Best cheap holiday destinations to stretch your pound in 2024

The Post Office Holiday Money Report 2024 is out and we’re digging into the details to reveal the cheapest places to go on holiday. This in-depth report is released every year with facts and figures of in-country costs like a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, and insect repellent. 

Based on the 40 best cheap holiday destinations from this list, we’ve selected 10 of the cheapest from across four continents. We’ve also added in the average costs of flights and accommodation to give you a fuller understanding of the total holiday cost. 

So if you’re looking for a cheap getaway in Europe or want to spend your Air Miles on an African adventure, you can splash out while sticking to a budget.

What is the Post Office Holiday Money Report?

Every year, the Post Office releases a report based on the strength of the pound in different destinations around the world. Now in its 18th year, the annual holiday money report helps travellers pick the cheapest country for their next holiday and get the best bang for their buck.

The list includes the 40 cheapest places to go on holiday, based on typical tourist spending. Their Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer includes the average prices of these eight items:

How we built this list

We based this list of best value destinations on the Post Office Report which includes details of in-country spending and value of the pound. For a range of different experiences, we’ve chosen the best two or three destinations from Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.

But we’ve expanded our research to include average flight fares and time from London using Skyscanner, and average hotel costs sourced from Kayak and Booking.com. For some of the further destinations with longer flight times and higher prices, make the most of your saved Air Miles so you can still keep your costs low.

We took the average fares from across the year, so bear in mind that peak season prices will be slightly higher, but off-season prices you can expect to be cheaper. Travelling just as it hits the off-peak season would be the sweet spot in terms of price and temperature for many of these destinations. 

Europe 

1. Algarve, Portugal

Portugal’s Algarve region made it to number five in 2024, and is the cheapest European destination on the list. Located on the Southern coast of Portugal, this popular destination is ideal for cheap holidays in the sun without having to travel too far. 

There are a few different cities located within the Algarve region, including Faro, Silves, and Lagos. You’ll find miles of gorgeous coastline, golden sandy beaches, and temperatures of up to 30°C in the summertime. For milder heat and lower prices, try visiting in May, June, or September.

2. Europe: Sunny Beach, Bulgaria

At number seven for cheapest holiday destinations, Sunny Beach sits along the Black Sea coast of the Balkan region of Europe. It has a reputation for being a party region, meaning it’s ideal for a group holiday with friends. You can sit in the sun along the golden beaches during the day and enjoy the bar scene at night for a cheap and cheerful holiday with friends.

UNESCO town Nessebar is nearby for a little culture, and the Burgas Sand Fest runs July–September featuring impressive sculptures along the beach.

Due to its seasonal popularity, prices for flights and hotels vary hugely, so summer months feature peak prices. Avoid July and August and you’ll be able to enjoy a trip with a low overall expense.

3. Europe/Asia: Marmaris, Turkey

At number nine on the list, on the cusp of Europe and Asia, is Marmaris in the Aegean region of the country. Marmaris sits along the Turkish Riviera, and lies on the Mediterranean Sea where it meets the Aegean Sea.

With many gorgeous beaches to chill out on, a bustling bar scene, fun activities, and cultural sightseeing spots nearby, there are many different types of holiday ideal for this destination.

Asia

4. Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An comes in at number one on the Post Office Report, making it the best value destination on this list. Of course, the Asian city means a longer journey with a higher price tag when you factor in a plane ticket. But for those who have saved up enough Air Miles, spending them on a flight to Hoi An means high value on your spending money. Hotel prices are some of the lowest we’ve seen, so you can easily stay a night or two longer than you would in a European city.

There’s a ton of history, architecture, shopping, and food to explore in Hoi An. The well-preserved Ancient Town reflects its rich and multi-cultural history, with snaking canals, and bustling markets. Their dry season runs from January to August, with the first three months offering the milder temperatures.

5. Tokyo, Japan

As the capital city of one of the most high-tech countries in Asia, you can expect a fun and vibrant experience in Tokyo. It’s ideal for those who love the fast-paced world of capital cities, especially those who love quality food, video games, anime, and the flashy neon sprawl of high-rise buildings. Things are efficient, clean, and high-speed in Japan’s capital.

Winters are cold and summers are hot, so the sweet spot for most people will be spring and autumn. The famous cherry blossom season of spring is a popular time to travel, so expect above average prices and crowds.

6. Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

On the Indonesian island of Bali, Kuta comes in at number eight on the list. If you want to really treat yourself to some island R&R, this is the place to do it. With beautiful beaches, affordable spa treatments, and world-famous ashrams for yoga practice, it’s hard not to relax. There’s plenty for a more activity-filled holiday, too, with water sports to try and a lively nighttime scene.

This is another destination suited for using Air Miles, as the flights will be the biggest expense in terms of price and time. Accommodation prices are especially low in Kuta, so you can easily extend your stay to make up for the long journey.

Africa

7. Cape Town, South Africa

Coming in at the second cheapest destination, Cape Town offers a wealth of different experiences. From the views atop Table Mountain to exploring historic neighbourhoods and lazing on the beach, you could tick off plenty of activities. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, like hiking, surfing, whale watching, and penguin peeking. As a wine region, you’ll find especially good prices for a glass of wine or a local vineyard tour.

