Time for a new adventure? Why not give these 16 dreamy getaways a chance
No one can deny Bali as a great spot to unwind but it could be time to break the mould and seek out another slice of paradise for your yearly escape. With statistics showing that 11% of all Australians that go overseas each year finding their way to Bali (second only to New Zealand), you may one of the few looking to spice things up a bit this year. Check out our list of 16 hotspots that will still let you get some sunshine without breaking the bank.
1. Sri Lanka
Any cricket fan will know a little about Sri Lanka from a sporting point of view, but have you ever considered the myriad travel experiences it has to offer? A trip to Sri Lanka takes in some of the best beaches in the Indian Ocean, world-famous tea plantations, fascinating history and a tropical climate to be envied. While there aren’t as many package deals available as you might find for some of the other destinations on this list, Sri Lanka is the perfect destination for the budget traveller. It’s also largely unspoilt by western tourists and is often referred to as ‘how Bali used to be’, so book your flights quickly before the rest of the world follows suit.
2. New Caledonia
What do you get when you cross the beauty of the South Pacific with a touch of France? You get the ideal destination for a relaxing escape. Located around 1,200 kilometres east of Australia, New Caledonia combines waterfalls and rugged mountains with the world’s largest tropical lagoon, chic shopping and a unique blend of cultures. Visitors can go diving or snorkelling among eagle rays, blue grouper and a vast array of marine life, or simply marvel at the turquoise waters of the spectacular Isle of Pines. While New Caledonia may not be as affordable as some of the other South Pacific getaways on this list, those with an eye for a bargain should have no trouble tracking down the perfect package deal.
3. Samoa
Along with Tonga, Samoa has long been overlooked by Aussie travellers in favour of nearby Fiji. But that has all started to change in recent years, with tourists looking for somewhere that offers unspoilt South Pacific scenery. Samoa is everything a tropical paradise should be, boasting a landscape of pristine beaches, incredible swimming holes and mystifying lava flows. It’s also got a climate that’s just about perfect — the air temperature averages 30 degrees all year round, while the ocean temperature sits at 25 degrees. From swimming and snorkelling to hiking, waterfall spotting or just relaxing on one of countless deserted stretches of sand, there’s plenty of activities to fill out your itinerary. Throw in a warm Polynesian welcome from the friendly locals and when it comes to planning your next getaway, you’ll soon forget Bali even exists.
4. Thailand
In a list of cheap holiday destinations around the world, Thailand is pretty hard to top — both in terms of the huge range of experiences it has to offer and the astonishingly low prices. Planning a few nights of debauched madness for a buck’s getaway? Hit up Bangkok. Fascinating culture and history more your cup of tea? Take in the remarkable sights of Chiang Mai. Then there’s the breathtaking coastal beauty of Koh Samui, the beachfront resort and turquoise waters of Phuket, plus any number of other secluded tropical getaways dotted around this small country. If you’ve never been to Thailand before, you’ll be amazed at just how dirt cheap everything is — from meals to accommodation, a Thai holiday will never break the bank. The gorgeous tropical climate means high humidity and an average annual temperature of a balmy 28 degrees, although monsoons can strike in the rainy season. But you won’t have to look far to find cheap flights and accommodation for your Thai getaway, so why not take a week or two off work and go exploring?
5. Cook Islands
The phrase ‘undiscovered gem’ gets thrown around a fair bit in travel articles, but when it comes to the Cook Islands it well and truly applies. This tiny archipelago nation has a population of just 13,000 people, and they live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Comprised of 15 unspoilt islands, large areas of this tropical paradise appear completely untouched. From the breathtaking lagoon that is Aitutaki to an endless array of water sports and activities, there’s plenty to keep you entertained during your visit. But with weather that stays perfect all year round and a pace of life that’s refreshingly relaxed, the best way to enjoy the Cook Islands is with your feet up, cocktail in hand on one of many pristine beaches.
6. Fiji
If you’re looking for a tropical holiday destination just a stone’s throw from Australia, Fiji’s affordability and relaxed lifestyle are hard to beat. With a flight time of just four hours from Sydney, you can find yourself on a secluded romantic island or in a relaxing family resort before you know it. Fiji is a popular destination for Aussie travellers and has been for some time, which means there are cheap flights and attractive resort deals aplenty. Surfing, swimming, diving and snorkelling are all must-dos in Fiji, but it’s the relaxed pace of island life that entices you back again and again. The locals are also unbelievably friendly — you’ll get sore cheeks from all the smiling — so say “Bula” to Fiji for your next getaway.
7. Malaysia
Okay, so Malaysia might seem to be a little out of left field, but trust us — this is a country well worth exploring. It may have a more conservative culture than other south-east Asian destinations, not to mention be a little more expensive than Thailand, but it’s also somewhere few Australian tourists visit. You can glam it up in a luxurious resort in Penang or Langkawi, or find beautiful budget accommodation in a beachfront bungalow along the east coast. The weather is great — the temperature rarely drops below 20 degrees, even at night — and it’s definitely not overrun by tourists. If you want to escape the hordes of bintang swilling Aussie travellers in Bali, add Malaysia to your shortlist of potential alternatives.
