World's most affordable nation you can travel through for $25 a day
And while we're on the topic of food… A typical daily budget for food can range anywhere from $A6 to $A40, depending on how boujee you plan on being. Most street foods, such as skewers, noodle soups, and baguette sandwiches range from $A0.65 to $A3. A sit-down restaurant at a cafe in a touristy area might set you back $A5 to $A7 per meal, and if you're feeling something high-end, a fine dining meal will cost roughly $A15 - $A25, depending on location.
And since you'll be in the area, why not hop to some other affordable Southeast Asian countries? Next on the list is Vietnam, a very short flight over. Vietnam is a street food paradise, and lucky for the wallet, it's also super affordable. Classic dishes like banh mi and bun cha typically cost around the $2-$5 mark. And if you're a coffee lover, then you'll definitely love Vietnam. There's a huge cafe culture, and you can try their signature egg coffees or condensed milk coffees for only $1-$3. Picture: iStock
And we can't discuss Southeast Asia without mentioning Thailand, a country that's equally intoxicating as it is charming. For one, the night-life is diverse as the country itself. From the world-famous Full Moon Party, where you'll see thousands partying with neon face paint and buckets of cocktails (yes, buckets), to the relaxed jazz bars of Chiang Mai, there's something unique for every type of traveller. And we can't mention Thailand's night-life without mentioning Sky Bar at Lebua, famously seen in The Hangover II. Picture: iStock
Thai cuisine is another huge reason why many travellers fall in love with this country. It's known for its bold, spicy and aromatic flavours, using key ingredients including garlic, shallots, lime, basil, and mint. A plate of pad thai or a spicy papaya salad will set you back between $3-$6 at a street vendor. Each region has its specialities too, so when you're in the north, try khao soi, a creamy coconut noodle soup, and when you're in the south, try their special massaman curry. Picture: iStock
The prices for accommodation across Indonesia generally are also very attractive to travellers. Comfortable guesthouses in Bali can be found from $20 per night, while a mid-range villa can cost from $60 per night, and that's including breakfast. If you're venturing out of the main tourist areas, prices drop even further, with basic rooms in Flores, Lombok and Sumatra starting from $15 per night. Picture: iStock
But if you're more adventure-inclined, worry not, there's still a lot for you. Indonesia is known for its vast array of volcano hikes such as Mount Bromo, which offers a short but steep climb to reach the crater rim, or Mount Rinjani, a two or three day expedition complete with crater lakes and stunning waterfalls. Picture: iStock
Now there's just one thing left - to book that next holiday! Picture: iStock
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10 hours ago
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Here's what customs officials and border officers see when they scan your passport
You might think your passport is just a simple travel document — a way to prove who you are when you cross borders —but in reality, border officials see a lot more than you realise. Melbourne woman Pauline Ryan was nearing the end of a 10-month trip through South and Central America when her journey turned into a nightmare. The semi-retired psychologist had travelled extensively with her partner — from Peru and Ecuador to Mexico — before flying into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on July 19, en route to Bali via Singapore. The pair arrived at 4:20pm and joined the long immigration queue. "The immigration officer was super friendly, super chatty… told us about his time in Australia and how well he was treated… then just abruptly said to my partner, 'You're going through. Pauline, you're being detained.' I literally said, 'You're joking.'" Ms Ryan said she was taken to a secondary holding area. "I was seriously patted down — hands up against the wall, legs parted, under the bra. Fingerprinted, all my jewellery taken, shoes and mouth searched. All my luggage was taken off me," she said. Ms Ryan was told her ESTA visa was invalid because of a trip she had declared to Iran in 2013. She said