What European destination offers best value for money?

Views from the Croatian island of Havar. Photo / iStock

Poland is the destination where Kiwis can get the most out of their dollar.

According to the Euro edition of Travel Money NZ's Holiday Costs Index and with the British pound at a 31-year low, now is the best time time to visit Europe.

While many Kiwis are making the most of strong conversion rates and jetting off to the UK, wider Europe also offers a selection of budget-friendly options too.

Poland is ranked as the top destination offering more value for money, followed by Germany and Croatia. Also included in the top 10 is Spain, Greece, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Portugal.

Travel Money NZ general manager Scott McCullough said since Britain's decision to leave the European Union the customer demand for buying sterling had been phenomenal.

"Since the result our Travel Money NZ stores around the country have had record numbers through the doors with Kiwis wanting to buy large quantities of sterling," said McCullough.

"After the initial announcement we nearly ran out of physical cash."

At today's exchange rate, travellers converting NZD$5,000 to sterling will receive roughly GBP£2,800.

This is a significant increase in comparision to 10 years ago when the same amount of New Zealand dollars would convert approximately to GBP£1,600.

McCullough said Kiwis often made the mistake of not paying attention to exchange rates. However, he said this latest movement shows savings could be made if travellers did their homework.

"We know that most of our customers book their flights months in advance but wait until the day they travel to purchase their foreign currency, this can cost in the long run.

Exchange rates can see a lot of movement so it's a good idea for travellers to monitor the market and purchase in advance when the rates are in their favour.

"Exchange rates can see a lot of movement so it's a good idea for travellers to monitor the market and purchase in advance when the rates are in their favour."

Travel Money NZ recommends travellers do their homework, purchase foreign exchange in advance and check the price of tourist staples in the destinations they are considering.

Destinations with the best value for money:

1. Poland
2. Germany
3. Croatia
4. Czech Republic
5. Spain
6. Greece
7. United Kingdom
8. Ireland
9. Portugal
10. Norway
11. Italy
12. Sweden
13. Netherland