Get more baht for your money in Thailand
Wednesday, 20 Jul 2005 17:11
Thailand has become one of the best value destinations
Holiday bargain hunters should not just look for the cheapest holiday, but for destinations where the pound goes further.
Thousands of Brits spend hours scanning the web or Teletext for a last minute bargain holiday, yet fail to pick countries where they can make the most of the strong pound.
Research by NatWest Travel Money Services shows that opting for destinations such as Thailand, the US and South Africa where the respective currencies are weak against the pound could save holidaymakers hundreds of pounds.
But travelling to Europe, the UK's first choice for summer sun, is much more expensive with the cost of buying euros increasing by nine per cent since 2000.
The Czech koruna and the Swedish krona are the worst value currencies - both becoming significantly more expensive since 2000.
The cost of purchasing the Thai baht, on the other hand, has fallen. A family buying £1,000 worth of Thai baht in 2000, would now only have to spend £828 to get the same amount.
The US dollar and the South African rand have also both become much cheaper.
Robin Cockburn, head of NatWest Travel Money Services said: "Compared to five years ago, these destinations now offer up to 20 per cent more currency for your pound."