Cheapest Long Haul Holiday Destinations 2022
For many of us, 'sticking a pin on the map' and booking a flight is no longer an option.
The pound has been falling steadily since 2007, when it bought you two whole dollars. Today it buys just 1.15 - at time of writing.
And then there's inflation - impacting nations around the world; not to mention higher prices at home and sluggish wage growth hitting our pockets.
Long-haul travellers have also been hit by higher airfares, making a cheap holiday abroad all the more challenging to organise.
But is there a glimmer of hope for the avid long-distance traveller?
There certainly is.
A number of destinations still offer amazing value. In some cases, our weak GBP has been offset by lower local prices. And with Thailand, the pound has actually strengthened.
Here’s a round-up of cheap holiday destinations that put several thousand miles between you and the British winter!
Top 10 cheapest long-haul destinations 2022
A survey by TravelBag revealed the following long haul destinations as being the cheapest.
However, this list is based on the cost of common items such as coffee, sun cream and a three-course meal for two.
It doesn't take into account accommodation, transport or budget eating - which can have a far greater impact on your budget.
- Hoi An, Vietnam (£67.78)
- Cape Town, South Africa (£68.49)
- Mombasa, Kenya (£77.41)
- Tokyo, Japan (£81.63)
- Bali, Indonesia (£82.40)
- Phuket, Thailand (£93.53)
- Rio, Brazil (£102.25)
- Montego Bay, Jamaica (£110.67)
- Orlando, USA (£111.87)
- Penang, Malaysia (£111.93)
Where is hot and cheap in December?
Hoi An, Vietnam
People flock to Hoi An's picturesque old town, but the area also boasts fabulous, clean beaches and a lush green hinterland. And December daytime temperatures range from 26 to 29 degree celsius, making it ideal for those researching cheap exotic holidays.
Prices are similarly low across Vietnam, so you don’t need to restrict yourself to Hoi An.
Nationwide, food and hotels are incredibly cheap compared to Europe, so you can certainly enjoy this country on a budget.
Bali, Indonesia
This tropical idyll was hard hit by Covid, which relies heavily on tourism.
Today, things are picking up again, but there is still huge hotel capacity - meaning cheap prices.
And December temperatures average a very pleasant 27 degrees.
Ranked 5th by Travelbag, Bali boasts great beaches, stunning rice terraces and atmospheric temples.
The town of Ubud is a mecca for those seeking yoga, meditation and spiritual succour.
Price-wise, taxis, local restaurants and souvenirs are extremely affordable, even when you factor in the weak pound and rising prices. A beer in a bar costs around £1.65 and a plate of nasi goreng in a local eatery is about 50p.
However, prices rise significantly in glitzier establishments.
Even after the cost of the flight is factored in, Bali is among the best cheap holiday destinations for those seeking to escape the winter.
Phuket, Thailand
Equally dependent on tourism is Phuket in Thailand.
With Chinese and Russian tourists largely out of the picture due to Covid lockdowns and the war in Ukraine, visitors from Europe, North America and Australasia are the main target of the Phuket Tourist Association.
Temperatures average 28 in the day during December.
Lots of hotel capacity means low prices.
Eat at local restaurants and you'll save even more.
You can rent a scooter for a day for about £15, which allows you to explore the island's many beautiful beaches (but keep your international driving licence with you to avoid police fines).
Phuket has an effervescent nightlife, where a local beer will cost about £1.75 (most of which is tax). A simple Pad Thai noodle dish from a street vendor costs about £1.
But naturally, plusher surroundings mean bigger bills.
It's good news for the exchange rate, too. The pound is on the rise, giving you 43.5 Thai Baht, after a disheartening low of 37 just before Covid struck.
And with no Covid restrictions and a no-quibble 45-day tourist exemption for Brits, Thailand is one of the best cheap holiday destinations for the long-haul traveller.
Tokyo, Japan
Skyscrapers, offbeat pop culture, tranquil temples and beautiful nature parks have made Tokyo a perennial favourite for long-distance adventures.
The Japanese capital has long been associated with high prices, but the pound has done well against the yen, making it an unlikely destination for an affordable long distance getaway.
In 2020 a pound would buy you just 130 yen; today it gets you 170!
If you're willing to 'slum it', you can bag a week in a clean, well-run backpackers or capsule hotel for about £10 a night.
Even a single room in a guest house can be booked for £20 a night.
But of course, prices rise with comfort and location.
On the downside, a return flight in December costs £1,100-£1,300 at the cheaper end - and it's just as cold as the UK.
However, now might be a great time to consider a visit in spring or summer.
Credit: russell102 - stock.adobe.com
Orlando, Florida, USA
Themepark lovers need look no further than Orlando Florida - which boasts seven of the world's best.
Think Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and LEGOLAND Florida Resort - all in one place!
Affordable package deals mean a 7-night flight-and-hotel set-up may cost less than £1,200pp.
Themepark passes, food and drink will make a trip here costlier than in Southeast Asia, but you can still enjoy a break here on a modest budget.
Long haul all inclusive holidays 2022
Among long haul all inclusive holidays, Phuket arguably reigns supreme. You can book a 7-night flight-and-hotel deal in December for as little as £1100pp - which offers incredible value. Some packages even include breakfast!
In a similar price bracket is Orlando, mentioned above.
Bali is also a great option, with all-inclusive deals from around £1,400pp for 7-nights.
Head to Jamaica and a similar deal will cost around £2,000.
Book smart and save
As you can see, despite worries over the pound and rising inflation, there remain cheap holiday destinations for long haul holiday makers like yourself - if you’re willing to be flexible.
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