| Despite belts remaining tightened, 2010 is a year in | | | | Closer to home, Spain's position as one of the most |
| which 80 per cent of Brits are planning on taking at | | | | popular holiday destinations is unlikely to change while |
| least one holiday according to a recent report from | | | | it continues to offer exceptional value for money, |
| Thomson. Indeed, as proclaimed by STA travel, this | | | | Cheapflights.co.uk has claimed. Commenting recently, |
| year will see the rise of the two week adventure | | | | Francesca Ecsery, global sales director of the price |
| holiday. According to the group there has been a | | | | comparison site, said the country's reliable warm |
| sharp rise in the number of people planning | | | | weather, vibrant culture and beautiful natural |
| action-packed two-week breaks, marking a clear | | | | landscape make it an attractive destination at any |
| departure from the 'staycation,' last year's top travel | | | | price, but its affordability has made it a hugely |
| trend. Commenting on 26th January, as official figures | | | | popular destination for Brits. "Consumers will get the |
| revealed that the country had exited recession, | | | | best value on Spanish holidays by being flexible on |
| Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) | | | | time, flexible on destination and travelling out of peak |
| spokesman Ian Bradley said that travellers who | | | | season," she said, adding that by choosing to travel in |
| forwent a holiday last year will be keen on heading | | | | late summer, holidaymakers could save as much as |
| abroad this year: "Most people will be looking for sun | | | | 70 per cent on ticket prices compared to |
| and for value. Places like North Africa and the Middle | | | | peak-season costs. According to a recent Post Office |
| East will probably give you that..." There is no doubt | | | | Travel Services report, Spain is now the cheapest |
| that 'value' will be the operative word for 2010. | | | | holiday destination in the eurozone. Balkan countries, |
| Firstly, it goes without saying that destinations | | | | such as Croatia and Slovenia, also offer an exciting |
| outside the eurozone offer the best value on holiday | | | | and cost-effective travel experience. Simon Calder, |
| money because they offer the best currency | | | | senior travel editor at the Independent, however |
| exchange rates. The 'White Med' in northern Egypt is | | | | identified Albania as a particularly popular destination |
| especially enticing at present as it's crystal clear | | | | offering exceptional value for those planning a holiday |
| waters, pristine beaches, cultural heritage, and leisure | | | | on a shoestring. |
| and sport activities are available at excellent value | | | | For those looking to get away for a value ski holiday |
| and set to be easily accessible with new direct flights | | | | this winter should be looking in the same region. |
| from Gatwick and Manchester commencing on 30th | | | | Bulgaria has emerged as a great destination for |
| March. Jamaica has become the most affordable long | | | | ski-enthusiasts looking to hit the pistes on a budget. |
| haul destination this year with the pound | | | | Anthony Chenery, travel expert at Teletext Holidays, |
| strengthening against the Jamaican dollar in recent | | | | said that the winter travel market has suffered in |
| months. Sarah Munro, head of Post Office Travel | | | | recent years because many view skiing as a |
| Services, noted that there has been a 24 per cent | | | | secondary holiday and when holiday money is hard to |
| rise in sterling against the Jamaican currency in the | | | | come by it is these trips that are likely to be |
| past 12 months, making the Caribbean country far | | | | sidelined. However, he added: "The good news for |
| more affordable to visit. Research from the group | | | | customers is that operators, to stimulate demand, |
| also revealed St Lucia to be the most expensive of | | | | have been cutting their prices quite significantly, which |
| the top four most popular Caribbean islands. On the | | | | is great news if you want to go skiing as there are |
| other side of the globe, tourists planning a trip down | | | | some excellent deals to be had." In addition to |
| under will get an incredible experience for their | | | | Bulgaria, Andorra was also identified as a leading |
| money according to Tourism Western Australia. Elen | | | | bargain winter travel destination. |
| Thomas, UK PR manager for the tourism board, said | | | | There are therefore plenty of affordable destinations |
| that resorts in Exmouth and Coral Bay offer great | | | | to be enjoyed this year and increasingly so as the |
| budget accommodation options while still providing | | | | pound beings to strengthen against the euro, if rather |
| the unforgettable holiday experience one would | | | | shakily. In order to get the best value travellers will |
| expect from a visit to Australia. "It is still roughly two | | | | benefit from taking the time to research foreign |
| dollars to the pound and the experience of swimming | | | | currency exchange rates online for their chosen |
| with such a wide variety of marine life in an area | | | | destination and, in so doing, avoid uncompetitive |
| which has remained so pristine and undeveloped is | | | | high-street rates. |
| extraordinary," commented Thomas. | | | | |