South American countries have been tipped as the best value long-haul destinations this year by Flight Centre UK.
The agency reported that average economic flight prices have risen by more than a third for February this year over the same month in 2022.
But rates to New Zealand are up by more than 80% due to a squeeze on capacity and high post-pandemic demand, according to the long-haul specialist agency.
By contrast, fares to the Maldives have dropped 14% year-on-year while Vietnam is rated as the cheapest of the most popular destinations in Asia.
Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore all now sit in Flight Centre’s top 10 destinations for number of tickets sold for February 2023 compared to Thailand as the only Far East country in 2022.
Kenya and Argentina both enter the top 10 destinations for number of tickets sold.
But the UAE, Maldives and Barbados are less popular year-on-year.
The agency’s head of aviation Justin Penny said: “Prices of economy air fares have increased significantly in the past year across several markets, averaging at around 36% which is on trend with what Flight Centre are seeing in the last few months.
“New Zealand has seen the biggest rise with a 81% increase year on year, which is likely to be linked to both increased demand and reduced airline capacity following Covid.
“Destinations such as Costa Rica, Argentina and Chile, however, should be top of the list for travellers looking to get a good deal on a long-haul holiday this year and Flight Centre are already seeing volumes increase to these destinations.”
He added: “Not only have prices changed but travel appetites have shifted significantly since February 2022; destinations that have been reopened for a long time since Covid including UAE, Maldives and Barbados, are no longer top of the escape list as people have already returned there for holidays post-pandemic.
“For those that have had the Maldives as a long-standing bucket list destination to visit, now is the time to book with air fares actually having seen a decrease of 14% since last February.
“For those travelling in February 2022, Thailand was the only country in Asia to make it into Flight Centre’s top 10 destinations. This year, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore have all secured a spot in the top 10 for travel in February, now travel has become easier.
“Confidence and desire for adventure travel is on the rise with Kenya and Argentina also making it into the top 10, as February offers travellers the perfect climate for a safari break and the last full month of Argentina’s high season.”