We have already said that traveling today is increasingly easier and accessible. Still, we are always looking for cheap flights and ideal destinations for those who want to travel a lot and spend little. It is precisely for these situations that the rankings with cities where the cost of living is lower and where it is (still) possible to dine out without spending a fortune are useful.
After Condé Nast Traveler compiled the “17 cheapest and most beautiful cities in Europe to add to your wish list” (and surprised you with two Portuguese names), it was the Post Office’s turn to reveal which are the cheapest destinations of the world to travel in the current year. And, yes, a well-known name for the Portuguese also appears here. We bet you’ll be amazed.
As usual, the public company that manages the UK’s Post Office network has released the 18th Holiday Money Report. “Every year, we share the destinations defined to offer tourists the best value the following year”, reads the Post Office.
To arrive at the list, exchange rate variations in local currencies were analysed, as well as the price of tourist attractions and some essential items for tourists: coffee, beer, water, wine, Coca-Cola, sunscreen, insect repellent and a three-course meal. The first place on the list was taken by Hoi An, in Vietnam.
According to the study, the essential shopping list for tourists costs just €59.67. In this destination, insect repellent and local beer are cheaper than anywhere else. Cape Town (South Africa), last year’s winner, moved into second place. Here, a three-course meal, for example, costs an average of €40.81. Mombasa, in Kenya, and Tokyo, in Japan, follow. But it is in fifth place that many may be surprised. At least, the Portuguese.
Algarve was considered the fifth cheapest destination in the world to travel to in 2024
Believe it or not, the Algarve, in the south of Portugal, rounds out the top 5, as the first European destination on the list. With a total cost of €69.78 needed to purchase essential items, “Portugal is the only European destination in the top five, while Turkey and Bulgaria lose ground”, confirms the Post Office.
If this is really one of your bets this year, take the opportunity to explore the stunning beaches of the Algarve, such as Praia da Marinha, Praia de Benagil or Praia de Dona Ana.
Of course, there will be no shortage of suggestions for water and nature activities here either. The food, “is good and recommended”. If you’re looking for suggestions, try the fresh grilled fish, the cataplanas, and sweets like Dom Rodrigo.
A varied list
The Post Office list continues and includes names such as Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt), Sunny Beach (Bulgaria), Kuta (Bali), Marmaris (Turkey) and Pafos (Cyprus). For the first time on the list, Penang, Malaysia, ranks 11th, followed by Phuket, Thailand. Delhi (India), is also a new addition, and reached 13th position.
Finally, Costa del Sol (Spain) and Baía de Montego (Jamaica) won the 14th and 15th prizes, respectively. “More than half of travellers will resort to savings to finance their trip, despite concerns about excessive spending”, concluded those responsible for the study.
On the opposite side, the analysis reveals that Tamarindo, in Costa Rica, is the most expensive destination in the world to spend a vacation in 2024. This is because, after all, 184.77 euros are needed to buy a basket of essentials. New York, in the USA (167.51 euros) and St. John’s, in Antigua (161.83 euros) complete the top 3.