If you’re planning your 2019 holidays, it’s worth comparing currency rates as well as the cost of travel and accommodation, our new research shows.
We commissioned research which compares 2019 and 2018 January currency rates, and unveiled the destinations which offer consumers more bang for their buck than this time last year.
At the top of the list, Turkey offers the best exchange rate when compared to last year, with the pound 36.5% stronger compared to this time last year. This gives British travellers £182.50 more currency for a £500 transaction. The short flight time, 30+ degree temperatures, and record for the most blue-flag beaches in the world make it the perfect family summer getaway.
Second on the list is Russia, where Brits can enjoy an impressive 11.7% bounce in spending money compared to last year. The grand beauty, architecture and cultural splendours of St Petersburg make it a perfect city break destination, and Orthodox Easter in April, with its rituals and candle-lit processions, is the perfect time to visit. £500 exchanged will now leave you with an impressive £58.50 more currency than last year, making it an even more attractive destination for a long weekend.
Following close behind is Iceland, where the Icelandic króna has dropped 9.2% against the pound in the last year, giving the equivalent of £46.00 more currency on a £500 exchange compared to this time last year. September to spring gives a great chance to experience the famous Northern Lights in Iceland alongside plenty of snow.
Beyond the top three, tourists can make their money go further by heading to, Chile or South Africa, and can take advantage of an additional £36.00 and £34.50 worth of currency respectively on a £500 transaction. Other bargain travel destinations include Brazil and India.
With annual leave resetting and the start of a new year, now is the perfect time to get planning, and we’d encourage savvy holidaymakers to book 2019 holidays now and snap up the local currency to secure the best rates and avoid the potential impact of on-going Brexit uncertainty.
For those planning getaways, Ramsdens’ travel money is commission free, with rates checked daily to make sure customers get the best rate.