South Africa tops destinations getting cheaper

Holidaymakers to South Africa will find the country 22 per cent cheaper than the same time last year, a new survey reveals.

Research by Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) puts South Africa at the top of a list of countries where Brits can get more for their pound thanks to improving exchange rates.

Travellers can get an extra 1,200 rand for £500, enough for another night's stay in luxury accommodation.

In second place is Iceland, which is 18 per cent cheaper than 2005, followed by Mauritius at 16 per cent.

Leading the table for mainland Europe is Hungary, in fourth place, and 12 per cent cheaper than it was a year ago.

Also in the top five, and already well-known for its value for money is New Zealand, where travellers can get 11 per cent more for their money.

RBS' survey also finds that the rate of exchange on the US dollar and the euro has improved, although not as much as some other currencies over the past year.

Christmas shopping sprees in New York are four per cent cheaper than they were last year, though the lure of Europe stays virtually the same as last year, only 0.4 per cent cheaper.