As the price of flights shoots up – with further increases expected – you could be forgiven for wondering how much of an impact this will have on your holiday plans.
MoneyWeek readers know the benefit of collecting Avios points using British Airways and Amex credit cards. They also travel smart by using the best credit cards for travel abroad, and by pocketing the best travel money deals and travel insurance.
And although you may be paying more for your flights, the good news is that there are plenty of destinations offering fantastic value for money once you arrive – from European to far-flung countries.
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We’ve dived into research from our sister publication Kiplinger, which ranks the cheapest countries to visit based on accommodation, food and general living costs. Now you just need to decide which of these destinations are at the top of your wish list.
Top 10 cheapest countries to visit
10. Portugal
Portugal enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine each year, with beautiful beaches and vibrant cities to explore. It’s one of the best value countries in Europe, with the daily cost of holidaying here averaging £90. Portugal is a great destination if you want to explore multiple towns or cities. You can even hop on a train from Lisbon to neighbouring Madrid in Spain for around £25 one way if you book seven days in advance, according to Rail Europe. Portugal is famous for its port wine, produced in the Douro Valley, which is well worth a visit. For those who crave a more energetic break, you can step away from the mainland and visit the Azores – an archipelago off the coast of Portugal – for breathtaking hikes.
Average daily cost: £90
Average accommodation cost per person: £50
Average daily meals cost: £34
9. Turkey
It’s no surprise that Turkey is one of the most visited countries in the world. It offers visitors access to everything from palaces and underground cities to idyllic beaches on the Aegean Sea. And with cuisine that will satisfy any taste buds, it’s easy to see why people flock to Turkey.
Average daily cost: £103
Average accommodation cost per person: £42
Average daily meals cost: £26
8. Dominican Republic
The climate in the Dominican Republic is wonderful throughout the year, so this gives you the advantage of being able to book off-season to secure even lower prices. Not just for honeymooners – the island has something for everyone, whether you want to relax on the beach or head to the rainforest for an adventure. And there are plenty of water sports to try – be it scuba diving, sailing, paddleboarding or even flyboarding.
Average daily cost: £105
Average accommodation cost per person: £66
Average daily meals cost: £29
7. Mexico
Mexico is known for its top-tier food scene and historical sites, and its beaches are regularly listed as some of the best in the world. It’s also home to ancient Aztec and Mayan ruins, which can be explored for very reasonable prices. Cancun offers some of the most beautiful all-inclusive resorts, including the Moon Palace Resort and the Dreams Riviera Resort, where your every whim will be taken care of. Be sure to live like a local by trying out mouthwatering dishes at local taquerías.
Average daily cost: £101
Average accommodation cost per person: £39
Average daily meals cost: £24
6. Costa Rica
Costa Rica tops the chart for the best place to retire abroad in 2024, according to the International Living Index, with things like housing, climate and cost of living taken into consideration. It’s among the smaller Central American countries, but it still has a lot to offer. You’ll have access to both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, jungles and volcanoes. And make sure to take advantage of the amazing wildlife, whether you go whale watching, see baby turtles hatch or get up close to some sloths.
Average daily cost: £94
Average accommodation cost per person: £47
Average daily meals cost: £20
5. South Africa
Famous as a haven for safari lovers, South Africa is a new entry on the list. The country is home to the Big Five (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard) thanks to its national parks and game reserves. But there’s a lot more than just wildlife – you can walk among the wildflowers of Namaqua, hike up Table Mountain, go whale watching or relax on one of its beaches. And if you’re feeling more adventurous, why not try surfing? Or even shark diving?
Average daily cost: £70
Average accommodation cost per person: £37
Average daily meals cost: £17
4. Thailand
Don’t be put off by more expensive flights to long-haul destinations. These countries offer great value for money once you arrive, which makes the longer journeys worth it. Thailand is known for its jungle temples, tropical beaches, delicious food and elephant sanctuaries. Whether you want to enjoy city life and night markets in the likes of Bangkok and Phuket, or a slower pace on one of the many islands, including Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui, the country has something to offer everyone.
Average daily cost: £64
Average accommodation cost per person: £28
Average daily meals cost: £13
3. Indonesia
With more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia has plenty to offer, from orangutan colonies and volcanoes to beautiful beaches and white crater lakes. Bali – one of Indonesia’s most well-known islands – regularly ranks as one of the best places to visit in the world. You can expect delicious food and drinks, all at incredibly affordable prices.
Average daily cost: £47
Average accommodation cost per person: £24
Average daily meals cost: £13
2. Vietnam
Vietnam is a beautiful country brimming with culture – it has eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and tasty local dishes like banh mi (tasty rolls stuffed with savoury fillings). The bustle of Ho Chi Minh City will excite your senses, and you can move up the coast and take a tour of Ha Long Bay or look in awe at the world’s largest cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. You can enjoy all of these activities, throughout the country, at very reasonable prices.
Average daily cost: £46
Average accommodation cost per person: £20
Average daily meals cost: £11
1. Laos
Laos, in southeast Asia, remains the cheapest country to visit. Despite being landlocked, Laos has more than 4,000 islands. Take in the centuries-old stupas, quaint French cafes and traditional handicraft night markets. Its natural beauty remains largely untouched, with visitors able to enjoy tasty local food, jungle treks, temple visits and waterfalls.
Average daily cost: £12
Average accommodation cost per person: £5
Average daily meals cost: £5
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