The Worldwide Destinations Offering the Strongest Pound Value

As the UK’s cost of living remains overwhelmingly high, the idea of travelling somewhere your money works considerably harder becomes increasingly appealing. But which destinations deliver the best value of the pound for British travellers venturing to Europe and beyond?

To find out, we analysed countries across the globe, weighing up the pound’s value against the strength of local currencies and their overall cost of living. The result is a definitive guide to the ten destinations where your holiday budget goes furthest.

Whether you're a first-time long-haul traveller or a seasoned explorer, these are the destinations where the pound is strongest, allowing your holiday spending money to go further without compromising on the quality or richness of your experience.

1. Vietnam

Topping our index with the highest overall score of 177 out of 180, Vietnam is the undisputed champion of pound value for British travellers. The numbers speak for themselves: with the pound to dong rate at over 35,150, Vietnam achieved the maximum possible score for exchange rate strength. With its cost of living index of just 26.4, one of the lowest in the entire study, it earned it a near-perfect score on affordability, too. Combined, that puts Vietnam comfortably ahead of every other country in our rankings.

In practice, what that means for British travellers is something quite remarkable. Street food is exceptional and costs next to nothing, accommodation is comfortable and affordable, and the sheer richness of Vietnamese culture, from the ancient trading port of Hoi An to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, ensures there is never a shortage of things to do. At Riviera Travel, our Vietnam journeys take in the very best of this captivating country, and the pound to dong exchange rate means your spending money goes considerably further than you might expect.

2. Nepal

Nepal earns a well-deserved second place in our value index, scoring 165 out of 180 overall. With 1 pound in rupees equating to nearly 197, and a cost-of-living index of just 22.6, Nepal is a destination where everyday expenses remain reassuringly low throughout your stay. The combination of pound strength and genuinely affordable attractions and eateries places it firmly among the world's best-value destinations for British visitors.

For travellers drawn to dramatic landscapes and rich spiritual heritage, few destinations on earth can compete. The Himalayan foothills offer some of the world's most rewarding trekking, whilst Kathmandu's ancient temples and bustling bazaars provide a vivid introduction to Nepali culture. The combination of extraordinary scenery and affordability makes Nepal one of the most rewarding destinations for British travellers.

3. India

In joint third are India and Kenya, both scoring 162 out of 180, though they arrive at that score in notably different ways. India's appeal lies largely in its low cost of living, with a remarkably low index of 18.9, the weakest in the entire study, which more than offsets an exchange rate of over 123 for 1 pound in Indian rupees, less dramatic than that of some of its competitors.

What that translates to on the ground is a holiday where budget constraints are no obstacle, letting you enjoy every drop of culture. Rajasthan's golden forts, the serene backwaters of Kerala, and the Mughal splendour of the Taj Mahal, combined with the favourable pound exchange rate, mean you can experience all of it without feeling the pinch. India rewards curious, open-minded travellers in a way that few destinations can match, and your pound stretches impressively throughout.

4. Kenya

Kenya matches India's score of 162 out of 180 but gets there via a different route, with a stronger exchange rate of 1 pound to 175 Kenyan shillings. Its cost of living index of 28.9 is slightly higher than India's, though it remains well below the global average and comfortably low enough to keep day-to-day spending very manageable for British visitors. This makes it one of Africa's most accessible and rewarding destinations for value-conscious travellers.

Safari experiences, which can seem daunting in price from home, become far more achievable once your currency carries this kind of weight on arrival. The Maasai Mara and the Kenyan coast each offer world-class experiences, and the combination of wildlife spectacle and genuine value makes Kenya a destination that simply cannot be overlooked.

5. Cambodia

Securing a spot in the top five is Cambodia, achieving a score of 160 out of 180, largely on the strength of its exchange rate. At over 5,452 riels to the pound, Cambodia’s exchange rate reflects just how far sterling can go abroad. Its cost-of-living index of 34.8 is higher than the destinations ranked above it, which accounts for the slight drop in the overall score, but the day-to-day reality for British visitors remains impressively affordable.

