Post Office Report Identifies Affordable Winter Sun Destinations for 2026
Cape Town leads the list for the second consecutive year, with Tokyo surprisingly entering the top three.
Cape Town has once again been named the most affordable winter sun destination for 2026, according to the latest Winter Sun Report from Post Office Travel Money. The report analyzes the costs of eight typical holiday expenses, including coffee, beer, wine, sunscreen, and a three-course meal, to determine which locations offer the best value for travelers.
Mombasa, Kenya, and Tokyo, Japan, also feature prominently in the rankings. Despite its reputation for high costs, Tokyo has secured a surprising third place. While not a traditional beach destination, Tokyo offers a considerable amount of sunshine during the colder months, making it an attractive option for those seeking a vibrant city break with pleasant weather. The report notes that a three-course meal for two in Tokyo averages £48.50, with some establishments offering ramen for under £7. Coffee is also affordable, priced around £2.33.
Mombasa, Kenya's oldest city, is highlighted for its relaxed seaside atmosphere. A glass of wine costs approximately £3.17, and a meal for two with wine averages £42.78.
For those seeking a more traditional beach holiday, Colombo, Sri Lanka, presents an affordable option with daily costs averaging £74.79. A bottle of beer in Colombo is priced at £2.27, and water at just 66 pence.
Cape Town, which topped the list for the second year in a row, offers a three-course meal for two with wine for £39.26. Coffees average £1.76, and a bottle of beer is £1.86.
Other notable destinations in the report include Portugal's Algarve coastline, Spain's Costa del Sol, and Tenerife in the Canary Islands, all praised for their affordability and sunny climes. A cup of coffee on the Costa del Sol is £1.75, with a three-course meal and wine costing £53.24. Tenerife's daily barometer cost is £87.62.
The report's findings are based on prices gathered in September 2026. Thailand's Phuket also made the list, with a bottle of beer averaging £2.09 and a three-course meal for two with wine at £51.30.