despite disclosing the visit months earlier during the online visa process — and having it approved — border officials informed her she was now ineligible and would be denied entry to the country. "They said because I'd been to Iran, I was not allowed to have an ESTA visa." Ms Ryan said she wasn't allowed to speak with her partner or access her phone and was made to board a last-minute, expensive flight to Singapore on the same night. "Two really big guys marched me through all of LA Airport… it was like a walk of shame." Once in Singapore, authorities questioned Ms Ryan again and denied her entry due to the US refusal, so she was forced to fly back to Australia. A US Customs and Border Protection spokesman said ESTA eligibility can be revoked if travellers visited "US designated sponsor of terrorism countries like Iran, Iraq, or Cuba". The spokesman said Ms Ryan's ESTA visa was revoked for false information about such travel. However, Ms Ryan said she did declare the holiday to Iran during the visa process. Dr Nina Toft Djanegara, a Technology, Law and Policy Fellow at the University of California (UCLA) School of Law, said a passport holds more than just your photo and details. "The chip embedded in your e-passport contains your photo and biometric data like fingerprints, which are compared in real-time," Dr Toft Djanegara said. It allows immigration officers to instantly verify your identity when they scan your passport. When a flight is booked, a passenger is assigned a Passenger Name Record (PNR), a six-digit code that links information about their trip. Dr Toft Djanegara said airlines send the information to the destination country up to 72 hours before your flight takes off. "Airlines share a huge amount of personal information internationally including your name, address, flight details, seat number, meal preferences, who you're travelling with, even how you paid for your ticket," she said. "It allows border authorities to build a detailed picture of your movements even before you arrive. It's designed to help with risk assessment and pre-screening." Besides passport and booking data, border officers access security databases sourced from Interpol, national watch lists, and terrorism or criminal records. "If you've been flagged on any watch lists, or have visa denials from other countries, that information can follow you and influence decisions at the border," Dr Toft Djanegara said. Immigration booths also have cameras comparing your live image with the one stored in your passport chip, confirming identity with a match or no-match response. A lot of it starts before you reach the border. Global IT company SITA runs many of the systems airlines use to send passenger information, including your name, passport number, itinerary and travel history to governments before flights, allowing authorities to track what people are doing, not just who they are. "The use of advanced data analytics and predictive surveillance is a double-edged sword. It enhances security but raises concerns about privacy and the potential for profiling or false positives," Dr Toft Djanegara said. As Ms Ryan found out, holding a valid visa doesn't automatically guarantee entry to the US because officers have a lot of discretion when deciding who gets in — and who doesn't. And it's not just the US. Australia's Border Force can also ask to check a traveller's electronic devices. "Border control officers operate in a complex legal environment…the discretion they wield is broad and often non-transparent," Dr Toft Djanegara said. So, while it might feel like you've ticked all the boxes, the final call at the border can sometimes come down to factors beyond just your paperwork. A 10-year Aussie passport now costs about $412, one of the most expensive in the world. The UK charge roughly $195 AUD, and a US passport is about $253 AUD. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said the price reflected high-tech security features and a strong global reputation — giving Australians visa-free access to more than 180 countries. Even so, Australia has slipped from sixth to seventh on the Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports by visa-free or visa-on-arrival access. It now sits alongside Malta and Poland, with Singapore leading, followed by Japan and South Korea.
