The global credit crunch, soaring bills and the slump in the value of the pound have made the dream of two weeks in the sun just that for millions of homeowners – yet if you look beyond the most typical holiday destinations you can have a great time and save hundreds of pounds. We show you how you can afford the holiday you deserve in 2009
Sky Travel: Destination Guides
A slump in the value of the pound means increased costs for Brits holidaying in the euro-zone or
the US. But if you look beyond most typical holiday destinations there are still many affordable
holiday hotspots as the pound has also risen in value against a number of currencies in the past
year.
According to new research by the Halifax visitors to the Seychelles, Brazil, Iceland and
Australia can all expect to get more for their money than they did six months ago.
And although the value of the pound declined by 14% against the euro between June and
December 2008, some European countries outside the euro-zone such as Turkey, Norway and Hungary
have become more affordable due to a rise in the value of the pound against the countries’
currencies.
Those visiting Iceland in June 2008 would have found that £1 would buy 156 Icelandic krona.
Visitors in December would have got 13% more; around 176 Icelandic krona per pound sterling.
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How far your money goes abroad - (C) Halifax
|
Destination |
Currency |
£1buys... June 08 |
£1 buys... December 08 |
6 month % change |
|
Seychelles |
Rupee |
15.64 |
25.11 |
60.6% |
|
Brazil |
Brazilian Real |
3.15 |
3.63 |
15.3% |
|
Iceland |
Krona |
155.93 |
175.5 |
12.6% |
|
Australia |
Dollar |
2.07 |
2.21 |
6.8% |
|
Poland |
Zloty |
4.26 |
4.42 |
4.0% |
|
New Zealand |
Dollar |
2.59 |
2.62 |
1.0% |
|
Norway |
Krone |
10.12 |
10.19 |
0.7% |
|
Sweden |
Krona |
11.79 |
11.82 |
0.3% |
|
USA |
Dollar |
1.95 |
1.54 |
-21% |
|
Euro zone |
Euro |
1.26 |
1.08 |
-14% |
For those hoping to head further afield on their holiday in 2009, the value of the pound has risen against the Australian dollar, the New Zealand dollar, and the Brazilian real. The value of the pound also rose 61% against the Seychelles rupee between June and December 2008. However, before you rush off to book a holiday in the Seychelles, bear in mind that the decline in the country’s currency against sterling is due to the rapid rise in inflation following its floatation in November 2008.
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