Here's where to travel for less on the Aussie dollar right now

We’ve rounded up the best places to travel in 2026, where money-savvy travellers can get the most bang for their buck.

It’s no secret that taking a holiday can be a huge investment. But there is one silver lining – thanks to some favourable exchange rates for the Aussie dollar, there are plenty of destinations where your money will stretch a bit further than usual. From the world-renowned gastronomy of Peru, to the bright lights of Japan’s capital, to the remnants of the Ottoman Empire in North Macedonia – make the most of your travel budget where the Aussie dollar is stronger.

Peru

There are plenty of reasons to visit Peru: vast and varied landscapes, incredible food, and a rich cultural heritage. I mean, they have both the Amazon and the Andes in one country – incredible! Plus llamas, of course. And the best news is that Peru’s cost of living is roughly 50 to 55 per cent less than in Australia, meaning our money stretches a lot further even at the worst of times. But in 2026, the AUD has held strong compared to its lower averages from previous years, making it an even better time to get over there.

Approximate 2026 exchange rate: $1 = S/2.43

Japan

Alley of memories Tokyo — Wander down Tokyo’s Memory Lane/Omoide Yokocho.

Great news for Aussies with an affinity for Japan, as the Australian dollar is currently booming against the Yen. The island nation is steeped in history – effortlessly fusing the ancient with the modern. And the country truly has something for every style of traveller. City slickers will enjoy exploring the urban jungle of Tokyo; nature lovers will adore the mountainscapes and cherry blossoms; and history buffs will be spoiled with an abundance of historic temples and sites to discover. In late 2022, the Australian dollar teetered over the 90 Yen mark for the first time since 2018 and continues to hover at historic highs against the Yen.

Approximate 2026 exchange rate: $1 = ¥114

Türkiye

Partake in the iconic sunrise hot air balloon rides over Cappadocia. (Credit: Alex Azabache)

The grand architecture of Istanbul. The fairy chimneys and iconic sunrise hot air balloon rides of Cappadocia. The cascading thermal pools of Pamukkale. This country, bridging Europe and Asia, is completely unique and totally unforgettable. Dine on world-class cuisine, relax on stunning Mediterranean beaches and make the most of more affordable luxury. The Australian Dollar is trading at a near-historic high in 2026, with $1 sitting around 32.5 to 33 Turkish Lira (TRY). For comparison, that’s a significant increase even compared to late 2025, when the AUD was sitting around 27.5 TRY.

Approximate 2026 exchange rate: $1 = ₺32.89

Sweden

The Sodermalm district of Stockholm at sunset.

With the Aussie dollar sailing at a record 10-year high against the Swedish krona, this news should serve as a clarion call to all travellers with a penchant for impeccable design, natural beauty and historical riches. Explore cafes, shopping and art in Stockholm, or head out into the countryside for a glimpse of rural Swedish life. While Sweden normally leaves a larger-than-usual dent in the pockets of travellers, the Australian Dollar to Swedish Krona exchange rate is currently quite strong for Australians. As of late May 2026, 1 AUD generally sits between 6.60 and 6.65kr, which is a significant improvement from the lower ranges seen throughout late 2025.

Approximate 2026 exchange rate: $1 = 6.60kr

North Macedonia

History buffs can’t resist North Macedonia, where a rich blend of Ottoman, Byzantine and Roman history leaves behind fascinating traces. Find bazaars left from the Ottoman Empire, ancient lakes surrounded by historic Byzantine churches, neo-classical monuments, and so much more. Beyond the history, it’s a region known for world-class wine and dramatic mountain hiking trails. In 2026, the Aussie dollar has enjoyed a significant improvement from late 2025, bumping up from around 34.50 MKD to 37.80 to 38.00 MKD.

Approximate 2026 exchange rate: $1 = ден 37.89

South Korea

Uncover tradition at Hanok Village in Seoul.

Tech-forward South Korea is full of ancient traditions, culture and historic sites. Get lost in the ebullient buzz of Seoul and explore the dongs (neighbourhoods) lit up by a neon kaleidoscope of flashing signs. If you consider yourself a bit of a foodie, you’ll have plenty to uncover with a bustling restaurant scene and streets lined with food vendors. If you prefer peace and quiet, head into the idyllic countryside to discover a taste of rural life and unparalleled Korean hospitality. Whatever style of travel you prefer, South Korea is slated to become a great-value destination for 2026. The Aussie dollar may have dipped in 2025, but has made a comeback this year, providing a solid boost to your purchasing power

Approximate 2026 exchange rate: $1 = ₩1075

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Hungary

Aerial view of Danube River in Budapest at night — Take a stroll along the Danube that runs through the heart of Budapest.

Hungary is another gem on the European continent. The nation’s capital, Budapest, is famed for its beautiful architecture, world-class music and thermal baths peppered throughout the city. Outside of the city, the Hungarian landscape is characterised by rolling green hills, lakes and mediaeval townhouses. In the last few years, the dollar cracked a 10-year high against the Hungarian forint, and in 2026 has hovered between 217 and 224Ft, offering a great option for travellers who want a taste of Europe without contending with those exorbitant Euro prices.

Approximate 2026 exchange rate: $1 = 218Ft

Argentina

While it’s renowned for its beef, Argentina is also an incredible holiday destination. Thanks to a large Italian migration, it boasts some of the best pizza, pasta and gelato outside of Italy itself. Then there’s the nature; it’s a hiker’s dream. Head south to Patagonia, spotting glaciers and iconic mountain peaks like El Chaltén and Bariloche. Or go north, where the climate is subtropical, and the 275 cascades of UNESCO-listed Iguazú Falls await. And then there’s the culture. Buenos Aires is known as the ‘Paris of South America’ thanks to its architecture, nightlife, and historic neighbourhoods. And don’t forget to join in a tango. The Aussie dollar is exceptionally high here at the moment, sitting around 1000 Argentine Pesos as a result of Argentina’s high domestic inflation.

Approximate 2026 exchange rate: $1 = ARS$1009

South Africa

South Africa is home to some of the most majestic animals on earth, from mighty elephants to elegant leopards and playful baboons. Outside of the wildlife reserves, travellers flock to cities like Cape Town for the beautiful beaches, picturesque setting and a taste of the good life. If a wildlife safari has been on your bucket list, then 2026 could be the perfect time to tick it off. The Aussie dollar is currently sitting pretty against the South African rand, significantly increasing your buying power.

Approximate 2026 exchange rate: $1 = R11.60

Originally by Elizabeth Whitehead. Updated by Kassia Byrnes.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

Here’s where to travel for less on the Aussie dollar right now