Hoi An leads list of cheapest long-haul destinations, Post Office Travel Money finds

The Post Office Travel Money Long Haul Holiday Report has identified the cheapest long-haul destinations for travelers faced with a tight household budget, highlighting Hoi An in Vietnam as the most affordable option this year. The analysis centers on a so-called barometer basket—ten everyday items that cover drinks, meals, sun protection and insect repellent—to gauge overall cost of a typical short break in far-flung locales. With the cost of living and tax rises pressing households, the findings are being watched closely by holidaymakers looking to stretch every pound.

The top of the list features destinations across Asia, Africa, the Americas and Europe’s horizon of long-haul escapes, ranked from cheapest to more costly. At the top is Hoi An, Vietnam, followed by Cape Town in South Africa, and Bali in Indonesia. Mombasa in Kenya and Tokyo, Japan, round out the top five, with Sri Lanka, Malaysia, India, Thailand and Chile also appearing in the 10-cheapest lineup. For each destination the report provides the cost of the barometer basket, the best bargain found for that location, the average price for a three-star hotel, and typical return flight prices from a selection of carriers.

Hoi An, Vietnam, on Vietnam’s central coast, is an ancient port city famed for its laidback old town, canals, lantern-lit lanes and proximity to Bang Beach and paddy-field countryside. The Post Office barometer basket there costs £58.81, with the best bargain a bottle of beer at £1.23. An average three-star hotel goes for about £48 per night, and return flights start from around £765, according to the report.

Cape Town, South Africa, offers a mix of natural scenery and city life, including views from Table Mountain and visits to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. The basket costs £64.28, with the best bargain a glass of wine at £2.65. Three-star hotel rates average around £70, and return flights are listed from £337.

Bali, Indonesia, is highlighted for its spa hotels, jungle retreats and beaches, with Balinese cookery courses and cultural outings like Ubud’s forests and temples. The barometer basket totals £67.79, best bargain a three-course meal for two with a bottle of wine at £35.48, and a three-star hotel average of about £59. Return flights are shown from £699.

Mombasa, Kenya, combines superb beaches with safari options, such as day trips to Tsavo East National Park. The basket comes in at £68.33, with the best bargain a small tube of insect repellent at £1.12. Three-star hotel prices average roughly £48, and flights start from about £530.

Tokyo, Japan, remains a magnet for first-time visitors with its museums, gardens and iconic temples. The basket costs £68.61, the best bargain a cocktail at £4.07, and three-star hotel averages sit near £78. Return flights begin around £799.

Colombo, Sri Lanka, anchors a diversification of long-haul value with colonial architecture, temples and Indian Ocean beaches. The basket price is £73.93, best bargain a cup of filter coffee at £1.71, and three-star hotels average about £46. Return flights begin around £715.

Penang, Malaysia, combines George Town’s architectural heritage with botanical gardens and beaches, and is noted for affordable drinks and meals. The basket costs £83.85, best bargain a 1.5-litre bottle of mineral water at 32p, with three-star hotels averaging £43. Return flights start from around £737.

Delhi, India, offers vast historic sites, monuments and markets, with Akshardham Temple and Humayun’s Tomb among the highlights. The barometer basket runs £85.89, best bargain a 1.5-litre bottle of water at 28p, and three-star hotel averages are about £35. Return flights begin around £515.

Phuket, Thailand, combines famed beaches with bustling nightlife and markets. The basket costs £87.82, best bargain a bottle of lager at £2.23, and three-star hotel prices average about £54. Return flights are listed from £576.

Santiago, Chile, offers panoramic views from hills and significant cultural sights, including Bellavista and the Metropolitano Cathedral. The basket totals £93.02, best bargain a cup of filter coffee at £2.52, and three-star hotels average around £59. Return flights begin near £724.

The report emphasizes that these prices are indicative and reflect typical costs a traveler might incur while staying in three-star accommodations and using standard flight options. They are intended to help households plan future trips in the current economic climate and to compare value across far-flung destinations. While the cost landscape may shift with currency fluctuations, fuel prices and seasonal demand, the rankings underscore that affordable long-haul travel remains within reach for many travelers when plans are tailored to value, timing and flight options. All figures cited above come from the Post Office Travel Money Long Haul Holiday Report. Further updates and regional variations are expected as travel trends evolve and more carriers adjust routes and pricing.