These are officially the cheapest long-haul holiday destinations for 2025

There are plenty of ways to cut down on costs when you’re travelling short-haul. There are often ways to find cheap last-minute flights by booking strategically; more pocket-friendly destinations to consider (Europe has some of the world’s cheapest, nicest city breaks), and alternative transport methods to consider (train travel is having a renaissance).

But, for many of us, that once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list trip often lies in a land far, far away. Long-haul holidays are tricky to plan – they take a lot of admin, annual leave, and, most of all, money. However, if you conduct thorough research, there are several ways to mitigate the costs of long-haul travel.

The 17th annual Long Haul Holiday Report from Post Office Travel Money is one such resource to help travellers plan their trips affordably. The report examines various everyday costs to showcase where the local currency goes furthest. For 2025, these factors include the average prices of a cup of coffee, a bottle/can of Coca-Cola, plus the costs of a local beer, wine, and a cocktail in a café/bar. Other costs assessed include a bottle of still mineral water, a bottle of sun cream from a supermarket, insect repellent, and, perhaps most importantly, the price of a three-course evening meal for two adults with a bottle of house wine.

Cape Town, South Africa,Getty Images

Laura Plunkett, Head of Travel Money at Post Office, said: “Although sterling has fallen from its high point earlier this year and there are concerns about possible volatility this autumn, it’s important to note that it is stronger against most currencies than a year ago. Furthermore, local prices are stable in most of the destinations we surveyed, with falls in over 40 per cent of them, so the prospects for winter sun holidaymakers look bright – especially in many Far Eastern and Caribbean countries where a combination of these factors means reduced prices for British travellers.”

After claiming the title of the most cost-effective long-haul destination in 2024, South Africa gives way to a new winner – the vibrant Vietnamese city of Hoi An. The city, a favourite among backpackers, held the position back in 2023, so it’ll come as little surprise to seasoned jetsetters how friendly eating and drinking out can be.