Good reasons to travel -the strong pound!

It’s not as if we really need lots of reasons to travel however the steadily growing strength of the pound over the last year has been a massive bonus for anyone planning a holiday, be it a short European break or the long-haul trip of a lifetime.

Top of the list is the US dollar with the pound reaching $1.68, not just the highest for a year but the highest since 2009. And this is not just good news for visitors to the US as many countries around the world in Latin America, Africa and Asia effectively price their holiday products – hotels, national park fees and flights – in dollars.

The Australian dollar has bounced back a little bit in the last couple of months but at AUS$1.81 to the pound it is still 26% up on this time last year and it’s the same story with South Africa where at SA Rand 17.7 to the pound UK visitors can still get a whopping 28% more for their money – this is a country that is extremely good value anyway! What are you waiting for, now’s the time to plan your South African holiday!

Japan has been a very popular destination so far this year, and is only likely to see more growth with the continued good publicity, the new Godzilla move and the build up to the Olympics plus the pound is currently 17% up on the Yen year on year.  India is a phenomenally good value destination anyway and with hotels priced in US$ and the pound up 22% against the rupee this year this is the time to take advantage and book ahead for this autumn or winter.

TMG - asakusa shrine

Nearer to home the Euro is looking slightly better value than last summer with the pound being 6% up however for the best value in the Mediterranean we have traditionally pointed to Turkey and at the moment it is no exception. The pound is 28% up on the Lira compared with last year and with superb weather, beaches, sights, food, culture and landscapes then look no further!

TTB - istanbul skyline

Putney Travel have travelled widely in all these destinations and are happy to advise on and book your holiday to any of them!

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