Top destinations to escape the cold that won’t break the bank

FLIGHTS out of here are 18 per cent cheaper than the same time last year. Here are the top overseas destinations to escape the cold.

WINTER has certainly come. But if the cold wasn’t incentive enough to get out of here, maybe this will be.

Flights from Australia are, on average, 18 per cent cheaper this winter than they were at this time last year, according to Skyscanner Australia, who crunched the numbers on millions of flights and prices.

Why? How? Is it too good to be true? Well, according to a Skyscanner spokesman, you better believe it — a whole host of factors have contributed to cheaper flights this year than in 2016.

“Lower fares can be attributed to a number of reasons, one of which would be airlines expanding their route offerings,” Emily Callahan, principal growth manager of skyscanner.com.au told news.com.au.

And to complement expanding route offerings, airlines also tend to offer sweet discounts.

“It’s also common for airlines to hold a promotional fare when this happens. For example, this year saw Jetstar launch its direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City from Melbourne and Sydney with flights starting from $199. Similarly, Scoot also started flying its one-stop flights from Perth, Sydney and Melbourne to Greece from June this year.

“As a route becomes more competitive, other carriers will then adopt different ways to price routes, which may become more affordable for the traveller.”

So which destinations are the most wallet-friendly this winter? Here are the top 10 most popular overseas destinations for Aussies this winter that won’t break the bank, and Skyscanner’s tips on what to do there at this time of year.

London

The average price paid for a return flight to London this winter is $2182, according to Skyscanner, which is down 11 per cent on last year.

And if you haven’t seen London in summer, it’s a perfect time to take a boat trip down the Thames, and under famous Tower Bridge, to the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

Paris has some of the best museums in the world.

Paris

The average price paid for a return flight to Paris this winter is $1798, which is down 13 per cent on last year.

And Paris over the European summer months is hot but the air is dry. Ideal weather to escape the city and head out to the Palace of Versailles to be wowed by the architecture and manicured grounds. Or you could keep cool in the many art galleries and museums the city has to offer.

The Mona Lisa can be found in the Louvre, while Poppy Fields by Monet and Starry Nights over the Reine by van Gogh can be seen at the Musee d’Orsay.

Amsterdam

The average price paid for a return flight to Amsterdam this winter is $1810, which is down 12 per cent on last year.

If you can’t decide between a beach or city holiday to escape the winter cold, Amsterdam could be the place for you.

Beach resorts, Bloemendaal aan Zee and Zandvoort aan Zee are only a 30 minute train ride from the city and perfect for a day trip.

Phuket

The average price paid for a return flight to Phuket this winter is $650, which is down 18 per cent on last year.

Aussie winter is Phuket’s ‘low’ season thanks to the monsoon but don’t let the rain put you off. It comes in short, sharp bursts usually followed by clear blue skies.

And without the peak season crowds you could soak up the peace and quiet on the nearby islands of Koh Yao Noi and Koh Lone.

Sail in a longtail boat at Phang Nga Bay. Picture: COMO Point Yamu

Ho Chi Minh City

The average price paid for a return flight to Ho Chi Minh City this winter is $699, which is down 17 per cent on last year.

In the Aussie winter it’s hot and humid in Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon. It can also bucket down with rain from time to time too. But like Phuket, this vibrant Vietnamese city is good to visit at any time of the year.

Take a trip out to see the Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of connecting underground tunnels where the local Vietcong sheltered during the Vietnam War. Or check out the booby traps they made for their unfortunate enemies.

Honolulu

The average price paid for a return flight to Honolulu this winter is $1009, which is down 13 per cent on last year.

With nice warm temperatures and low rainfall, now is the perfect time to pop into the capital of Hawaii, Honolulu.

You’ll find great Polynesian food here, including a thick paste made of taro root, cubed raw fish, and slow-roasted pork cooked in an underground oven.

West of Honolulu is Pearl Harbor, the site of the Japanese attack that brought the USA into World War Two. It’s a working naval base with major tourist attractions, including ships and museums.

Colombo

The average price paid for a return flight to Colombo this winter is $887, which is down 14 per cent on last year.

The best thing about Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, is the Galle Face Hotel, a British-Raj resting place that has hosted everyone form famous authors and politicians to adventurers and the landed gentry. Visitors can take in the atmosphere from The Pool Bar, overlooking the Indian Ocean.

The doorman at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Vancouver

The average price paid for a return flight to Vancouver this winter is $2000, which is down 11 per cent on last year.

Vancouver may still be cool in its summer months but it still has so much to offer. You can watch the seaplanes coming in to land from Stanley Park and stroll along the waterside boardwalks downtown.

Or you can head up to Vancouver Lookout for a bird’s-eye view of the city, ocean and mountains.

Toronto

The average price paid for a return flight to Toronto this winter is $2019, which is down 27 per cent on last year.

Canada might not be a place Aussies would typically visit in the summertime, but it’s worth it.

After a couple of days of exploring the city, and maybe taking in a hockey game, take a trip out to Niagara Falls, where you can descend in a lift through solid rock to stand right next to the raging torrent.

The downtown Vancouver city skyline at sunset, as seen from Stanley Park. Picture: iStock

Beijing

The average price paid for a return flight to Beijing this winter is $866, which is down 14 per cent on last year.

Spend a whole day exploring the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, and say hello to the embalmed body of Chairman Mao in his crystal coffin at the Museum of Mao Zedong.

If you want to head to the Great Wall, the Badaling section is the best-preserved and most-visited section, but August is peak season for Beijing so go early to avoid swarms of tourists.