Best Value for Aussie Tourists

Hey,

I’m also looking around for some places to go at the end of the year after I finish my studies and I’ll be researching for places once my exams are over this semester.

For great value, you would need to look at the exchange rate and see which one the $AUD would stack up against. Asian countries are generally good value such as Thailand, Indonesia, China etc… Europe is a bit pricey although depending on whether you’re a party animal or not, you might feel like joining the Contiki tour = )

Anyone else got any suggestions? Also, does anyone have any experience with travelling to South America?

Chewy

Hi
Why not try India?
Warm – Yes
Culture – definitely…oodles of it
Less tourists- may be but many, many MANY locals
If you can withstand the initial culture shock, I reckon India can be a cheap holiday as you get Rs.35 for your dollar, and yes it would buy reasonably.
You need to be brave and perhaps need a friend from here who is Indian, so you don’t get ripped off – well not much anyway.
Padma
PS: How do I know? I am from India.[blush2]

Hi Liz
Yes you would need a visa, even I do, as I am an aussie now. India is such a vast country and culture wise there is so much to take in, you cannot possibly cover the length and breadth of India in one trip. You would need to do it in sections, like north, south, west and east. particularly north and south cannot be combined in one trip and take all in. Purely because, North indian tourist attractions are all based on islamic culture and show the Moghul rule influence, south Indian tourist attractions are definitely hindu oriented and the architecture reflects that. Both are equally fascinating, educating and wonderful experiences. Throughout India you would also see the British influence as India was ruled by the British for well over 300 years. Every one had a share of Indian bounty and from what I understand, before other countries started invading India, it was the world’s richest country.
Sounds like I am trying to sell India – I am not, but it is a fascinating country so much so that tourists have a love or hate relationship with it.
Best thing would be go to tourism india website, I don’t have the reference but I am sure googling will give plenty of results, and collect some brochures and stuff from travel agents and then decide whether you want to experience it. One thing I can promise you it would be definitely an eye opening experience.
Regards
Padma

We’ve just been to Vietnam (North 2 South on the coast), Cambodia (Siam Reap) and Thailand (Koh Samui)

Vietnam is great value – a main meal can cost you about 30c AUD I found the people generally friendly and inquisitive. You can stay in private guesthouses (like hotel rooms) from about $9USD per night in the main cities. My tip for Vietnam – take plenty of 1 USD bills – the preferred currency.Sharpen your bargaining skills and learning the language is essential and can be difficult.

Cambodia was good – we just went to Siam Reap to explore the ancient temples of Angkor which were amazing. I didn’t find the area particularly cheap but wasn’t too bad. (i.e. Cans of Coke cost me 70c USD)

Thailand is good also – I think, a lot more westernised than either Cambodia or Vietnam.

You obviously need to exercise caution when travelling anywhere overseas but particularly in third world countries.

Check out the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade Smart Traveller website http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au

Luke Woollard
Licensee
Pacific Lifestyle Property
http://www.plproperty.com.au

comments made are general information only. you should seek professional advice for your particular circumstances.