---

If you’ve paid attention to the news since the Brexit vote in 2016, you might have picked up on the fact the British pound hasn’t been doing so well against quite a few other currencies, including the euro and the US dollar, which has been bad news for holidaymakers.

However, while this has been bad news for some destinations, you can still find value for the pound out there if you do a little research. To help you plan your next getaway, we’ve put together a list of five destinations where your money will go further. Read on to discover where.

Tokyo, Japan

Visiting the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo is an experience that every avid traveller should put on their bucket list, and there’s not been a better time to visit than 2018. With very affordable eating options at every turn and reasonable accommodation widely available, it’s possible to explore one of the most amazing cities on the planet without spending a fortune.

Though a trip across the world to Japan may seem like a major expense, recent research by Travel Supermarket and published on Travel Weekly found that long-haul destinations can be up to 47% cheaper than short-haul trips in 2018. And, because the yen is one of the currencies that hasn’t really strengthened against the pound since Brexit, there is a lot of value to be found.

Budapest, Hungary

When looking for a weekend break in Europe, Budapest is a city that’s often overlooked in favour of more famous destinations like Paris, Barcelona, and Rome. However, if you’re looking for a reasonably priced trip that will still provide all the splendour of one of the continent’s big capitals, then Budapest should be right at the top of your list.

Firstly, even though it’s right in the centre of Europe, Hungary uses the forint as its currency, so you won’t face the same woes as buying euros. Plus, the cost of living in Hungary is typically 37% lower than in the UK (Numbeo), so you’ll find that holiday essentials like eating out, public transport, and those pints of beer will be less than back home. What more can you want?

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is an incredibly beautiful city full of character and history, which is why many refer to it as the ‘jewel of the Baltic’. It’s been one of the best-kept secrets in Europe for quite a while, but now more and more tourists from the UK are making the trip — numbers increased by 20% between 2016 and 2017 (Visit Estonia), so it would make sense to visit before it gets too crowded and flight prices peak.

What’s more, Estonia is a very affordable country to visit, even in its capital city of Tallinn. There are plenty of low-cost hotels and guesthouses to stay in, and the compact layout of the atmospheric Old Town and surrounding areas makes it easy to explore on foot, so there’s no need to pay daily transport costs. If you look for places were the locals are dining out, you can keep your food and drink budgets low, too.

Hoi An, Vietnam

We’ve already mentioned how many long-haul trips are now cheaper than short-haul journeys, and Hoi An in Vietnam is a great destination if you’re looking for a chilled-out beach holiday on more exotic shores. There is also an absolutely breathtaking Old Town to explore, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site – we highly recommend strolling the area at night when it’s softly illuminated by the many lanterns dotted around.

In terms of affordability, typical everyday prices in Vietnam are approximately 45% lower than here in the UK (Numbeo), so once you’ve arrived you can expect to live on much less than you’d spend at home on food, transport, accommodation and the like. So, you can look forward to a great time on the beach and discovering the surrounding area for a price that won’t break the bank.  

Lisbon, Portugal

Even though Portugal has the euro as its currency, it’s maintained its mantle as one of the most affordable destinations in Europe, thanks to the government keeping prices low so that they can compete with their neighbour, Spain, for tourists. That means that, while your pounds will fetch fewer euros than a few years back, the generally affordable everyday costs will even things out.

Recently, the Telegraph named Lisbon as its top city break for 2018, so there’s never been a better time to take advantage of Portugal’s affordability. If you decide to visit the city, you can look forward to a destination brimming with culture, beauty, and history, as well as a world-class food and drink scene. You can take to the winding, cobbled streets and never get bored of admiring the stunning architecture or sampling the local cuisine as you dine al fresco.

Consider our five suggestions and you’re sure to find the ideal holiday among them. To save more cash when the time comes to exchange your pounds into the local currency, be sure to read H &T’s guide to buying travel money to learn how to get the best deal. All that’s left is to say enjoy your summer!

---