topics
tools
Expatica countries
Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2304.58 1.43
DAX 6766.67 1.67
IBEX 30 8861.2 1.01
CAC 40 3427.92 1.52
FTSE 100 5901.07 1.81
AEX 326.33 1.01
DJIA 12862.23 1.23
Nasdaq 2905.66 1.61
FTSE MIB 16439.62 1.00
TSX Composite 12577.28 0.19
ASX 4320.1 -0.30
Hang seng 20756.98 0.08
Straits Times 2917.95 0.58
ISEQ 20 506.95 2.24
You are here: Home News News Focus Iceland, Thailand, London best-value destinations, says...

News Focus

archive
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


04/11/2009Iceland, Thailand, London best-value destinations, says travel guide firm

The destinations were included in Lonely Planet’s annual snapshot book that captures "the world's hottest travel trends, destinations, journeys and experiences for the year ahead.”

London -- Iceland and London are among the world's best-value destinations thanks to the economic crisis, travel guide firm Lonely Planet said Tuesday, while Thailand remains tough to beat.

South Africa, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Bulgaria, Kenya and Las Vegas in Nevada rounded out the top 10, said the British-based company in its Best In Travel 2010 guide.

The annual snapshot book captures "the world's hottest travel trends, destinations, journeys and experiences for the year ahead," Lonely Planet said.

The economic collapse in Iceland meant the island was no longer punitively expensive, said the guide, putting the beleaguered country at the top of its best-value list.

"Have you always wanted to discover this magical, mysterious country? To explore ice caps and volcanoes, and wallow in hot springs? Been put off because of the prohibitive prices? Well, 2010 is your year."

Thailand, at number two, remained "perennially good value," said the book.

"It's one of the cheapest long-haul holidays for European holidaymakers... visitors are always spoilt for choice regarding accommodation."

Meanwhile London's days as a costly destination were now over, Lonely Planet said.

"Long ludicrously expensive, London has become much more affordable for visitors from abroad, if not for its residents," said the guide.

"The favourable exchange rate means that travellers will often find hotels and meals up to half the price they were a few years ago."

Elsewhere in the top 10, Malaysia "is a clever choice for travellers on the lookout for a bargain,” while in India "your money stretches almost as far as the infamous Indian 'stretchable' time.”

"South Africa is not only about an amazing climate, vast unspoilt scenery, balmy sandy beaches, extraordinary wildlife and adventure activities, but the cost of living is low, so it's also excellent value for money."

The top 10 countries overall for travellers were El Salvador, Germany, Greece, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Portugal, Suriname and the United States.

The top 10 cities were Abu Dhabi, Charleston (South Carolina), Cork (Ireland), Cuenca (Ecuador), Istanbul, Kyoto (Japan), Lecce (Italy), Sarajevo, Singapore and Vancouver (Canada).

Bali (Indonesia), Goa (India), Koh Kong (Cambodia), Southern Africa and southwest Western Australia featured among the top 10 regions.

AFP/Expatica


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment

General rating: Not rated yet

Rate article:    Add my rating


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment
Discussion Forums

Community Noticeboard United Kingdom

Republicans Abroad Europe

Discuss UK Culture

Financial planning for US citizen resident in UK

Discuss UK Culture

Win prizes by filling out Expatica Survey 2011!

Community Noticeboard United Kingdom

Win prizes by filling out Expatica Survey 2011!

Discuss UK Culture

Movie theaters in London for foreign films?

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Visas for coming to the UK

Visas for coming to the UK

Visa paperwork Whether you're relocating to the UK or just visiting, it's important that you find out in advance whether you need a visa.

An online guide for expats finding & purchasing a UK Property

An online guide for expats finding & purchasing a UK Property

Expat mortgages and everything to do with buying a UK property might sound complicated, but there’s plenty of help out there for you.

UK healthcare: Finding the right NHS service

UK healthcare: Finding the right NHS service

You can access the UK's National Health Service (NHS) in a range of ways. Here is an overview of the main services available to help you get the treatment you need.

Banking in the UK

Banking in the UK

Just moved to the UK? You'll need a bank account to effectively manage your money while you're here. Cliff Govender explains the UK banking system, including facilities that may come in handy down the line.