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S'pore among top 10 cities

LONDON - ICELAND and London are among the world's best-value destinations thanks to the economic crisis, travel guide firm Lonely Planet said on Tuesday, while Thailand remains tough to beat.

South Africa, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Bulgaria, Kenya and Las Vegas in Nevada rounded out the top 10, said the British-based company in its Best In Travel 2010 guide, which also named Singapore as among the top 10 cities for travellers.

The economic collapse in Iceland meant the island was no longer punitively expensive, said the guide, putting the beleaguered country at the top of its best-value list.

Thailand, at number two, remained 'perennially good value', said the book, calling it "one of the cheapest long-haul holidays for European holidaymakers."

Meanwhile London's days as a costly destination were now over, Lonely Planet said, which notes that 'long ludicrously expensive, London has become much more affordable for visitors from abroad, if not for its residents,' said the guide, which captures 'the world's hottest travel trends, destinations, journeys and experiences for the year ahead.'

Elsewhere in the top 10, Malaysia 'is a clever choice for travellers on the lookout for a bargain', while in India 'your money stretches almost as far as the infamous Indian 'stretchable' time'. -- AFP

Spore among top 10 cities