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In these challenging times a common question being asked is just where can you get best value for your money - bang for your buck if you like.
So with that in mind we have created our currency map. Here you will be able to see where you can currently get best value for your pounds abroad based on our research. Each week we recommend our top 5 destinations and give a little overview of why they’re worth a visit.
We hope it proves a useful tool for your travel plans this year.
*Our decision as to what represents good value, factors in core travel areas from hotel rates, to food and drink and excursions. It is not simply which currencies are weak as this does not always translate directly to cheaper cost of travel and cost of living. Our decisions are based on thorough research that is reviewed and updated regularly.
Brazil
Date of update: 05.11.09
Country: Brazil
Currency: Brazilian Reais/ US Dollars
£1 gets you: 2.85 Brazilian Reais / 1.66 US Dollars
brazil
Is good value right now because: If you fancy a spot of prime surfing in Bahia, kicking back in Buzios or dancing the samba in Rio then now’s definitely the time to get yourself to Brazil. Not only is the cost of living and partying extremely cheap (sipping a caipirinha on the beach will cost you less than a bottle of water) but as all hotels are priced in US dollars the huge turn around in the exchange rate means your hard earned pounds will make the same trip, compared with six months ago, a whole lot cheaper. Take me there.
Canada
Date of update: 05.11.09
Country: Canada
Currency: Canadian Dollar
£1 gets you: 1.76 Canadian Dollars
canada
Is good value right now because: Skiing fanatic? Yep. Can’t wait for the season to arrive? Yep. Fed up of paying £7 for a cappuccino in Europe? Thought so. Well, if you want our advice you’ll pack your long johns and head across the pond to Canada. Unbeatable conditions, amazing facilities (especially with the winter Olympics on the horizon) and best of all, completely affordable to eat, drink and party when you’re there.
So forget £10 for a croque monsieur and book your ultimate ski experience without throwing your hard earned cash away. All in all better value for your money? Definitely.
Thailand
Date of update: 05.11.09
Country: Thailand
Currency: Thai Baht
£1 gets you: 55.36 Thai Baht
After a true slice of idyllic island luxury? Escape the impending British winter, while saving cash for the festive season by hitting the white sand shores of Thailand.
thailand
Day to day living in Thailand has always been good value but with the trusty Thai Baht remaining strong through the rather shaky times for the pound of late, and air fares becoming more affordable (one up side from the credit crunch eh?) it really is a great time to head for some sun, sand and luxury without completely emptying your pockets.
Costa Rica
Date of update: 05.11.09
Country: Costa Rica
Currency: Colones
£1 gets you: 952.48 Colones
Is good value right now because: Fancy a sun-drenched tropical getaway bursting with adventurous activities, but don’t want to pay through the nose when your there? Costa Rica could be exactly what you’re looking for.
costa rica
Though pricing is often in US Dollars, the main currency is still the Colon and at the current rate you’ll be bagging yourself a little over 800 for your pound. Putting that into perspective: a main meal in an upmarket restaurant shouldn’t set you back more than 5,500 colones and you can enjoy a refreshing pint for less than 600 colones. So now’s the time to explore one of the most biologically diverse and unique countries on Earth without blowing your budget. Take me there
Kenya
kenya
Date of update: 05.11.09
Currency: Kenya Shillings
£1 gets you: 124.05 KES
Is good value right now because: Kenya is fast becoming Africa’s hottest destination, and it’s not hard to see why. Pure white sand beaches, barefoot luxury and home to the greatest safari experience on planet earth. But best of all, its one of the few long-haul destinations where your credit crunched cash still feels like its actually worth something. A year on from the political unrest, not only has the cost of a visa been slashed in half (£15 for a single-entry and £30 for a multiple entry) but in order to help lure visitors back airlines and hoteliers have been aggressively undercutting prices. Perfect. Take me there.
