9 places to escape winter when you haven’t saved for a holiday

Getting away from the cold on a winter escape is something we have in mind every year. But sometimes the colder months sneak up on you and you haven’t had time to prepare. Here are 9 places to escape winter when you haven’t saved up.

Plus an Instagram competition where you can win $2000 to spend on flights! (competition now closed – sorry)

Winter always seems to catch me out. One minute we’re enjoying some good beach time and al fresco dinners, the next I’m pulling out the woolies and slippers.

Whenever it gets to this time of the year, the other hemisphere is always calling to us. Warm weather, late days, smiling faces… but getting all the way there can cost a lot. That’s where Southeast Asia comes into its own.

Tropical warmth, cheap living and very affordable airfares make this part of the world very attractive to the under-prepared traveller.

If you’re like us and want to find somewhere warm to go this winter but you haven’t saved up or made any plans, you’ll love this. Using Cheaptflights’ most up-to-date data on the cheapest SE Asian destinations from Australia’s 6 main airports, we can tell you where the best deals are.

Here are our 9 top places to escape the winter that won’t break the bank.

9 places to escape winter when you haven’t saved for a holiday

1. Malaysia

Having been to Kuala Lumpur recently, we can’t wait to get back, so this is good news for us.

With stunning beaches in the north and south, and its thriving capital with so much to see and do (and eat), Malaysia’s got a lot to offer. The fascinating collage of cultures that this surprisingly under-valued travel destination is built on make Malaysia a real contender for the next big travel beacon.

With at least two of its destination airports in the top 10 cheapest places to visit, Malaysia’s an easily budgeted-for option.

2. Indonesia

If you’re looking for a tropical getaway, Bali – and the rest of Indonesia for that matter – has everything for you. Mrs Romance had a girls’ retreat to Bali recently and loved it. You can read more about her experiences here.

Bali is the number 1 most affordable destination from all 6 major Australian airports – with the exception of Brisbane, where it’s number 2.

3. Singapore

One of the safest destinations in Southeast Asia, Singapore is a great travel option if you have young kids or if you want a trouble-free break somewhere warm. There’s plenty to do here – from night safaris to Sentosa Island’s beach and theme parks… and let’s not forget the shopping!

Well within everyone’s top 5 for affordable airfares from Australia, Singapore has long been a popular travel hub.

4. Thailand

Its amazing diversity, history and culture makes Thailand an easy travel option. Jungles, beaches, parties, retreats, metropolises, villages – it’s not surprising it’s still such a popular destination. And let’s not forget the friendliness of the people or the incredible food!

Pricing wise, at least one of Thailand’s international airports falls in the top 10 cheapest destinations from all of Australia’s airports… apart from Brisbane, where Phuket Airport is No. 11.

5. Fiji

One of the closest Pacific Island nations to Australia – and home to some of the friendliest locals on the planet – Fiji offers that perfect mix of beach time, cultural experiences and quiet luxury that won’t empty your wallet. From Nadi it’s easy to hop on a boat and find a quiet tropical island to explore and relax on. Perfection!

From the east coast of Australia and Adelaide, Fiji is in the top 6 for affordable flight destinations.

6. Vietnam

With one of the longest coastlines in Southeast Asia, Vietnam has so much to offer on the beachfront… front. Its incredible rock formations off the coast at Ha Long Bay are the obvious starting point. But the culturally rich and high-energy cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh also give you the option of exploring one of the biggest growth tourist spots in the world.

In the top 13 most affordable countries to get to from all Australian airports, Vietnam is a contender for last-minute travel.

7. The Philippines

The vast spread of the Philippines archipelago means that the diversity of landscape here is enormous. Mountains, deserts, caves, rivers and, of course, beaches can all be found in the Philippines. And that means there’s plenty to do here. Check out our top tips from a local of the must-see places in the Philippines.

Most AU airports have both Manila and Cebu in their top 25 most affordable airports to fly to.

8. Burma/Myanmar

One of the latest emerging travel destinations, Rangoon – or Yangon – the former capital of Myanmar is really opening up to tourists. Markets, lakes, incredible shining temples – it’s certainly on our list to visit soon before things change too much.

With flight prices in the top 20 for affordability from Australian airports, Myanmar is good value for the more adventurous traveller.

9. Papua New Guinea

Somewhat overlooked as a travel destination, yet the closest international destination to Australia, Papua New Guinea has a lot more to offer than just the Kokoda pilgrimage. Certainly it’s a more of a challenge than your regular city break but if you’re looking for jungle treks, untouched waterfalls, villages filled with traditional culture, music food and friendly people, PNG is calling!

Cheapflights has some real bargains going to Port Moresby depending on your airport. Cheapest from Brisbane, where it’s the number 1 most affordable destination, it’s also Sydney’s 6th cheapest, and Melbourne’s 13th.

Bonus tip – Cambodia

Sandwiched between Thailand and Vietnam, yet with a singular culture of its own, Cambodia has amazing opportunities for travel and experience. Long on the list of many a traveller – us included – it’s a destination that’s often overlooked in favour of more developed travel routes.

In all 6 of Australia’s main airports’ top 25 most affordable destinations, Cambodia is looking at a resurgence in tourism popularity.

Click here to search for flights to these top winter escapes.

Being so close to Asia makes Australia a great place to use as a travel base for visitors to the region as well as those of us who live here. I compare it to living in England and being able to visit Europe easily, affordably and – best of all – spontaneously.

There are few things more exciting that starting out a travel plan – especially if it’s last-minute. The immediacy of it plays right into my need for instant gratification!

To help you escape the chills this winter, Cheapflights has a competition for you to win $2000 to spend on flights!

It’s easy to get involved:

• Post a picture on Instagram that represents your ‘summer dreaming’ and add a caption that best sums up the photo.
• Tag @cheapflights in the post and use the hashtag #CheapflightsWinterEscape.

The competition is open to residents in Australia and New Zealand aged 18 years and over only. Entries close Monday 18 July 2016 at 11.55pm BST, so don’t hang about!

Where would you go from our list? Have you been to any of these places recently? Tell us your top tips for travelling there in the comments below!

Brought to you by Cheapflights

Images by Mrs Romance.