Financial crisis makes London affordable to visitors

To prove that every cloud has a silver lining, London has been declared one of the most affordable cities in the world to visit, largely as a result of the global financial crisis which has led to better exchange rates for foreign visitors.

The UK capital, long considered one of the most expensive cities in the world, is now ranked within the top ten cities Lonely Planet is recommending to travellers looking for value for money in 2010.

Lonely Planet's editor Tom Hall said eating out and hotel rooms in London had halved in price over the last couple of years, which is good news for visitors from other parts of the UK as well as foreign travellers.

British visitors should remember to book travel insurance if they are planning a trip to the capital of more than two nights to cover them for unexpected cancellations, loss and theft of belongings and repatriation costs.

Mr Hall added: The tables have turned and London's reputation as one of the world's most expensive cities is over.""

Iceland, which was also previously prohibitively expensive for many holidaymakers, has also made it into the top ten list of best value for money destinations following the collapse of its currency.

Glitzy Las Vegas, a city people usual associate with big spenders, has also been tipped to offer good value next year due to the fact hoteliers, restaurants and club owners are being forced by the credit crunch to slash prices.

London, Iceland and Vegas now sit alongside longtime favourites such as Thailand and Mexico.

The other best value destinations, according to Lonely Planet, are Bulgaria, Kenya, South Africa, India and Malaysia, in no particular order.

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