| − | The pound is close to parity with the euro and holidays on the continent suddenly look less enticing, but that's no reason to stay at home.<br>If you're prepared to travel further afield, you'll find sterling goes further, [https://www.kynghidongduong.vn/blog/kinh-nghiem-vi-vu-du-lich-ha-long-tu-a-z.html kynghidongduong.vn] too, with [https://www.kynghidongduong.vn/blog/kinh-nghiem-vi-vu-du-lich-ha-long-tu-a-z.html du lịch hạ long]-haul holidays better value than winter-sun breaks in Italy, France or Spain. Yes, the flights might seem expensive, but they will prove worth it once you're there.<br><br>Here, JOANNA TWEEDY picks the best-value destinations...<br>COSTA RICA <br>£1 =687.22 colons <br>After plummeting in 2014, the colon is the fastest-rising currency in the past two years thanks to the country's tourist drive.<br><br>This year sees no sign of a slow-down, but it still presents good value. Buy a (fantastic) coffee in the capital for £1.90. <br>This lush, Central American country has put itself firmly on our holiday maps, with direct flights from the UK and new, smart resorts.<br><br>Costa Rica is still cheaper than the Caribbean for eating out, but offers the same relaxed vibe. The [http://www.groundreport.com/?s=downside downside]? U.S. travellers are smitten with its coastal hotspots, so beaches can get crowded.<br> Costa Rica has put itself firmly on our holiday maps, with direct flights from the UK and new, smart resorts.<br><br>Pictured, Arenal National Park, Balneario Tabacon hot springs in Fortuna<br>Safety rating: Usual tourist rules apply, but it's generally safe. Watch out for Zika virus warnings.<br>Best time to go: Mid-November to April.<br>Budget: All-inclusive at the five-star Riu Guanacaste resort starts from £797 for seven nights, including flights, firstchoice.co.uk<br>Mid-range: Responsible Travel has nine-day wildlife holidays to Costa Rica's rainforests from £629, including accommodation and tours.<br><br>Flights to San Jose from £496, ba.com<br>Luxury: Stay five nights in a bungalow at the Pacuare Lodge eco-resort in the Costa Rican rainforest from £1,900, including transfers, meals and river tours, pacuarelodge.com.<br><br>See above for flights.<br>SOUTH AFRICA<br>£1 = 16.86 South African rand<br>The rand dropped to a historic low in 2015, but Brits can still enjoy around 46 per cent more value than five years ago when the rate was around 11.4 rand to a pound.<br><br>A proper coffee will set you back around £1.10.<br>If the Call The Midwife Christmas special whetted your appetite, then you're in for a treat. The Rainbow Nation promises iconic sights, world-beating wildlife and zero jet-lag.<br>What's more, the sorry state of the rand offers fantastic value against sterling.<br><br>A family of four can expect to pay £60 for a slap-up three course dinner in Cape Town or Johannesburg.<br> A family of four can expect to pay £60 for a slap-up three course dinner in Cape Town ,above<br>Safety rating: South Africa's high crime rate is well documented, but the vast majority of tourists enjoy incident-free holidays.<br><br>Escorted tours are a good option for first-time visitors.<br>Best time to go: From now until April.<br>Budget: Stay at the Parliament Hotel in Cape Town from £66 a night, parliamenthotel.co.za.<br><br>Flights to Cape Town with British Airways cost from £899 during May half-term, ba.com<br><div class="art-ins mol-factbox floatRHS travel" data-version="2" id="mol-acc71960-d3a6-11e6-a7c0-33d52a7b6d42" website the Costas for Costa Rica! There ARE holiday bargains to be had
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