Times are tough and many of us know if we can make our dollar stretch that little further we can often extend our overseas vacation and make the most of our time in a foreign country.
According to TripAdvisor's TripMaximizer Report shows travelers just how far their money can go by comparing how long they can stay at some of the most desirable holiday destinations, making the power of the dollar literally in the hands of the traveler.
The report outlines the approximate number of nights travelers can afford for two people, based on an average holiday budget. In terms of the Australian market the amount is AUD$1,700 including flights and accommodation.
It's no surprise due to its proximity to our shores that Asian destinations top the list. An average couple are able to stay up to a lengthy 37 days in Kuala Lumpur for example. That figure is based on an average nightly hotel room rate of AUD$54 and flights for two taking up the bulk of the budget costing AUD$1,396.
Historically one of the most popular budget destinations for Aussies has been Bali, however there are cheaper alternatives where travelers are able to stay longer for the same amount of money.
Patong Beach in Phuket Thailand came in second boasting an average nightly room rate of AUD$54 and flights for two taking up the bulk of the budget costing $1,396.
Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City came in closely behind at 27 nights. While accommodation for Patong and Ho Chi Minh City were more expensive than Kuala Lumpur flights on average were slightly cheaper.
Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon, Vietnam
Seminyak in Bali where both the flights and accommodation came in higher than the top three destinations equate to a 20 night stay for the same amount of money.
Singapore boasted the cheapest flights at AUD$1209 for two people, however the cost of hotel accommodation unfortunately means a holiday stay will come in at no more than 14 days.
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
The big secret of the report was Japan, which was rated a cheaper location than Fiji. Aussies are able to stay six nights in Kyoto for the same amount as five nights on Denarau Island, where both the airfare and the accommodation costs were higher.
How Long Can AUD$1,700 Stretch Overseas
The following figures are based on average flight costs from Sydney and an average nightly hotel rate on TripAdvisor for two persons.
1. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: 37 nights
(return flight $698; nightly hotel rate $54)
2. Patong, Thailand: 28 nights
(return flight $637; nightly hotel rate $76)
3. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: 27 nights
(return flight $642; nightly hotel rate $78)
4. Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia: 20 nights
(return flight $702, nightly hotel rate $101)
5. Singapore: 14 nights
(return flight $604, nightly hotel rate $157)
6. Hong Kong, China: 10 nights
(return flight $792, nightly hotel rate $180)
7. Queenstown, New Zealand: 9 nights
(return flight $626, nightly hotel rate $251)
8. Kyoto, Japan: 6 nights
(return flight $856, nightly hotel rate $293)
9. Denarau Island, Fiji: 5 nights
(return flight $913, nightly hotel rate $321)
10. Honolulu, Hawaii, US: 4 nights
(return flight $1124, nightly hotel rate $323)