stamp, and a three-course evening meal.
The cost of the nine items in Thailand totalled just £38.13 - less than a third of the cost in Australia, where the same purchases were priced at £104.95.
In Bali, the items totalled £46.89, while the cost in the Malaysian state of Penang was £50.25.
With autumn and winter packages to Thailand up to 25pc cheaper than last year, according to the long-haul specialist Hayes and Jarvis, the Far East appears to be a particularly attractive option to Britons in search of a good-value break this winter.
Such destinations appear cost-effective despite an imminent rise in air passenger duty, which will result in the cost of a long-haul flight from Britain increasing by up to £15 in economy class and up to £30 in other classes from Nov 1.
"When it comes to both cost and value for money, Thailand, Bali and Malaysia are the top three hotspots this winter," said Sarah Munro, the Post Office's head of travel services. "Not only are they the cheapest in our survey of living costs but great deals on package holidays are on offer, too."
The renewed strength of sterling against the dollar is encouraging Britons to book trips to the United States, too. A recent YouGov survey of 2,255 people found that 32pc of those planning a long-haul holiday this winter would be heading across the Atlantic.
Although the US was only eighth in the Post Office's survey of holiday costs (£70.84 for the nine items), sterling is worth 21pc more against the dollar than it was six months ago. Air fares are very reasonable, too, with return flights to New York available for less than £250.
"Sterling's recent recovery, together with price-cutting by holiday operators and American retailers, means that a trip there will still be good value - especially for shopping," said Ms Munro.
Of three Caribbean destinations featured in the survey, Jamaica proved the most cost-effective. Here, the Post Office's nine holiday essentials cost an average of £78.08, compared with £92.87 in St Lucia and £99.45 in Antigua. The pound has also improved substantially against the Jamaican dollar, rising by about 12pc since last summer.
In addition, a holiday to Mexico - hit hard by this year's swine flu epidemic - could also prove excellent value, as sterling has strength
Source: www.telegraph.co.uk