Savvy sun seekers choose luxe for less

Consumers feeling the economic pinch are choosing not to sacrifice their annual foreign holiday and instead are becoming savvier about seeking out the best deals. Leading online operator, key2holidays (key2holidays.co.uk) has identified destinations offering particularly good value for money without compromising on luxury.

Discounts of up to 40 per cent, free night offers and beneficial exchange rates mean that an array of luxury holidays to exotic destinations are available. In addition, analysis of 2007 prices with current holidays available from key2holidays shows that some prices are lower and represent significant price reductions on comparable holidays sold in 2007. Examples include:

- Egypt prices are minus 4% plus 3 extra nights compared to last year
9-night holiday from £729 (May 2007) 12-night holiday from £700 (May 2008)

- Bali prices are minus 6% compared to last year
7-night holiday from £939 (May 2007) 7-night holiday from £879 (May 2008)

- Mauritius prices are minus 10% compared to last year
7-night holiday from £1,159 (May 2007) 7-night holiday from £1,030 (May 2008) 10%

- South Africa prices are minus 3% plus 6 extra nights compared to last year
10-night holiday from £2,145 (May 2007) 16-night holiday from £2,115 (May 2008)

Matthew Rushbrooke, product manager, key2holidays commented: “We are finding that consumers are reluctant to let go of their summer getaway. Our expertise and close contacts with suppliers means that we are able to access and negotiate fantastic savings for our clients. Due to the credit crunch, suppliers are also offering even better value with free extras which means our clients can enjoy great value luxurious escapes without having to down-grade at all.”

Heading further afield beyond the Eurozone can offer major savings for many. Holidaymakers can jet off this summer and take advantage of the following special offers with key2holidays:

Cuba: Cultural Caribbean For Less
Cuba is the ideal Caribbean holiday for the whole family with superb beaches, an array of activities, culture and quality all-inclusive resorts offering excellent value. The “post-Castro” effect also make it a “must go” for 2008. A 10-night multicentre holiday combing relaxation on the beach with the exciting city of Havana is available from just £910 per adult and £499 per child including seven nights all-inclusive accommodation at the 4* Iberostar Alameda Varadero, three nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the 4* Telegrafo Havana, return scheduled flights, transfers and airport tax.

Egypt: Cruise the Nile and Stay In Style For Less
Egypt is particularly good value and offers an exciting five-star quality experience at significantly lower prices when compared to a similar standard product in the Mediterranean. Multicentre holidays including luxury cruises on the Nile offer the opportunity to explore some of the ancient wonders of the world in sumptuous style. A 12-night, deluxe multicentre holiday is available from just £1,225 per person including three nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the 5* Mena House Oberoi in Cairo, four nights full board on the 5* Oberoi Philae cruise , five nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the 5* Oberoi Sahi Hasheesh, return flights, transfers and UK departure tax.

Mauritius: Plush Tropical Paradise For Less
Take advantage of the massive 40 per cent discount being offered by the 4* Trou aux Biches. Situated on one of this paradise island’s best beaches facing a lagoon and just ten minutes from the stylish shops and nightlife of Grand Baie, guests stay in charming thatched villas scattered amongst tranquil, tropical gardens. A 7-night holiday is available from just £1,229 including half-board accommodation, a half-day sightseeing and shopping tour, return flights and transfers.

South Africa: Deluxe Safari and Sun Adventure For Less
Your holiday spending money goes much further this year in South Africa with the current exchange rate making Sterling even stronger against the Rand compared to 2007. Properties are also including bonus extras such as free nights and meals so you have even more money in your holiday wallet. A multicentre holiday here offers the opportunity to combine spotting amazing wildlife with chic Cape Town and the gourmet delights of the Winelands.

A 12-night multicentre holiday is available from just £1,645 per person including three nights full board staying in ensuite treetop tents in the prime ‘Big 5’ territory of the Kapama Private Game Reserve, four nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the 4* Belvidere Manor Knysna with a free bottle of wine on arrival and coffee table book, five nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the 4* Winchester Mansions Hotel which includes a free night and 120 Rand food voucher to be used at the hotel, return scheduled flights and transfers.

For further information on the holidays above, visit key2holidays.co.uk.