Winter sun holidays and your travel money.
Fancy some winter sun or a short city break? Find out where to go, what currency to take and how to manage your holiday money abroad.
Published: 13 March 2026
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Planning a winter getaway?
If you are, you’re not alone. Our research shows that 74% of Brits are looking for a sunny escape this winter*.
To help get you started, here’s our guide to the best European winter city breaks and long haul sunspots. Plus, top tips on buying and spending travel money, to make your holiday money go further.
Popular winter sun destinations
Here’s a list of popular winter sunspots and the currency you’ll need when you get there.
Short-haul destinations - Europe and nearby
Fast flights, mild temps and plenty of value. Sound good? Find out why each of these places is a smart choice if you’re on a budget.
Canary Islands (Spain) - Euro (EUR)
- Why cheap: Competition between airlines and wide choice of hotels keep prices keen. Self catering is easy.Why cheap: Competition between airlines and wide choice of hotels keep prices keen. Self catering is easy.
- See and do: Beaches, volcano hikes, waterparks, whale watching.See and do: Beaches, volcano hikes, waterparks, whale watching.
- Better than: Mainland Spain, for winter warmth and sunshine hours.Better than: Mainland Spain, for winter warmth and sunshine hours.
Madeira and the Algarve (Portugal) – Euro (EUR)
- Why cheap: Off season deals on apartments and car hire. Great value food.Why cheap: Off season deals on apartments and car hire. Great value food.
- See and do: Coastal walks, levada trails, dolphin trips, historic towns.See and do: Coastal walks, levada trails, dolphin trips, historic towns.
- Better than: Canaries, if you prefer lush scenery and quieter resorts.Better than: Canaries, if you prefer lush scenery and quieter resorts.
Malta - Euro (EUR)
- Why cheap: Compact island with affordable buses and midweek hotel deals.Why cheap: Compact island with affordable buses and midweek hotel deals.
- See and do: Valletta, Mdina, dive sites, prehistoric temples.See and do: Valletta, Mdina, dive sites, prehistoric temples.
- Better than: Bigger islands, if you want easy, car free exploring.Better than: Bigger islands, if you want easy, car free exploring.
Cyprus - Euro (EUR)
- Why cheap: Good packages available between peak and off-peak seasons. Family friendly apartments.Why cheap: Good packages available between peak and off-peak seasons. Family friendly apartments.
- See and do: Beaches, Troodos hikes, ancient ruins, wineries.See and do: Beaches, Troodos hikes, ancient ruins, wineries.
- Better than: Greece, for warmer winter temperatures.Better than: Greece, for warmer winter temperatures.
Southern Spain (Andalucía, Costa del Sol) - Euro (EUR)
- Why cheap: Plenty of flights and off season hotel rates. Tapas is great value.Why cheap: Plenty of flights and off season hotel rates. Tapas is great value.
- See and do: Moorish palaces, old towns, coastal promenades, golf.See and do: Moorish palaces, old towns, coastal promenades, golf.
- Better than: City only trips, if you want beach plus culture on a budget.Better than: City only trips, if you want beach plus culture on a budget.
Greek islands, Crete - Euro (EUR)
- Why cheap: Winter lets and local tavernas keep costs down in larger islands.Why cheap: Winter lets and local tavernas keep costs down in larger islands.
- See and do: Gorges, ruins, village life, olive mills.See and do: Gorges, ruins, village life, olive mills.
- Better than: Smaller Greek islands, if you want more to do out of season.Better than: Smaller Greek islands, if you want more to do out of season.
Turkey - Turkish Lira (TRY)
- Why cheap: Excellent prices for food, Turkish baths (hammams) and transport.Why cheap: Excellent prices for food, Turkish baths (hammams) and transport.
- See and do: Beach promenades, bazaars, ruins, boat trips.See and do: Beach promenades, bazaars, ruins, boat trips.
- Better than: Eurozone, for everyday spend value.Better than: Eurozone, for everyday spend value.
Morocco - Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
- Why cheap: Affordable riads, markets and street food. Short flights.Why cheap: Affordable riads, markets and street food. Short flights.
- See and do: Souks, deserts, Atlantic beaches, Atlas foothills.See and do: Souks, deserts, Atlantic beaches, Atlas foothills.
- Better than: Turkey, if you want a different culture just 3-4 hours away.Better than: Turkey, if you want a different culture just 3-4 hours away.
