By Gilly Bachelor — Travel Expert

Every autumn, headlines erupt about the Post Office Long Haul Holiday Report:

“Vietnam named best value destination!”
“Barbados prices fall nearly 19%!”

The report compares 30 long-haul destinations using a “holiday basket” of 10 common items — from a cup of coffee to a three-course dinner for two with wine, including:

  • Coffee
  • Local Larger
  • Coca-Cola
  • Wine
  • Cocktail
  • Chocolate Bar
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect Repellent
  • Mineral Water
  • Three-Course Meal for Two

It’s a fun gauge of daily spending, but it only tells half the story.

The Top 10 Best-Value Destinations (2025 Report)
Rank Destination Holiday Basket Cost Year-on-Year Change
1 Hoi An, Vietnam £58.81 -10.9%
2 Cape Town, South Africa £64.28 -0.3%
3 Bali, Indonesia £67.79 -0.5%
4 Mombasa, Kenya £68.33 -1.7%
5 Tokyo, Japan £68.61 +5.6%
6 Colombo, Sri Lanka £73.93 -5.4%
7 Penang, Malaysia £83.85 -18.6%
8 Delhi, India £85.89 +14.6%
9 Phuket, Thailand £87.82 -14.1%
10 Santiago, Chile £93.02 -8.5%

Headline takeaway:

The Far East dominates the top spots, and overall daily costs have fallen in most destinations. But these only measures what it costs to be there, not getting there or staying in style.

Why “Value” is More Than a Cocktail or Coffee

A cheap beer doesn’t make a cheap holiday. Flights, hotels, and excursions are where the bulk of the spend lies — and where real value emerges

Our Top 3 Real-World Value Picks

Here are the destinations I recommend based on both survey insight and genuine experience.

Vietnam wins on paper: Hoi An’s basket costs just £58.81. Combine that with daily street food, coffee, and snacks, and it’s a dream for budget-conscious travellers.

But here’s the reality: most clients tour the country — Ha Long Bay cruises, private driver-guides, cultural excursions. These add to the spend, but they’re worth every penny: this is the best way to immerse yourself in Vietnam.

So, while the country is cheap to be in, the experience-driven elements make it slightly pricier than the raw numbers suggest — but still exceptional value.

The Post Office ranks Cape Town #2, and we can confirm: South Africa offers unbeatable value. It’s one of our top-selling destinations — and I’ll be spending three weeks there myself in February/March next year!

Flights aren’t the cheapest, with economy starting around £750 per person, but once you arrive, the quality-to-value ratio is exceptional.

Clients returning from South Africa consistently tell us they’ve been blown away by the scenery, the service, the luxury, and the experiences. Popular itineraries include:

  • City stays in Cape Town with nearby beaches and Table Mountain
  • Whale-watching in Hermanus
  • Exploring the Winelands, including Franschhoek with its famous wine tram

For even better value, client have flown into Durban or Johannesburg and combined:

  • The Drakensberg Mountains
  • Wetland safari adventures
  • Traditional Big Five safaris

Families of four have enjoyed incredible adventures throughout the summer for less than a week in an all-inclusive in Greece.

In short: whether it’s a luxury safari, a city and wine tour, or a mix of both, South Africa delivers experiences that far exceed the price you pay.

Another recent set of clients returned from Bali, proving that luxury doesn’t need to break the bank:

  • 4 adults in a fully staffed private villa for a week (private pool, and housekeeper)
  • Followed by a week for Mum & Dad at Griya Villas & Spa
  • Flights in economy included

Total cost: under £8,000.

For Europe, this would barely cover two weeks in a decent hotel for four — in Bali, it bought full-blown VIP treatment, showing how far your money goes in the Far East.

So What Makes a Holiday Truly “Value for Money”?
  • Vietnam — low daily costs, immersive touring, cultural depth
  • South Africa — safari, coast, waterfalls, city & luxury — all accessible under budget
  • Bali — tropical luxury, staffed villas, family-friendly options at astonishing value

The survey gives a useful snapshot of ground costs, but the real takeaway is this:

Value is about what you get for your money — not just what a cup of coffee costs.

Want me to plan your next trip where your budget works hardest?

Tell me your budget and dream style — safari, beach, culture, luxury — and I’ll show you where you can get the most unforgettable experiences per pound. Give me a call on 01902 288104, send me a message, or book a meeting with me here.