The Inside Word

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The New York Times produced a list of countries in Latin and South America that, it suggested, offer better value than traditional winter getaways such as the Caribbean. Not all their suggestions are practical for UK travellers, but it is worth having a look.

Prices have risen in Argentina over the last few years and, of course, it is not a beach destination and yet still offers a mix of European quality and competitive rates. A weekend room at the InterContinental in Buenos Aires starts at $165, which is around half what you may pay elsewhere for such a hotel. You can find some very chic, luxurious boutique beach resorts in Belize for $200 and substantially less. Colombia is safer than it used to be but security is still a problem outside the main tourist areas. Bogot  has some cheapish hotels but the real up-and-coming destination is Cartagena on the Caribbean coast, which combines some very sophisticated hotels and restaurants with a feel of the old-world colonies. Even now, Cartagena is not bargain-basement territory but prices are bound to rise. This is set to become one of the top destinations in the Caribbean area in the near future so it could well be wise to visit now. Panama is trying to kick-start its tourism business, and several large luxury beach hotels are opening at prices that are substantially less than similar hotels in Miami.

We agree with all the suggestions in the New York Times, but the big problem for European visitors is getting there. To access many of these destinations from London you need either one or two connecting flights. You can travel to Miami and connect there (not our idea of a fun day out) or try flying via Madrid, which leaves you in the hands of Spanish airlines, which may not be everyone's choice. Air Europa is supposed to be starting a regular service from Madrid to Cartagena in December. The destination is shown on its website. However, it was not taking bookings when we checked. KLM flies direct to Panama from Amsterdam, which makes it easily accessible.

Meanwhile, as we have said before, we would avoid Brazil for the foreseeable future. Rapidly increasing local costs combined with a soaring currency mean that you can pay London prices (or worse) in the main areas. Despite its publicised drug wars, Mexico offers very good value but be careful that some areas (Canc£n itself, Acapulco and parts of Puerto Vallarta) have become colonised by Americans who regard the resorts in much the same way we regard Benidorm. It is a large country and there is still plenty of local culture, and some very fine hotels, if you are prepared to look.