More Aussies are seeking cost-effective holidays and turning to destinations where the dollar stretches further. (Source: Getty)
Keen for an international escape but don’t want to break the bank? The Australian dollar no longer goes as far as it once did for popular destinations like the United States and Europe, but there are some travel destinations where you can get a better bang for your buck.
Wendy Wu Tours managing director Simon Bell told Yahoo Finance travellers were getting “smarter” about where and how they spent their money, with more Aussies seeking value-packed holidays and turning to destinations where the Aussie dollar stretches further.
“We’re seeing strong interest in destinations where the cost of living is lower, but the experiences are just as rich, like India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia,” he said.
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Southeast Asia continues to deliver good value for Aussie travellers, the tour company found, with countries like Vietnam and Cambodia remaining firm favourites.
Japan could be a cost-effective destination for off-peak travellers, along with those who head to lesser-known regions like Kyushu and Kagoshima.
China now also offers visa-free travel for up to 30 days, a favourable exchange rate and relatively low local costs.
Looking beyond Asia, other areas like Turkey, Morocco and Egypt offer more affordable transport, food and shopping, with the Aussie dollar generally going further compared to the Euro or US dollar zones.
Here’s a closer look at the top seven travel destinations, according to Wedny Wu Tours.
We’ve also included current exchange rates via Wise as of July 31 and a general idea of costs based on Numbeo data.
Limestone mountains in Hạ Long Bay in northeast Vietnam. (Source: Getty)
With $1 buying about 16,918 Vietnamese dong, Vietnam is among the most affordable travel destinations for Aussies.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will set you back around 50,000 dong, or just $3, while half a litre of domestic beer would cost about 25,000 dong, or $1.50.
Angkor Wat is one of Cambodia’s most well known attractions. (Source: Getty)
Cambodia is another popular option for value-conscious travellers, with $1 equalling 2,587 Cambodian riel. US dollars are also accepted, with $1 getting you about 65 cents at the moment.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $USD3, or $4.65, while a local beer is about $USD1, or $1.55.
Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo. (Source: Getty)
Japan is another popular destination with $1 getting you about 96 Japanese yen.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant would set you back about 1,000 yen, or $10, while a local beer would be about 500 yen, or roughly $5.
The Jinshanling section of the Great Wall. (Source: Getty)
China is now firmly back on the radar for Aussie travellers, Wendy Wu Tours said, and is offering good value with $1 equating to about 4.64 Chinese yuan.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about 20 yuan, or $4.30, while a domestic beer would be just 7 yuan, or $1.50.
Hot air balloons in Cappadocia. (Source: Getty)
More Australians keen for both adventure and value are also exploring Turkey, the group found, with $1 equating to about 26.20 Turkish liras.
It’ll cost you about 350 liras for a meal, or $13.35, and about 140 liras for a domestic beer, or roughly $5.30.
Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakesh. (Source: Supplied)
Morocco is also emerging as a popular destination and with $1 equalling about 5.90 Moroccan Dirhams.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will set you back about 40 dirhams, or $6.80, while a beer will be about 30 dirhams, or $5.
Great Sphinx and the Pyramid of Khafre. (Source: Getty)
Rounding out the list was Egypt with $1 working out to about 31.42 Egyptian pounds.
It’ll cost about 200 pounds for an inexpensive meal at a restaurant, or about $6.30, and 70 pounds for a beer, or about $2.20.
PORT DICKSON remained the top local destination for holiday-goers, followed by Penang and Malacca.
According to online travel and accommodation platform – Agoda, domestic accommodation searches rose by +245% since September 15 was announced as a holiday.
With the announcement by the prime minister in conjunction with Malaysia Day (Sept 16), Malaysians will have a four-day break from Saturday to Tuesday.
Agoda country director for Malaysia and Brunei Darulsalam Fabian Teja told The Vibes that between July 23 till 29 (immediately after the announcement), searches by Malaysian travellers for accommodation between September 13 to 16 showed a marked increase compared to two weeks earlier.
Domestic accommodation searches rose by +245%, while international accommodation by +117%.
And the top five domestic destinations were Port Dickson 373%, Penang 260%, Malacca 254%, Kuala Lumpur 232% and Langkawi 175%.
The top five regional destinations were Batam Island 221%, Hatyai 203%, Singapore 169%, Bangkok 73% and Bali 60%.
“Whenever there’s a chance for a break, travel quickly becomes part of the conversation.
“The data shows an immediate increase in search activities for both local and nearby regional destinations, suggesting that travellers are keen to make the most of an extended weekend, whether that means a quick city break or a cross-border getaway.”
Teja said it is a clear sign that when extra time off appears, travel is one of the first things Malaysians start planning.
