Budget travellers offered holiday guide

The Daily Telegraph has published a guide to the best travel destinations for people planning a budget holiday this year.

Turkey is just about the best option for Mediterranean sunshine in 2009, according to the paper, as it boasts the advantage of being outside the eurozone, as well as a good climate and plenty of high-quality hotels.

Holidaymakers looking for a beach break closer to home have the option of northern France, with plenty of coastal retreats to be explored in the regions of Brittany and Normandy.

Those who have their eyes on long-haul destinations may be interested in the Telegraph's recommendation that 2009 could be "a good year" to visit China, which will see a solar eclipse in July.

Iceland was described by the paper as "the obvious choice" for adventure travellers, with activities on offer including whale-watching in the Atlantic, walking on warm lava and swimming in hot springs, as well as a good exchange rate for Brits.

Sports fans will also have plenty of options this year, with the England cricket team visiting the Caribbean between February and April and the British Lions heading to South Africa in June and July.

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