You don’t have to sacrifice fun for cheap holidays. You can stretch your Australian dollar to the max by visiting some of the most amazing and affordable destinations in the world. This list includes five affordable holiday destinations that are perfect for couples looking to enjoy a great holiday without breaking the bank.
Avoiding peak travel seasons is the best way to keep your costs low. Flights and accommodations are at their most expensive during these times. You can save a lot of money on flights by being flexible about the season and the day and time that you travel. You can spend more money while on vacation if you save more when you travel.
You can usually get a good deal by booking in the shoulder seasons. Look for discounts on either side of peak Summer holidays, especially for European destinations. You will find fewer people and more accommodation options if you travel outside of the peak season.
Do your research prior to travel so that you can know where to stay and eat the cheapest food, as well as which attractions are either free or inexpensive.
Start planning your next adventure by checking out these five cheap destinations for couples.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is the first place that comes to mind when Australians are looking for a cheap vacation spot. This is the perfect quick getaway to enjoy a champagne-style hotel room at a beer price. Some people prefer to stay in the hotel for the entire day, so they only pay a small amount more than flight and accommodation. Some people like to explore the city each day in order to find cheap activities and restaurants.
Low-cost carriers offer bargains on flights. You can use the money you save to have a good time. Although the experience of flying with a budget airline is not always pleasant, your discomfort will only last a short time.
After arriving, you can relax with a massage and then watch the sunset on a Balinese Beach. If you want to have a romantic getaway, it is best to avoid Kuta. Do some research and look for less crowded areas. You can immerse yourself in Balinese Culture by visiting the Ubud Monkey Forest and Agung Rai Museum of Art or the World Heritage-listed rice terraces.
Friends and family might have boasted of their luxurious villas with butlers, but that is not the best option for budget travelers. Many resorts are well-equipped for couples without children. Very comfortable and affordable lodgings can be rented by two adults for less than 1 million Rupiah (AU100).
In general, dining outside the hotel is more affordable and offers a variety of quality food choices. Bali has some great restaurants, so check online for reviews and look up the latest food trends. If you are not exhausted after a long day of exploration, go out and find some food.
As a tourist hotspot, Bali has a wide variety of local and international cuisine. Bali has something for everyone.
Tip: Australians do not need to pay a visa fee upon arrival in Bali. Australians can enter Indonesia without a visa if they stay for 30 days or less.
Prices for Bali
Hotel: You can find budget rooms for $30 to $60 per night. A nice 3- or 4-star hotel can be located for under $100 per night.
Warungs in the locality offer very cheap meals ($5 to $10). Bali has a wide range of dining options, with many mid-range options costing between $20 and $30 for two.
Imported wine costs around $10 per glass.
Bottle of Beer is $3 to $5 per bottle. You can get it cheaper if you purchase from a convenience store or supermarket.
Cup of Coffee: From $1.50 to $3 for cappuccino and latte.
Bottled Water: $1 to $2
Phuket, Thailand
Thailand is a popular holiday destination among couples who are looking for a cheap holiday. Thailand is still a short flight away and offers a different experience than Bali.
Phuket has a wide range of fun and affordable activities. You can visit the local markets on weekends to find bargains and to see the colorful produce. Take in the breathtaking views of the island from the temples.
There are many water activities available, including all-day paddle tours, kayaking in sea caves, and snorkeling. You can also take a boat to Phi Phi Island or Phang Nga Bay. Elephants are a favorite animal of many people. You can feed and bathe the elephants in an elephant sanctuary.
You can eat as much as you want of meat and chicken curry, rice, and noodles if you are a fan of Thai cuisine. Attend a Thai cookery class to learn how to prepare your own.
Like Bali, the prices of Phuket accommodation vary widely from cheap but decent hostels to luxurious resorts. Choose the area where you’d like to stay, and then search for accommodations that fit your budget. You can find a room for less than 2000 baht (AU$90) per night. If you want to be near the nightlife, you should stay in the Patong area. However, if you are looking for a quieter and more romantic place, you might prefer the Mai Khao Beach region.
You can buy SIM cards at any 7-11 in Phuket or pick one up from the luggage claim area of the airport.
Average prices in Phuket
You can find budget rooms for $30 to $50 per night. There are many options within the $80 to $100 price range.
Meal for two: $10 – $20.00
Glass of Wine: $5 to $8
Bottle Beer: $2 to $4
Cup of Coffee: $3 to $5
Bottle of Water: 1.5L bottle purchased at a convenience store for $0.50 to $1.00
Penang is a Malaysian state
Penang has been a favorite destination of Australian tourists for decades. Couples of all ages will find plenty to do.
Escape Adventure Land is the perfect place to spend a day if you’re an adrenaline junkie. Zipline through the air, free-fall from a platform of 20 meters, slide down a tree, and swing with a rope.
Penang is a great place to visit if you are interested in history. Penang War Museum is a 20-acre museum with tunnels, barracks, cookhouses, gun emplacements, and more.
The Interactive Museum in Penang will make you reconsider your opinion of museums. The clever 3D images bring the pictures to life.
Take the funicular up to Penang Hill for a panoramic view of the entire island.
Penang accommodation is very affordable at RM85 (AU$30). Penang’s street food is world-famous, so you can enjoy delicious food for only $30 per day.
Tip: Rent a car or hire a driver to visit the small fishing villages that dot the coastline of Penang. You can see how the locals live.
Penang Average Prices
You can find budget rooms for between $30 and $50 per night. The nicer resorts start at $70 to $90 per night.
Penang has a lot of cheap and plentiful food. For as low as $10, you can enjoy a delicious two-person meal.
Glass of Wine: $8 to $10
Bottle of Beer: $5 to $6 (Domestic beer from a supermarket costs $2 to $3)
Cup of Coffee: $3 to $4
Bottled Water: $0.5 to $2