Travel, particularly international travel, is set to have a bumper year in 2025. In fact, 77 per cent of people reported that they would take the same or more international trips in 2025. In particular, 78 per cent of Australians said they were planning to take multiple trips.
This news might be a surprise to you, as you watch the exchange rate slowly slide and debate cancelling your travel plans. If you're questioning how so many people are venturing to rocky, far off beaches and mountain-air wineries, we've found the answer. The trick is to go off the beaten track.
There are plenty of underrated and idyllic destinations that don't require you to pay in euros, pounds, or US dollars. If you've been craving a getaway, try these off the beaten track suggestions.
For the Maldives, try the Philippines
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If you want the experience of staying in an overwater bungalow amidst crystal clear waters, try the Philippines. Palawan and Cebu have many resorts that will give you the Maldives experience without the price tag.
For wine tasting in the Dolomites, head to Mendoza, Argentina
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Argentina is the world's fifth largest producer of wines and Mendoza is one of its key regions. This is your invitation to sip wine against the back drop of the Andes.
Thinking of the Croatian Islands? Look to Albania
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They're similar because they're so close. In fact you could drive to Albania from Croatia. But fortunately for tourists, Albania does not use the euro, meaning you can enjoy the beauty of the Adriatic coastline without the cost.
For the Greek Islands, try the nearby Turkish Islands
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Türkiye's islands are the next door neighbours to the Greek Islands, so they share aesthetic similarities. Just without the pesky, pricey euro.
Longing for the Swiss Lakes? New Zealand's South Island is waiting for you
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The Canterbury region around Lake Tekapo has the same brilliant blue beauty as the waters of Switzerlands famous lakes. It has a similar mountainous landscape too.
Want to see the Grand Canyon? Try Namibia's Fish River Canyon
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In the Southern part of Namibia, just above South Africa, is Fish River Canyon. The rock formations and scale will have you feeling like you're in Arizona.
Missing the world-class skiing of Whistler? Japan's Hakuba has you covered
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Avid skiers will tell you that some of the best skiing in the world is in Japan. Hakuba's cosy, village vibes is the perfect alternative.
Craving a trip to Sicily? Check out the Tunisian Islands
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Did you know that Sicily is closer to Tunisia than it is to Rome? The geographical similarities are uncanny. And since North Africa was the inspiration for much of Sicily's architecture and food, you'll get the original experience on islands like Djerba.
For Parisian vibes, try Budapest
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Did you know that Hungary doesn't use the euro? But it does have the Haussmannian architecture and central river system that Paris is so famed for. It's because Baron Haussman, the brain behind Paris' city planning, served as the inspiration for Budapest's design. So much so that it was nicknamed the Paris of the East.
Wanting a Dubai desert experience? Look at the Coral Coast in Western Australia
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There's no Burj Khalifa, but if you want somewhere that you can swim, boat and experience a desert camel ride, Western Australia is your location. The Coral Coast in particular has access to the Pinnacle Desert or you can try Broome which is at the edge of the Great Sandy Desert.
Swap Mallorca's cliffs for Cape Town
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Cape Town's graggy cliffs that dip down into its vibrant water means the beaches have a similar aesthetic to that of Mallorca. If you had plans to beach hop, Cape Town will give you the vibes without the price.
For Hawaii vibes, try Okinawa in Japan
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Okinawa and Hawaii look so visually similar, it is genuinely hard to tell them apart when you look at pictures. This Japanese island has some incredible resorts, meaning you can have that sandy beach holiday without the cost of buying US dollars.
Want the history of the Inca trail? Look to Krong Siem Reap in Cambodia
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Obviously, the aesthetics will be different, but if you want the experience of trekking through ruins and ancient structures, Cambodia really is a must-see. Many don't realise that Cambodia is littered with ancient architecture from Angkor Wat to Banteay Sri. Base yourself in Krong Siem Reap to see it.
looking for beach promenades like the French Riviera? Consider Rio De Janeiro
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It's hard to capture the exact essence of the French Riviera, let alone replicate it. But Rio De Janeiro does have some similarities. The wide promenade on Ipanema Beach hints at the beauty La Croisette in Cannes. The beaches are long and expansive in the same way and the cities are dotted with similar religious iconography. And certainly, the Brazilian real offers much better value than the euro right now.
Images: New Zealand, Budapest, Djerba, Albania, Broome.
