Where to get the Best Value for Your Travelling Dollar

Want to know where you get the best value for your travelling dollar? Japan is the best value for money right now, according to the 2014 Expedia Foreign Exchange Index.

This is the second consecutive year,  Japan has come up trumps with the Australian dollar increasing by 2.3 per cent in 2013 against the Japanese yen, cementing it as the must-visit destination for travellers looking to get value for money in a traditionally pricey destination.

Interest in Japanese regions like Okinawa and Hokkaido grew by 50% in 2013, signalling savvy Australian travellers are already taking advantage of the favourable exchange rate to tick Japan off their bucket list.

Now in its fifth year, the Expedia Foreign Exchange Index measures the performance of the Australian dollar against major global currencies, taking into account foreign exchange rates and inflation. After a boom period for the Australian dollar, which left Australians travellers spoilt for choice, this year’s Index reveals that the dollar lost ground against multiple currencies, with 13 of the 15 top destinations for Australian travellers experiencing a decrease in currency value in 2013. The Australian dollar declined 15 per cent against the US dollar and 17 per cent against the British pound.

Top destinations based on the purchasing power of the Australian dollar against other major currencies in 2013*:

* Countries ranked in terms of value against the Australian dollar taking both foreign exchange rates
and inflation into account as at 31 December 2013, compared to rates one year prior. Percentages
calculated using fx rate movements.

Georg Ruebensal, Managing Director Expedia Australia and New Zealand, says: “The decline in the Australian dollar is not deterring Australians from travelling overseas, however, Aussies need to be smart as their purchasing power is impacted. There are still plenty of places both close to home and further afield that provide great value. While it’s great to see Japan is still offering the best value for money, it’s exciting to see other destinations like Indonesia, Brazil and Canada becoming more affordable.

“In addition to keeping a close eye on exchange rates, hunting for deals, being flexible with dates and bundling hotels and flights to benefit from additional discounts are also great ways to stretch the travel budget further. “Interestingly, savvy Australians are already choosing holiday destinations where they have purchase power – consciously or not – with Lombok, Indonesia, Hokkaido, Japan and Kamloops, Canada, among Expedia’s fastest growing markets in 20132 and expected to remain popular throughout the year.”
[related_ad category=”997″ max_size=”3″ title=”Related Offers”] [related_ad category=”5″ max_size=”3″ title=”Related Stories”]