Holiday money index

A weak pound and the looming Brexit deadline have not dampened our appetite for a bit of winter sun, according to research published today. The Holiday Money Index, released by Post Office Travel Money, claims one in five people are looking to escape the misery of winter this year for a couple of weeks sun abroad.

The Index shows sales of the Japanese yen this year have risen over 40% year on year. The Rugby World Cup has been a key factor in this, but the low cost of living there has also been given as a reason for the country attracting growing numbers of visitors. Similar levels of growth have been recorded for the Trinidad and Tobago dollar, along with a number of other Caribbean currencies – suggesting the Caribbean is a popular choice this winter. Falling resort prices, as much as 30% in Antigua, have encouraged visitors to visit the region.

The Index suggests that there is a trend for holidaymakers to head to resorts that offer best value for money, regardless of exchange rates. Good examples of this trend are Bali and Vietnam. Latin America is also proving popular with Costa Rica, Chile and Peru all featuring in the Post Office’s top ten Fastest Growing Currencies.

Aston spoke to Matt Hampton, travel journalist to discuss the research and also about which countries are the cheapest regarding spending money on holiday.