Sterling Strength Boosts Value in Key Holiday Destinations

British holidaymakers are finding increased value in several popular travel destinations this year, as the pound sterling gains strength against local currencies. Despite rising flight prices and general cost-of-living pressures, research indicates that travellers to Turkey, Sri Lanka, Egypt, and Japan can expect their money to go further than in the previous year.

New research from Eurochange, shared exclusively with the Daily Mail, identified these four locations where the pound offers greater purchasing power. Overall, 22 percent of Britons are reportedly increasing their holiday budgets to ensure they can still travel.

Turkey Offers Significant Savings

Turkey, a long-standing favorite for British tourists, is providing 25 percent more local currency for every pound spent compared to last year. In 2025, £100 would yield TRY 4,797, but this year it provides TRY 6,396. This currency advantage translates into lower costs for daily expenses. For instance, a three-course meal for two in Antalya, which cost approximately £39.03 last year, now averages £31.22, a saving of £7.81. A pint of beer has also decreased in price from £2.93 to £2.34, and a visit to a Turkish bath is now £28.10, down from £35.12.

Sri Lanka Becomes More Affordable

Sri Lanka is also showing increased affordability, offering 14 percent more Sri Lankan rupees for each pound compared to 2025. Previously, £100 would purchase Rs 39,500, whereas now it yields Rs 45,030. In the capital, Colombo, dining costs have fallen, with a three-course meal for two now costing around £18.76, down from £21.29 in 2025. A pint has seen a price drop from £1.83 to £1.61. Traditional Ayurvedic massages, a practice with centuries of history, are also cheaper, costing approximately £9.93 this year, compared to £11.27 in 2025.

Egypt Sees Favorable Exchange Rates

For the one million Britons who travel to Egypt annually, the destination is now 12 percent cheaper. An exchange of £100 last year would have provided E£61,600, but in 2026, the same amount yields E£68,992. In Hurghada, a popular tourist hub, a three-course meal for two is now on average £3.37 cheaper. A visit to a traditional hamam, or Egyptian bathhouse, is now priced at approximately £8.70, representing a saving of £1.01 compared to the previous year.

Japan's Yen Decline Benefits Tourists

Japan is also offering better value due to the continued decline of the Japanese yen. Holidaymakers can now expect to receive 10 percent more yen for their pounds than in 2025. Previously, £100 would exchange for ¥19,726, but it now provides ¥22,684. In Tokyo, the cost of a three-course meal for two has decreased from £36.59 last year to £32.86. Even a visit to a traditional sento bathhouse is slightly cheaper, now costing £2.82, a reduction of 32p.