Holidaymakers hit by weak pound
The plunging pound means Britons are finding their holiday money is not going as far as before.Sterling is at it lowest level this year against every major European currency except the Icelandic krona, the Post Office said.
British skiers dealing in Swiss francs have seen a big drop in the amount they are getting, while the pound has fallen particularly heavily against the Bulgarian lev and the Swedish krona.
Sterling is worth around 8% less against the euro than in January and has also fallen against the US dollar and also the Caribbean currencies that are linked to the dollar.
But there is better news for Britons travelling further afield. Sterling has strengthened against 12 long-haul destination currencies, led by Japan where the pound is 14% stronger than a year ago.
Those heading for South America will also be doing well, with the pound strong against the Brazilian real and the Argentinian peso.
Another good place for currency exchange is South Africa where those exchanging pounds for the rand will get around 11% more than a year ago. Sri Lanka is another good place for UK tourists at the moment.
Andrew Brown of Post Office Travel Money said: "Although the latest dip in the value of the UK pound is bad news for holidaymakers, there are many destinations where they can get more for their money than a year ago.
"This may not apply to Europe but there are still ways for holidaymakers to get the best possible value when they travel to the Continent.
"The one positive of a weakened pound is that anyone who is hoarding leftover foreign currency could find they will get more pounds in their pocket if they exchange it back into sterling now."
Those heading for South America will also be doing well, with the pound strong against the Brazilian real and the Argentinian peso.
Another good place for currency exchange is South Africa where those exchanging pounds for the rand will get around 11% more than a year ago. Sri Lanka is another good place for UK tourists at the moment.
Andrew Brown of Post Office Travel Money said: "Although the latest dip in the value of the UK pound is bad news for holidaymakers, there are many destinations where they can get more for their money than a year ago.
"This may not apply to Europe but there are still ways for holidaymakers to get the best possible value when they travel to the Continent.
"The one positive of a weakened pound is that anyone who is hoarding leftover foreign currency could find they will get more pounds in their pocket if they exchange it back into sterling now."
© 2013 Press Association