Cape Verde - Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE)
- Why cheap: Packages can be good value. All inclusive simplifies budgeting.Why cheap: Packages can be good value. All inclusive simplifies budgeting.
- See and do: Beaches, water sports, island hopping.See and do: Beaches, water sports, island hopping.
- Better than: Caribbean, for similar sunshine with shorter flights.Better than: Caribbean, for similar sunshine with shorter flights.
Egypt (Red Sea resorts) - Egyptian Pound (EGP)
- Why cheap: Competitive all inclusive deals and great value diving.Why cheap: Competitive all inclusive deals and great value diving.
- See and do: Snorkelling, reefs, desert trips, Luxor excursions.See and do: Snorkelling, reefs, desert trips, Luxor excursions.
- Better than: Canaries, if underwater life is top of your list.Better than: Canaries, if underwater life is top of your list.
Long-haul destinations - more favourites, further away
Want to go further for guaranteed heat? Here are the currencies to carry and why these places shine for winter sun seekers.
UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi) - UAE Dirham (AED)
- Why cheap: Flights can be competitive. Value in metro, taxi and casual dining.Why cheap: Flights can be competitive. Value in metro, taxi and casual dining.
- See and do: Beaches, souks, desert safaris, family attractions.See and do: Beaches, souks, desert safaris, family attractions.
- Better than: Maldives, if you want city buzz plus beach.Better than: Maldives, if you want city buzz plus beach.
Oman - Omani Rial (OMR)
- Why cheap: Best done as a road trip with affordable petrol. Guesthouses help you save.Why cheap: Best done as a road trip with affordable petrol. Guesthouses help you save.
- See and do: Fjords, wadis, forts, empty beaches.See and do: Fjords, wadis, forts, empty beaches.
- Better than: UAE, if you prefer nature over malls.Better than: UAE, if you prefer nature over malls.
Thailand - Thai Baht (THB)
- Why cheap: Excellent value hotels, markets and street food.Why cheap: Excellent value hotels, markets and street food.
- See and do: Islands, temples, night markets, elephant sanctuaries.See and do: Islands, temples, night markets, elephant sanctuaries.
- Better than: Caribbean, for low everyday costs.Better than: Caribbean, for low everyday costs.
Bali, Indonesia - Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
- Why cheap: Good villa and apartment value. Local eateries are wallet friendly.Why cheap: Good villa and apartment value. Local eateries are wallet friendly.
- See and do: Rice terraces, waterfalls, surf, temples.See and do: Rice terraces, waterfalls, surf, temples.
- Better than: Thailand, if you want yoga or wellness with beach time.Better than: Thailand, if you want yoga or wellness with beach time.
Vietnam - Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- Why cheap: Great value trains, coffee, food and homestays.Why cheap: Great value trains, coffee, food and homestays.
- See and do: Lantern towns, bays, caves, street-food tours.See and do: Lantern towns, bays, caves, street-food tours.
- Better than: Thailand, for culture packed city breaks on a budget.Better than: Thailand, for culture packed city breaks on a budget.
Maldives - Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
- Why cheap: Look for guesthouse islands and more affordable flights between peak and off-peak seasons.Why cheap: Look for guesthouse islands and more affordable flights between peak and off-peak seasons.
- See and do: Snorkelling, sandbanks, sunsets, kayaking.See and do: Snorkelling, sandbanks, sunsets, kayaking.
- Better than: UAE, if your priority’s water and reef life.Better than: UAE, if your priority’s water and reef life.
Mexico - Mexican Peso (MXN)
- Why cheap: All inclusive bundles and bus travel keep costs predictable.Why cheap: All inclusive bundles and bus travel keep costs predictable.
- See and do: Cenotes, Mayan sites, beaches, taco tours.See and do: Cenotes, Mayan sites, beaches, taco tours.
- Better than: USA, for sunshine plus heritage at lower prices.Better than: USA, for sunshine plus heritage at lower prices.
USA (Florida) - US Dollar (USD)
- Why cheap: Villa sharing and outlet dining can balance theme park costs.Why cheap: Villa sharing and outlet dining can balance theme park costs.
- See and do: Beaches, springs, theme parks, space coast.See and do: Beaches, springs, theme parks, space coast.
- Better than: Caribbean, if you want big attractions with your sun.Better than: Caribbean, if you want big attractions with your sun.
