Hội An is one of Vietnam’s most charming and atmospheric cities. The commercial hustle and bustle of the bucket list destination’s larger, more metropolitan cities is almost entirely absent. Travellers 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 shuteye, according to the Skyscanner 2024 UK Travel Trends Report, which analysed cities with hotels with the best sleep quality scores.
The 2024 report 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 (£34.64) – in contrast, a multi-course feast in Costa Rica’s Tamarindo will set you back an average of £107.38.
Mombasa in Kenya has taken the third spot, Tokyo in Japan fourth, and Portugal’s Algarve fifth. The Algarve is the highest placed of the 15 European destinations surveyed, overtaking Turkey and Bulgaria.
Marmaris, TurkeyGetty Images
Other major takeaways from the Holiday Money Report include the popularity of the Euro; it’s by far the bestselling currency for Post Office Travel Money, and sales are up eight per cent in 2024 to date. Otherwise, despite Marmaris in Turkey losing its top-five spot on the barometer, the report states that British travellers heading to Turkey will get the best deal due to the collapse of the Turkish Lira, which has continued to fall in the past year. Brits can expect to receive almost 81 per cent more lira for the pounds than a year ago – the equivalent in lira of more than £223 extra on a £500 currency purchase. While local costs have skyrocketed, shoulder season visits and stays outside of the tourist-heavy spots could result in a bargain summer escape.
Below, we round up the ten cheapest, and ten most expensive, destinations in the world. The corresponding price is the combined average price of a local coffee, beer, cola, glass of wine, bottle of water, suncream, insect repellent, and a three-course meal.
The cheapest destinations in the world
1. Hoi An, Vietnam: £51.18
2. Cape Town, South Africa: £54.35
3. Mombasa, Kenya: £54.93
4. Tokyo, Japan: £59.05
5. Algarve, Portugal: £59.69
6. Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt: £61.37
7. Sunny Beach, Bulgaria: £62.49
8. Kuta, Bali: £63.31
9. Marmaris, Turkey: £66.07
10. Paphos, Cyprus: £73.32
The most expensive destinations in the world
1. Tamarindo, Costa Rica: £158.04
2. New York, USA: £143.28
3. St John’s, Antigua: £138.42
4. Rodney Bay, St Lucia: £137.40
5. Bridgetown, Barbados: £134.92
6. Downtown Dubai, Dubai: £134.29
7. Scarborough, Tobago: £130.58
8. Cancun, Mexico: £127.10
9. Darwin, Australia: £126.36
10. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: £124.70
