Top budget holidays at home and overseas

Well 2017 is almost done and dusted and if you didn’t manage to get away for an awesome holiday this year, now’s the time to start thinking about taking a break in 2018. 

Whether you want to stay in Australia or head offshore, there are plenty of cheap family holiday options that won’t break your budget. 

Staying in Australia 

A recent Roy Morgan Holiday Tracking Survey^ reveals that beach holidays are the most budget-friendly destinations across Australia, revealing a range of cheap holiday spots around the country. 

At the top of the list in Queensland is world heritage-listed Fraser Island, with an average cost per person per night of just $94. Magnetic Island on the Great Barrier Reef also rates a mention at an average of $132 per person per night. 

In NSW, the North Coast, Forster, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Taree and Port Stephens all come in at an average of $120 per night. The iconic Great Ocean Road rates highly in Victoria at an average of $122 per night but the Mornington Peninsula is even cheaper at $114. 

Western Australia may be known for the high cost of its’ accommodation options but if you head to Geraldton, Kalbarri, Ningaloo, Coral Bay, Exmouth or Esperance you’ll find an overnight stay can set you back less than $115 per person per night.

In South Australia, the Yorke Peninsula is definitely easy on the budget at just $102 per night per person while McLaren Vale, Victor Harbour, Goolwa and Cape Jervis average just $9 more. 

Named by Lonely Planet as the hottest travel destination in the world, the stunning Bay of Fires on Tasmania’s East Coast is a surprising budget inclusion. According to the Roy Morgan research, you’ll find accommodation here for an average of just $113 per night per person. 

Heading overseas 

If you prefer to head offshore for your 2018 break, remember to book your flights early so you can bag a bargain. Forget about Bali and Phuket - the best bargains for your next cheap holiday overseas can be found in Cambodia and Vietnam - and from most Australian capital cities if you book in advance and are flexible with your dates you’ll probably get change out of $500* for a return trip.  

Cambodia is such a cheap place to go on holiday that it’s easy to feel guilty about paying so little. There’s no doubt that as a holiday destination, Cambodia is now very much on the travel scene, particularly among holidaymakers looking for luxury without the price tag. 

Check out the aptly named Central Mansions in Cambodia’s Phnom Penh. From studios through to 3 bedroom apartments, this is champagne accommodation on a beer budget and a week in a studio apartment can cost under $800*. 

If you can afford to splurge a little more, the 5-star Mane La Residence features specials throughout the year where you can grab yourself a bargain. And we mean BIG bargains – like 7 nights for around $1,300* (that’s a massive 75% off the rack rate of $5,270). 

Vietnam is a breathtakingly beautiful country, full of lush mountains and sweeping white sands. The capital Hanoi still retains much of it’s French history and you’ll find plenty of amazing patisseries right next door to traditional Vietnamese eateries such as pho noodle soup shacks. 

The Hanoi Legacy hotel is centrally located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter and is the perfect base for exploring the rich culture of Hanoi. Featuring large rooms and art deco styling, you can find bargains at this hotel for 2 people from under $500 for a week including breakfast, or chose a family room (1 Queen bed, 1 single bed) for under $700*. 

For just a little more, the Indonchine Palace in Vietnam’s Hue City is a simply stunning 5 start resort, winning many awards from travel sites such as Trip Advisor, Booking.com and World Luxury Hotels. You’ll find deals for less than $1,000* for 7 nights including breakfast. 

It’s not just accommodation that’s cheap in Cambodia and Vietnam – you’ll find plenty of food options for under $10 and you can literally eat comfortably for $20 a day. 

Can’t afford a holiday? 

Think you can’t afford a holiday in 2018?  We make it easy for you – just check out our affordable mini-loans to find out how quick and easy it is to get your hands on some extra funds. Once a loan is approved, we can usually get a payment into your bank account within 24 hours - so you can book your holiday now and pay it off before you leave!

^Source: Roy Morgan Single Source (Aust), July 2014-June 2016, n=20,518 Base: Australian holiday-goers 14+

*Prices quoted are indicative only and subject to change. Current @ 20 November 2017 (publication date)