7 places still cheap for Aussies to holiday

THE Aussie dollar has fallen dramatically against some currencies, such as the US dollar and the British pound, among others. But before you break the bank, you might want to consider a holiday where the Aussie dollar is holding its own. Here’s a Skyscanner guide to the countries where our currency does best, plus tips on making your savings stretch further.

Fancy a holiday in Britain? Two years ago one Australian dollar would have bought you nearly 70 pence, but these days you might be lucky to get 50 pence. Over the same time period, the Aussie dollar has fallen from around US$1.05 to about US76 cents. This means an Aussie travelling in Britain or America will find they are spending nearly a third more than they would have a couple of years ago!

Things are slightly better when it comes to the euro though, with the Aussie dollar dropping about 13 per cent against that currency. Still, it’s a big enough rise in costs to get some people thinking of heading elsewhere for their holiday. So where should we go to get the biggest bang for our buck? Here are a few suggestions.

1. Russia

Thanks to a Russian currency crisis brought about by sanctions imposed after its annexation of the Crimea and apparent support of Russian insurgents in Eastern Ukraine, the rouble has fallen by around 60 per cent against the Aussie dollar. Time to see the Kremlin perhaps, or take a stroll along St Petersburg’s Nevsky Prospect?

Worldwide money-saving tip: Book air tickets well in advance, and fly midweek.

2. Canada

There’s been hardly any variation in our currencies in recent years, so there’s no need to gulp when you see the exchange rate. Instead, head to the hills on the Rocky Mountaineer, or get a face full of spray at Niagara Falls.

Worldwide money-saving tip: Pay for things before you go to avoid unpleasant currency surprises.

3. South Africa

Again, the Aussie dollar has largely held ground against the South African Rand despite some fluctuation. A safari in Kruger National Park may well be an option, or perhaps you could follow Nelson Mandela’s footsteps to one of the most famous prisons on the planet, Robben Island, near Cape Town.

Worldwide money-saving tip: Avoid airport currency change outlets because these often have higher fees and commissions.

4. Indonesia

Over the past two years, the Indonesian Rupiah has dropped by about 13 per cent against the dollar, which makes that batik sarong a good option. You could go on a quick shopping spree in Surabaya or Jakarta, or visit our closest relatives with an orangutan tour.

Worldwide money-saving tip: Find bargain flights, hotels and car hire by using Skyscanner Australia.

5. Brazil

In around two years the Brazilian Real has dropped by around 20 per cent against the Aussie dollar, which makes it a great time to dream about playing volleyball with the near-naked locals on Copacabana beach.

Worldwide money-saving tip: Turn off global roaming on your phone and buy a local SIM card before you leave home, or when you arrive.

6. Argentina

You wouldn’t quite call it a currency collapse, but the Argentine Peso has fallen in value by around 35 per cent against the Aussie dollar since mid-2013. Don’t miss the dramatic Iguazu falls or a horse ride across the grasslands of Patagonia.

Worldwide money-saving tip: Rent and return your hire car in the same country, crossing boarders can add hundreds of dollar to your bill.

7. Norway

The Scandinavian countries are usually pretty pricey for Aussie tourists and Norway is no exception. The good news is that the Aussie dollar has risen by around 16 per cent against the Norwegian Krone in the last two years. That trip to the fjords, seeing the Northern Lights and basking in the midnight sun? Looking more likely indeed!

Worldwide money-saving tip: Book train fares on the internet well in advance and you can save big time.