Bag a bargain

IT might be a credit-crunching New Year, but let's make it 2000 and SHINE. TRISHA HARBORD asked tour operators to choose their 2009 hotspot and come up with "all the 9s deals". These breaks offer sun, sea and sand plus what customers are looking for more than ever this year-good value for money.

UNDER £199

IBIZA: First Choice believes this Spanish island is a big hit, especially for music lovers. With legendary DJs playing every night there is no excuse not to have an amazing time in the party capital of the world! 2wentys is a brilliant site for young people wanting to let their hair down.

The Deal: 2wentys offers seven nights self-catering at the 2-sun Poniente Playa Apartments, from Bournemouth on May 6, from just £159. Book on www.2wentys.co.uk or call First Choice, 0871 200 4455.

ICELAND: It may not be first on your list but www.Go4travel.net says Reykjavik will be a hotspot for next year and, during the summer, the sun shines all day. The falling value of the Krona means, with a 40 per cent saving for Brits on last year, there has never been a cheaper time to visit.

The Deal: The 4-star Reykjavik Centrum offers double rooms with breakfast from £73 a night. See www.Go4travel.net and for flights from £69pp, one way with Iceland Express, see www.icelandexpress.com

THE COSTAS: On the Beach predicts that British holidaymakers will be staying closer to home next year and the Spanish Costas will be a real hit for those looking for great value breaks. They also provide a fantastic all-in-one holiday with white sandy beaches and nearby beautiful Spanish towns and cities.

The Deal: Seven nights self- catering at the 4-star Ambar Beach Apartments in Calpe, Alicante on the Costa Blanca, from Gatwick in May/June from £176.

The Deal: Head to Malaga and the popular resort of Benalmadena on the Costa del Sol. Seven nights self-catering at the 4-star Royal Oasis At Benal Beach, from Stansted in May/June, from £127. Visit www.otbeach.com or call 0870 606 0708.

UNDER £399

BULGARIA: Thomas Cook reckon this summer hotspot is getting more and more popular. With the resort of Sunny Beach, it shouts sunloungers, suntan lotion and sandcastles. There's beautiful countryside to explore, lots of family-friendly attractions and the shopping is incredibly cheap.

The Deal: Seven nights B&B at the 3-star Sunny Day Hotel in Sunny Beach, from Gatwick on May 18, from £298 per adult, £199 per child. Visit www.thomascook.com or call 0844 412 5970.

TURKEY: Lowcostholidays.com, Direct Holidays and Thomson believe Turkey will score in 2009 because it is outside the euro zone, is great value for money, has year-round sun and mid-haul flights.

The Deal: Seven nights all-inclusive at the 4-star AI Nergis Select Hotel in Marmaris, from Gatwick, from £279 per adult and £219 per child. Visit www.lowcostholidays.com or call free on 0800 111 6271.

The Deal: Seven nights self- catering at the 3-star Mitos Apartments in Icmeler, from Manchester, May 4, from £341pp, including free child place (based on three adults and one child). Visit www.directholidays.co.uk or call 0871 664 7764.

The Deal: Seven nights B&B at the 4T Hotel Sah, from Thomson's Chic and Unique Collection, from Gatwick, from £375pp. Visit www.thomson.co.uk or call 0871 231 3235. (see above pic)

UNDER £599

ORLANDO: It's hard to believe that any credit crunch would stop Brits heading to the theme park capital of the world. Jetsave say whatever the dollar exchange rate, Florida is a dead cert to be THE family favourite of 2009.

The Deal: Seven nights room-only at the Quality Inn Plaza, flying Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick on June 21, from £529 per adult, £339 per child. Includes free Universal Orlando, Resort shuttle and an under-12s Kids Eat Free card, valid in more than 80 dining outlets. Visit www.jetsave.com or call 0871 664 0293.

ANTIGUA: Virgin Holidays say this Caribbean island can't fail to be a winner, with fantastic temperatures all year round.

The Deal: Seven nights room-only at the 3V Halycon Cove by rex resorts, including Virgin Atlantic flights from Gatwick, from £529 (price includes a £100 early-booking bonus if booked before Feb 28), based on departures between June 1 and June 30. Premium economy upgrades from £175 per person one way. Visit www.virgin holidays.co.uk or call 0844 557 3859.

