Shropshire travellers are refusing to let the credit crunch put them off booking foreign holidays . . . but they’re being a lot smarter about where they choose to go. Travel Editor Amy Bould profiles some of the countries where the British pound still offers value for money.

At its highest in 2000, the pound was worth more than 1.7 euros. Today, it’s virtually one-for-one, which means holidaying in Europe is no longer the bargain it once was.

Even a trip to the States for the annual family holiday has become a non-starter for many, with the pound tumbling against the dollar.

So if you don’t want to forego the sun, sea and sand, where are the best options for Shropshire and Mid Wales holidaymakers?

Top destinations include South Africa, because of the weakness of the rand, and Dubai – but closer to home, eastern Europe could be the surprise hit, offering a short haul flight which is out of the Eurozone.

Telford travel agent Ros Walsh believes the credit crunch could see holidaymakers travelling slightly further afield than Europe, but there were still good deals to be had.

“Everyone is having to tighten their belts as the credit crunch really starts to bite in 2009. Times may be hard, but if you are sensible then some quality time away for families is certainly not out of reach. We all know holidays in the Eurozone are going to cost more, so if you’re heading for that part of the world it may be worth booking an all-inclusive package.

“Knowing that everything is paid for – and that normally includes all your food and drink – can be a real bonus.

“It’s also well worth taking a cruise which offers all your food plus fabulous free entertainment and in some cases your drinks too.”

Ros, who works for award-winning Travel Counsellors, believes many Brits will be looking to holiday where the Euro doesn’t hold sway, destinations like Turkey, Egypt and, further afield, Mexico and the USA.

“The Foreign Office and ABTA 2009 Travel Trend Report confirm these places will see a significant increase in British visitors this year. In the last 12 months alone the number of Brits heading for Egypt has soared by nearly 40 per cent, and those to Turkey by 32 per cent.”Ê

She says other hot spots for 2009 are set to include Dubai, Dominican Republic, the Caribbean, Australia and closer to home Poland and Croatia.

“Another long haul destination that should shine is South Africa, with its stunning combination of beach, safari and fabulous wine routes. The weakness of the South African rand mean there are bargains to be had – and there’s little if any jet lag either. So Cape Town and Table Mountain have never been more affordable.”

And despite the crunch, recent research showed the annual holiday is the last in a long line of wishes that UK consumers would strike off in the credit crunch.

Brits are swapping Versace for Valletta and Prada for Prague as they shun shopping sprees in favour of keeping their annual holiday.

Cheapflights.co.uk, the UK’s flight price comparison website, said its viewers would rather give up essential items such as clothing or luxuries like a new sofa or car than miss their next holiday. When asked to select the item they would be least likely to give up, 50 per cent voted to keep travel.

“British travellers have always been resilient,” says Nadine Hallak, of Cheap flights.co.uk

“What’s surprising is how eager they are to save money by cutting back on shopping sprees. Shopping has defined the nation for many years but this poll shows that us Brits would rather forget about the iPod than let go of a trip to Ibiza.”

But it’s not only the holidaymaker who is looking for value for money, the price of the holiday itself could depend on how far in advance the tour operators booked their requirements.

Noel Josephides, of Sunvil Holidays, adds: “Holiday prices in 2009 will depend on how savvy tour operators have been, especially whether they bought currency requirements in advance, especially the dollar, before markets collapsed.

“Any operators who didn’t will struggle with higher costs. While fuel prices are fading, the stronger dollar means long-haul, dollar-based holidays could be 15-20 per cent more expensive.”

But some operators believe the best option is to avoid Europe altogether, and go further afield.

Platon Loizou, Jewel In The Crown Holidays, says: “Travellers must avoid anything to do with the Euro in 2009. It’s a mess and likely to stay that way. Basically, tour operators are doing a Marks & Spencer, with cut price days to get money rolling in. Families will tend to delay bookings, but if they leave it til March, there might only be two-star accommodation left.”

But once you get there, how can you get the most for your money? With sterling struggling to retain its value in the short-haul destinations, it could be that its worth taking a longer flight to get more for your cash.

Mike Bevens, of key2holidays said: “We see fantastic value in Thailand and in South Africa because the rand makes living costs so cheap and Cuba where hotel rates are still given in sterling, with Egypt and Dubai emerging strongly in mid-haul.”

Another option is to cash in on holiday companies offering breaks in this country, with many offering cut-price deals to travellers who won’t have to pay commission to change their spending money.

Haven Holidays has held 2008 prices for 2009 and included a half price early booking offer on a wide choice of dates and accommodation.

The pricing policy at their 34 family friendly parks also sees a range of entertainment and activities included in the cost.

But the surprise hit of 2009 could be Albania.

Derek Moore, at the Association of Independent Tour Operators, sees Albania as a surprise packet in short haul – for empty beaches, cultural sites, and for avoiding the Eurozone.

* Have you got any value-for-money travel tips for readers? Email starfeatures@shropshirestar.co.uk For more great travel ideas, don’t miss our eight-page Holidays supplement in Wednesday’s Shropshire Star.