Eye On Travel: Grand International: Long Haul holidays for a Bag of Sand

Bargain Hunt: This isn’t one of them

You get what you pay for when you go on holiday. Or do you? With Sterling doing a passable impression of the Zimbabwe Dollar, holiday budgeting has become more difficult. Frankly, you are looking for the best bang for your buck. Well, Pound anyway.

There are still some good value countries on the map and there are always good deals around without sacrificing your principals! Let’s see how far you can go with a budget of £1,000 per person for flights and a hotel. All holidays are equal - but some are more equal than others...

Greatest invention ever: the swim up Bar?

The Caribbean is the ultimate pull out the plug and relax destination. With high prices to match you would think. But head to the Dominican Republic to a Five Star All Inclusive Resort and a week will cost about the same or less than in Europe with better beaches and weather - obviously outside of the Autumn Hurricane season!

The Dom Rep has reinvented itself and standards are high. With excellent value for money, it is a genuine competitor to Europe if you don’t mind the 9 hour flight. And the swim up bars will quickly help you over that!

THE DEAL: 7 nights from £999pp at the 5* Dreams La Romana Resort & Spa in Bayahibe departing Gatwick on 2 May17 on an All Inclusive basis including Private Transfers.

Best way to get to Southampton? Slowly

If you prefer a more leisurely journey from the Caribbean without jet lag or luggage restrictions then you can get a great deal on a repositioning Cruise when ships return to Europe for the summer season.

Fly to Barbados and join P&O’s flagship Britannia to exotic outposts including Dominica, St Maarten, Tortola, The Azores. And Southampton. All meals are included and the prices of drinks are comparable to UK pubs and unusually are all in Sterling.

THE DEAL: 13 nights from £999pp on Britannia departing Barbados on 11 March17 for Southampton. Includes flight from Gatwick to Bridgetown, Full Board and an Inside Cabin.

Shangri-La di da: Smug Factor 10

For a big adventure, take a trip to Malaysia and visit steamy Borneo for beaches, diving and monkeys. Not necessarily at the same time. It is a long journey but with the warm South China sea, multiple activities and Spa facilities you will soon be over that.

There are boat trips, snorkelling and diving or visits to the rainforest for the active. The Beach and Spa for the inactive. Or shopping in the markets of nearby Kota Kinabalu for those must have items to strategically place around the house for when you have visitors.

THE DEAL: 10 nights from £971pp at 5* Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa in Borneo departing Heathrow on 27 November16 with Private Transfers and Ocean View Room.

Bargain Thailand: Phuket, why not?

Alternatively, you could head to the opposite coast of neighbouring Thailand for the spectacular beaches of the Andaman Sea and high standard hotels of largest island Phuket. Enjoy vibrant markets and nightlife, relax on the beach or explore the nearby islands of Phang Nga and Koh Phi Phi.

Increase your skill set by learning to dive, making Thai food, visiting a Thai massage school or practising Muay Thai. Useful for a relaxing fish based dinner party that no one will criticise.

THE DEAL: 9 nights from £999pp at 4.5* Kata Thani in Phuket departing Heathrow or Manchester on 20 November16 with Private Transfers in a Deluxe Room with Breakfast.

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Standard low cost packages are bookable through my multi destination EyeLine Travel website.

For tailor made packages, to book a trip to any of the places featured above or just for some information, please Contact me and I will do the hard work for you.