Dollar boost for British travellers

British travellers are being boosted by the strengthening pound which is making dollar destinations much more attractive, it was revealed today.

It is not just the US which is more of a bargain for Britons but also places such as Dubai, St Lucia, Antigua and Hong Kong, holiday company Hayes & Jarvis said.

The firm said the pound was buying at least 13 per cent more local currency in some of the dollar destinations than it was a year ago.

Those travelling to America will get 24 per cent more for their money than at the pound's low point against the dollar in March 2009.

Post Office currency sales of US dollars rose in October for the first time for many months, while East Caribbean dollar purchases rocketed 70 per cent.

Hayes & Jarvis commercial director Niel Alobaidi said: "Not only will the pound stretch further in dollar destinations than it has done in recent times, but we are continuing to source excellent discounts from hotels and airlines, which means that there are considerable savings to be made on pre-Christmas trips.

"Late bookers can save as much as 32 per cent if they act quickly."