The long-haul destination that has been named the best value holiday for Brits in 2023
THE best value holiday destination for Brits in 2023 has been revealed – and it could be a destination many haven’t considered visiting before.
Cape Town in South Africa came out on top of an annual report that analyses how affordable a number of holiday destinations are for tourists from the UK.
The analysis focuses on the prices of eight popular items, typically bought on holiday, to work out where Brits can make their cash go further.
This year the report, published by the Post Office shows how much it costs in total to buy a three-course meal for two with wine, a cup of coffee, a bottle of local beer, a can of cola, a glass of wine, a bottle of still water, suncream and insect repellent.
The items are considered representative of the purchases UK tourists are most likely to make when on holiday.
Cape Town in South Africa came out on top as the destination with the best value for Brits.
The city presents good value due to the South African rand’s sharp fall of almost 16 per cent against the pound in recent months, as well as cheap pricing in restaurants and bars.
The eight tourist items prices came to a total price of £51 – the cheapest from the 40 destinations analysed by the report.
Cape Town has plenty to offer as a holiday destination as well, with wine, wildlife and everything in between available for visitors.
The city is home to plenty of stunning beaches – so many in fact that Time Out magazine was able to publish a list of the top 18 for tourists to visit earlier this month.
Muizenberg beach came out on top, and it’s pretty easy to see why.
Its soft white sands and pristine blue sea make it a very popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
What’s more, it’s also a surfing hotspot, for those who are into their water sports.
Elsewhere, Camps Bay Beach is popular with families and is described by Time Out as “usually the go-to recommendation thanks to its cleanliness, sheer beauty, and easy access to bars and restaurants”.
Shark spotters are on hand at both beaches to keep people safe while swimming in the waters, although for some tourists seeing a great white up close might be the idea of a good time.
For those, there are a number of cage diving expeditions that they can head out on in hope of seeing the majestic beasts in their natural habitat, from the safety of a strong metal structure.
Sharks aren’t the only wildlife that can be spotted on Cape Town’s beaches either.
Boulders beach is home to a protected colony of South African penguins.
Visitors are able to walk among, and even swim or kayak with, the adorable residents. The only rule is no feeding or touching the birds.
The nature experiences extend well beyond sharks and penguins too, with a number of safari tours leaving from the city.
Lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, giraffes and many other animals can be spotted roaming among South Africa’s nature and game reserves.
The Aquila game reserve is one of the most popular near Cape Town, which is home to the “big five” game animals (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo) as well as endangered species such as the ‘Aquila’ Black Eagle.
After looking for some of the world’s most exciting wildlife, holidaymakers can relax with some of South Africa’s world famous wines.
Those interested in exploring the drink further can visit a number of vineyards in the hills surrounding the city.
They include the Steenberg Tasting Room and Cape Point Vineyards, where guests can enjoy a drink while gazing out across the valleys.
However, the best view of the city is undoubtedly the one from Table Mountain, which can be accessed by cable car.
The mountain springs up behind Cape Town and offers spectacular panoramic vistas for those who make the trip up to the top.
With all that on offer, in a city where a three course meal for two with wine comes to around £35, there’s no surprise that the Post Office made it their top holiday spot for 2023.
Accommodation is very affordable as well, with studio apartments available right in the city centre for £22.50pp per night.
For not much more, a whole apartment with access to a rooftop pool and sun deck can be rented – setting back visitors £31.75pp per night.
Meanwhile, this is the most affordable UK seaside town for a 2023 staycation.
And this method could bring your holiday costs down further this year.