Holiday swaps that offer travellers better value for money

Expedia announces holiday swaps that offer travellers better value for money

Forget Japan, Vietnam or Brazil. If you’re looking to get more for your dollar, Expedia recommends you consider China, Sri Lanka or Argentina

August 16, 2016 – Leading travel website, Expedia.co.nz, has released its annual Expedia Value Tracker, showcasing the best value international destinations for New Zealand Travelers [Flight and hotel prices are based on rates for the first half of 2016].

The report which is based on the performance of the New Zealand dollar against major global currencies, combined with the average cost of international flights and accommodation booked from New Zealand, has been developed to help Kiwis make smarter, more costeffective travel choices.

Managing Director of Expedia Brand for Australia and New Zealand, Georg Ruebensal, commented on the value tracker:

“Expedia’s Value Tracker is a useful guide for Kiwis who are unsure of where to travel to next and who want to find the best value-for-money destination. With the New Zealand dollar currently strong, Kiwis have the opportunity to travel smarter by keeping an eye on currencies, to get the most value out of their holidays. When considering where to go, we recommend to hunt around for deals, be flexible with your dates and bundle hotels and flights to stretch your dollar even further."

To help Kiwi travellers evaluate where they can get more bang for their buck, Expedia.co.nz has compiled a list of the top value destination swaps suggesting where to travel to next.

1. Swap Japan for China

While demand for travel from New Zealand to Japan was up nearly 10% year-on-year (YOY) during the first six months of 2016, Kiwis looking for a value-for-money trip to East Asia should consider swapping the ski slopes of Japan for the ancient monuments in China. The New Zealand dollar has seen 13% growth YOY against the Chinese yuan compared to 12% depreciation against the Japanese yen and an average flight from New Zealand to China cost 13% less than a year ago. Adding even more value to a trip exploring China’s Great Wall and other captivating relics, the average cost of $166 per night for a hotel in China was 13% cheaper than Japan’s $191 average per night rate, which was up 20% YOY.

2. Swap Hong Kong for South Korea

Money-conscious travellers looking for an Asian escape which merges modern cities and delicious, authentic cuisine may want to consider South Korea over Hong Kong. With the New Zealand dollar appreciating by 9% against the South Korean won, compared to 5% growth against the Hong Kong dollar, now is the time to visit.

Average flight prices from New Zealand to south Korea were also down a huge 28%, to just $1,056, making a flight 19% cheaper when compared to a flight from New Zealand to Hong Kong, at $1,306. Accommodation prices were also better value in Seoul, at $165 on average per night and 27% less than Hong Kong’s $226 average per night rate.

3. Swap Brazil for Argentina

With prices sky-rocketing in Brazil thanks to some of the world’s best athletes hitting town, Kiwis should consider swapping salsa for tango and seek a South American adventure in Argentina. Offering great value-for-money, the New Zealand dollar has appreciated a massive 73% against the Argentine peso when compared to the same time last year. There was also a substantial 36% decline in average flight prices from New Zealand to Argentina at $1,309 and a 13% drop in average room rates, to $154 per night.

4. Swap Singapore for the Philippines

Travellers with a checklist of pristine beaches, delicious food and balmy tropical weather should consider the Philippines over Singapore for better value. The stunning South-East Asian holiday spot saw the average flight price from New Zealand to Philippines decrease by 9% YOY to just $996, compared to Singapore’s 15% increase to $1,271, making it 22% cheaper to fly to the Philippines than to Singapore. The destination also recorded a 5% drop in average room rates in Manila at $133 on average per night and 44% less than an average hotel night in Singapore, at $238. The Kiwi dollar has also appreciated by 10% against the Philippine peso, compared to 5% growth against the Singapore dollar.

5. Swap the US for Canada

Both popular spots for Kiwi travellers, Canada and the US offer different value for holidays this year. The New Zealand dollar has appreciated by 10% against the Canadian dollar YOY compared to 5% growth against the US dollar. Average flight prices from New Zealand to Canada were also down 6% YOY for Canada, to $1,754, meaning Kiwi vacationers can enjoy stretching their dollar further among Canada’s vibrant cities and spectacular scenery.

6. Swap Vietnam for Sri Lanka

With a number of new luxury resorts moving in, the island’s unspoiled coastal areas and lush landscapes are a great place to take advantage of the Kiwi dollar’s 14% growth against the Sri Lankan rupee. With Sri Lanka renowned for stunning gemstones, fantastic surfing and beautiful tea plantations, budget-conscious Kiwis should consider the destination over Vietnam for value, which experienced 9% increase in average hotel rates YOY.

7. Swap India for Nepal

Yoga buffs, foodies and culture vultures should consider Nepal over India this year, with flight prices from New Zealand to Nepal decreasing by a notable 54%, to an average of just $701 for a flight, 46% less than India’s $1,302, during the first six months of 2016. Travellers will be able to enjoy great value amongst Nepal’s breathtaking scenery, with the average cost of a hotel plummeting by 29%, to an affordable $61 on average per night during the first six months of 2016, together with 11% growth for the New Zealand dollar against the Nepalese rupee.

8. Swap Morocco for South Africa

Kiwis can consider trading camel rides in Morocco for safaris in South Africa, with average flight prices from New Zealand to Morocco increasing by a considerable 35% to an expensive $2,590, while falling by 22% for flights from New Zealand to South Africa, to $1,637, during the first six months of 2016. The New Zealand dollar has also appreciated by a sizeable 28% against the South African rand, and with average hotel prices down 14% in South Africa, to $175 on average per night during the first six months of 2016, New Zealanders have even more reason to explore South Africa’s fascinating cities, wildlife and landscapes.

9. Swap Chile for Peru

If you are looking to explore ancient South American culture, stunning landscapes and delicious South American cuisine, consider swapping Chile for Peru, as flights from New Zealand to Peru experienced a significant 14% drop YOY in average flight prices. Peru recorded a nightly average hotel rate of $123, 23% less than a hotel in Chile, where the average stay would have set you back $159 a night.

ENDS

Notes to Editor

About the Expedia Value Tracker

• The Expedia Value Tracker measures the exchange rate of the New Zealand dollar against global currencies, examines YOY foreign exchange movements for global currencies and the average cost of international flights and accommodation booked from New Zealand for period of 1 January – 30 June 2016. YOY data is compared to the same time period for 2015.

• Average hotel prices are based on the average daily rate for hotel bookings on Expedia’s New Zealand website in the period 1 January – 30 June 2016 for the described destinations and average YOY changes is calculated for the same time period for 2015. Prices shown are in New Zealand dollars, booked on the New Zealand site and are not the rates currently displayed on the site. Rates are subject to accommodation and date selections made.

• Average flight prices are based on the average flight ticket price for all ticket fare types on Expedia’s New Zealand website in the period 1 January – 30 June 2016 for the described destinations and YOY changes are calculated for the same time period for 2015. Prices shown are in New Zealand dollars, booked on the New Zealand site and are not the rates currently displayed on the site. Rates are subject to flight and date selections made.

• The exchange rate was sourced from a third-party source (X-Rate) at 30 June 2016. Percentage changes are calculated for the period of 1 January – 30 June 2016 and for the same time period for 2015.

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