Caribbean (various currencies: BBD, DOP, JMD, XCD)
- Why cheap: More affordable packages between peak and off-peak seasons. Choose islands with lots of flights.Why cheap: More affordable packages between peak and off-peak seasons. Choose islands with lots of flights.
- See and do: Reefs, rum distilleries, rainforests, sailing.See and do: Reefs, rum distilleries, rainforests, sailing.
- Better than: Long haul Asia, for shorter flight times from the UK.Better than: Long haul Asia, for shorter flight times from the UK.
Warm-weather city winter breaks in Europe
If you’re thinking about city winter breaks, these milder spots pack in culture, food and sunshine. Often with great off season prices.
Lisbon, Porto, Faro - Euro (EUR)
- Why cheap: Budget friendly trams, pastries and petiscos. Walkable hills.Why cheap: Budget friendly trams, pastries and petiscos. Walkable hills.
- See and do: Miradouros, riverfronts, tile museums, day trips to Sintra.See and do: Miradouros, riverfronts, tile museums, day trips to Sintra.
- Better than: Barcelona, in peak season, for crowd free exploring.Better than: Barcelona, in peak season, for crowd free exploring.
Seville, Valencia, Malaga - Euro (EUR)
- Why cheap: Tapas culture makes dining affordable. Plenty of midweek deals.Why cheap: Tapas culture makes dining affordable. Plenty of midweek deals.
- See and do: Plazas, cathedrals, markets, city beaches (Valencia, Malaga).See and do: Plazas, cathedrals, markets, city beaches (Valencia, Malaga).
- Better than: Madrid, for winter warmth.Better than: Madrid, for winter warmth.
Athens - Euro (EUR)
- Why cheap: Lower ticket queues and hotel rates outside summer.Why cheap: Lower ticket queues and hotel rates outside summer.
- See and do: Acropolis, street art, food tours, island day trips.See and do: Acropolis, street art, food tours, island day trips.
- Better than: Rome, if you want ancient sites without summer heat.Better than: Rome, if you want ancient sites without summer heat.
Rome, Palermo - Euro (EUR)
- Why cheap: Off season apartments and free piazza people watching.Why cheap: Off season apartments and free piazza people watching.
- See and do: Ruins, markets, neighbourhood wanders, street food.See and do: Ruins, markets, neighbourhood wanders, street food.
- Better than: Northern Europe, for mild weather and outdoor dining.Better than: Northern Europe, for mild weather and outdoor dining.
Valletta (Malta) - Euro (EUR)
- Why cheap: Compact city. Buses and ferries keep costs down.Why cheap: Compact city. Buses and ferries keep costs down.
- See and do: Harbour views, WWII tunnels, Three Cities.See and do: Harbour views, WWII tunnels, Three Cities.
- Better than: Larger capitals, if you like bite sized city breaks.Better than: Larger capitals, if you like bite sized city breaks.
Nice - Euro (EUR)
- Why cheap: Winter hotel rates and affordable regional trains.Why cheap: Winter hotel rates and affordable regional trains.
- See and do: Promenade walks, market lunches, day trips to Antibes and Monaco.See and do: Promenade walks, market lunches, day trips to Antibes and Monaco.
- Better than: Paris, for light, sea air and quick coastal escapes.Better than: Paris, for light, sea air and quick coastal escapes.
Winter sun on a budget: where to look
Searching for cheap winter sun holidays? Start here for affordable flights and good on-the-ground value.
Canary Islands and the Algarve
- Frequent flights and a wide range of stays keep prices fair.Frequent flights and a wide range of stays keep prices fair.
Turkey and Morocco
- Excellent value for food, hammams, taxis and trains.Excellent value for food, hammams, taxis and trains.
Southern Spain city breaks (Seville, Malaga)
- Off season warmth plus low cost dining.Off season warmth plus low cost dining.
How to choose the right winter sun destination on a budget
Run through this quick checklist to match your plans to your spend. And get more holiday for your money.
- Flight costs - Look for routes with multiple airlines and midweek departures.Flight costs - Look for routes with multiple airlines and midweek departures.
- On the ground prices - Favour places with affordable local dining and public transport.On the ground prices - Favour places with affordable local dining and public transport.
- Free and low cost days - Beaches, hikes, markets and museums with free-entry days.Free and low cost days - Beaches, hikes, markets and museums with free-entry days.
