Go4travel.net unveils travel predictions for 2009

With the recession in full swing, belt-tightening Brits will be thinking long and hard about where to holiday in 2009. Martin Chiazza, founder of go4travel.net, predicts what’s going to be top of the holiday lists for next year.

1. Reykjavik, Iceland: The country’s economy may be frozen, but travel to this beautiful city certainly is not. Reykjavik has been the destination of choice for the latter part of 2008 and this will continue through 2009, particularly during the summer months when the sun shines all day long. The falling value of the Krona means with a 40 per cent saving for Brits on last year, there has never been a cheaper time to visit.

Where to stay: Four Star Reykjavik Centrum. Prices from just £73 per double room, per night, including breakfast.
How to get there: Iceland Express (icelandexpress.com). Prices start from £69.00 per person, one-way including taxes.

2. Darwin, Australia: With Baz Luhrmann’s new must-see movie, Australia, hitting the screens on 26 December, Australia’s Northern Territory is bound to be a popular destination for 2009. Its famous Kakadu national park, hot red earth and rough Australian outback with Uluru – formerly known as Ayres Rock - on the doorstep – will draw hordes of holidaymakers to Darwin.

Where to stay: Five Star Skycity. Prices from just £75 per double room, per night. Room only.
How to get there: Visit Cheapflights.co.uk to search and compare return flights from just £559 per person, departing London Stansted.

3. Cape Town, South Africa: Cape Town will once again be a top holiday hotspot in 2009. The stunning backdrop of Table Mountain and the beautiful surrounding beaches and vineyards plus the weak Rand will lure cash-strapped Brits to the city.
Where to stay: Three Star Protea Sea Point. Prices from £106 per double room, per night. Room only.
How to get there: Visit Cheapflights.co.uk to search and compare return flights from just £550 per person, departing London Heathrow.

4. St Petersburg, Russia: Russia’s most romantic city has surged in popularity over the past few years and this is set to continue in 2009. As well as popular sights such as The Hermitage and Winter Palace and St Isaac’s Cathedral, visitors can enjoy a Russian banya (steam bath) and take a stroll through Pavlovsk Park.

Where to stay: Four Star Petro Palace Hotel. Prices from £63 per double room, per night. Room only.
How to get there: Visit Cheapflights.co.uk to search and compare return flights from just £250 per person, departing London Heathrow.

5. Granada, Spain: With the credit crunch taking its toll many families will holiday a bit closer to home in 2009; travelling to Spain and France. More and more tourists will flock to the most beautiful of all Andalucian cities, Granada, where they will be mesmerised by the Alhambra and stunning backdrop of the Sierra Nevada.

Where to stay: Four Star Alhambra Palace. Prices from £176 per double room, per night. Room only.
How to get there: Visit Cheapflights.co.uk to search and compare return flights from just £197 per person, departing London Heathrow.

For more information and bookings, log on to Go4Travel.net.