Want to take an affordable vacation in 2024? You’ve come to the right place. Travel costs are on the rise this year (up 3.1%), but it’s still possible to save money in 2024 if you know where you’re going.
A new travel report from the UK Post Office, a UK-based postal and financial services company, has revealed some of the most budget-friendly destinations for 2024. While the annual report is targeted at UK travelers, it’s a useful list for any traveler. Americans, too.
The Holiday Money Report 2024 highlights some of the cheapest places to travel by analyzing currency strength, local prices and essential tourist expenses for 40 popular holiday destinations around the world. The report ranks destinations based on a barometer that takes into account the local prices of eight tourist essentials, including coffee, beer, cola, wine, water, sunscreen, insect repellent and a three-course meal. And while the report doesn’t include factors like hotels and airfare, it can help you get an idea of where you’ll spend the most money.
This is the 18th year the Post Office has produced this report. And the good news is that prices are lower than last year at 25 locations on the list. (The original report included prices in pounds, but we have converted them here to dollars using the exchange rate of 1.26 at the date of publication.)
An aerial view of Hoi An, Vietnam, which will be the most affordable travel destination in 2024. [+] New reports.
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Topping the list as the cheapest place to travel right now is Hoi An, Vietnam. With an estimated cost of just $64.51 per day for a fully self-contained trip, this charming gem is the ultimate cost-effective destination without hurting your wallet, according to a Post Office report. It’s the ground. Located on Vietnam’s central coast, Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ancient city that attracts tourists. It’s a picturesque spot with lantern-lit streets leading to quaint shops and food stalls. It also provides easy access to a stunning white sand beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia.
A close second is Cape Town, South Africa. He pays $68.48 per day for the essentials and is guaranteed an unforgettable experience with Table Mountain and the pristine coastline in the background. Here, you can immerse yourself in vibrant culture and indulge in world-class dining without sacrificing your travel funds (on average, a three-course meal for two costs less than $44.140).
A pair of camels on the Mombasa coastline and Diani Beach in Kenya.
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Mombasa, Kenya comes in at number three on the list. Blessed with white sand beaches, vibrant markets and a rich Swahili cultural heritage, this seaside destination on Africa’s east coast offers an immersive experience for travellers seeking both relaxation and cultural exploration.
Surprisingly, Tokyo, Japan, a vibrant metropolis that combines tradition and modernity, took fourth place on the list. According to the Post Office, a tourist needs only $74.43 per day to buy essentials. What drives this ranking is the price of a glass of wine (average just $4.56) and a bottle of water (average 77 cents).
Algarve cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, above the Benagil Caves, Lagoa, Portugal
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Rounding out the top five is Portugal’s Algarve, which combines culture, history and natural beauty at a fraction of the cost of previous years. With sunny beaches, charming villages and delicious seafood, the Algarve offers an idyllic getaway for travellers looking for a quality holiday at an affordable price.
Here are the top 15 best value spots from the 2024 report: You can also download the full Global Vacation Cost Barometer for more locations and more details.
Overlooking the beautiful beach in Hoi An, Vietnam.
getty Hoi An, Vietnam – $64.51 Cape Town, South Africa – $68.48 Mombasa, Kenya – $69.96 Tokyo, Japan – $74.43 Algarve, Portugal – $75.33 Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt – $77.36 Sunny Beach, Bulgaria – $79.73 Kuta, Bali, Indonesia – $79.79 Marmaris, Turkey – $83.27 Paphos, Cyprus – $92.49 Penang, Malaysia – $93.98 Phuket, Thailand – $97.97 Delhi, India – $98.05 Costa del Sol, Spain – $102.67 Montego Bay, Jamaica – $109.76
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