Once you’ve paid for your flights, the next big expenses for overseas travel are accommodation, food and sightseeing. This summer, do yourself a favour and invest in an inspirational trip to a destination where the Aussie dollar is oh so strong.
Discover Sri Lanka’s historic Sigiriya with a strong Aussie dollar.
Sri Lanka
A delicious meal with a beer will only set you back about $5, in alluring Sri Lanka. As for accommodation, it’s possible to find beachfront hotels for $100 a night, or less. A land of tea empires, wild roaming elephants and idyllic stretches of sand lining the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka ticks all the right boxes for a stimulating summer escape.
Climb the Sigiriya rock plateau, a World Heritage Site surrounded by landscaped gardens. Head to the colonial capital, Colombo, to stroll along the Galle Face Green promenade, shop at markets and visit art galleries. To get back to nature, trek through Udawalawe National Park and see elephants in their natural habitat at the Elephant Freedom Project.
Inexpensive beach bliss awaits in Langkawi.
Even in popular Langkawi, you’ll find well-rated hotels and Airbnb’s for $100 per night or less.
Malaysia
Like Kuta and Patong Beach, you’ll find prices are the same as at home, in the tourist hot spots of Malaysia. Steer clear of restaurants, shops and activities aimed only at tourists though, and you won’t believe how cheap a holiday to Malaysia can be. Often, this simply means eating or shopping just one street back from the main tourist drag, wherever you happen to be. Chances are, the food will be better quality also.
Even in popular Langkawi, you’ll find well-rated hotels and Airbnb’s for $100 per night or less. For water babies and nature lovers, a holiday here is island perfection. Ride the cable car for panoramic views, island-hop to uninhabited slices of heaven, trek through lush jungles and snorkel with butterflyfish, giant grouper and vibrant corals.
Eating out in Vietnam is a bargain hunter’s dream.
Vietnam
If you haven’t discovered Vietnam yet, pop it at the top of your list before the rest of the world does. In terms of costs, this is a country that truly caters to all budgets. Dine in a 5-star restaurant if you choose, however a bowl of fragrant, traditional pho at a local restaurant is often more delicious and as little as $2. For cheap accommodation, good guest houses are generally atmospheric, spotlessly clean and full of amenities like pools, for as little as $30 per night. Check for excellent reviews before you book, and you can’t really go wrong.
Start with a couple of nights in bustling Ho Chi Minh City for market shopping and a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels. Head to Hoi An to see the enchanting, lantern-lit Ancient Town and stay by the South China Sea at An Bang Beach. Finish in the foodie haven of Hanoi, which you can also use as a base to visit the World Heritage Site of Halong Bay.
For holiday bargain hunters, no matter which destination you choose, that ‘bang for your buck’ factor will keep you grinning from ear to ear each day you’re away.