The UK summer is well and truly over, the days are getting shorter and the dark months are closing in. But, with the pound strengthening against many international currencies, now is a good time for British holidaymakers to plan an escape to warmer climes this winter.
According to figures from Post Office Travel Money, sterling has strengthened against the currencies of 16 out of 27 major long-haul destinations in the past year. The most marked increase is against the Brazilian real, where sterling is up by 57%. In Brazil, £1 will now buy 6.3 reals. Other destinations where the pound will go further include Malaysia, Mexico and South Africa.
“In recent weeks sterling has been moving up in value against almost every long-haul currency compared with earlier in the year,” says Andrew Brown of Post Office Travel Money.
This has been matched by falling prices at many resorts, according to price research co-ordinated by the Post Office in collaboration with local tourist boards – adding to the increase in value for money for British travellers.
Here’s a look at the winter-sun destinations where the pound has strengthened the most over the 12 months to September 2015.
Brazil
With sterling up against the Brazilian real by 57.4%, it’s a great time to head to carnival country or, for those planning to go to the 2016 Rio Olympics, take a gamble and stock up on Brazilian currency. Exchange rates aside, our round-ups of budget places to stay on the beach in Rio and São Paulo states and budget restaurants in Rio city, should help make the most of your money, while our look at highlights across the country provides plenty of inspiration.
Malaysia
In Malaysia sterling has increased by 28% against the ringgit, and the country’s stunning tropical beaches will appeal to winter sun-seekers. For ideas of places to stay, take a look at our round-up of budget beach hotels. As well as being a great place to relax, Malaysia has appeal for adventurers; you can meet orangutans, swim with clownfish, or, if you’re feeling really ambitious, embark on a road trip right across the country.
New Zealand
It may be as far from the UK as it’s possible to get, but New Zealand makes for a good-value break for British travellers, with the pound up by 23.1% against the NZ dollar over the past year. Guardian Travel has recently spent time on Waiheke Island and Hawke’s Bay, checking out the best places to eat drink and visit. Even DJ Carl Cox is a fan of NZ: you might want to swing by his favourite place to get crayfish.
Australia
The pound is up by a similar amount, 21%, against the Australian dollar. And there are epic adventures to be had here, too. How about an all-girl four-wheel driving tour of Fraser Island? Or diving with the shark attack survivor who filmed Jaws? Or taking on a two-day trail across Hinchinbrook Island in Queensland? If you’d rather chill, have a look at some of the best beach houses you’ll find down under, and the best budget beach pads in New South Wales and on the west coast.
Mexico
Mexico has all the prerequisite white Caribbean beaches, blue skies and bright colours for a perfect winter escape. The pound has risen 20% against the peso over the last year, so it’s a good time to explore the country, which has everything from jungles to mountains and incredible restaurants to stunning ancient ruins. Take a look at our round up of budget hotels on the Yucatán peninsula for cheap places to stay in what can be a pricey region; Isla Hobox is one hotspot currently attracting a lot of attention. For fine wining and dining, take a look at this tour of the Valle de Guadalupe, which is earning a reputation as the new Napa valley.
South Africa
Over the last year, the pound strengthened against the rand by 16.8%, making South Africa another attractive destination this winter. Johannesburg is buzzing with new food markets, while there are a host of amazing places to stay on the beaches of the Western and Eastern Capes.
Indonesia
The final long-haul winter sun destination to see a significant swing in exchange rates is Indonesia, with the pound strengthening against the rupiah by 15.6%. All eyes were on the island paradise of Lombok this summer, with its hosting of a sustainable tourism conference. Tranquility can be found elsewhere, including a meditation retreat in Java. And, of course, there are plenty of budget beach hotels in Bali and Lombok to kick back in.
