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These days, Euro summer is feeling more like a financial fever dream. Between the new entry-exit rules, increased tourist taxes, strict visitor caps and rising flight costs, many Australians are finding themselves priced out of a European escape. But you don’t need a Euro summer price tag to find turquoise beaches, pretty sunset peaks and coastal vistas.
We’ve found five dreamy Euro summer dupes for 2026 that are currently trending on Expedia. With the Aussie dollar performing favourably in all these spots, you can enjoy cheaper accommodation, food and experiences. Sounds like a pretty good deal to us!
Incheon, South Korea
If your Euro Summer dream involves romantic promenades, fairy-tale village architecture and waterfront theme parks, Incheon is your spot. This South Korean city essentially feels like the love child of futuristic Rotterdam and canal-bound Venice. You can wander through the futuristic Songdo Central Park, eat your way through historical Chinatown and soak up the sun on Wolmido Island. Incheon is incredibly accessible for Australians, with direct flights from our biggest capital cities, and accommodation is more affordable than Seoul (and far cheaper than in Europe). Even better, the Aussie dollar is around ten per cent stronger against the Korean won than it was last year. That means more money to spend on K-beauty and K-BBQ!
Cook Islands
The Cook Islands are to the South Pacific what Milos or Paxos is to Greece. Much like Aegean's best-kept secrets, this archipelago offers the same rugged, volcanic beauty and crystal-clear waters as the Greek Islands – minus the crowds of Bali or Fiji. There are more than 70 palm-fringed beaches and turquoise lagoons to enjoy, many of which are only accessible by boat. Direct flights to Rarotonga are pretty affordable from Australia’s East Coast (thanks Jetstar), and you won’t even need a visa to visit. The Cook Islands also use New Zealand currency, and with the Aussie dollar having strengthened around six per cent year‑on‑year, your holiday fund will stretch even further.
Shanghai, China
While Europe has tightened its borders with new entry schemes and fees, China has extended its 30-day visa-free entry for Australians until the end of 2026. This makes trendy Shanghai an easily accessible – and affordable – city escape, with accommodation searches on Expedia up 50 per cent year-on-year. Expedia travel expert Sarah King says, “With the Aussie dollar firming by an average of four per cent against the Chinese yuan compared to last year, travellers are getting more bang for their buck across shopping, food and big‑city experiences in Shanghai.”
Da Nang, Vietnam
If you’re looking for a mix of coastal cool and cosmopolitan energy, Da Nang is your guy. Set between white‑sand beaches and lush mountains, this trending Vietnamese city is one of the best‑value coastal escapes for Aussies. A strong Aussie dollar – roughly eight per cent higher against the Vietnamese dong compared to last year – means luxury beachfront resorts, rooftop sundowners and local experiences are highly affordable, making it a great Euro summer alternative.
Koh Tao, Thailand
Forget Phuket and Koh Samui – Koh Tao is the rugged, underwater escape you didn’t know you needed. Known as ‘Turtle Island’, this underrated gem is renowned as one of the world’s top, affordable places for scuba diving and snorkelling. Cheap accommodation and food help your budget stretch further, especially with the Aussie dollar currently four per cent stronger against the Thai baht than this time last year. Island time, here we come!