If you think that travelling overseas is an out of reach dream, then you might be missing out on some incredible opportunities. From exotic beach getaways to bucket-list favourites, you can discover a world of wonder and culture on the other side of the globe without blowing your budget.
Despite the sluggish British economy and volatile pound, cheap overseas holidays are still a possibility. With a little research, you can find a package deal to an island paradise like the Cook Islands that includes return economy airfares to Rarotonga, transfers, accommodation at Sea Change Villas in a lagoon view villa with private plunge pool and two days car hire taken care of for just over $3000 per person.
The cheapest months to travel to Vietnam are February, March, April, May, August and September. With a total flight time of 6 hours and 7 minutes, you can explore this backpacker’s paradise for less than $329 per night and enjoy some of the best cuisine in Asia. Hoi An and Hanoi are some of the most popular destinations but you can do a complete North (Hanoi, Sa Pa, Ninh Binh) or Central (Da Nang, Hoi An) trip for even cheaper than this.
South Africa is another top-rated destination that’s affordable, with a lack of airline competition helping keep travel costs low. It’s a country of beautiful beaches, a vibrant culture and thrilling wildlife encounters but it’s also surprisingly affordable with $150 a day getting you a three or four star hotel (except in Cape Town), $50 for a three-course meal and $100 or less for a bungy jump.
Belize is an adventurer’s dream and a nature lover’s haven with the country’s biodiverse biodiversity and beautiful coral reefs. It’s also home to the Great Blue Hole, a scuba diver’s ultimate bucket list experience. A tour to the island of Caye Caulker is cheap, too, costing only AU$90.
Peru has the hallmarks of a spectacular holiday, including awe-inspiring natural beauty and surfable coastlines. But a recent surge in popularity has pushed prices up. That’s why Jelencovich suggests Ecuador instead.
It’s no secret that Bali is a top honeymoon and romantic destination but it’s not as expensive as you might think. It’s also a great place to visit with friends or family.
A trip to Singapore can be surprisingly cheap. This global city has a lot to offer, from an amazing food scene – the stars of Crazy Rich Asians would love it here – to some beautiful parks and gardens and world class shopping experiences. And the flight is a short 5.5 hours from Melbourne.