Revealed: Best bang for your buck travel destinations

THE best value destinations for Australian travellers have been revealed. And here's a hint it's not Asia.

Euros Eiffel Tower Paris

EUROPE has emerged as the best value destination for Australian travellers based on the value of our dollar, according to new research.

It was followed by the United States and United Kingdom.

The Galaxy research, commissioned by currency specialist OzForex, found the Australian dollar bought 0.79
euros - a rise of more than 43 per cent compared to the same time three years ago.

"From Paris to Berlin, that's a massive jump in your spending power,'' OzForex CEO Neil Helm said.

"Travellers can thank a lack of confidence in the Euro as a result of problems in Greece, Spain, Portugal and other European countries for the bump."

The Australian dollar was up 42 per cent on the US and 33 per cent on the UK pound, compared to April 2009.

"That still might not make a notorious London latte good value, but it's certainly a great boost for Australians visiting the UK for the Olympics this year," Mr Helm said.

Closer to home, Thailand was the best value destination, with the exchange rate improving by 24 per cent.

While in 2009 you would get about 25 baht for your dollar, today you will get about 32.

The survey found younger and more frequent travellers preferred to take cash on overseas holidays.

Although 83 per cent of travellers worry about transaction costs, the majority still use credit cards when they travel despite the higher fees.

Only 14 per cent use pre-paid multicurrency travel money cards, which are designed as a convenient and safer option for those travelling overseas.

OzForex has just released a multicurrency travel card.

Australian dollar gains since April 2009

Europe (Euro) 43%
US (Dollar) 42%
UK (Pound) 33%
Thailand (Baht) 24%
South Korea 23%
Malaysia 22%
Japan 16%

Source: Ozforex.com.au