8. Tonga
The Kingdom of Tonga comprises 176 islands in the South Pacific, offering history, a rich Polynesian culture and, of course, simply stunning natural scenery. As you’d expect, activities on, around and under the water dominate any Tongan getaway. There’s great swimming, diving, snorkelling, fishing, sailing and kayaking, as well as no shortage of white, sandy beaches just waiting for your footprints. It’s also a reasonably affordable destination and with an ever-increasing number of discounted flights and holiday packages available, more people than ever before are discovering this tropical gem.
9. Vietnam
It’s impossible to sum up a country as exotic and fascinating as Vietnam in just a few short words. First of all there’s the astonishing natural beauty, from the amazing rocky islands of Halong Bay to the towering limestone peaks of Ba Be National Park. Then there’s the history, from mystical ancient temples to the French colonial influence and the horror of the Vietnam War. Throw in bustling cities, friendly people, delicious cuisine and the fact that you can enjoy it all on a shoestring budget, and you’ve got the recipe for the perfect holiday.
10. Goa, India
There’s more to India than the Taj Mahal and bustling cities — much more — and there’s no better place to start experiencing it all than in this western state along the Arabian Sea. Blending Indian and Portuguese culture, Goa is famous for its secluded beaches, Agonda Beach and Baga Beach being two of the best known. Originally a popular destination for hippies from around the 1960s, Goa is quickly becoming popular with traveller from all over the world. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of its unspoilt beauty, and you can spend a couple of weeks there without putting too much strain on your finances.
11. Vanuatu
Just like nearby Fiji, Vanuatu has long been a popular spot for Australian travellers. If you want to be able to brag to your friends about going somewhere very few others have ever visited, Vanuatu therefore won’t make your shortlist. But if you want to experience top-class diving, breathtaking natural beauty and a whole host of adventure activities on a reasonable budget, Vanuatu should definitely come into consideration. Cheap flights and packages abound, so start searching for a great deal today.
12. Hawaii
It’s time to dust off that hideous Hawaiian shirt and start practising your hula moves for a tropical taste of Americana. There’s a wealth of awesome travel experiences to be enjoyed right across Hawaii’s six main islands, from the shopping and sunbaking of Waikiki to stunning active volcanoes, legendary surf breaks and much more.
Hawaii is a delicious blend of the laid-back and the not-so-laid-back. If you want to laze by the pool sipping cocktails all day, knock yourself out. But if you want to hire a car and go exploring, go bargain hunting or treat yourself to all the cheeseburgers, ribs and everything else you can manage, there’s more than enough to do in Hawaii to fill out your travel itinerary. And because it’s one of our favourite Pacific destinations, you shouldn’t have any trouble securing an affordable holiday package.
Other Indonesia hotspots not to be missed
13. Yogyakarta
If you want a taste of Indonesia’s true culture, Yogyakarta is the place to get it. Just a one-hour flight from Bali, this tourist hub (affectionately known as Yogya) offers a glimpse into the history and spiritual traditions of central Java. Yogyakarta offers a remarkable blend of old and new, from the important archaeological sites of Prambanan and Borobudur to all the bustle and noise of a major urban centre. And like so much of Indonesia, it’s quite possible to explore this part of the world on a tight budget.
14. Batam
One of the biggest islands in the Riau archipelago, Batam is one of the region’s fastest growing tourist destinations. It wasn’t all that long ago that Batam Island was a laid-back, unspoilt destination dotted with sleepy coastal villages, but that’s all changed in the past two or three decades. You can now wile away a week or two in a luxury resort, enjoy the impressive nightlife and explore beautiful beaches. It may not be untouched but it is certainly an affordable place to travel, while at the same time offering the tropical climate for which this part of the world is famous.
15. Banyuwangi
Banyuwangi, which can be accessed by ferry from Bali, sits at the eastern tip of Java. Long popular with surfers — it’s home to the legendary G-Land break — this beautiful region is starting to be discovered by an increasing number of travellers venturing beyond Bali. Visitors can marvel at the awe-inspiring volcanic scenery of the Ijen Crater, meet the unique natural wildlife in Alas Purwo National Park, or simply take a leisurely stroll along an uncrowded beach. Whether you’re holidaying in Bali or looking to avoid the place altogether, Banyuwangi is definitely worth exploring.
Looking for Cover for Your Trip Away? Compare Travel Insurance from Leading Insurers
Made a search before? Retrieve your search results
Single Trip
Multi Trip
Where are you travelling to?
?
At least one destination is required
When are you travelling?
?
Both dates are required
Who is travelling?
?
Add more travellers
Enter the age of each traveller between 0 and 99
Receive a copy of your quote
?
Enter a valid email address
Where are you travelling to?
?
At least one destination is required
Departure date of first trip
?
Both dates are required
Who is travelling?
?
Add more travellers
Enter the age of each traveller between 0 and 99
Receive a copy of your quote
?
Enter a valid email address
We compare these trusted insurers and more
By submitting this form, you agree to finder.com.au privacy policy
What's next?
Save more on your insurance with these exclusive discounts
Read our guide to travel money to get your funds sorted
Is it worth considering an Annual Multi-Trip policy?
Share this
Facebook
Twitter
Reddit
Stumble Upon
The post Top 15 Travel Destinations Like Bali in 2015 appeared first on finder.com.au.