Despite economic uncertainty and the rising cost of living, there’s one thing some of us are unwilling to give up: travel. A recent study by American Express in the United Kingdom found that almost half of the population are more interested in taking a major trip this year than previously, while more than half of those surveyed said they are saving up for a bucket list adventure. While our wanderlust hasn’t dampened, the way we travel post-pandemic has changed in many ways, and many travelers are more savvy than ever when securing a jet-set deal.
Need to score a cheap flight to an affordable destination? Have no fear: the 18th annual Holiday Money Report from Post Office Travel is here, highlighting the global destination where travelers’ money goes further. The Post Office’s report looks at various factors likely to influence holiday decision-making in 2024, from exchange rates to the cost of eating out and visiting each destination's most popular tourist attractions.
Hội An, Vietnam is the top best-value travel destination for 2024
According to the Post Office study, Vietnam tops the ranking for the first time. The former port city of Hội An leads the way for travelers on a budget, thanks to lower restaurant and bar charges and a considerable drop in the value of the Vietnamese dong.
The Post Office’s Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer combines the average local price of eight popular tourist items. Hội An leads the way on three of these: beer (about $1.47), Coca-Cola (about $0.91), and sunscreen (about $4.70). Lower costs mean that the city has leapfrogged from sixth place in 2023 to the top spot this year.
Hội An is one of Vietnam’s most charming and atmospheric cities. The commercial hustle and bustle of the larger, more metropolitan cities in the country is almost entirely absent here. Travelers can spend mornings on the pristine beaches, afternoons touring fascinating historical sites, and evenings seeking out the tastiest corners of the Hội An Night Market. Best of all, it’s one of the best places in the world to catch up on quality shut-eye, according to the Skyscanner 2024 UK Travel Trends Report, which analyzed cities with hotels with the best sleep quality scores.
The 2024 report by Post Office places Cape Town, last year’s winner, in second place. Local costs have risen, but it’s still the cheapest place for a three-course meal (about $44.64); in contrast, a multi-course feast in Costa Rica’s Tamarindo will set you back an average of $135.76.
Below are the ten cheapest—and ten most expensive—destinations in the world, according to Post Office.
The cheapest destinations in the world, according to Post Office
1. Hoi An, Vietnam
2. Cape Town, South Africa
3. Mombasa, Kenya
4. Tokyo, Japan
5. Algarve, Portugal
6. Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
7. Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
8. Kuta, Bali
9. Marmaris, Turkey
10. Paphos, Cyprus
The most expensive destinations in the world, according to Post Office
1. Tamarindo, Costa Rica
2. New York, USA
3. St John's, Antigua
4. Rodney Bay, St Lucia
5. Bridgetown, Barbados
6. Downtown Dubai, Dubai
7. Scarborough, Tobago
8. Cancun, Mexico
9. Darwin, Australia
10. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK.