Top Holiday Destinations for 2019

Getting Value for your (Travel) Money!

Want to know where to go this year to get the most from your travel money? From seductive Argentina and culture-rich Turkey, to the warm hospitality of Sri Lanka and the world’s largest country, we have listed the top 5 holiday destinations for travel in 2019 based on current* Australian dollar to FX exchange rates.

#1. Argentina

This southern part of South America has received somewhat of a bad rap over the years due to the levels of crime^. However, with tango-filled sidewalks, the flavour of Parrillas (grill houses), natural wonders including glaciers, waterfalls and national parks paired with the current Australian dollar to Argentine peso exchange rate ¹ means this world of wonder for many travellers has become even more affordable.

Don’t Miss:

• Wine tasting in Mendoza
• Savouring of Argentine flavours in Salta
• Chasing waterfalls in Iguazu
• Exploring the Patagonian Andes in El Chalten

Average Cost of Items in Argentina**

• Three-course meal for 2 at a mid-range restaurant – AUD $29.65
• Half a litre of domestic draft beer in a restaurant – AUD $2.59
• 1 Cinema ticket for an international movie – AUD $7.41
• One-way ticket on local transport – AUD $0.48
• Bottle of mid-range wine – AUD $5.56
• Regular cappuccino – AUD $2.23

Argentine Currency

The official currency of Argentina is the Argentine peso (ARS)

Check current AUD to ARS exchange rates

^{Note: Due limited availability for this currency; please check this page to see whether the Argetine peso is currently available before deciding to purchase your currency.}

#3. Sri Lanka

With pumping surf, crystal lagoons, delicious vegetarian delights and welcoming, warm people, it’s no surprise that Sri Lanka is becoming an increasingly-popular travel destination for Australians; made even more popular recently by the weakening of the Sri Lankan rupee against the Australian dollar.³

Don’t Miss:

• Roaming through the cultural and artistic hub of Galle
• Visiting the fish market of Negombo and choosing fresh seafood for lunch!
• Swimming, sunbaking or taking in a sunset on Unawatuna Beach
• Strolling past the temples and through tea plantations of Ella

For a more in-depth look at Sri Lanka, check out our Sri Lanka Travel Guide.

Average Cost of Items in Sri Lanka**

• Three-course meal for 2 at a mid-range restaurant – AUD $15.41
• Half a litre of domestic draft beer in a restaurant – AUD $2.70
• One-way ticket on local transport – AUD $0.15
• Regular cappuccino – AUD $2.84
• 33 litre bottle of Coke or Pepsi – AUD $0.78
• A pair of men’s leather business shoes – AUD $39.45

Sri Lankan Currency

The official currency of Sri Lanka is the rupee (LKR)

Check current AUD to LKR exchange rates

#5. South Africa

From the Cape of Good Hope’s jagged cliffs to the wildlife abundant plains of the Kruger National Park, to the lush forestry along the Garden route, the diversity of South Africa’s ecosystems has always made it a popular destination for overseas visitors. It comes in at #5 on our list due to the recent Australian dollar to South African rand rate – an improvement of approximately 10.6% compared to March 2018.⁵

Don’t Miss:

• Visiting the penguin colony at Cape Town’s Boulders Beach
• Tasting the flavours of local favourites koeksisters, melktart, bunny chow and potjiekos
• Getting up close to elephants, lions, rhino, giraffe, zebra and more at Kruger National Park
• Hiking, white water rafting, kloofing or horse riding at Blyde River Canyon

For an in-depth look at South Africa’s mother city, check out our Cape Town Travel Guide.

Average Cost of Items in South Africa**

• Three-course meal for 2 at a mid-range restaurant – AUD $45.18
• Meal at McDonalds (or the equivalent combo meal) - AUD $6.02
• Half a litre of domestic draft beer in a restaurant – AUD $2.51
• 5 Litre bottle of water – AUD $1.47
• Taxi 1km at the regular tariff – AUD $1.10
• A summer dress bought from a Chain Store such as Zara or H&M – AUD $47.09

South African Currency

The official currency of South Africa is the South African rand (ZAR)

Check current AUD to ZAR exchange rates