- Accommodation mix - Apartments and guesthouses often beat hotels for families.Accommodation mix - Apartments and guesthouses often beat hotels for families.
- The perfect weather - If heat is a must, pick southern Spain or the Canaries, or go long haul to Thailand or the UAE.The perfect weather - If heat is a must, pick southern Spain or the Canaries, or go long haul to Thailand or the UAE.
- Travel time - Shorter flights save on time and transfers - ideal for city winter breaks.Travel time - Shorter flights save on time and transfers - ideal for city winter breaks.
- Travel insurance - buy travel insurance in advance to save on any unexpected costs.Travel insurance - buy travel insurance in advance to save on any unexpected costs.
Smart travel money tips for winter sun and city breaks
Small tweaks to your budget make your holiday money work harder. Here’s how to spend smart wherever you land.
- Mix up your holiday money - Take a sensible split of cash for tips, taxis and markets. Use card for hotels and bigger spends.Mix up your holiday money - Take a sensible split of cash for tips, taxis and markets. Use card for hotels and bigger spends.
- Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) - If a card machine asks to charge you in Pounds, choose the local currency - it’s usually cheaper.Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) - If a card machine asks to charge you in Pounds, choose the local currency - it’s usually cheaper.
- ATMs - Use reputable bank ATMs. Some charge a fee - it’ll show on screen before you confirm.ATMs - Use reputable bank ATMs. Some charge a fee - it’ll show on screen before you confirm.
- Small notes help - Handy for taxis, tips and local cafés. Don’t rely on big notes.Small notes help - Handy for taxis, tips and local cafés. Don’t rely on big notes.
- Tipping varies - Check local customs so you’re not over- or under-tipping.Tipping varies - Check local customs so you’re not over- or under-tipping.
- Keep a backup - Leave a spare debit, credit or pre-paid currency card in the hotel safe, just in case.Keep a backup - Leave a spare debit, credit or pre-paid currency card in the hotel safe, just in case.
- Track your rate - Exchange rates go up and down. If you see a rate you like, think about locking it in with a pre-paid currency card.Track your rate - Exchange rates go up and down. If you see a rate you like, think about locking it in with a pre-paid currency card.
Travel money tips by destination
Eurozone city winter breaks - Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Malta (EUR)
- Cards widely accepted.Cards widely accepted.
- Cash still useful for local cafés, markets and small museums.Cash still useful for local cafés, markets and small museums.
- Multi-currency Cash Passport could be useful for budgeting.Multi-currency Cash Passport prepaid card could be useful for budgeting.
Turkey (TRY)
- Cash is handy beyond the main tourist areas.Cash is handy beyond the main tourist areas.
- Cards accepted in hotels and bigger restaurants.Cards accepted in hotels and bigger restaurants.
Morocco (MAD) and Egypt (EGP)
- Cash is king in souks and taxis.Cash is king in souks and taxis.
- ATMs are common in cities and resorts.ATMs are common in cities and resorts.
UAE, Oman (AED/OMR)
- Cards accepted almost everywhere.Cards accepted almost everywhere.
- Keep some cash for taxis, tips and small shops.Keep some cash for taxis, tips and small shops.
Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia (THB/VND/IDR)
- Cash used often for markets and street food.Cash used often for markets and street food.
- Cards in hotels and malls.Cards in hotels and malls.
- Carry small denominations.Carry small denominations.
Mexico, the Caribbean (MXN/BBD/DOP/JMD/XCD)
- Tourist areas take cards.Tourist areas take cards.
- Cash better for local vendors and excursions.Cash better for local vendors and excursions.
- USD is accepted in places, but paying in local currency is usually better value.USD is accepted in places, but paying in local currency is usually better value.
USA (USD)
- Cards are standard.Cards are standard.
- Keep small bills for tips and vending/parking.Keep small bills for tips and vending/parking.
To learn more about taking cash abroad, take a look at our guide - Why you still need travel money abroad.
How Tesco Travel Money can help with your holiday spending
Buy your currency easily online. Or pick up in-store when you’re doing the weekly shop.
- Competitive rates on over 50 currencies - Pick up popular notes like euros and US dollars, plus many more.Competitive rates on over 50 currencies - Pick up popular notes like euros and US dollars, plus many more.
- Clubcard Prices - Get a better rate with your Clubcard. T&Cs apply.Clubcard Prices - Get a better rate with your Clubcard. T&Cs apply.
