Cape Town, South Africa, has been named the best-value winter sun destination for 2026, according to the latest Post Office Travel Money Winter Sun Holiday Costs Barometer. The city recorded a total 'basket' cost of £58.24, which includes a three-course evening meal with wine for two priced at £39.26.
Mombasa, Kenya, secured the second position with a travel basket totalling £63.66. Tokyo, Japan; Colombo, Sri Lanka; and Phuket, Thailand, were ranked third, fourth, and fifth respectively.
The 2026 report, which combines long-haul and southern European destinations, focuses on resorts and cities that do not require the use of Middle East travel hubs. The survey evaluates the cost of eight common traveller items and experiences, such as coffee, insect repellent, suncream, and bottled water.
For short-haul options, the Portuguese Algarve was the first to feature on the list, with a total travel basket cost of £82.35. Spain's Costa del Sol and Tenerife also appeared in the top ten.
Laura Plunkett, head of Post Office Travel Money, noted that southern European destinations offer mild weather for winter breaks, particularly for activities like golf. However, she advised that sunshine hours and temperatures may be lower in mid-winter compared to longer-haul locations, suggesting October and November as potentially better times to visit Europe.