8. Mombasa, Kenya

There’s so much to do in Mombasa, and with a long journey to get there, it’s worth spending at least a week. At number three on the list, enjoying the events and activities is pretty affordable, and the list is long and varied.

You’ll find wildlife sanctuaries, marine parks, even crocodile farms, and coral reefs for those interested in animal and wildlife conservation. There are also plenty of local vibrant markets, annual festivals, and UNESCO World Heritage sites that can fill a day of exploration, too.

North America 

9. Montego Bay, Jamaica

Montego Bay only just makes the top 15 inof the Post Office Report and is the first entry from North America. As the tourist hotspot of Jamaica, it’s the best value destination in the Caribbean. So if you’re looking for hot sun, good vibes, and strong rum, this is your place. 

Jamaica is ideal for simply soaking up the sun, but there are plenty of water activities like snorkelling and boat trips. If you’re staying longer to make the flight worthwhile, nearby Cockpit Country and Dunn’s River Falls are ideal for nature lovers.

10. Orlando, USA

Coming in at number 22, what Orlando lacks in reasonable everyday prices it makes up for in flight time and fares. As a popular flight route, you can easily find good flight deals if you set up alerts and travel at the right time. While families with kids are less able to travel during term-time, you could still avoid peak prices right at the beginning or end of summer, even early September.

The obvious draw of Orlando is its Walt Disney World, ideal for treating kids to full days’ worth of fun – with plenty for adults, too. With a handful of other theme parks, plus a vibrant nightlife and plenty of food options, it’s perfect for family fun.

Top tips for good travel deals

We’ve got a few last few tips for making the most of your money and your holiday. Who says you can’t enjoy a decadent holiday while sticking to a budget?

Set up flight alerts

If you’re set on a destination and you’ve got flexibility on when you go, set up flight alerts and get notified of price drops. Flight prices fluctuate a lot based on season and even day of the week, so you don’t need to book as soon as you decide. Our favourites are Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak.

Use incognito mode

Okay so this tip does contradict the previous one, but if you’re just researching to get ideas, incognito is your friend. This means you won’t be tracked by cookies, which can result in higher prices shown to you if a site recognises you’re likely going to book. Use this for researching flight and hotel prices as well as things to do and how to get to the airport.

Book early

Of course you can get last-minute deals, but in general, a more affordable holiday involves more planning (and less stress). They say the optimal time to book for low prices is 50–60 days ahead of travel, although this is more of a theory than fact.

Take advantage of loyalty programmes

Accommodation websites like Booking.com and Hotels.com have their own loyalty programmes which reward you the more you book. This means extra discounts, free night stays, complimentary upgrades, and airport shuttles. As always, compare with other sites to make sure you’re actually getting a good deal.  

Use Air Miles 

Some of the cheapest destinations on this list are long haul, so it just makes sense to use Air Miles if you have them. For closer spots in Europe that come with a cheap flight fare, it’s better to save your Air Miles and book on your Air Miles credit card instead to earn more.

Book with credit cards

Credit cards come with higher protection if you need to cancel or dispute a booking. It’s also generally better for currency conversion if you’re booking in a different currency (like Ryanair). 

Set yourself a realistic daily budget

You can splash out on a holiday while still sticking to a budget. Use the Post Office Holiday Report to get a general idea of what you’ll be spending on food and activities and decide what makes sense for you. Give yourself a little wiggle room for little extras like a fancy meal or spa treatment.

Buy cheaper items at home 

Did you know that sunscreen is generally a lot cheaper in the UK than in Europe? This also applies to things like cold medicine and basic pain relief, so it’s good advice to stock up and bring with you. For those travelling light with liquid restrictions, try this airport click & collect hack to pick up items after security.

Get travel insurance

There are lots of things that can go wrong or cost you more money when you travel. From lost luggage to getting sick, it’s best to be covered for the worst- case scenario.

Our travel insurance comparison tool means you can pop in all your details and compare for the best deal for you. Whether you want the most comprehensive or the best price, we’ll give you a list of options with everything you need to know. Plus, you’ll earn a commission for using our site to book with an insurance provider.

Travel light

Many budget airlines impose quite strict and expensive fees for checked and even carry-on luggage. Skip the hefty fines by travelling light and sticking to a personal item and overhead cabin bag if you can.

Compare currency exchange rates

Do your research to find the best currency exchange for local money. This is often cheaper than using an ATM overseas, so make sure you compare the rate and any fees.

Get cashback

We offer cashback on thousands of different brands to members of our site. Cashback is basically a commission brands pay us for referring customers, and we pass 100% of this commission on to you if you’re a member. 

There are all sorts of parts of your holiday you can earn cashback on: accommodation, flights, airport transfers, parking, car rental, currency exchange, and activities. Just be aware that cashback is a perk rather than a guarantee, and you should always compare to see which is a better deal.

Travel smart, spend less

Who says you have to stick to only staycations to keep within your budget? Finding destinations with great value and low day-to-day prices means you can enjoy an overseas trip away without splashing out.

The Post Office Holiday Report comes out every year, so we’ll keep this guide updated with each new change as prices fluctuate.