- Buy online or in-store - Buy your currency online for Home Delivery or Click+Collect. Or buy in-store at a Tesco Travel Money Bureau. Fees may apply.Buy online or in-store - Buy your currency online for Home Delivery or Click+Collect. Or buy in-store at a Tesco Travel Money Bureau. Fees may apply.
- Price Match - at a Tesco Travel Money Bureau in-store. Terms apply.Price Match - at a Tesco Travel Money Bureau in-store. Terms apply.
- Multi-currency Cash Passport prepaid card - Add up to 22 currencies to our prepaid card for easy spending and ATM withdrawals abroad.Multi-currency Cash Passport prepaid card - Add up to 22 currencies to our prepaid card for easy spending and ATM withdrawals abroad.
- Currency Buy Back - Sell your leftover holiday money to us. Plus, add our Buy Back Promise when you buy your travel money, for peace of mind. Terms apply.Currency Buy Back - Sell your leftover holiday money to us. Plus, add our Buy Back Promise when you buy your travel money, for peace of mind. Terms apply.
To learn more about foreign currency exchange, see our Currency exchange guide.
Exchange rates may vary during the day. Rates will vary whether you're buying in-store, online or over the phone. They'll also vary depending on whether you're buying cash or a pre-paid currency card.
We buy back most currencies we sell in most banknote values. Excludes closed currencies.
When should I buy my travel money?
It’s a good idea to buy your travel money before you head for the airport. You’ll get a better deal buying in advance. And with Tesco Travel Money, you’ll get a better rate with your Clubcard.
If you buy your holiday money before you go:
- you’ll know your rate in advance and can set a budgetyou’ll know your rate in advance and can set a budget
- you avoid airport rates, which are often less competitiveyou avoid airport rates, which are often less competitive
- you can split between cash and a pre-paid currency card for added convenience and peace of mind.you can split between cash and a pre-paid currency card for added convenience and peace of mind.
Timing is everything
According to our research, 1 in 5 travellers wait to exchange their money 48 hours before going away. However, 1 in 10 think more strategically. They wait to exchange when the currency they need has reasonable rates.*
How much travel money will I need?
Whether it’s pizza in Sicily or a taxi in Paris, get a feel for how far your travel money might go in Europe with our foreign currency guide.
Travel Money with Clubcard Prices
Buy Travel Money online or in-store and get a better rate with your Clubcard. Choose from up to 50 currencies in cash or add up to 22 currencies to a Multi-currency Cash Passport card.
About our research
Tesco Insurance warns winter sun seekers not to leave travel money until the last minute - Published: 3 November 2025.
Important information
Tesco Travel Money ordered in store is provided by Travelex Agency Services Limited. Registered No. 04621879. Tesco Travel Money ordered online or by telephone is provided by Travelex Currency Services Limited. Registered No. 03797356. Registered Office for both companies: Worldwide House, Thorpewood, Peterborough, PE3 6SB.
Multi-currency Cash Passport is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to license by Mastercard® International. PrePay Technologies Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900010) for the issuing of electronic money and payment instruments. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
Our Buy Back Promise
Our Buy Back Promise is only available if you’re:
- going abroad and coming back to the UK within 45 daysgoing abroad and coming back to the UK within 45 days
- spending a minimum of £75 on travel money online or £35 in-storespending a minimum of £75 on travel money online or £35 in-store
We’ll buy back your foreign currency bank notes at the same exchange rate you got when you bought your travel money from us, up to a maximum value of £250.
We’ll buy back any currency you have above the £250 limit using the rate available on the day, which you can see on our rates board in-store.
When you buy your travel money from us, you’ll see the exchange rate on your receipt.
*Excludes closed currencies, including Moroccan Dirham.
How does our Price Match work?
If you find a better exchange rate from another provider, we'll match it at a Travel Money Bureau in-store. As long as it’s:
- within 3 miles of your chosen Tesco Travel Money Bureauwithin 3 miles of your chosen Tesco Travel Money Bureau
- available on the day you buy your currency in-storeavailable on the day you buy your currency in-store
Price Match only applies in-store on a like-for-like basis on sell transactions. It doesn’t apply to exchange rates advertised online or by phone.
This is not available in conjunction with any other offer. We reserve the right to check the rate you’ve found and the 3-mile distance from our store (using a standard route planning tool).