Go long haul to makes pounds go farther

By Jennifer Hill

LONDON (Reuters) - Want to make your holiday money stretch further? Go long haul.

That is according to the Post Office's annual "What the Pound Buys Abroad" report into currency movements.

Sterling has gained ground over the past year in six of 20 destinations surveyed -- all of which are farther afield than Europe, as currencies tied to the U.S. dollar struggle against the pound.

The most marked growth has been in South Africa; sterling has strengthened 11 percent against the rand in the past 12 months.

Jamaica, Barbados, America, the East Caribbean and Hong Kong have also become better value for British tourists. Currencies in these areas have weakened 6.2 percent, 2.2 percent, 1.1 percent, 1 percent and 0.8 percent against the pound.

Dubai is also good value, with sterling maintaining its value against the dirham in the past year.

In contrast, holidaymakers might face a bumpy ride in Europe as the euro continues to ride high.

Those jetting off to Prague -- one of the most popular city break destinations -- might be in for the toughest time.