The best value long-haul holiday destinations


Updated on 02 October 2012 | 8 Comments

Sri Lanka tops study into which long-haul destinations represent the best value for money.

Sri Lanka is the best value long-haul holiday destination according to the latest research from the Post Office.

It topped the table for the third year running, even though prices there have risen 21% over the past year.

The research involves tracking the prices of a basket of 12 typical tourist items. These include a three-course meal for two with wine, postcard and stamp, bottle of water, suncream, cocktail, beer/lager, glass of wine, insect repellent and a paperback book.

The total cost of the 12 items in the south west region of Sri Lanka comes to just £43.85, almost £9 cheaper than its nearest rival, Hoi An in Vietnam. Other value destinations include Bali in Indonesia, Cancun in Mexico and Kololi in Gambia.

Below are the ten best value long-haul holiday destinations:

Destination

Three-course meal for two including bottle of wine

Suncream (200ml SPF 15)

Insect repellent (50ml)

Bottle of water (1.5l)

Total cost, including other basket items

Sri Lanka (south west)

£23.50

£3.39

£2.61

£0.47

£43.85

Vietnam (Hoi An)

£33.69

£1.38

£0.69

£0.62

£52.37

Indonesia (Bali)

£28.51

£3.31

£0.73

£0.54

£52.48

Mexico (Cancun)

£32.40

£4.32

£2.43

£0.54

£60.48

Gambia (Kololi)

£34.15

£4.59

£3.89

£0.59

£61.14

Thailand (Phuket)

£40.65

£5.65

£2.94

£0.32

£70.69

Egypt (Sharm el Sheikh)

£46.68

£4.08

£1.98

£0.23

£71.05

South Africa (Cape Town)

£33.10

£11.64

£2.49

£0.83

£71.73

USA (Washington DC)

£52.11

£3.75

£3.75

£1.48

£75.52

USA (Orlando)

£43.62

£5.37

£3.36

£1.01

£76.54

At the other end of the spectrum, Seoul in South Korea was identified as the most expensive long-haul destination. Here are the five holiday locations that came bottom of the Post Office’s survey:

Destination

Three-course meal for two including bottle of wine

Suncream (200ml SPF 15)

Insect repellent (50ml)

Bottle of water (1.5l)

Total cost, including other basket items

South Korea (Seoul)

£120.81

£6.71

£5.37

£1.34

£166.92

Australia (Darwin)

£104.86

£11.16

£4.37

£0.97

£157.79

New Zealand (Auckland)

£92.70

£9.16

£3.48

£0.56

£144.32

China (Beijing)

£81.54

£5.44

£1.63

£0.54

£131

Canada (Calgary)

£82.19

£8.22

£6.85

£0.68

£123.68

What do you think? Have you been to any of these destinations? Did they strike you as particularly cheap or expensive? What’s the best value long-haul holiday you’ve ever been on? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.

More on travel

Compare travel insurance quotes

Ryanair charging £2.49 for booking app

Lost luggage: your rights

Watch out for these hidden hotel costs

What does an EHIC really cover?

Things you shouldn’t bring home from a holiday

How to have a holiday for less

How to get a bargain hotel room

Comments


View Comments

Share the love