A Winter Vacation Without Breaking the Bank: The Most Affordable Destinations

Cape Town, Mombasa, and Tokyo topped the ranking of the most affordable winter travel destinations, according to a study by Post Office Travel Money. Among European destinations, the lowest costs were recorded in the Algarve, on the Costa del Sol, and in Tenerife. The authors compared the cost of an identical basket of eight tourist purchases, including drinks and dinner for two. Airfare and lodging were not included in the calculation. The selection includes both warm beach resorts and cities for winter excursions.

In our previous article, we discussed how to choose safe accommodation, avoid mistakes, and book a hotel without unnecessary expenses.

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How were the most affordable destinations for winter vacations determined?

To compare prices for winter vacations, Post Office Travel Money compiled the cost of the same set of purchases across 24 destinations.

It included eight items:

- A cup of filter coffee

- Local beer

- Coca-Cola or Pepsi

- A glass of wine

- A bottle of mineral water

- Sunscreen

- Insect repellent

- A three-course dinner for two with wine

Prices were obtained from national and regional tourism offices or found through online research. All amounts were converted to British pounds using Post Office exchange rates from September 2026.

This basket helps estimate local expenses but does not constitute a tourist’s daily budget. For example, dinner is calculated for two people, and sunscreen and insect repellent are typically used over several days. Flights, hotels, transfers, and tours must be calculated separately.

In our previous article, we discussed the world’s best hotels in 2026.

Cape Town, South Africa: the cheapest travel basket

Cape Town topped the ranking with a total of £58.24 for eight travel-related purchases. According to the study, this is 9.7% less than in March 2026. The city is ideal for those looking for a sunny winter getaway who want to combine the coast with urban attractions and mountain scenery.

December through February in South Africa is summer. In Cape Town, this is mostly a dry, sunny season with daytime temperatures ranging from approximately +20 to +26 °C, although there are days that are significantly hotter. However, a winter vacation in Cape Town according to the European calendar does not guarantee warm ocean water: the water on the Atlantic beaches remains cold, while it is usually warmer along the False Bay coast.

You can include the following in your itinerary:

- Table Mountain with panoramic views of the city and the coast

- The V&A Waterfront for strolls and dining

- Camps Bay and Clifton beaches for relaxing by the ocean

- Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town, home to a colony of African penguins

The low cost of the travel package does not automatically apply to hotels: the local summer is a popular tourist season. Therefore, before booking, it’s worth comparing the total price of flights and accommodations, especially for Christmas and New Year’s dates.

Learn more about the world’s best culinary tours by following the link.

Mombasa, Kenya: Indian Ocean beaches and coral reefs

Mombasa took second place: the travel basket costs £63.66, just £5.42 more than in Cape Town. A winter vacation in Mombasa is ideal for those who love the heat. In January, the average daily high is around +32 °C, and in February, +33 °C. These are relatively dry months: according to long-term observations, precipitation amounts to approximately 26 and 9 mm, respectively.

A beach vacation in Kenya can be complemented by short excursions:

- Mombasa Marine National Park. People go here to snorkel and dive among the coral reefs. Boats depart from several points along the coast, including Nyali. When booking, check whether park admission, equipment, and transportation are included in the price.

- Fort Jesus. The Portuguese built it between 1593 and 1596 to protect the port. The fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a chance to learn about the city’s history without traveling far.

- A safari as a separate part of your vacation. You can combine a trip to Mombasa with visits to national parks, but transportation, lodging, and park fees must be calculated separately. They are not included in the £63.66 listed in the ranking.

For a beach trip, choose accommodations based on their coastal location, not just the “Mombasa” label. A city hotel may be convenient for exploring the fort, but will require daily trips to the beach.

Tokyo, Japan: an affordable city getaway in winter

Tokyo took third place with a cost of living of £66.76, making it the most affordable Asian destination among those surveyed. That said, a winter vacation in Tokyo is all about sightseeing and dining, not beaches. In December, daytime highs average around +13 °C, while nighttime lows are approximately +4 °C. Warm outerwear is necessary for long walks.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan in winter, be sure to include the following on your city itinerary:

- Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple. Here you’ll find the Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise Shopping Street, with traditional souvenirs and snacks.

- The museums in Ueno Park. In particular, the Tokyo National Museum, which houses collections of Japanese art and historical artifacts. It’s convenient to combine a visit to the museum with a short walk through the park.

- Seasonal Japanese cuisine. In winter, nabe—dishes cooked in a shared hot pot—are popular, as well as sukiyaki and shabu-shabu with thinly sliced meat and vegetables.

Be aware of schedule changes during the New Year holidays: museums may close for several days, and some stores are closed on January 1. At the same time, large crowds gather near Senso-ji Temple and the Meiji Shrine for hatsumode—the first visit to a temple or shrine in the new year. Therefore, early January shouldn’t automatically be considered a period free of tourist crowds.

In a previous article, we wrote about 10 hidden gems around the world worth visiting in 2027

Colombo, Sri Lanka: markets, temples, and access to the coast

Colombo ranked fourth with a travel basket of £74.79. A winter vacation in Sri Lanka is best started with a city tour, followed by a trip to the southwestern coast. The period from November to March is generally ideal for this part of the island: the sea becomes calmer, and the weather sunnier.

You can set aside one or two days to explore Colombo. Be sure to add the following to your itinerary:

- Galle Face Green. A seaside promenade perfect for an evening stroll, watching the sunset, and sampling street food.

- Pettah Market. Shopping streets lined with textiles, spices, fruits, and household goods. Here you can observe the city’s daily life and purchase local products.

- Gangaramaya Temple. A Buddhist complex featuring carvings, sculptures, and numerous religious artifacts.

- The Fort District. A historic business center with colonial-era buildings. It’s convenient to explore this area together with neighboring Pettah.

- Beira Lake. A body of water nestled among the city’s buildings, which can be included in a tour of the central neighborhoods.

After a few action-packed days in Colombo, you can head to Bentota, Beruwala, or Unawatuna for sandy beaches and relaxation by the ocean. This itinerary combines city markets, temples, and local cuisine with a few days on the coast. You’ll want to budget separately for the beach portion of your trip: prices at the resorts differ from those listed for Colombo.

We previously wrote about the coolest neighborhoods in the world in 2026, according to Time Out’s ranking.

Phuket, Thailand: beaches, temples, and the old town

Phuket ranked fifth: the tourist basket costs £76.39, which is 1.8% more than in the spring of 2026. A winter vacation in Phuket coincides with the peak season for Thailand’s west coast. The period from November through April is generally ideal for beaches and boat tours, though specific conditions depend on the weather.

To add variety to your beach vacation in Thailand, include the following on your itinerary:

- Kata Beach. A sandy cove perfect for a day by the sea, with restaurants and cafes nearby. Before swimming, check the beach flags and wave conditions.

- Phuket Old Town. Neighborhoods featuring Sino-Portuguese architecture, colorful facades, and local establishments. You can plan your main stroll around Talang Road.

- Thai Hua Museum. A place to learn about the history of the island’s Chinese community. It’s convenient to visit while walking through the old town.

- Wat Chalong. One of Phuket’s main Buddhist temple complexes. Visitors must wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.

- Promthep Cape. An observation deck in the south of the island offering panoramic ocean views. It’s worth arriving here before sunset to take in the coastline in daylight.

For your first trip, it’s convenient to alternate beach days with day trips: combine the Old Town and the museum into one itinerary, and Wat Chalong and Cape Promthep into another. This way, you’ll have time both for swimming and for exploring the island without having to travel daily between distant locations.