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With the cost of living biting at home, Australians are getting a little savvier about how – and where – they travel. The upside? A stronger dollar is quietly working in our favour, opening up destinations where your money stretches further without skimping on the good stuff.
To help guide your next holiday, Tristan Dakin, ANZ country manager at Wise, has provided us with an insider shortlist of five incredible countries where the Australian dollar is delivering serious value right now. So skip the expenny Euro-summer this year, and take your pick from these beautifully diverse destinations. Your travel budget will thank us later!
Philippines
If your idea of a holiday involves turquoise waters and island-hopping, the Philippines is calling. The Australian dollar is the highest it's ever been against the Philippine peso in more than ten years. With 7,000 islands to choose from, you can go luxe in Boracay, chase adventure in Palawan or surf your way through Siargao – all while making the most of a favourable exchange rate. The welcome is warm and English is widely spoken. While transport logistics can be a little tricky, sticking to one or two islands keeps things smooth and budget-friendly.
India
Chaotic yet completely captivating, India rewards travellers who go a little beyond the obvious. Yes, icons like the Taj Mahal in Agra and Hawa Mahal in Jaipur still dazzle, and the beaches of South Goa are perennially popular, but it’s in places like Hampi, Gokarna and Madurai where your dollar really stretches – and the crowds thin out. Flights might be longer and a bit pricier, but once you’re there, everything from boutique stays to unforgettable cultural experiences comes at a fraction of the cost, thanks to a strong Australian dollar that’s up more than 23 per cent against the Indian rupee.
Japan
Aussies have been saying konnichiwa to Japan for years now. From cherry blossom season (cue thousands of people under blooming sakura chasing that perfect pic for the ’gram) to the powdery slopes of Hokkaido, it’s a destination that delivers. Right now, a stronger dollar – up around 24 per cent against the yen – means everything from slurping tonkotsu ramen in Fukuoka to zipping between cities on the Shinkansen feels a little more doable. For better value and fewer crowds, skip the usual hotspots and explore places like Shikoku or the postcard-perfect villages of the Kiso Valley.
Indonesia
For an easy, sun-drenched escape, Indonesia still delivers in spades. While Bali remains the classic, more travellers are venturing further afield to Lombok and Flores for a quieter slice of paradise – or heading to Komodo National Park for surreal wildlife encounters. With the Aussie dollar up around 14 per cent against the rupiah, those “treat yourself” moments – think private villas, spa days and long beachside lunches – feel surprisingly within reach, all just a short flight from home.
New Zealand
Sometimes the best value is just across the ditch. With the Aussie dollar performing well (it’s up around 13 per cent year-on-year), New Zealand is looking more tempting than ever for a gorgeous getaway. Think hiking the Milford Track through dramatic fjords, alpine peaks and roaring waterfalls, or sipping your way through world-class wineries. It’s all just a short flight away. While it’s not the cheapest destination on the list, the stronger exchange rate helps take the edge off – making those bucket-list moments, like bungy jumping off the Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown, feel a little more doable.