The temples of Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument, are reason enough to make the journey, but Cambodia delivers far more: vibrant night markets, welcoming locals, and a fascinating history that reveals itself at every turn. Based on the pound to Cambodian riel exchange rate and cost-of-living index score, the overall value on offer more than justifies the outlay.

6. Egypt

Egypt scores 159 out of 180 and secures sixth place. With a strong pound to Egyptian pound rate of over 64, combined with a cost-of-living index of 21.6, Egypt ranks among the most affordable destinations in our study.

This ancient country has long captured the imagination of UK travellers, and it has never offered better value than it does today. From the ancient wonders of Luxor and the Valley of the Kings to a Nile cruise gliding past timeless riverside scenery, Egypt offers some of the most iconic travel experiences on earth. History lovers, in particular, will find that their budget goes astonishingly far here.

7. Sri Lanka

In seventh place is Sri Lanka, scoring 157 out of 180 in our index, driven by an impressive exchange rate of 420 rupees to the pound. Its cost of living index of 33.9 is slightly higher than some of the destinations above it, but remains modest by any international measure.

The island packs an extraordinary amount into a relatively compact space: mist-covered tea country, ancient Buddhist ruins, incredible, world-renowned wildlife, and some of the finest beaches in Asia. The cost of living remains manageable throughout, meaning that whether you're staying in a colonial-era hill station or a beachside retreat, your pound works hard from the moment you land.

8. Zambia

Zambia enters the top ten with a score of 144 out of 180, matching Argentina. Its exchange rate of over 25 kwacha to the pound is boosted by its cost of living index of 29.9, keeping overall expenses low and ensuring that the destination remains accessible for travellers. For those willing to venture off the more well-trodden long-haul routes, Zambia offers outstanding value.

The country is home to Victoria Falls, one of the world’s natural wonders, as well as some of southern Africa's most pristine national parks. Zambia's commitment to low-volume, high-quality wildlife tourism means that what you spend feels considered and worthwhile at every step.

9. Argentina

Argentina also scores 144 out of 180, but presents a fascinating contrast in how it achieves that score. The pound to pesos rate of over 1,891 is one of the most dramatic exchange rates in our top 10; however, the cost of living index of 41.3, the highest among the destinations, brings the overall score back into line with Zambia.

Buenos Aires is one of South America's great cities: passionate, cultured, and endlessly energetic, where world-class steak restaurants, tango performances, and European-influenced architecture come at prices that feel almost implausibly low by UK standards. 

10. Mauritius

Rounding out our top ten with a score of 134 out of 180, Mauritius is the most modestly rated destination in our rankings, but earns its place nonetheless. An exchange rate of over 62 rupees to the pound and a cost of living index of 38.3, the second-highest in the top ten after Argentina, reflects its status as a more developed island economy.

For those seeking a premium experience in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius stands as a compelling reminder that Africa is home to some of the world’s most rewarding travel destinations. From idyllic island escapes to vast savannahs, ancient cities and dramatic mountain ranges, the continent offers extraordinary diversity, often at price points that compare favourably with more traditional long-haul favourites.

Ready to make your money go further?

From the ancient temples of Vietnam and Cambodia to the sweeping savannahs of Kenya and the romance of Buenos Aires, the worldwide destinations offering the best value for the pound are also some of its most extraordinary. At Riviera Travel, we believe that exceptional journeys should be accessible, and these ten locations prove that. With the right guide and a thoughtfully planned itinerary, they can truly be both unforgettable and affordable.

Browse our full range of long-haul holidays and discover where your pound could take you next.

Methodology

To identify the destinations where the pound goes furthest, we analysed HMRC and European Central Bank monthly exchange rates alongside Numbeo's cost of living index across 90 countries worldwide. A scoring system was then developed in which countries with stronger exchange rates against the pound received higher scores, whilst those with a higher cost of living received lower scores. These two scores were combined to produce an overall ranking for each country, revealing the ten destinations that offer British travellers the greatest value for money.