See elephants in South Africa. Photo: Oliver Strewe / Lonely Planet Images

Paradise on the cheap: where to holiday on the weak NZ dollar

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Joshua Crouthamel

What a difference an economic meltdown can make! Forget about booking into any of those too-good-to-be-true holidays, because in these hard times, your best bet is to find a paradise on the cheap.

Cheap paradises are places where you can still live it up without losing 40 percent of the face value of your dollar. And you might be surprised at some of the deals and destinations that make our list. So don't give up on a getaway this year just because our currency's in the crapper — just think outside of the box! Here are some ideas to get you started.

Canada
That's right — America's neighbour to the north has had a similar slide against the US greenback, which means you can still get a decent amount of "loonies" (Canadian one-dollar coin) at exchange. The country is spectacularly beautiful, and if you book now you'll be skiing or boarding some of the world's best mountains come Christmas. Whistler is one of North America's best ski fields, and is just a three-hour bus transfer from Vancouver International Airport.

Iceland
Historically one of Europe's priciest destinations, Iceland's currency crashed in tandem with our own. That means you won't see a serious hit to your wallet at the cash counter, and these days you can expect to receive some pretty smoking deals on the ground. The volcanos, waterfalls and glaciers make the country an adventure holiday wonderland, and the funky capital of Reykjavik has something for every hipster. It might be costly to get here, but once you arrive, you'll be getting better bargains than ever with your NZ dollar.

South Africa
Your buck will still earn you as many South African rand as it did before the recent crash, and the cost of flights hasn't changed. So don't park any holiday plans to Cape Town or Jo'burg yet. Travellers to South Africa are often surprised by how affordable goods and services are once they hit the ground. And the country really does have so much to offer — wine buffs, nature lovers, adrenaline junkies and big game aficionados are all catered for.

Papua New Guinea
Forget everything you may have learned about PNG to date — this is a truly great country to visit. Prepare yourself for beautiful beaches, dense rainforests, a rich and thriving local culture and affordable activities (and even decadence, if you are so inclined). PNG is one of the most diverse yet least-explored countries on the planet. Take the precautions you would travelling in any other off-the-beaten-track destination, and make the most of your dwindling dollar.

Samoa
So Hawaii may be off the list for now, but what about Samoa? This Polynesian paradise is only half the distance away as Honolulu, and offers incredible value.

Hamilton Island
Once you're in Australia, Jetstar is always flogging cheap airfares to beautiful Hamilton Island, and once you arrive there are accommodation options to suit just about any budget. Perfect for a fly-n-flop holiday not too far from home, and just as beautiful as more expensive destinations further afield.

Cruise around the USD
Okay, so you may not consider yourself a "cruise person". But if you're a traveller who's keen to save some cash, kick back and relax, then you might want to reconsider. And if you really had your heart set on Hawaii — take a cruise around the island state, but book here in NZ so you're paid up in our dollars. It's a great way to get your aloha on without spending a dollar on the ground.

Phu Quoc or Mui Ne, Vietnam
If you can find a cheap flight to Saigon, Vietnam, you can beach it for cheap nearby. Phu Quoc Island is just a 35-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City, or you can hop on a $5 backpacker bus and head to Mui Ne on the coast. Both destinations are made up of small fishing villages, and both offer cheap bungalows from which you can enjoy your own patch of the South China Sea.

Vanuatu
This lesser-travelled South Pacific island destination has cool diving and offers a very low-key vibe. Pacific Blue has great fares to get you there, and on the ground, it's easy enough to avoid the pricey five-star hotels and instead opt for beach bungalows for a few bucks. Think Thailand, but quieter.

New Zealand
Why go overseas when you can see our own beautiful country? With summer fast approaching, now's a great time to set off and explore both islands.

Bali
This perennial favourite is still a goer, even in these troubled times. The Kiwi dollar goes a long way, and prices to Bali are still as cheap as ever.

