Strong Aussie Dollar Perfect Excuse to Travel

Expedia and foreign exchange specialist HiFx have just released the annual list of top ten destinations where the Aussie dollar offers the best value against local currencies.

With all this talk of rising fuel costs, interest rates, mortgage repayments, household goods…the list is endless… this is great news. Finally we have a list of places we can go where our dollar actually buys more than it did this time last year. And just in time for tax returns as well!

So, I hear you ask, where exactly can you get more bang for your buck?

Top of the pops was the South Korean Won, followed by the South African Rand. I have hand picked a few of the other destinations where you can stretch your holiday dollar even further.

1. Vietnam

Having recently returned from a trip to Vietnam where I spent next to nothing (and for the first time in my life actually struggled to spend money), the fact that the dollar buys more Vietnamese Dong is mind boggling! When I was there, about AUD10 could buy an excellent meal for about 5 people, including drinks. Now it seems you would have change for your $10…maybe you could put that towards a tailor made suit? If you’re after value for money Vietnam is definitely not to be missed.

2. USA

The US dollar is also high on the list with the Aussie dollar having reached a 25 year high against it just recently. The USA is famous for its huge shopping malls and discounted brands and this year, you’ll have even more to spend! You could even rent a car in the USA and head to Canada to the world’s biggest shopping mall in Edmonton, Alberta.

3. Britain

The Aussie dollar is now 20% stronger than the GBP than it was 2 years ago so now is the best time to visit Britain and see how great it really is. Now you have more to spend so you can upgrade your accommodation (check out DriveAway’s self drive tour with accommodation in Scottish castles!), extend your trip or rent a bigger, more luxurious car!

4. New Zealand

You don’t have to go too far overseas to stretch your dollar-the New Zealand dollar is No.4 in the list. It’s not too late to catch the snow season and hit the slopes. If you want to rent a car there, check out DriveAway Holidays for competitive rates for car rental in New Zealand.