 |
 |
|
|
Thailand second best-value destination. 
Thailand second best-value destination.
Iceland, Thailand, London
best-value destinations: Lonely Planet
Iceland and London are
among the world's best-value destinations thanks to the economic crisis,
travel guide firm Lonely Planet said Tuesday, while Thailand remains
tough to beat.
South Africa, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Bulgaria,
Kenya and Las Vegas in Nevada rounded out the top 10, said the
British-based company in its "Best In Travel 2010" guide.
The
annual snapshot book captures "the world's hottest travel trends,
destinations, journeys and experiences for the year ahead," Lonely
Planet said.
The economic collapse in Iceland meant the island
was no longer punitively expensive, said the guide, putting the
beleaguered country at the top of its best-value list.
"Have you
always wanted to discover this magical, mysterious country? To explore
ice caps and volcanoes, and wallow in hot springs? Been put off because
of the prohibitive prices? Well, 2010 is your year."
Thailand, at
number two, remained "perennially good value", said the book.
"It's
one of the cheapest long-haul holidays for European holidaymakers...
visitors are always spoilt for choice regarding accommodation."
Meanwhile
London's days as a costly destination were now over, Lonely Planet
said.
"Long ludicrously expensive, London has become much more
affordable for visitors from abroad, if not for its residents," said the
guide.
"The favourable exchange rate means that travellers will
often find hotels and meals up to half the price they were a few years
ago."
Elsewhere in the top 10, Malaysia "is a clever choice for
travellers on the lookout for a bargain", while in India "your money
stretches almost as far as the infamous Indian 'stretchable' time".
"South
Africa is not only about an amazing climate, vast unspoilt scenery,
balmy sandy beaches, extraordinary wildlife and adventure activities,
but the cost of living is low, so it's also excellent value for money."
The
top 10 countries overall for travellers were El Salvador, Germany,
Greece, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Portugal, Suriname and
the United States.
The top 10 cities were Abu Dhabi, Charleston
(South Carolina), Cork (Ireland), Cuenca (Ecuador), Istanbul, Kyoto
(Japan), Lecce (Italy), Sarajevo, Singapore and Vancouver (Canada).
Bali
(Indonesia), Goa (India), Koh Kong (Cambodia), Southern Africa and
southwest Western Australia featured among the top 10 regions.Source: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thailand-Destination-Lonely-Pla-t3112...
|
|
|
