Britons head further afield for holidays to avoid expensive Euro zone

Telegraph.co.uk

The numbers heading to what has been dubbed the 'Costa del Kasbah' are expected to rise following sterling's slump against the euro, which has pushed up the cost of a break in such traditional destinations as Tenerife or the Algarve by as much as 25 per cent.

Abta said demand for travel to Egypt rose 38 per cent in 2008, while Turkey was up 32 per cent, a pattern expected to continue this year.

While the pound has weakened against most currencies, the high cost of travel, accommodation and everyday expenses in the likes of Spain, Cyprus and France mean that Turkey, Egypt and Morocco still offer better value for money.

An Abta spokesman said: "With the position of the currencies unlikely to get much better we expect people will continue to look further afield to north Africa and Turkey, which offer much better value for money and where you can still find dinner for two for £20."