Best Value Destinations for Australian Travellers
There were more great reasons to explore the world this year. The average flight prices for international flights from Australia dropped by 3%. This was mostly driven by falling prices for popular destinations such as London (-5%) and Tokyo (-6%). These best value destinations are a great mix of beach and city breaks. They are also great substitutes for their popular, but often more crowded, neighbouring cities. So if you don’t have heaps to spend, consider these best value destinations for travel in 2020.
Port Vila
Average price: $760
YoY change in price: -13%
This was driven by Air Vanuatu’s new non-stop flights between Melbourne and Port Vila, as well as sale offers from Virgin Australia.
If you’re looking for a new beach holiday spot, Vanuatu’s capital might be for you. Port Vila is a lot closer – just less than four hours from Sydney and less than three from Brisbane. Port Vila is a lot closer – just less than four hours from Sydney and less than three from Brisbane. Port Vila Holidays 2020
Alternative to: Bali and Phuket
Scuba diving opportunities. Vanuatu is surrounded by colourful coral reef that’s full of exotic fish, turtles and other beautiful sea life.
Most popular: Christmas/school holidays
Most affordable: September and October
Least crowded: Vanuatu’s wet season runs from November to April, with possible cyclones.
Want to send a postcard home but running late for a scuba diving trip? Fear not! Vanuatu Post has a fully serviced underwater post box (waterproof postcards and stamps are available.)
– Take a dip in the vibrantly coloured Blue Lagoon
– Take an early morning hike up the (frequently active) Mount Yasur volcano
– Book a tour to Mystery Island, a former airstrip with beautiful sands and waters.
Queenstown
Average price: $680
YoY change in price: -13%
This is attributed to Qantas’ new seasonal trans-Tasman flight between Queenstown and Melbourne from late June to August to better serve travellers on their way to ski areas at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables.
This self-styled adventure capital is a favourite among thrill-seekers. It has loads of adventures to offer from land, water to air. Queenstown Holidays 2020
Alternative to: Auckland
The first commercial bungee jump (‘bungy’ in New Zealand) was established just outside Queenstown, and you can jump from the same bridge today.
Most popular: Summer and winter (due to nearby ski slopes)
Most affordable: August is the cheapest month to visit the winter snowfields
Least crowded: Spring and autumn
You may think the highlight of Queenstown Gardens is the greenery, but since the 1980s, it’s been home to an 18-hole frisbee golf course.
– Catch up with friends aboard Perky’s Floating Bar
– Get a view of snowcapped mountains of the Remarkables at Lake Wakatipu
– Fancy a fright? Put your nerves to the test at the Fear Factory.
Las Vegas
Average price: $1,337
YoY change in price: -12%
Thanks to promotions offered by Virgin Australia and Qantas throughout the course of 2019, it was even easier to drop into one of America’s most famous cities.
For many tourists, the experience is in the casinos, the glitz and the nightlife. But there’s plenty more to see and do if you keep an eye open. Las Vegas Holidays 2020
Alternative to: Los Angeles
Casinos. Centered around The Strip, Vegas is built on gambling. But even if you’re not big on playing, the City of Excess has excellent stage shows, a respectable dining scene and day trips on offer.
Most popular: December and January are busy because of domestic travel over Christmas and New Year
Most affordable: Spring and autumn
Least crowded: Due to the sweltering heats, June to September is quieter (especially in hotels without pools).
While The Strip attracts most visitors, the ‘old’ Las Vegas casinos can be found on Fremont Street. Zipline down the street, take a waterslide through a shark tank and see the city’s famous gold nugget.
– Take a day trip to the wondrous Grand Canyon
– See replicas of the Eiffel Tower, Venice canals and the statue of David.
– Bungee jump over the city from Stratosphere Tower.
Amritsar
Average price: $1,017
YoY change in price: -7%
India is huge, but many travellers tend to stick to the same few places. If you want to get away from New Delhi, Mumbai and Goa, consider adding Amritsar to your list. Found in Punjab, this city of one million people is an important religious site full of beautiful architecture.
With AirAsiaX launching flights between Kuala Lumpur and Amritsar, improving the accessibility and connectivity between Australia and Amritsar, it’s even easier now to plan your visit. Amritsar Holidays 2020
Alternative to: New Delhi
Its golden temple, Harmandir Sahib, is the main temple of worship in the Sikh religion. Like other global religious buildings, it’s an incredible sight.
Most popular: November to March
Most affordable: July sees the start of the wet season
Least crowded: April to June is the hottest time of the year
Baba bohar is an ancient and huge banyan tree that is considered to be sacred by Amritsar residents.
– Learn more about Amritsar’s dark history at The Partition Museum
– Marvel at the colour of Gobindgarh Fort by day and its light show by night
– Take a tour of the city’s incredible number of temples.
Busan
Average price: $980
YoY change in price: -7%
Relatively more affordable than Seoul, Busan is fast becoming a destination in its own right. Experience beaches, temples and mouth-watering food… and there’s always a bullet train ready to take you to the capital should you wish.
Now that Eastar Jet and Jeju Air have increased the number of flights to Busan from Singapore, it’s even more affordable for Aussies. Busan Holidays 2020
Alternative to: Seoul
Busan is Korea’s most popular seaside resort. Dip your toes in the water (the ocean or the hot springs) and take a moment to reflect.
Most popular: June to August
Most affordable: May or September
Least crowded: If you’re not keen on the beach, you can avoid the crowds with a winter trip.
On the outskirts of Busan is Gamcheon village, a hillside population that is coming to fame thanks to its vibrantly colourful buildings.
– Admire the Haedong Yonggung Temple that’s by the seaside.
– Laze on the gorgeous Haeundae Beach.
– Spend an afternoon snuggling up to new fuzzy friends in a puppy cafe.
You may also be interested in:
Based on proprietary data extracted from Skyscanner Travel Insights, analysing millions of data points in Australia, comparing YoY differences in bookings (redirects made on the Skyscanner platform, e.g.: when a traveller selects a flight option with a partner on the Skyscanner booking panel) between the time periods October 2018 to September 2019, and October 2017 to September 2018.
Price change is calculated by how much the average flight price has increased or decreased in 2019 when compared to the average flight price in 2018, unless otherwise stated.
