Thailand Tops Holiday Poll

Thailand has emerged as one of the top destinations for UK travellers seeking to make their pounds go further.

In contrast, the plummeting value of the pound will lead to a steep rise in the cost of trips by UK residents to the eurozone this year.

Summer holidays elsewhere in Europe and in the US should offer better value, according to the annual Post Office Holiday Costs Barometer.

Bulgaria has again emerged as the cheapest European destination, although more expensive than in 2007, followed closely by Turkey.

Cheapest overall destinations in the Barometer were the long haul trio of Thailand, South Africa and Egypt.

At £28.58 for 10 holiday commodities, including drinks and meals out, Thailand weighed in at under a third the cost of the same items in Australia and well under half the average price of the shopping basket across the eurozone.

Helen Warburton, Post Office head of travel, said: "Holidaymakers planning trips further afield this year will get excellent value for money by travelling to long haul destinations.

"The pound is still strong against the US dollar and the new Open Skies agreement introduced this month should mean cheaper flights in the future.

"Elsewhere, sterling is up over eight per cent against the rand, making South Africa a good choice for UK tourists, and booming sales of Egyptian and Thai currency indicate that holidaymakers are already opting for trips where their pounds will stretch further."

She added: "Looking forward we believe that holidaymakers will be smarter about where they choose to go this year. Prices vary quite significantly within Europe so people will be looking to visit countries where a lower cost of living will offer them more for their pound, like Spain and Turkey.""

7 May 2008