News.com.au
a day ago
- News.com.au
World's most affordable nation you can travel through for $25 a day
For those wanting to travel without sacrificing the bank account, Laos has emerged as one of the cheapest travel destinations in the world. TimeOut recently reported Laos stood out as the cheapest travel destination in Southeast Asia, with a daily estimated expense of $A25. And yes, that includes food, accommodation and travel. They say you don't have to be rich to travel well, but let's be honest, it helps when you can stretch your money. Picture: iStock And while we're on the topic of food… A typical daily budget for food can range anywhere from $A6 to $A40, depending on how boujee you plan on being. Most street foods, such as skewers, noodle soups, and baguette sandwiches range from $A0.65 to $A3. A sit-down restaurant at a cafe in a touristy area might set you back $A5 to $A7 per meal, and if you're feeling something high-end, a fine dining meal will cost roughly $A15 - $A25, depending on location. And since you'll be in the area, why not hop to some other affordable Southeast Asian countries? Next on the list is Vietnam, a very short flight over. Vietnam is a street food paradise, and lucky for the wallet, it's also super affordable. Classic dishes like banh mi and bun cha typically cost around the $2-$5 mark. And if you're a coffee lover, then you'll definitely love Vietnam. There's a huge cafe culture, and you can try their signature egg coffees or condensed milk coffees for only $1-$3. Picture: iStock And we can't discuss Southeast Asia without mentioning Thailand, a country that's equally intoxicating as it is charming. For one, the night-life is diverse as the country itself. From the world-famous Full Moon Party, where you'll see thousands partying with neon face paint and buckets of cocktails (yes, buckets), to the relaxed jazz bars of Chiang Mai, there's something unique for every type of traveller. And we can't mention Thailand's night-life without mentioning Sky Bar at Lebua, famously seen in The Hangover II. Picture: iStock Thai cuisine is another huge reason why many travellers fall in love with this country. It's known for its bold, spicy and aromatic flavours, using key ingredients including garlic, shallots, lime, basil, and mint. A plate of pad thai or a spicy papaya salad will set you back between $3-$6 at a street vendor. Each region has its specialities too, so when you're in the north, try khao soi, a creamy coconut noodle soup, and when you're in the south, try their special massaman curry. Picture: iStock The prices for accommodation across Indonesia generally are also very attractive to travellers. Comfortable guesthouses in Bali can be found from $20 per night, while a mid-range villa can cost from $60 per night, and that's including breakfast. If you're venturing out of the main tourist areas, prices drop even further, with basic rooms in Flores, Lombok and Sumatra starting from $15 per night. Picture: iStock But if you're more adventure-inclined, worry not, there's still a lot for you. Indonesia is known for its vast array of volcano hikes such as Mount Bromo, which offers a short but steep climb to reach the crater rim, or Mount Rinjani, a two or three day expedition complete with crater lakes and stunning waterfalls. Picture: iStock Now there's just one thing left - to book that next holiday! Picture: iStock
News.com.au
2 days ago
- News.com.au
Aussies venture beyond the hotspots in 2025 to ‘hidden gems' in China and Japan
Aussie travellers are becoming fed-up with crowds at some of their favourite hotspots and have instead shifted their attention to a few surprise locations. New research from Australian-based travel company, Wendy Wu Tours, has revealed how overtourism is fuelling Aussies' growing desire to explore lesser-known destinations. While places like Bali, Tokyo and various hotspots in Europe such as Paris, Spain and Italy will always be high on Aussies' travel lists, new search data shows there's been a 40 per cent spike in interest in lesser-known destinations. As such Aussies have shifted their attention to certain parts of Asia such as Zhangjiajie (China) – inspiring the film Avatar, Yangshuo (China), Kanazawa (Japan's samurai district), Takayama (Japan) and Nagano (Japan) as travel habits continue to evolve. According to the company, the shift reflects a broader movement toward conscious travel, where authenticity, sustainability, and off-peak exploration matter more than ticking off traditional tourist spots. 'We're seeing a global push to share the benefits of tourism more evenly and to reduce the pressure on heavily-visited and concentrated areas,' Simon Bell, managing director of Wendy Wu Tours told 'A crowded street in a famous city may look good in photos, but it's not always enjoyable 'in the moment'. 'Across the board, it's clear that Aussies are seeking deeper cultural connections with destinations, and travel that leaves a positive footprint.' In China, they're seeing great interest in Zhangjiajie – famous for its towering sandstone pillars. 