10 best value destinations for Aussies heading overseas or holidaying at home

As the Aussie dollar continues its fall, getting value for money is more important than ever. Here’s where to find it, writes Mercedes Maguire

Aitutaki lagoon in the Cook Islands. Picture: Supplied

GETTING value for money is always high on a traveller’s agenda. Whether it’s airfares, accommodation, great dining options or affordable entertainment, good travel planning should always include opportunities to save where you can.

And this year, as the Aussie dollar continued to fall against the major currencies, getting better bang for your buck abroad is more important than ever before.

Escape found the best value destinations for Aussies heading overseas or holidaying at home.

BALI

It’s no wonder this Indonesian island is a favourite Aussie destination. With regular airfare deals that see return flights drop to under $500 and decent accommodation packages from less than $50 a day (see traveonline.com), it’s easy to save big in Bali.

CRUISING

Cruising is one of the best value holiday options as it combines accommodation, meals, entertainment and transport into one fare. But Aussie travellers can save further by choosing a locally-based ship, such as P & O, Princess or Carnival Cruises, which charge in Australian dollars on-board.

“Cruising on Australian-based cruise ships, where the Australian dollar is the on-board currency, means you can travel overseas without having to worry about foreign exchange fluctuations,” says Carnival CEO, Ann Sherry. “Not only is your fare in Australian dollars, so too are any on-board extras like a bottle of wine at dinner or a shore tour.”

Cruise Express director Clive Heath adds: “To save money, look for a cruise where on-board gratuities are included in the cruise price you pay at the start. Over a 10-day cruise this could save you more than $200 a couple.”

CANADA

Although the US remains a favourite Aussie destination, you may find better value across the border in Canada, according to Expedia managing director, Georg Ruebensal.

“The Australian dollar has only fallen 6 per cent against the Canadian dollar and flights to the region have decreased by six per cent year-on-year,” he says. “By comparison, the Australian dollar has fallen by 21 per cent against the US dollar in the last 12 months.”

You can fly to Vancouver for around $1200 return from the Australian east coast, but fare discount periods can see it drop to around $1000.

VIETNAM/CAMBODIA

Indo-China in general represents good value for money due to its proximity to Australia and the fact you can easily find affordable “hawker food” and accommodation deals, Wendy Wu marketing manager Amanda Bruno says.

“As South East Asia is still developing economically, visitors can travel there at a much lower cost than many other destinations,” she says. “Dining is inexpensive whether this be a casual eatery or finer dining options. And getting around the cities is also reasonable with taxi fares a fraction of what they cost in Australia.”

NEW ZEALAND

Our Pacific neighbour undoubtedly represents the best value for money for Australians as it’s our only top destination where our dollar buys more than it did a year ago — 4 per cent more.

Expedia’s Georg Ruebensal says while average accommodation costs have increased by 9 per cent to an average $180 a night, flights to New Zealand have dropped by 5 per cent to an average $463 return.

Wellington, in particular, is a great city for the budget-conscious, says David Perks, CEO of Positively Wellington Tourism. “It’s compact and walkable, with many free activities including a visit to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and City Gallery, as well as the Wellington Night Market and the view from the Mount Victoria lookout.”

COOK ISLANDS

The best way to get a good deal in this tropical paradise is through a package deal that bundles airfares with accommodation and often meals and activities as well. Most Pacific Islands often throw in great family value options such as “kids eat, stay and play free” offers. Flight Centre has five-night packages for less than $1200 per person.

The Cook Islands is one of the more affordable island options as it operates on par with the New Zealand dollar, making it a great value option for Aussies.

EUROPE

Europe, and the UK in particular, is not a destination we generally consider as representing good value. And as the Aussie dollar has dropped a further 12 per cent against the British in the past year, even the humble cup of coffee can cost up to $6 in London.

However, Expedia’s Georg Ruebensal says it makes better sense for Aussie’s to focus on other parts of Europe as the Aussie dollar has only dropped 3 per cent against the euro, in particular Norway, where our dollar jumped 3 per cent against the krone.

Helloworld.com.au CEO Jeremy Reitman adds: “Price-sensitive travellers should consider entering Europe via cities like Amsterdam, Brussels or Paris where the average Early Bird economy ticket price last year was $1570 versus $1743 to London, a savings of 10 per cent.”

FIJI

The accommodation options in Fiji range from $20 a night to $10,000 with everything in between, so there really is an option for every budget, Tourism Fiji regional director Carlah Walton says.

To get the best value, Walton suggests to travel outside school holidays, take the meal plans on offer at resorts and try to package your holiday into a one-cost bundle. Otherwise, wait for cheap airfares to crop up, which can see flights drop to as little as $179 each way.

“Most resorts offer free non-motorised sports, and activities within the gorgeous natural environment of Fiji, which are absolutely free,” Walton says.

RUSSIA

While this far-flung country may take a little effort and money to get to, once there, you can save up big. The Aussie dollar jumped up more against the Russian rouble than any other currency at 31 per cent increase in the past year, according to Expedia. The average night in a hotel dropped 24 per cent to an average $170 and flights have fallen eight per cent to an average $1740.

GOLD COAST

This tourist hotspot can deliver great value for families and couples alike due to the sheer volume of accommodation options. Save by staying away from the beaches in a location such as the Hinterland’s Binna Burra Lodge where two people can stay for $89 a night. Or choose self-contained accommodation, such as Turtle Beach Resort where you can save by preparing meals yourself.

And don’t forget, the Gold Coast’s biggest drawcards, the beaches, coastal areas and national parks are completely free to enjoy, Gold Coast Tourism acting CEO Miles Roper says.

And regular, year-long airfare deals will see flights drop to around $50 each way from east coast capitals.

Originally published as 10 best value destinations for Aussies heading overseas or holidaying at home