Travellers looking for sunshine without spending a fortune have plenty of options this winter. A new report has ranked the best-value winter sun destinations for 2026 by comparing the prices of everyday holiday purchases.
The Post Office Travel Money Winter Sun Report 2026 examined 24 destinations. It compared the cost of common items and experiences, including meals, drinks, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Cape Town in South Africa took the top spot. Mombasa in Kenya followed closely behind, while Tokyo ranked third.
The results offer travellers a useful guide for planning a winter escape while keeping everyday holiday costs under control.
Cape Town Leads the Winter Sun Ranking
Cape Town emerged as the best-value destination in the report.
The South African city combines warm-weather attractions with relatively affordable prices for several holiday essentials. Visitors can also enjoy beaches, vineyards, restaurants and outdoor activities during the Southern Hemisphere summer.
Mombasa ranked second. The Kenyan coastal destination is known for its beaches and warm climate, making it a popular choice for travellers looking for sunshine during the Northern Hemisphere winter.
Tokyo took third place. Although Japan may not be the first destination travellers associate with winter sunshine, its position in the ranking reflects the cost of everyday holiday purchases included in the study.
Sri Lanka and Thailand Also Offer Good Value
Colombo in Sri Lanka ranked fourth, followed by Phuket in Thailand.
Both destinations are popular with travellers seeking warm weather, beaches and outdoor experiences during the European winter.
The Algarve in Portugal was the highest-ranked European destination, coming in sixth.
Spain also performed strongly. The Costa del Sol ranked seventh, while Tenerife in the Canary Islands came eighth.
The Canary Islands are particularly popular with European travellers during winter because of their mild climate and relatively easy access.
Top 10 Best-Value Winter Sun Destinations
The report’s top 10 destinations are:
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Mombasa, Kenya
- Tokyo, Japan
- Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Phuket, Thailand
- Algarve, Portugal
- Costa del Sol, Spain
- Tenerife, Canary Islands
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Penang, Malaysia
Punta Cana was the highest-ranked destination in the Caribbean, taking ninth place.
Penang completed the top 10. The Malaysian island is known for its food scene, beaches and cultural attractions.
Some Winter Sun Destinations Are More Expensive
Not every destination performed well on value.
Scarborough in Trinidad and Tobago, St. George’s in Grenada and Funchal in Madeira were among the most expensive destinations included in the report.
The findings show that choosing a sunny destination does not necessarily mean choosing an expensive holiday. Comparing local prices before booking can help travellers make their budgets go further.
For people planning a winter break in 2026, the report provides a starting point for finding sunshine while keeping spending on everyday holiday essentials under control.
