Posted 29 Dec 2008

British travellers are set to desert Europe over the coming year and head to cheaper destinations such as Egypt and Turkey.

According to a report from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Association of British Travel Agents, the number of people taking holidays and gap year breaks in Egypt has increased by almost 40 per cent in the last year, with trips to Turkey also seeing a significant increase.

However, the FCO is urging those travelling to less-familiar destinations to prepare themselves by researching the country’s customs and traditions.

"If people don’t research their destinations before they go it could do more than spoil their holiday. What’s[CURLY APOsTROPHE] normal in resorts in Spain or Greece are not necessarily going to be acceptable in Turkey or Egypt.

"It is really important that Brits familiarise themselves with the local laws and customs before they go," said Julian Braithwaite, director of consular services at the FCO.

Meanwhile, the Post Office Holiday Costs Barometer, which was released earlier this year, revealed that Thailand, South Africa and Egypt are among the best value long-haul destinations.

Category: General Travel, Africa