House swap
If you're looking for free accommodation anywhere in New Zealand, or the world, for that matter, register your home on a house-swap website. The network will connect you with others looking to exchange addresses for a holiday.

Your back garden
There really is no place like home. So instead of packing your bags and venturing out, stay home for a change. Spend your travel bucks on a nice barbie feast, crack open a beer and avoid the jet lag entirely.

Have your say: do you know of any more cheap paradises? Where have you had holidays without breaking the bank?

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User comments

Thanks, this is indeed a great article. We were in vanuatu early this year and If you are going on a budget and not really looking for 5 stars or any star treatment, you can easily pick way cheaper options with backpackers or flats we ended up staying in a 2 bedroom apartment, fully furnished with cleaning services for 1000vt a night (roughly $12) How good is that!! we are definately heading back there.

What a silly comment to make Hannes. I had a month there a while ago, arrived at Jo'berg airport, couldn't find my friend and eventually accepted a lift with a guy who had been waiting for his father...got into car with 3 Afrikaans, 2 of whom did not speak English! They took me to my friend's place....safely...BTW.....I was 64 and a woman. But fortunately I had spent my early 20's on a 3 year OE in London so a good judge of character. Also my girlfriend and I drove to Capetown, turning off at Beaufort West to go out to the coast and down to Glen Cairn where we stayed with a friend of hers. Returned to Pretoria on the train....NOT the Blue train!! No guns, no bullets to dodge etc., WONDERFUL and AWESOME country.

Sorry - can't agree at all with the comment above on South Africa. We have just spent 8 weeks travelling all over South Africa on local transport and not only is it perfectly safe, it is also very comfortable travelling, very good value and the people are fantastically friendly. There are certain areas in big cities like Johannesburg and Durban where you would not want to wander alone but there a hundreds of cities all over the world that have areas like that. You would be extremely unlucky to get caught up in anything where you would be "dodging bullets"! We say do go if you are interested - you won't regret it and it WILL be worth it!

Its a lovely and relaxing place to be and go for a well deserved hoilday. They say (locals) its no place like home. We say its the last "Paradise in Heaven". So if you are thinking of going there enjoy it while you can and to spice it up even better with the sandy beaches and crystal blue lagoon and to the turtles swim close up to you then fly to Aitutaki and enjoy the Day Tours its worth it, you won't be disappointed. So what you waiting for start packing..... Remember Enjoy it as much as you can.

Hehe sorry, whilst I would agree with most of these, Iceland still remains an incredibly expensive place to visit. It IS lovely and stunning and worth it. But (notwithstanding airfares) it is still very expensive. However, if going to the UK or Europe generally I would wholeheartedly suggest visiting there. Just don't expect it to be cheap.

I have just spent 5 weeks in Vanuatu, 4 of volunteer work and 1 of holiday. It is indeed an inexpensive place to get to and there are lots of places to stay that aren't 5 star pricey resorts but equally as nice. I found the staff in the smaller resorts, which are often closer to town and within walking distance of good amenities, fabulous, they are friendly and really helpful. Try Tradewinds Resort, it is owned by KIwis and self catering but close to restaurants if you choose to eat out. Apart from the obviously locally produced food like vegetables, fruit meat fish... and beer (which is pretty good.. most goods are imported and are expensive compared to what we would pay at home. There is plenty to do from visiting the waterfall, to hooning round in dune buggies or sailing around the islands. There are even free movies on Wednesday and Sunday nights on the waterfront.

This has to be one of the best articles I have read that gives really sensible ideas. Especially the las destination, that really puts everything in perspective.

the cook islands currency is nz dollars so no change in value takes place with currency movement. Also is a great place to go for a relaxing holiday. cheers

I would like to add a comment on the South African article,The last sentence says adrenalin junkies, you know why? Your adrenalin sure will be pumping once you have landed in South Africa and you have to start dodging bullets, running away from the hi-jackers and muggers. My advice to you is don't go, it's not worth it.