Winter is coming, and this is the year that you’re finally going to take that holiday you’ve been talking about for years. The problem? You just don’t have the cash for an extravagant trip. By the time you cover your flight, accommodations, food and activities, a long trip to an exotic locale is simply not in the budget.
Or is it? The Australian dollar is more valuable than ever, meaning that holidays that might have previously been out of reach are now actually quite affordable. Even in notoriously expensive places, like European and U.S. cities, Australian travellers can get more for their money, thanks in large part to the fact that many travel service providers set their prices according to the U.S. dollar, and the Australian dollar is currently experiencing a favourable exchange rate.
And while some generally expensive destinations are more affordable, other, lesser-known destinations may be even better bets for your limited holiday budget. Here are a few of them:
Sri Lanka
This tropical island in the Indian Ocean has been rated the least expensive place in the world to visit by several authorities. Less crowded than Phuket, Sri Lanka offers unspoiled beaches, several UNESCO world heritage sites to explore, and world-class hotels, restaurants and shopping. And with the average cost per night for a hotel room around $130, and a three-course dinner for two (with wine) running about $27, Sri Lanka is an all-around travel bargain.
- Sri Lankaby Anjadora / Foter.com / CC BY-SA
Malaysia
Malaysia is a nation of contrasts, from the cosmopolitan and dazzling cities of Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to the jungles of Borneo to the sandy beaches of the eastern coast. While a holiday in the cities will put a dent in your coffers, much of Malaysia is very affordable, not to mention a foodie’s paradise. Malaysian culture is a fusion of Malay, Chinese and Indian influences, meaning you’ll find everything from Chinese buffets to Indian curries and everything in between in the cities and villages around the country.
- Malaysiadanorbit. / Amazing Photos / CC BY-NC-ND
Portugal
While Portugal is not immune to the euro crisis that is currently gripping Europe, there are still bargains to be found here. In fact, Lisbon is consistently ranked as one of Europe’s most affordable cities, and the nonstop nightlife is a major draw to the younger crowds. If a beach holiday is what you’re after, consider the Algarve coast for highly developed beach resorts, or the Costa Verde for seclusion and privacy.
- PortugalFilipe Fortes / Foter.com / CC BY-SA
Hungary
Hungary is another largely undiscovered, but extremely affordable, European destination. In fact, the Australian dollar has gained almost 18 per cent against the Hungarian forint in the last year, meaning your money will go further than ever before. In Budapest, you can expect to find cheap hotel rooms for less than $100 a night — and a gourmet dinner with wine for less than $50. The Lake Batalon area is a popular summer destination for Hungarians and visitors alike, and the perimeter of the lake is surrounded by resorts, wineries, bicycle and hiking tracks and other activities.
- HungaryAlex.bikfalvi / Foter.com / CC BY-SA
Vietnam
Fast becoming one of the top destinations for Aussie travellers, Vietnam offers a fantastic exchange rate, low prices and affordable flights. In fact, thanks in part to the fact that the Australian dollar has gained 19 per cent on the Vietnamese dong, it’s not uncommon to find cheap holiday packages to Hanoi with a round trip flight for well under $1,000. Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City mix Asian culture with French influences — a fusion also evident in the food of this friendly country, widely considered to be some of the best in the world. While you could easily devote your entire holiday to exploring the cities of Vietnam, it’s in natural beauty and wonders where this nation truly shines. From tropical shores lined by emerald jungle to inland mountain ranges, Vietnam offers a variety of landscapes to explore – all at bargain prices.
With some research and flexibility, you can still find holiday deals to popular destinations like Thailand, Fiji and India. With the Australian dollar so strong, the world is truly ripe for exploring, so don’t overlook some of these lesser-known but wildly affordable destinations. Your dream of an exotic winter holiday may be closer than you think.
About the Author: As a freelance writer and blogger, Sonia Cameron doesn’t always have a huge budget for travel, but as a bargain shopper, she always manages to find a deal.
