Croatia holidays: Eastern Europe offers 'best of both worlds'

Brits taking Croatia sailing holidays this year can experience a region that offers "the best of both worlds" for travellers, according to an industry expert.

Francesca Ecsery, global sales director at Cheapflights.co.uk, said many countries in eastern Europe offer a more favourable exchange rate than the eurozone, but are close enough that flights are not too expensive.

She also commented on the experiences available in the region, saying that the destinations have "plenty to offer", particularly for people heading "off the beaten track".

The rising popularity of Croatia sailing holidays and other breaks in the country was highlighted by figures released by Cheapflights UK.

Searches for flights to Dubrovnik, a highly popular destination among Brits taking Adriatic cruises and other holidays in Croatia, have increased by 106 per cent this month compared to January 2009.

Nadine Hallak, a spokesperson for Cheapflights UK, said: "Last year showed a recessional shift toward long and mid-haul destinations and as the economic downturn continues to linger, travellers are casting their nets a bit closer to home where the offering in price is similar to that of mid-haul and the attractions are broad and endless."