'But what draws people now isn't just the visual splendour – it's the sense of stepping into a living landscape that feels almost untouched,' he told 'Waking up to mist curling around those spires offers a very different experience than battling through crowds at a major monument. Yangshuo is another example – its karst peaks rise from green rice paddies, and you can cycle between villages, stopping for tea in a farmer's courtyard. @ Visited Zhangjiajie six times, and this is the most fun route I've summarized. #chinatravel #vacation #traveltiktok #tourchina #travel #chinatrip #zhangjiajie #hunan #nature ♬ original sound - @cyncynti I've been there twice in two different years and this is what I learned: 🗓️The best time to visit is during early June, late September 🚊 Train Shanghai - Yangzhou 扬州 121-135rmb 2.5-3hrs 🚕 Taxi Yangzhou downtown to 📍 Luyanghu Wetland 1hr 🇨🇳 Name in local language: 📍渌洋湖湿地公园 💰 Entrance fee is 10rmb and 50rmb for the boat for 2 people for 40min Do you still have questions? Feel free to ask 🥰 . . #chinatravel #yangzhou #traveltips #travelguide #placestogo #travelblogger #uniqueplaces #chinadestinations #greenlake #china ♬ Space - French Fuse 'That kind of intimacy with a place is hard to find in the well-trodden tourist hotspots.' Tourism to China has surged thanks in part to a 30-day, visa-free policy introduced mid last year. Mr Bell said some Aussies are under the impression China is just big cities and concrete jungles, adding this couldn't be further from the truth. 'Yes, China's cities are impressive and while cities like Beijing and Shanghai are world-renowned, China is home to incredible natural wonders and lush green spaces, quaint rural villages, and national parks that rival anything seen elsewhere in the world,' he said. He explained when travellers venture off the main tourist trail, their spending supports small businesses, local producers, and family-run accommodation. 'These are often the people who miss out when tourism concentrates in a few overexposed spots,' he said. 'It also helps to distribute visitor numbers more evenly, which can ease pressure on fragile heritage sites, infrastructure, and the environment.' It's something that's currently happening in Indonesia with authorities encouraging Aussies to visit areas outside the usual suspects of Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu and Ubud. 'While Bali remains an incredibly popular destination for Australians, there's a wealth of cultural, natural and historical treasures across Indonesia that deserve more attention. These lesser-known regions offer travellers a richer and often more relaxed experience,' Mr Bell said. Aussies, who make up the bulk of their foreign visitors, have been asked to visit areas such as Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara. @ Kanazawa was so so underrated #japan #traveljapan #cherryblossom #visitjapan #kanazawa #japanesefood #japantiktok #fypシ゚viral ♬ original sound - Alexis While grateful for tourism in the hotspots, the country is trying to spread economic benefits and combat overtourism. 'Overtourism is certainly influencing how travellers are thinking about their next trip,' Mr Bell said. 'Rising crowds, visa fees and changes in the traditional Bali experience are prompting many Aussies to look further afield. It's not about abandoning Bali altogether, but expanding horizons to explore beyond the well-worn paths.' Mr Bell said, as for Japan, while demand is still strong, they're noticing Aussies wanting to go beyond Tokyo and Kyoto to places like Kanazawa, where centuries-old samurai and geisha districts remain beautifully preserved – and less crowded. 'In Takayama, there's a rhythm to daily life that travellers are drawn to – morning markets by the river, wooden merchant houses that still feel lived in,' he said. 'In Nagano, people aren't just coming for the snow. They're walking through cedar forests to ancient temples, soaking in hot springs, and experiencing the slower traditions of the Japanese Alps.' Like Indonesia, Japan is also urging Aussies to look beyond the popular cities as it battles overtourism. Meanwhile, Mr Bell explained more Aussies are choosing to travel outside the busy seasons meaning fewer people on the same trails, quieter hotels, and more opportunities to interact with locals in a relaxed way. 'In many destinations, the shoulder seasons bring beautiful weather and seasonal foods that you'd miss at other times,' he said. Mr Bell said the company has responded to the travel shift by designing their tours to take in the iconic cities while also including nights in smaller towns and rural areas. He said this way it gives guests time to linger and connect more deeply with each place. 'That might mean exploring Tiger Island on a three-wheeled xe loi, meeting local craftspeople who make plant pots and incense, joining a farmer for a day's work, or relaxing in a traditional onsen in Nagano,' he added. Mr Bell advised Aussies planning a trip this year to think about what you most want to get out of your time away. '[It] can mean packing in as many sights and experiences as possible; while for others, it's about slowing the pace and soaking in the atmosphere,' he said. 'The most memorable trips often strike a balance, blending must-see highlights with moments that surprise you – be it a hidden cafe down a quiet street or a local festival you didn't know was happening. 'Leave space for the unexpected, and your journey will stay with you long after you return home.'
