Anyone watching the Australian exchange rate will know the pangs of disappointment, as 2025 continues to throw curveballs our way. Trump's tariff policies have wrecked havoc across global markets and have had cause the value of the Australian dollar to plummet. With an eye-wateringly low value against the greenback and the euro, our dollar is threatening to put a dampener on plans of a Mallorca adventure or Puglian summer at a Masseria.
But, international exchanges rates are complicated, and just because the Australian dollar is weak in some places, doesn't mean it won't have incredible buying power elsewhere. We've done the maths and the research, here's where to travel in 2025 based on the value of the Australian dollar.
Japan
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The Yen has had a difficult 12 months, and as such, the Australian dollar is at five-year high compared with the Japanese yen. The 2025 value is down from it's 2024 July peak, thanks to the tariff turmoil – but 2025 is still an excellent time for Australians to explore Japan. Tokyo and Kyoto are favourites for city lovers, but beach goers looking for an alternative to Europe will love Okinawa Island.
New Zealand
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The AUD compared to the NZD is almost at a five-year high, meaning 2025 is the year to finally get to bucket list sights like Milford Sound, Lake Tekkapo and Fox Glacier – maybe even a Lord of the Rings tour for the so inclined? I recommend a 10-14-day tour around the South Island, and don't forget your hiking boots.
Argentina
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The Argentinian peso is not having a good year. That means it's great value for Australian travellers right now. As one of the longest countries in the world, Argentina has both beachside attractions and snowy mountains. The capital, Buenos Aires is vibrant and diverse, and if you travel down the coast, you'll get some amazing wildlife experiences. Notably, Argentina is considered one of the best skiing and wine tasting destinations in the world.
Mexico
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Is the AUD exchange rate at a high compared to the Mexican peso? No. But is it looking much better than 2024? Definitely. So, if you've been wanting to dip into the cenotes of the Yucatan or explore the sights and sound of Oaxaca, then 2025 could be your year.
Uzbekistan
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Although the strength of the Australian dollar has dropped slightly, it is still strong against the Uzbekistan Som. Uzbekistan is an unlikely destination that has made a number of travel lists for 2025, I saw it on Conde Nast in fact. The country has some of the most impressive and beautiful architecture in all of Central Asia.
Indonesia
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The Australian Dollar compared to the rupiah is not as strong as it was in 2024, but it's still strong enough that Indonesia should still be considered an excellent destination for Australians. Bali, Sumatra and Indonesian Borneo are some of the best places in the world to reconnect with the beauty of nature.
Sweden
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Sweden – or Sverige as it's said in Svensk – is one of the few countries in Europe that has not adopted the euro. Instead it uses the Swedish krona and right now the Australian dollar buys just over six krona. It was seven earlier in the year, so the exchange rate has dropped slight but this is still some of the best buying power the AUD has had there in the last 10 years. Add Stockholm, Gothenberg, Malmo and some of the Southern beachside towns to your travel list.
Hungary
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The AUD is currently very strong against the Hungarian forint; it's slightly down from the 2022 peak, but the value is still one of the strongest it's been in 10 years. Hungary is an architectural gem, its capital Budapest is a feast for the eyes – affectionately nicknamed the Paris of the East.
And even though it's landlocked, you can still experience the beauty of waterside locales thanks to Lake Balaton. My favourite part of Hungary? As one of Europe's gateways to Central Asia, you will find some Middle Eastern influences here including a wealth of hammams.
Philippines
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Certainly the buying power of the AUD to the Philippine peso has dropped, but looking at a five-year graph, 2025 is still a good time to go. The islands of the Philippines are often heralded as alternatives to the Maldives thanks to the crystalline blue water of the region. In 2025 this is one of the best destinations for an island vacation.
Türkiye
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The value of the AUD against the Turkish lira is at a five year high, making this one of the best value destinations for Australians in 2025. Türkiye is an incredibly diverse country with island shores that rival anything you might see in Greece, and colourful cities that will having you feeling as though you need 10 sets of eyes in order to appreciate it all.