EGYPT: Panorama Holidays tip the Red Sea resort of Marsa Alam where the most intriguing sights can be found under water, which is why it's a paradise for divers and snorkellers. With most entertainment in the hotels, Marsa Alam is ideal for a resort-based family holiday.

The Deal: Seven nights all- inclusive at the 4-star Hotel Calimera Habiba, from Gatwick, June 10, from £513 per adult, £318 per child. Visit www.panorama holidays.co.uk or call 0844 879 8200.

CRUISE: P&O say their family-friendly ship Ventura will be an even bigger hit in 2009 as families realise that cruising is fantastic value for money.

The Deal: Seven nights full-board on the Ventura sailing around the Iberian Peninsula from Southampton on April 17 to Vigo, Lisbon, Bilbao and Brest, from £588pp (inclusive of a 47 per cent Pricebreaker discount plus 5 per cent online booking discount). Visit www. pocruises.co.uk or call 0845 3555 333.

UNDER £799

DUBAI: The stars love it and Destinology.co.uk reckon it will be more popular than ever with Brits looking for smart hotels, sun, sea and sand. The Atlantis on The Palm is so over-the-top that it is an attraction in its own right with a waterpark, aquarium and private beach.

The Deal: Three nights B&B at The Atlantis with flights from Heathrow, Gatwick or Manchester for stays June 1 to July 16 or August 23 to September 19, from £699pp. Visit www.destinology.co.uk or call 0800 634 2866.

THAILAND: Travelbag say Thailand continues to offer phenomenal luxury for great value with some of the best beaches in the world.

The Deal: Be quick to enjoy 10 nights for the price of five at the exclusive tropical boutique 5-star Six Senses Hideaway hotel in Hua Hin, flying from Heathrow, from £685pp for a break between April 16 and June 30. Must book by January 4. Visit www.travelbag.co.uk or call 0800 008 7422.

GRENADA: Monarch Holidays have just launched a choice of holidays to Grenada known as the "spice" island of the Caribbean. It has lots to offer- tropical rainforests, waterfalls, 40 sandy beaches and, for snorkellers or diving, spectacular marine life, shipwrecks and even the first of it kind. the Underwater Sculpture Park.

The Deal: Seven nights room-only at the 3-star Flamboyant Hotel & Villas overlooking Grand Anse Bay, from Gatwick, from £696 per adult, £580 per child. Visit www.monarchholidays.co.uk or call 0871 423 8642.

ARAB EMIRATES: Hayes & Jarvis say mid-haul destinations such as Fujairah shave pounds off your holiday cost. It is giving its neighbour Dubai a run for its money, being quieter yet close to the main city and its shopping malls.

The Deal: Seven nights B&B at the 5-star Miramar Al Aqah, from Heathrow with BA on June 4, from £669 per adult, £499 per child. Visit www.hayesandjarvis.com or call 0871 664 0246.

UNDER £999

CUBA: For a long-haul hotspot, Thomas Cook predict this vibrant country which comes with a fascinating history as well as wonderful beaches and warm hospitality. A family holiday at one of the all-inclusive resorts has something for everyone at an affordable price.

The Deal: Fourteen nights all-inclusive at the 4-star Hotel Playa Pesquero in Playa Pesquero, from Manchester on May 27, from £977 per adult, £507 per child. Visit www.thomascook.com or call 0844 412 5970.

ARUBA: First Choice have chosen this Caribbean island as a long-haul pick. Think white beaches, swaying palms and charming Dutch colonial towns.

The Deal: Seven nights all-inclusive at the 3-sun Holiday Inn Sunspree, from Gatwick on May 6, from £979pp. Visit www.firstchoice.co.uk or call 0871 200 4455.

ORLANDO & CARIBBEAN CRUISE: There's no doubt cruising will be an even bigger-seller this year. Virgin Holidays Cruises have chosen this one because you get a week in Orlando to enjoy the theme parks and you can then relax sailing from Miami to Samana, St. Thomas, Tortola and the Bahamas.

The Deal: Seven nights room-only at the 3V Quality Inn International, Orlando and seven nights full-board on NCL Pearl, including flights from Gatwick and car hire, based on departures from October 2009, from £999 per adult, £749 per child up to and including 11. Visit www.virginholidayscruises.co.uk to book or call 0871 781 9893.

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