affordable holiday destinations that won't break the bank

We often think that in order to go on an adventurous or relaxing holiday, we need to be spending thousands of dollars. However, this simply isn’t true. Australia is lucky to be in close proximity to a number of affordable holiday destinations both domestically and internationally. Here’s some of the most holiday spots that won’t hurt your wallet.

Japan

Japan is a holiday destination that has infinitely risen in popularity over the last few years, and for good reason. Not only is it a culturally enriching destination, it’s also very affordable.

From Tokyo to Kyoto, many of Japan’s attractions like shrines, temples and gardens are generally free admission which means you won’t be spending lots of money on sightseeing like you would be elsewhere. Similarly, the Australian dollar currently has a much better exchange rate with the Japanese Yen than America, the UK and European countries’ currencies making Japan a budget-friendly choice.

New Zealand

If you’re itching for an international holiday but you don’t want to go too far, or spend too much, New Zealand should be top of your list. Just a three hour flight from the east coast of Australia, New Zealand is bursting with action-packed adventures like road trips, skiing, bungee jumping and sailing. If you’re more of a foodie, then you’ll be delighted with the abundance of wineries and suave dining spots. The best part is that you can always be sure to find a good flight deal across the pond and the exchange rates between our currencies make a trip to New Zealand a viably affordable holiday.

Fiji

Boasting endless crystal clear waters and lush rainforests amongst a stunning tropical backdrop, Fiji is the ultimate place to explore and relax. Lucky for Australians, the dreamy South Pacific island is within close proximity and is generally affordable to get flights too.

South Korea

South Korea is another country that has been rising favourably among international tourist’s wish lists of travel destinations. Like Japan, South Korea has an abundance of shrines, temples and gardens which are generally free admission. Moreover, the country has an excellent public transport network meaning you won’t have to hire a car or fork out for costly Ubers.

Vietnam

Though it’s further than most of the other spots on this list, Vietnam is bursting with culture, history and excellent food – and it’s also one of the best affordable holiday destinations. Whilst Vietnam has affordable accommodation and flights, it also has some of the most delicious, fresh and budget-friendly food you’ll find in your travels.

You’ll be able to gorge on the bold and fresh taste of Vietnamese street cuisine without breaking the bank.

Senior Content Producer Georgia Weir Senior Content Producer

After finishing up a Bachelor of Arts at The University of Sydney, Georgia fused a love of literature, history, culture and poetry to pursue a career in writing. She first started her media career at Nine where she was a staff writer with 9Honey covering everything from parenting, food, celebrity and travel. Within a year she found herself at the helm of 9Honey’s Style vertical covering all things fashion, culture and beauty. In 2023, Georgia moved to the Australian Women’s Weekly to join their burgeoning digital presence as a Senior Content Producer where she manages and covers all things fashion, beauty, health and travel. After a perilous day at her pastel-coloured keyboard writing about the latest trends, you can find Georgia flicking through her beloved vinyl collection and listening to her favourite records or doom scrolling on Depop (sometimes simultaneously).