Travelling overseas doesn’t always mean spending a fortune. It’s easier to plan cheap holidays at home, but with so many beautiful destinations nearby, it’s possible to enjoy an overseas trip while still fitting a modest budget. Over the years, I’ve found a few cheap travel destinations from Australia where your dollar stretches surprisingly far – perfect if you want to go abroad without breaking the bank.
What I considered for this list of low-cost holiday destinations from Australia
Flights can be the biggest expense, so I’ve limited this list to destinations that are affordable once you arrive – especially for food and accommodation – and also within direct flight range from Australia to keep costs down. I’ve included places we’ve visited personally, as well as a few on our radar for future affordable overseas trips.
Tips for cheap international travel from Australia
Check the weather before you book
Cheap deals sometimes coincide with monsoon or cyclone seasons, so make sure the timing is right. Saving on flights won’t be worth it if you spend your trip stuck indoors.
Pack light (but bring your own gear if needed)
Budget airlines often charge extra for checked luggage, and a small carry-on can save you both time and money. Look at your itinerary to see if you’ll have time to do laundry rather than paying for extra luggage. If you do need extra luggage, try to only add it to one person in your group if you’re not travelling solo.
I travel with quick-dry clothes because they’re comfortable in hot weather and easy to wash and dry. Hotel laundry services can be convenient, but they’re not always cheap.
If you’re planning to snorkel, it can be worth bringing your own gear – especially in more remote areas where rentals aren’t available or are overpriced.
Consider travel insurance
We never go overseas without travel insurance, even for cheap trips. It’s especially important for us to cover medical expenses. We also always check that our policy includes motorbike travel, which is common in many Southeast Asian countries. Some providers, like Cover-More, make it easy to add this option. It’s one cost that buys peace of mind for us.
Eat local
I never stay in all-inclusive resorts when I travel abroad – for me, the fun is exploring and trying new food, not sitting by a resort pool. Eating at street stalls, local cafés, and markets is not only cheaper but often the most authentic way to experience a destination.
Use common sense (e.g. eat where there’s a high turnover) to avoid food that might make you sick, but don’t be afraid to try local dishes. I often grab fruit from the market for breakfast – it’s fresh, delicious, and costs almost nothing.
Wait for flight sales
I use comparison sites like Skyscanner and Kayak and set alerts for price drops. Sometimes sales even decide our next destination – we know roughly when we want to travel, and we wait for the best deal.
I also directly check airline websites and what they have in the pipeline. New routes often come with launch discounts; that’s how we scored cheap flights to the Philippines and the Cook Islands.
Avoid bank fees and poor exchange rates
Always check what works best for your local payments before travelling overseas, as fees and rates can vary a lot between banks and cards. You may end up saving on every dollar you spend abroad by talking to your bank or doing a bit of research before you go to understand your options.
Personally, I always pay in local currency to avoid hidden conversion charges, and I plan ahead for cash withdrawals to limit ATM fees. I also like using a Wise card, which lets me hold both AUD and local currencies. It allows me to transfer money when the exchange rate is good, skip international fees, and avoid carrying too much cash.
Cheap travel destinations from Australia
Indonesia (beyond Bali)
We had to cancel our trip to Indonesia, so I can’t share first-hand experience yet, but it’s one of the first destinations that comes to mind for cheap overseas travel from Australia. While Bali is a favourite, prices have gone up in recent years. To keep things affordable, maybe look at less touristy islands like Java, Lombok, or Flores.
- Why it’s affordable: Domestic flights, food, and homestays are cheap once you’re there.
- What to do/see: Volcano hikes, rice terraces, beach time, snorkelling, scuba diving, and cultural sites.
- Travel tip: Stay in local guesthouses or eco-lodges instead of big resorts – they’re usually more authentic too.
The Philippines
The Philippines is one of my favourite destinations for affordable island adventures. You can fly directly to Cebu from several Australian cities and connect easily to smaller islands by ferry.
- Why it’s affordable: Great-value guesthouses, cheap street food, and reasonably priced tours.
- What to do/see: Snorkelling, scuba diving, waterfalls, and island-hopping.
- Travel tip: Focus on one region to avoid spending too much on internal flights (or book them early).
Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the best-value destinations in Asia. Even in popular spots like Hanoi, Ninh Binh, or Hoi An, you can find boutique hotels or homestays at great prices.
- Why it’s affordable: Cheap food, inexpensive transport, and high-quality accommodation for the price.
- What to do/see: Boat cruises in Halong Bay or Ninh Binh, mountain treks or road trips, rice terraces, and cultural heritage sites.
- Travel tip: Avoid Tet (Vietnamese New Year) and the late April long weekend, when local prices rise and transport books out early.
Thailand
Thailand is perfect if you want comfort and culture on a budget. Even well-known destinations can be affordable if you plan ahead, but make sure you choose the right one for your travel style.
- Why it’s affordable: Low food costs, excellent-value accommodation, and cheap local transport.
- What to do/see: Temples, beaches, diving, hiking, and street food.
- Travel tip: Street food is not only cheap but also delicious – I’m happy not to go to restaurants here! Avoid Songkran (Thai New Year) if you prefer quieter travel, and some islands are overpriced.
Vanuatu
Closer to home but still tropical, Vanuatu is an easy and affordable overseas trip, especially from Brisbane or Sydney.
- Why it’s affordable: Short flight, no visa required, and local food markets keep costs low.
- What to do/see: Snorkelling, diving, blue holes, volcano (not cheap) and local markets.
- Travel tip: Ask if transfers are included with accommodation or tours – fuel can be pricey in Vanuatu.
Other cheap destinations to consider
If you’re flexible with travel dates and watch flight deals, you can also find good prices to Malaysia, Cambodia, or Fiji. These destinations offer excellent value for mid-range travellers too.
What’s your go-to destination for affordable overseas holidays from Australia? Share your experience in the comments below!
