Holidaymakers may be struggling with poor exchange rates but some long-haul destinations are proving financially attractive, according to a British survey.

Sri Lanka has emerged as a clear winner in a holiday cost-of-living index of long-haul spots compiled by Post Office Travel Money.

For a basket of 10 categories including a meal out, drinks and sun cream, Sri Lanka was 38 per cent cheaper than its nearest rival, Thailand.

Vietnam, now welcoming increasing number of visitors, was the third least expensive country in the list, with Hong Kong the most expensive overall and China showing the biggest price rise over the last year.

Prices in South Africa have tumbled 27 per cent, with the country now more tourist-friendly financially following the price hikes during the 2010 World Cup.

Barbados was the most expensive Caribbean destination, with the Dominican Republic the cheapest. According to the research, resort prices have fallen in two-thirds of the countries surveyed a year ago and, in addition, sterling has strengthened against 15 of 26 long-haul country currencies.

In a separate survey, tour operator Hayes & Jarvis also revealed year-on-year falls at some long-haul resorts.

Packages in Brazil and Barbados have fallen the most, with particularly good deals to be had in Mexico where direct air links with the UK have strengthened recently.

The company's best-selling long-haul destination is the Maldives, followed by Thailand, but Egypt has yet to bounce back from political upheaval.