South Africa has once again claimed the title of the most affordable long-haul holiday destination for UK tourists, as reported by a new study. The survey conducted by Post Office Travel Money showed that local price decreases and the devaluation of the South African rand have cut costs for UK travellers by 12% since autumn 2023. This has positioned Cape Town as the best value among the 32 resorts and cities analysed in the annual survey, marking its first time at the top since 2018. Prices in Cape Town include £1.63 for a cup of filter coffee, £1.81 for a local beer, and a three-course dinner for two with a bottle of house wine priced at £33.31. Tokyo, Japan, secured the second spot as the best value long-haul destination, followed by Vietnam’s Hoi An, which held the top position last year.
Contrastingly, Sydney, Australia, emerged as the most expensive destination, with costs for tourist essentials nearly three times higher for UK visitors compared to Cape Town. With the increase in the value of the pound against most long-haul currencies, UK holidaymakers planning winter sun getaways can anticipate paying less than the previous year in over half of the destinations surveyed. Laura Plunkett, the head of travel money at Post Office, highlighted the wide discrepancies in the cost of basic tourist items across the 32 destinations examined. She recommended that travellers could save significant amounts and impact the overall cost of their winter sun trip by conducting thorough research to identify where essentials like meals and drinks are most affordable.
The study’s findings offer valuable insights for UK travellers seeking budget-friendly long-haul destinations, with South Africa standing out as a cost-effective and attractive option. As the travel industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing economic conditions, such surveys can aid tourists in making informed decisions to enhance their travel experiences while staying within budget. The allure of destinations like Cape Town, Tokyo, and Hoi An underscores the diversity of experiences available to travellers, catering to varying preferences and budgets in the ever-evolving landscape of global tourism.