Sterling gains are a boost for holidaymakers

UK HOLIDAYMAKERS will enjoy lower costs in two out of five popular destinations in 2018, according to a new study.

The fall is driven by sterling’s year-on-year gains against 70 per cent of the top 40 holiday currencies, according to Post Office Travel Money.

The pound has strengthened by 9.4 per cent against the US dollar, 10.3 per cent against the Kenyan shilling and 17.3 per cent against the Turkish lira compared with January 2017.

Long-haul destinations offer the largest decrease in prices as the stronger pound combines with lower charges in shops, restaurants and bars. Andrew Brown of Post Office Travel Money said: “The squeeze on spending at home means holiday resorts and cities where the pound will stretch further or where local prices are cheap are likely to reap the benefit of increasing visitor numbers in 2018.”