Eastern Europe 'set for surge in visitor numbers'

Eastern Europe has long been popular with stag night revellers on the hunt for a budget break with plenty of bargain booze - and the trend looks set to continue this year.

According to Sarah Munro, head of travel services at the Post Office, British travellers are being more careful than ever to consider the full costs of a holiday in 2009 as the credit crunch continues to bite.

And with eastern European countries such as Croatia and Bulgaria having emerged as the cheapest destinations in the Post Office Holiday Costs Barometer, the region is set for a surge in popularity.

Ms Munro said: "Croatia has been growing in popularity for some time now and in the early part of 2009 it is one of our fastest growing currencies."

She added that countries such as Hungary and the Czech Republic are also likely to benefit from higher visitor numbers this year as tourists seek out the best value deals.

However, those looking for a real bargain break might consider Bulgaria's Sunny Beach resort, where ten holiday items, including drinks and meals, can be picked up for just over £40, according to the Holiday Costs Barometer.