Post Office Report Highlights Affordable Winter Sun Destinations for 2026
The annual report from Post Office Travel Money identifies budget-friendly locations worldwide, with Africa and Asia featuring prominently.
Cape Town, South Africa, has once again been named the most affordable winter sun destination for 2026, according to the latest Winter Sun Report by Post Office Travel Money. The report analyzes the costs of eight typical holiday expenses, including coffee, beer, cola, wine, water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a three-course dinner, excluding flights and accommodation, to determine which destinations offer the best value for money.
This year's report sees Africa topping the charts, with Cape Town leading the pack for the second consecutive year. Prices in the city have fallen by 9.7% since March, with a three-course meal for two accompanied by wine costing an average of £39.26. Local eateries offer affordable options, such as a pizza for £7.84 or fish sliders for £7.55. Coffees average £1.76, and a bottle of beer can be found for £1.86.
While Africa features strongly, an Asian capital has secured a surprising third place in the rankings. Tokyo, Japan, despite its reputation for being expensive, has entered the top three. The report indicates that a three-course meal for two in Tokyo totals £48.50, with some Michelin-starred restaurants offering ramen bowls for as little as £6.72. Coffee prices start at £2.33, making it an unexpectedly budget-friendly option for travelers seeking sun.
Other African destinations making the list include Mombasa, Kenya, noted for its relaxed seaside resort atmosphere. A glass of wine costs £3.17, and a meal for two with wine averages £42.78. Thailand's Phuket also offers good value, with a bottle of beer costing around £2.09 and a three-course meal for two with wine priced at £51.30.
For those looking for traditional beach destinations, Colombo, Sri Lanka, presents an affordable option in the Indian Ocean. A daily barometer cost is estimated at £74.79, with a bottle of beer at £2.27 and a bottle of water at £0.66. Coffee is priced at £1.92.
European destinations also feature, with Portugal's Algarve coastline ranking as the sixth cheapest. The Costa del Sol in Spain and Tenerife in the Canary Islands also present appealing options for budget-conscious travelers, with coffee in the Costa del Sol costing just £1.75 and a three-course meal with wine at £53.24. Tenerife has an affordable barometer cost of £87.62.