Craving an overseas holiday minus the long-haul flight? Stay close to home on your next escape – and still be treated to world-class adventure.

Who said you had to travel to the other side of the world for an extraordinary experience? Whether it’s a short flight to Fiji or a hop over the ditch to New Zealand, these Aussie-adjacent trips prove that not all great holidays have to happen far from home.  

1. Balance out in Bali

Australians have been finding their centre in Bali for decades and while we know it’s a trope of sorts, we’ll never stop. That’s because Bali is wonderful and remains so, despite the fact you can now get a flat white everywhere and can’t walk 50 metres without bumping into a fellow countryman. From the cliffs of Uluwatu to the jade-coloured hills of Ubud and the stunning accommodation options, there are still so many places to renew quietly. Yes, side-stepping the tourist traps is harder than it used to be, but it’s still entirely achievable. There is just something about the mingling of tropical heat, nasal-filling incense and the buzz of scooters that’s like warm milk for us Aussies – it soothes our souls and rewires our nervous systems. 

2. Experience the Pacific with a side of France

It feels a little overdue that New Caledonia is trending up. This French territory floating in the South Pacific seems as though it should be a no-brainer for an escape, blending a heavenly World Heritage-listed lagoon and dreamy archipelagos with French sensibilities and fare. You needn’t schlep to Nice for that Euro summer vibe; just hit up Nouméa then disperse out to the islands of Lifou, Maré and Isle of Pines, where you will find accommodation options to suit all budgets, from beach huts to luxury resorts. 

3. Cruise the South Pacific

Sometimes you just need a holiday that’s easy. Not wildly intrepid and not orchestrated with intricate connections between multiple countries – just a single unpacking of luggage and a complete unloading of emotional baggage. Cruising closer to home allows exactly that. Get un-busy drifting in clear, restorative waters as the holiday unwinds. Norwegian Cruise Line has twigged that Aussies are keen to stay closer to home and has extended its South Pacific season accordingly. Go for the 12-day Fiji, Brisbane and Vanuatu voyage that ends in Sydney, the 11-day Mystery Island and Dravuni itinerary or the shorter eight-day Rarotonga, Raiatea and Moorea round trip on the refined Norwegian Spirit.  

4. Taiwan: Asia’s underrated escape

Taiwan is often overlooked as a desirable destination within our neighbourhood, but there is a lot to love about this island – particularly in the energetic capital of Taipei. A nice way to do it is to balance your discovery of the city’s neon-lit, pulsing streets with a stay at the serene Capella Taipei. Designed to be a ‘modern mansion’ in the Songshan District, here you’ll find attentive hospitality blended with Taiwanese spirit and Capella’s signature polish. Don’t skip the chance to experience Mizue, the hotel’s two-Michelin-starred Japanese omakase restaurant. Its refinement is a nice contrast to Taipei’s incredible street food culture and both should be robustly enjoyed.  

5. Adventure in Papua New Guinea

Australia’s closest neighbour, Papua New Guinea is a certified adventureland. A frontier kind of country that’s densely jungled and deeply tribal, discovering PNG is a thrill whether you come for cultural festivals or to trek the gruelling Kokoda Trail. Previously, arriving in the capital of Port Moresby – just a 1.5-hour flight from Cairns – has been a little gravelly in terms of accommodation, but the opening of Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites has cushioned the landing with five-star hospitality. The 394-key hotel has a pool, Zen Spa, bar and four onsite restaurants to help you sync with island life. 

6. Indulge in Vietnam 

Roaming rice paddies and perspiring your way through a bowl of noodle soup is what comes to mind when we think of exploring Vietnam. But while it’s often considered a shoestring destination, Vietnam has a fast-growing stable of luxury stays that are piquing the interest of Aussie travellers sans backpacks. The beachfront InterContinental Halong Bay Resort gives guests a more elevated base from which to explore the World Heritage site and has even launched a six-bedroom private residence for ultra-exclusive stays. Elsewhere, on popular Phu Quoc Island, The Regent Phu Quoc is a cloistered oasis of luxury, and south of Hanoi in Ninh Binh, Jiva Hoa Lu Retreat is sheltered by towering limestone cliffs and emerald vegetation that showcase the region amid five-star elegance. 

7. A cultural trip to China

The more relaxed visa rules for Australians visiting China have provided a veritable gap in the fence for us to pop into the neighbour’s yard for a cheeky look. We’re loving China for a holiday that is packed with culture and incredible food, plus the ability to scratch that itch of curiosity. From Beijing to Shanghai, neon-lit cities to regional beauties, and icons such as the Great Wall and Zhangjiajie’s quartz pillars, there’s a lot to uncover here that begs repeat visits. A longtime expert in the land of the Red Dragon, Wendy Wu Tours runs an abundance of group itineraries that span across the nation. 

8. A wellness-focused stopover in Singapore

Singapore does not usually spring to mind when brainstorming wellness destinations, but a new urban resort is challenging that thought. Through its culinary program, wellness facilities and setting in a green and leafy part of town, a stay at METT Singapore is centred around the art of living well. A reimagined heritage property, the five-star hotel is part of the historic Fort Canning Park precinct and has all the amenities you need for a proper pause: two outdoor pools, padel and pickleball courts, and boutique fitness studios. Adding to the appeal is the Asian debut of Longevity Suite – Europe’s leading biohacking and anti-ageing clinic. Consider extending your Singapore stopover to recalibrate before heading back home. 

9. Wake above the water in Fiji

There’s a particular pleasure in waking up with nowhere to be but by the sea. In Fiji, days are spent paddling in turquoise waters, sipping piña coladas by the pool and lingering over long lunches before settling in on your private deck, book in hand, as waves gently lap below and the sun drifts overhead. Evenings bring golden sunsets with palm-tree silhouettes, starlit lovo feasts and cultural shows performed with that unmistakable Fijian energy. And so the blissful cycle repeats, making it all too easy to surrender to island time. Nowhere does it better than Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, where luxury and style are guaranteed, and steps from your private overwater bure lead directly into the shimmering lagoon, meaning paradise is never more than a shell’s toss away. 

10. Sail the Subantarctic Islands

Extraordinary isn’t all that far away in the southern hemisphere. Remote, windswept beauty and the spirit of exploration rank high on a voyage to New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands with PONANT EXPLORATIONS. This trip is sure to elicit puzzling looks when you explain your intent to tour such a sparsely visited destination. Departing from and returning to Dunedin or Timaru on the South Island, the round trip cruises the lesser-known islands of Ulva, Antipodes, The Snares and Macquarie (part of Australia). You’ll also loop into the incredible Milford Sound along the way. Another bonus? This rare itinerary gives guests superior bragging rights for life. 

This article is part of International Traveller’s 100 Holidays You Deserve round-up. Visit the special 100 Holidays You Deserve hub to find inspiring adventures for every travel type.