Far East 'offers best value for winter breaks'

Travellers planning long-haul winter getaways will find the best value in the Far East, according to a new report published by Post Office Travel Services.

Thailand topped the organisation's barometer of holiday affordability, followed closely by Bali and Malaysia, all of which were found to be cheaper than winter sun destinations in Europe.

The Post Office also revealed that Mexico and Jamaica are offering good value for British travellers this winter following a recovery in the value of sterling against the countries' respective currencies.

With the pound now worth 21 per cent more against the dollar than in March, almost a third of travellers planning winter trips will be visiting the US, according to the research.

Florida, New York and Las Vegas are proving the most popular destinations.

Sarah Munro, head of travel services at the Post Office, said: "When it comes to both cost and value for money, Thailand, Bali and Malaysia are the top three hotspots this winter. Not only are they the cheapest in our Holiday Costs Barometer survey of living costs but great deals on package holidays are on offer too.

"The USA is an incredibly resilient holiday destination – whatever the exchange rate. Sterling's recent recovery together with price-cutting by holiday operators and US retailers means that a trip stateside will still be good value - especially for shopping."

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