We hate to face the reality, but the fluctuating Aussie dollar has made travel a whole lot more expensive in recent years. The amount it used to cost for an all-inclusive two-week trip to Europe or America now barely even covers the price of flights. But it’s not all bad news – while the Australian dollar is now weaker in some countries, there are still popular destinations where international exchange rates are working in our favour. Fresh data has revealed exactly which of Australia’s ten most popular international hotspots offer the most bang for your buck – so you know where to plan your 2025 holidays.
According to a year-on-year analysis of currency shifts by non-bank lender MoneyMe, Australia’s two favourite holiday spots have emerged as the most budget-friendly travel destinations right now. Topping the list is our friendly neighbour, New Zealand, which welcomes more than 1.2 million Aussie visitors annually. The research found that the value of the Aussie dollar compared to the New Zealand dollar has increased by 0.89 per cent over the past 12 months, giving travellers a little extra bang for their buck while exploring Aotearoa’s natural wonders, cultural attractions and culinary gems.
The only other destination where the Aussie dollar is stronger now compared to last year is Indonesia, which is conveniently our most popular tourist destination, drawing 1.3 million Aussie travellers annually. While the Australian dollar saw a slight year-on-year increase relative to Indonesia’s rupiah of 0.68 per cent, it also recorded the highest year-to-date gain of 3.26 per cent. Yep, that means more bang for your Bali buck!
While the value of the Australian dollar has fallen against the Vietnamese dong (-0.26 per cent) and India’s rupee (-1.57 per cent) year on year, it has slightly gained against both currencies since the start of 2025. That means cost-conscious travellers are better off travelling to these Asian destinations than they were earlier in the year.
Now to the downside… As a result of exchange rate fluctuations, the Aussie dollar no longer stretches as far in China, Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan and Thailand. The most devastating news is that our dollar has sadly weakened against the previously cheap Japanese yen, dropping 4.40 per cent year on year and 2.81 per cent on a year-to-date basis – the biggest decline of the top ten currencies analysed. Despite being a longtime favourite budget-friendly hotspot for Aussies, Thailand is now also more expensive, with the Aussie dollar dropping by 10.29 per cent year on year against the Thai baht. Looks like we’ll have to settle for one less round of money bags at the night market.
If you’re strapped for cash but still want to head overseas, here are the cheapest international destinations you can fly from Australia.
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