Job assessment article, timed: CREDIT CRUNCH = CHEAP HOLIDAYS

British holidaymakers could benefit from the current economic slump if they choose Eastern European city breaks. A Post Office report has seen a huge increase in two and three night city breaks over the last 20 years, with Budapest likely to see increased tourism in 2008 due to its strong currency.

The current travel situation is being likened to the 1980s when UK holidaymakers flocked to cities like Barcelona, Prague and Dublin after Black Monday when UK shares fell 26.4 per cent and low cost flights were gaining popularity.

Helen Warburton, head of Post Office travel says, “After Black Monday many people had to cut back on expenditure and there was a strong growth trend in two or three night short breaks.”

The Post Office says that short breaks to European cities still take 8 of the top 10 places popular with UK travellers.

While cheap deals will be snapped up this year, tourists should be warned that the cost of goods such as food, drink and souvenirs will be higher than previous years because of the weak Pound which this month reached its lowest ever level against the Euro.

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