Best Value Destinations

Far Eastern destinations and South Africa 'offer best value'
 A survey of travel costs has found that long-haul destinations such as the Far East and South Africa offer tourists better value for money than many European countries in the current economic climate.

According to Travel Mole, the Post Office's holiday costs barometer has found that Thailand is the world’s cheapest tourist destination, costing 43 per cent less than Spain - which is the eurozone’s cheapest destination - on average.

South Africa, where the pound is still relatively strong against the rand, was rated the second most affordable destination according to the current prices and rates of exchange.

Gordon Gourlay, managing director of First Rate, the wholesaler behind the Post Office's foreign currency services, said: "As 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."

Recently a survey found that backpackers looking for budget travel are still likely to head off to popular, cheap destinations like South Africa despite the credit crunch.