It’s all too easy to get stuck in a travel rut. You start thinking about your annual leave and how you should spend it, where you should go, but all you can think of are the same destinations over and over. “Let’s go to Bali…” or “How about we spend a few days at a beach in Thailand?” Yea, sure, these places are great but there’s a whole WORLD out there waiting to be discovered. So, rather than just going on auto-pilot and going to the same old places, consider these destinations instead!
Instead of Koh Samui, visit Koh Rong
There is no denying Thailand’s beaches are among the most beautiful in the world and Koh Samui is the quintessential Thai beach getaway. Guys, I’m not going to judge you if you got to Koh Samui, it’s gorgeous! BUT did you know Cambodia is also home to some gorgeous beaches and there are fewer people and it’s very, very cheap!
Koh Rong is an island off the Cambodian coastline that is picture-perfect, with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water for you to enjoy. There are far fewer tourists than the main areas of Thailand and it’s very cheap, with a private beachfront bungalow costing around $30AU per night. The beachfront bungalows are by no means 5-star luxury, they are simple and magical and a chance for you to get away from all that touristy crap and get back to grass-roots travel. Away from tourist traps, you’ll find Koh Rong to be visitor-friendly, but deliciously peaceful and simple.
Places to stay:
- Paradise Bungalows – Beachfront bungalows
- Sandy Beach Bungalows – A gorgeous location and picture-perfect
You might also like to read:
Instead of Queenstown, visit Wanaka
When you think of visiting New Zealand, it’s hard to go past idyllic Queenstown. Drive an hour north, though, and you’ll find yourself in Wanaka. Away from the snow-bunny, tourist-heavy streets of Queenstown, you’ll find Wanaka is an absolute haven. It offers a relaxed, welcoming vibe and views of the Southern Alps that will take your breath away, as well as a range of world-class wineries to spend a day (or two). If you’re looking for an escape to New Zealand that’s a little more grown up, but no less adventurous and enjoyable, Wanaka is your spot.
I know New Zealand is one of those places you traditionally would think of for a winter break, but the locals in Wanaka rave about the summers! The days are long and you can swim in Lake Wanaka with no fear of shark attacks, sea snake bites or death by microscopic jellyfish. Seriously, Australia… wtf?
Places to stay:
- Tenby Apartments – fully self-contained accommodation that’s close to everything
- Cardrona Hotel – old school vibe, attached to a historic pub with amazing food.
- Edgewater – right on the Lake, a bit fancier, fully self-contained and comfortable.
You might also like to read:
- Read my blog post about 31 Things to do in Wanaka
- Read my guide on what to pack for a trip to New Zealand
Instead of Bali, visit Hoi An
One of the big appeals of visiting Bali is all the delicious food and cheap shopping. Turns out, Vietnam has also got you covered with both these things. The beautiful, soulful town of Hoi An is in central Vietnam, along the coastline, and is an interesting mix of French and Vietnamese influences. Away from over-crowded beaches and bad sunburn, you’ll find Hoi An is a peaceful place situated along the water.
Hoi An is an elegant fairytale town straight out of your dreams. The fusion of French architecture with the simple, resourceful lifestyle of the Vietnamese people makes for beautiful streets lined with bright lights, pretty trinkets and inviting cafes and restaurants. It’s a slower pace of life, compared to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh but in no way is it less communal. Hoi An is worth visiting because the streets are beautiful and unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere and because it shows a slower, relaxed side to Vietnam. Three to four days is a good amount of time to stay in Hoi An.
The food is amazing, providing traditional Vietnamese flavours and European goodies. Local tailors custom make suits, dresses, handbags and anything else your heart desires, all at great prices. The locals here are welcoming, lovely and amazing hosts. You can’t help but relax and unwind in this serene spot. It’s also a good budget-friendly option!
Places to stay:
- Essence Hoi An Hotel & Spa – fabulous staff, a great location and well priced.
- Vinh Hung Emerald Resort – along the river, big rooms and great location.
You might also like to read:
- Read my tips on the best places to eat and what to do in Hoi An, here.
- Read some more in-depth insight here, based on our trip to Hoi An.
Instead of Singapore, visit Tokyo
A visit to Singapore will see you visit classy department stores, eat fantastic food and stay in luxurious accommodation. Tokyo offers all this, with a little Japanese flair. You’ll still find great shopping, but you’ll also discover a child-like element to the city too, with games arcades, batting cages, rabbit cafes and karaoke bars. You can feast on world-class sushi, tempura and some pretty spectacular ramen, then spend the day exploring this eclectic city, bursting with culture and history.
Tokyo retains the high-end feel of Singapore, but with a fun and carefree edge to it that makes you feel like the entire city is your playground. It’s one of those places you visit and just spend the whole time exploring, it’s hard to sit still in Tokyo, you just want to get out there and have as much fun and do as much as possible because it’s so great.
Places to stay:
You might also like to read:
- 43 Things to do in Tokyo, the weird and wonderful to everything else in-between
- Read my guide on 9 Things you should know before you visit Japan
- Read my guide on What to pack for a trip to Japan
Best travel resources for your trip!
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