The 10 Cheapest Destinations for Aussies

“With the Aussie dollar still riding high in 2010 there has never been a better time to hit the road. Lonely Planet recently named London as the ‘best value’ destination for Aussies this year. While there are plenty of places that are now better value, many of these places still might not be considered a ‘budget’ destination. London will never be this, and the USA can still be ruthlessly expensive despite the dollar increase”

The paragraph above was written mid last year when the Aussie dollar was still around .95 cents USD.  With the dollar now at dizzying heights and the USA and UK still deep in economic turmoil it really has never been a better time to get out of Australia for a while.   The cost of living in Europe and the USA is at least comparable and often cheaper than home.   It’s also a safe bet bananas are not 15 dollars a Kg in any of the countries listed here.

10. Bolivia

Your dollars equal allot of Bolivianos. Probably the cheapest travel in South America and often the most rewarding.

9. Indonesia

The rupiah has taken a bit of a dive against the Aussie dollar. If you can get out of Bali it’s a great time to see the rest of the country as well. Prices for travel around lesser frequented areas will have you spending next to nothing.

8. India

While sometimes more expensive than people expect you can still spend months in India for very little.

7. Cambodia

Always popular Cambodia is as much of a bargain as ever. If you can get away from the hordes of other travellers there’s lots to enjoy at low prices.

6. Thailand

Our third most popular destination after New Zealand and Bali is now better value than ever. From shopping, dental work and the seedier activities it’s all a bargain.

5. South Africa

While prices around the world cup will sky rocket, seeing South Africa outside the world cup month will be a cheap and fantastic holiday. There’s also the launch of cheaper flights with Virgin into Joberg that should see more Aussies heading to Africa this year.

4. Namibia

South Africa’s northern neighbour has a lot to offer at a low price. Boasting every bit as good as wildlife viewing as South Africa, Namibia is worth checking out if you are over for the world cup.

3. Bangladesh.

For a place off the beaten path Bangledesh is an experience, to say the least. There’s cheap flights over once you’re in Asia and the prices around the country are exceptionally low.

2. Ethiopia

While a royal pain in the backside to get to straight from Oz Ethiopia remains a true adventure destination and one you can enjoy for very little. Flights from Europe or via the middle east are reasonable, and once you’re there the country is yours to explore without the wallet worry.

1. Mexico

Despite the troubles in Mexico (mainly in the North), the dollar has increased dramatically against the peso. It was fairly cheap before the rise and now one of the cheapest destinations for Aussies looking for something with a bit more edge than Thailand or the UK.

Also check out our page on budget travel costs world wide for an idea of day to day costs by country and region

Category: Africa, General musings, Round the world, South America, Travel Money