Swap these busy holiday spots for their cost-effective alternatives
Fares to these destinations have significantly dropped, making them excellent spots for budget-conscious travellers in 2020.
It’s hard to beat a holiday that lets you escape the crowds without blowing the budget.
If that’s the kind of trip you want, these are the five exciting overseas destinations you should consider.
Skyscanner’s Australia Travel Trends 2020 report has found the emerging destinations where year-on-year fare prices have dropped significantly, making them excellent spots for budget-conscious travellers.
And they’re brilliant alternatives to more popular holiday destinations, so you can have a similar experience for less money.
SWAP BALI FOR PORT VILA
Bali will always be one of our favourites, but if you’re looking for a beach holiday destination that’s a little different, less crowded, and a bargain-hunter’s dream, you can’t beat Vanuatu’s capital city Port Vila.
Skyscanner said Port Vila’s fares dropped 13 per cent this year, which makes it the most cost-effective option for holidays in 2020.
The average flight price at the moment is $750, which was likely driven by Air Vanuatu’s new non-stop Melbourne-Port Vila flights and good sales from Virgin Australia.
It’s also closer to Australia than Bali – Port Vila is less than four hours from Sydney and less than three hours from Brisbane.
Highlights: Scuba diving in colourful coral reefs, swimming in the Blue Lagoon, hiking up the (frequently active) Mount Yasur volcano.
Best time to visit: The most affordable times are September and October. Wet season is November to April, which is when it’s less busy. It’s busiest during school holidays and Christmas.
SWAP AUCKLAND FOR QUEENSTOWN
It’s hard to stand out in a country so spectacularly beautiful as New Zealand but, somehow, Queenstown does.
Lucky for us, airfares from Australia to New Zealand’s adventure capital have dropped by 13 per cent, according to Skyscanner.
The average price is $677, aided by Qantas offering seasonal flights between Melbourne and Queenstown from late June to August for the snow-seeking crowd.
The average price for Auckland, meanwhile, is $826 right now.
Highlights: Adventure sports like bungee jumping, see the Remarkables mountain range, brave the Fear Factory.
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn is less busy and August is the cheapest month.
SWAP LOS ANGELES FOR LAS VEGAS
If you want glitz and glamour on the west coast in a place where airfares are cheaper, skip Los Angeles and head for the City of Sin.
The average price to Las Vegas is $1337, and there’s been a 12 per cent year-on-year price drop.
Don’t worry if you’re not into gambling and all-night partying – there’s plenty else to do in Las Vegas, from outlet shopping to bungee jumping, and it’s just a few hours’ drive from the Grand Canyon.
Highlights: Casinos and stage shows, attractions on Fremont Street, day trips outside the city.
Best time to visit: June to September is quietest because it’s so hot. Spring and autumn is most affordable, and December and January are busy with domestic travellers.
SWAP NEW DELHI FOR AMRITSAR
If you haven’t heard of Amritsar, it should be on your radar.
The enchanting Indian city in Punjab, the heart of India’s Sikh community, is emerging as a rival to popular New Delhi because of its many charms, such as the waterfront Golden Temple that features impressive marble columns and a gilt dome.
Flights to Amritsar have dropped 7 per cent and the average price from Australia is $1006 return.
Highlights: The Golden Temple – the holiest site in Sikhism, the holy Baba bohar tree, old bazaars and spectacular sunsets.
Best time to visit: April to June is the most quiet because it’s the hottest time of the year. July, the start of the wet season, is cheapest, and November to March is peak season.
SWAP SEOUL FOR BUSAN
Seoul has become one of Asia’s hottest destinations, but if you want to escape the crowds and go somewhere a bit more affordable, head to the popular seaside city of Busan.
South Korea’s second-largest city, Busan, has the amazing food, wonderful culture and stunning architecture like Seoul, but with beaches and mountains – and lots of seafood.
Best of all, fares have dropped 7 per cent, and the current fare average is $971.
And if you still want to visit Seoul, it’s only a bullet train away.
Highlights: Great beaches, hot springs, and the colourful buildings of Gamcheon village.
Best time to visit: May or September are the most affordable months, and the city is less crowded in winter. June to August is the busiest time.
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