Feature: Top value for money hotspots for 2011

Friday, 31 December 2010 9:03 AM

Sun seekers next year are set to treasure value for money the most, according to the latest report from the Association of British Travel Agents, so we’ve picked out some of the best reasons to visit these key hotspots.

Tunisia, Syria and Abu Dhabi were picked out as the fastest rising value destinations, and these sun worshipper’s havens will join Turkey and Egypt as the most popular short-haul choices.

The Med’s hidden jewel

For unspoilt white beaches and island scenery, the Tunisian destination of Djerba won’t be the Mediterranean’s best kept secret for much longer. This idyllic island has been picked out by First Choice as a fast-rising destination, and it’s easy to see why.

Djerba offers milder temperatures than mainland Tunisia, which can often be stiflingly hot, but guests will still enjoy an impressive 300 days of sunshine each year. Despite its position just off the Tunisian coast, it can be easily reached by ferry, with departures every 15 minutes in peak season.

Known by the locals as ‘the island of 10,000 palms’ and boasting miles of pristine beaches, Djerba also has many historical sites, including the El Ghriba synagogue, which at over 2,000 years old is one of the oldest, and most famous, in the world.

First Choice is launching a brand new package to this Mediterranean island in the New Year, starting at £499 per person, including seven-night accommodation in the four-star Hotel Riu Palace Royal Garden and flights from London Gatwick on May 12.

Guests can relax in the hotel’s Jacuzzi or the enormous 2,000 square metre swimming pool, and after a stroll in the 35 acres of tropical garden you’ll see why this area is known as the Polynesia of the Mediterranean.

Top Gear Tourism

Anyone who watched the Top Gear Christmas special will have been impressed by the beautiful Middle Eastern countryside that Clarkson, Hammond and May drove through, with Syria standing out as a particular highlight.

As well as crossing the barren desert, the boys also visited the vibrant city of Damascus, which offers a wide range of cultural and historical highlights for sun seeking travellers.

The former capital of the Arab Empire features several notable mosques that date back to the 8th century AD. The most remarkable of these is The Omayyad Mosque, which was built on a site with religious heritage reaching back over 3,000 years.

Once you’ve taken in the country’s unique religious history, a trip to the West coast will be rewarded by drives through verdant mountains to the Mediterranean shores and long beaches.

Despite the scorching heat, this region is also home to a wide range of wild flowers, long stretches of olive groves, fig, almond and pomegranate trees.

The coastal resort of Mashta el Helou features an international resort, as well as a wide range of hotels and restaurants for visitors looking for Western style accommodation.

The Emirates’ rising star

ABTA’s final pick is the burgeoning Arab Emirate of Abu Dhabi, which has already made a name for itself in 2010 by hosting the final, decisive race in the Formula One Grand Prix championship.

Motorsports fans can treat themselves to a visit to the recently opened Ferrari World theme park, which features the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa.

Thrill-seeking travellers can reach speeds of up to 149mph on this hair-raising ride, as well as many other attractions at Ferrari World, which is the world’s largest indoor theme park.

If beaches are your top priority, then Abu Dhabi won’t disappoint, as the Gulf coast offers extensive stretches of sand for those looking to top up their tan.

More active travellers can choose from a wide range of watersports, including jet skiing, beach volleyball and wakeboarding, which is available to try from just $3 (£2) per person.

Unlike some Arab states, the public dress code in Abu Dhabi is fairly relaxed, while visitors are allowed to drink in bars and restaurants as they please, although drinking in public is not recommended.

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If we’ve managed to pique your interest, then why not start planning your great value 2011 getaway right now. To get one step ahead of the crowd and find out more about Tunisia, Syria and Abu Dhabi, visit: www.tourismtunisia.com, www.syriatourism.org or www.visitabudhabi.ae