Where the Aussie dollar stretches furthest

With the Australian dollar at an 18-year high against the US greenback, and performing at record levels against other currencies, the UK’s The Sunday Times says that there has never been a better time for Aussies to travel abroad and topping the list of destinations are Japan and Switzerland, countries long considered outrageously expensive for Australian travellers.

The Aussie dollar is up more than 23 per cent against the Japanese yen and almost 15 per cent against the Swiss franc in the past 12 months.

Here is a list of top-10 destinations where the Australian dollar has performed best in the past year, and where travellers can now get more bang for their buck:

JAPAN

A modern country with a rich cultural heritage, Japan has long been popular with travellers because of the renowned hospitality of its people.

While it remains one of the most expensive places in the world to visit, especially the capital Tokyo, with the Aussie now almost a quarter stronger against the yen than a year ago, it is time to take advantage of the exchange-rate windfall and it is possible even for the budget traveller to have a good time.

Autumn (September to November) is ideal for travel: temperatures are pleasant and the autumn colours are fantastic. October on is a great time to hit Japan’s legendary ski slopes.

TAIWAN

Off the east coast of mainland China, Taiwan’s main island, Formosa (which means “beautiful island”), has teeming cities and steep mountain ranges covered by tropical and subtropical vegetation. Taiwan is great for shopping, eating and interesting cultural and religious festivals.

As a rule, the best weather is between September and November, but consider visiting Taiwan’s renowned International Food Festival in August for a truly gastronomic experience.

It is best to visit during other colourful ocassions, such as the Lantern Festival, the birth of the goddess Matsu, the Dragon Boat Festival and Teachers’ Day.

SWITZERLAND

Legendary for its chocolates, snow-capped alpine landscapes and winter wonderland scenes – not to mention high costs – now is the chance to visit this much sought-after country in the heart of Europe. After all, an almost 15 per cent strengthening against the Swiss franc does not happen often.

If you’re keen on winter sports, resorts in the Alps (such as St Moritz and Gstaad) begin operating in early December, move into full swing about Christmas and close when snow begins to melt in April.

Otherwise, Switzerland is good to visit at any other time throughout the year and offers an ideal climate for both summer and winter outdoor pursuits.

SOUTH AFRICA

As Africa’s most diverse and tourist-friendly travel destination, South Africa offers a world in one country.

It is a world-class destination with an excellent road infrastructure, vibrant First World cities and culturally rich townships, as well as superb beaches, breathtaking mountain ranges, forests, deserts and, of course, some of the continent’s finest game reserves.

Even though the country has traditionally offered great value for money, a 14 per cent strengthening of the Aussie dollar against the South African rand in the past year has meant that one can indulge just a little more when it comes to choosing from a bewildering selection of luxury game lodges, hip city hotels and stunning beach resorts.

Cape Town, considered one of the top-10 destinations in the world, is a dazzling mix of skyscrapers, sea, beaches and mountains.

Other must-see places include the famed Kruger National Park, the Garden Route, the legendary Johannesburg township of Soweto, the St Lucia Wetlands World Heritage Site, as well as the spring wildflowers in the Namaqualand desert.

UNITED STATES

Long an Australian travel favourite, the US is home to several of the world’s most exciting cities, awesome landscapes and friendly people.

From the glaciers of Alaska to the swamps of Florida and beaches of Hawaii, the theatres of New York to the theme parks of California, the US has something to cater for everyone’s taste.

With the Aussie at an 18-year high against the greenback, now is a good time to make the most of it and head across the Pacific to this great country of contrasts.

Las Vegas has been made hotter and hipper with a record 38.9 million visitors last year. A phenomenal $US30 billion (about $A34 billion) is being spent on resort-area construction. Never has Las Vegas seen this level of investment.

ARGENTINA

The upside of Argentina’s financial meltdown of a few years ago is that it is now one of the biggest bargain-travel destinations in the world. For Australians, this is even more so, now that the Aussie dollar is almost 14 per cent stronger than the peso in the past year.

Argentina’s tourism assets – stunning natural wonders, a passionate culture of tango, music and barbecues, and an elegant capital city, Buenos Aires, with a distinct European-flavoured atmosphere – are now more tempting than ever.

Argentina also offers a unique skiing holiday experience, where, as in Australia, the ski season runs from mid-June to mid-October, while summer (December to February) is the best time to visit the breathtaking glaciers of southern Patagonia.

SOUTH KOREA

Located across the water from Japan, mountains cover about 70 per cent of Korea’s land mass, making it one of the most mountainous regions in the world. The country offers a fascinating mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences and history.

The capital, Seoul, is an intriguing city and a major mover and shaker on the international scene, especially in commerce and sport. Most of its skyline is modern, but it manages to retain a hidden history of centuries-old temples, palaces, pagodas and pleasure gardens.

SINGAPORE

Though Singapore appears modern and Western, it is undeniably an Asian city where Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions mix seamlessly. Though it is one of Australians’ favoured shopping destinations, a visit can be co-ordinated with one of the various festivals and events, such as Thaipusam, a fascinating Hindu festival occurring around February, the Singapore Food Festival in April, and the Great Singapore Sale in June.

EUROPE

The advent of the euro has helped to make travel across EU country borders far easier. While costs can vary from country to country, the Aussie dollar has held its own against the rising euro, which could take the edge off some of Europe’s more prohibitively expensive corners. Treat yourself by catching the Eurostar from London to Paris for a weekend, or indulge in a few nights on Italy’s Isle of Capri. You might even consider including the insanely expensive Norway in your next European holiday itinerary.

BRITAIN

While the capital London is great at any time of the year, your best chance of good weather is at the height of summer (July and August) – which is also the time you can expect the highest prices. But, the Australian dollar’s rise against the pound might take the sting out of an otherwise normally expensive destination.

Report by The Mole