27/09/2011 | C. Martin
Sri Lanka holidays offer better value for money than breaks in other long-haul destinations, a new survey suggests.
Post Office Travel Money named the island nation the least expensive among more than two dozen popular long-haul holiday hotspots.
The index was based on the costs for items across 10 categories - including drinks, eating out and sun cream.
Prices in Sri Lanka were 38% lower overall than in the second-placed destination, giving added attraction to tailor-made holidays in the country.
Hong Kong emerged as the costliest place to take a break in, while China has seen the biggest increase in holiday cost-of-living over the past year.
The sterling has strengthened against the currencies of 15 out of the 26 nations surveyed, which means travellers can get more for their pound.
"For example, the UK pound will buy over 19% more Kenyan shillings than a year ago and is also stronger against Caribbean and Latin-American currencies. Holidaymakers visiting the USA, Dubai and Egypt will be quids in too," said Post Office Travel Money head Sarah Munro
In two out of three countries surveyed by the group last year, resort prices have dropped. Ms Munro said the findings were good news for holidaymakers planning winter trips.
"After a summer when the weak UK pound bought less holiday cash in Europe, tourists heading further afield for winter sun can look forward to seeing their pounds stretch further in most long-haul destinations."
Copyright Press Association 2011