SA tagged as best value destination
Iceland and London are among the world's best-value destinations thanks to the economic crisis, travel guide firm Lonely Planet has said, 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.
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Do you agree with Lonely Planets' list?
Personal opinion living in both areasSubmitted by Neil V. on Tue, 11/03/2009 - 16:04. |
I am surprised that the South West of Western Australia features, I live here not that much to see and most things are overpriced definately eating out is over rated with just a handful of options for good dining and rarely comes with good service. |
ClarificationSubmitted by gt24.editor.selene on Tue, 11/03/2009 - 13:26. |
Hi there... According to the article published by AFP the Best in Travel 2010 Lonely Planets’ guide refers to many different listings of which the Best-Value Destinations Top Ten is one of them, detailed as follows in no particular order: 1 Iceland Southern Africa and South Western Australia form part of the Best in Travel Top Ten Regions. Please do not hesitate to provide us with alternative verification but at this point we are choosing to trust the credibility of the AFP agency. Thanks |
Yes, butSubmitted by LJ on Tue, 11/03/2009 - 12:22. |
... considering the grand game of "let's exploit the tourist" especially now come 2010, will SA remain a top ten region value-wise? Hope the greedy hotel chains and tour operators don't spoil the party. We want them to come back after all. |
Slightly misleadingSubmitted by Anonymous on Tue, 11/03/2009 - 10:46. |
The headline says SA tagged as BEST VALUE destination But the overall top 10 does not mention South Africa nor Iceland. Here is what Best In Travel actually said: Top 10 Regions: Southern Africa is mentioned in the top regions but South Africa is not in the overall top 10! Alsace, France; Bali, Indonesia; Fernando de Noronha, Brazil; Goa, India; Koh Kong Conservation Corridor, Cambodia; Lake Baikal, Russia; Oaxaca, Mexico; Southern Africa; The Lake District, England; Southwest Western Australia. |












