If you're anything like us, the response "Not in this economy..." has been on your lips a lot. But where we can't resist a little splurge is, obviously, travel. Still, we like to go where we can get a little more bang for our buck – and there's a new study that reveals just the best destinations for that.
The 19th annual Holiday Money Report from Post Office Travel Money has just been published with a super handy list of the cheapest destinations in the world for 2025. It surveyed 47 destinations, factoring in the prices of eight items a tourist would typically spend on, including coffee, beer, water, sunscreen, and a three-course meal, among other things.
According to its findings, five Asian destinations rank among the most affordable destinations to visit in the world this year.
You'll be surprised to learn that the top destination is Tokyo, Japan, which ranks No. 3 in the world. It moves up one place from No. 4 last year, although prices have risen by 7.4% to £63.34 across the eight items measured. Here, you can expect a three-course meal for two to set you back £44.58 and filter coffee, local beer, a can of soda, or a glass of wine to go at a price between £2 and £3.
Kuta, Bali, is the next cheapest destination in Asia according to Post Office Travel Money's study. Like Tokyo, it has become a relatively cheaper destination compared to other countries, despite prices increasing by 5% year-on-year. You can expect to spend £66.88 in total on the eight tourist items – a three-course meal here is cheaper than in Tokyo (£40.51), though suncream goes at a whopping £14.99 (so bring your own, because you'll need it on the tropical island).
Delhi, India, slots in as the third-cheapest destination in Asia and No. 5 globally, making it the highest-placed new entrant in the top 10. Prices in the Indian city have dropped 10.7%, and it's where suncream and insect repellent are the most affordable compared to all the other countries studied.
Hoi An in Vietnam and Phuket in Thailand round out Asia's cheapest destinations in 2025. Hoi An is particularly notable – costs have risen 41%, knocking it down from No.1 to No.7 on the global list. A testament to its growing popularity as a tourist hotspot, we think.
Of course, take this study with a pinch of salt. It was put together with UK tourists in mind, pegging costs to the pound sterling. It also doesn't take into account other big-ticket tourist expenses like flights and accommodation, which we believe would cause quite the shake-up to the current list.
Check out the full list of the cheapest destinations in the world in 2025 here.
The cheapest destinations in Asia in 2025:
- Tokyo, Japan: £63.34
- Kuta, Bali: £66.88
- Delhi, India: £69.52
- Hoi An, Vietnam: £73.23
- Phuket, Thailand: £76.10
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