A veteran in the travel industry, Eric R. Sinnaya said that travel has indeed made a significant comeback following the lean years of the pandemic.
At the same time, Sinnaya said that it is good to spread out the travel destinations, so overcrowding does not occur in popular spots.
With a heightened sense of congestion, it will only invite more inconvenience and pollution either directly or indirectly, said Sinnaya.
He added that the travel trade community should also market eco-tourism as an alternative to commercial tourism, so more travellers are conscious of the need to conserve the environment while out holidaying. – August 2, 2025.
This morning I left my lovely tent spot bright and early. The sun was coming up and the views were beautiful once again. The day started with a very short climb, just the last bit of the way up the climb from last night. Then I would mostly just be riding along a ridge with small ups and downs for the next couple of hours.
This morning, I used my GARMIN to message Outside Jay. I meant to text him yesterday but didn’t. And I haven’t had service since. He had asked me if I wanted to go into Quincy, which would be toward the end of the day today. But it seemed like it was going to be difficult to hitch in and out of town. I loved the idea of going into town tonight, but also really like getting back to trail early the next day. Tomorrow I’ll be walking right through the town of Belden, so I figured it might just be easier to grab a few food items there and continue on.
The sky was stunning as I set out this morning.
Part of me was hoping that Jay knew someone who could host me for the night in Quincy. The idea of doing a 34 mile date today and ending in town sounded amazing. But he got back to me and said that he could probably leave a little bit of resupply for me in Belden. Just in case the store didn’t have anything. So to me that sounded like I closed the door on Quincy and was moving onto the next option. I was a little bummed at the prospect of not being able to go into town tonight. But it passed pretty quickly.
Sometimes it feels like a dream walking through a pasture such as this.
Plus, this morning I didn’t start hiking until 6:40 PM. Which for me is pretty much unheard of. That’s practically as late as I would get started if I spend the night sleeping in town. I was just a little bit tired and also didn’t feel a big pull to get up and going. I was only planning on doing 34 miles for the day so I would have plenty of time to get that done before dark.
The day wound up being ridiculously chill. I spent basically the first 23 miles of the day just cruising along doing a mixture of primarily flat trail and downhill. It honestly couldn’t have been any easier. I also started to enter into the section of trail with damage from the Dixie burn in 2021. It’s too bad that I didn’t make it much further north on the PCT in 2017. I actually got off at Bucks Lake, which is down the road from where I will end the day today. In 2017 the Dixie fire hadn’t happened yet. And the fire wound up burning over 1,000,000 acres. It would’ve been so interesting to see what the surrounding area looked like prior to the burn. But in 2022 when I hiked the burn was fresh. It still feels pretty fresh even today. Most of the areas with burn don’t have a ton of new growth. Which was really surprising to me. Most of what has grown back is dense prickly brush that scratches against your legs as you walk by. That was one of the main themes of the day today. Aside from all of the trees which are burnt to a crisp, there isn’t much left besides briars. Some sections of burn that I’ve gone through in the past are lush with wildflower growth. Others have a lot of new growth of small trees. But for the majority of the day, I was just walking through a completely burnt forest with some shrubs here and there.
I just loved this sign. The cursive was a nice touch.
The time really flew by for those first 23 or so miles of the day. I saw a couple of hikers but not very many. Slowly but surely I was making my way down to where I would begin my next climb. I did wind up going along a brief trail detour actually too. There is a section of the trail which is severely damaged likely due to wind storms. I imagine it has a lot to do with the initial damage of the wildfire. Sometimes years after wildfire passes through an area a storm will cause hundreds and hundreds of trees to go down. Likely because the trees are weakened by the fire. Apparently that’s the case on a brief section of trail near here. Someone had left a comment about 300+ blow downs along the trail. So trail maintainers had mapped out a reroute around it and left a sign indicating that they recommended hikers to follow the reroute.
Advice from trail maintainers, suggesting hikers take the detour.
I hate when people write on the emblems. And by god, nearly every one is written on. But I liked this statement.
That went on for a few miles, and then I was back on the PCT. Not long after that I got to the bottom of the descent and would be beginning my next climb. Which went on for about 7–8 miles. This would bring me all the way up to the area where you can hitch into Bucks Lake or Quincy. But I planned to camp somewhere between the two roads, either of which you could take into Quincy.
Making my way to the middle fork of the feather river. The burn can be really sad to witness at times.
For some reason the last couple of days I felt so tired in the afternoons. Especially while doing sections of downhill. I don’t know what it is, but I think the downhill just makes me feel really slow. Sometimes I have to watch my step more so it does slow down my pace. I’m not sure if it’s mental more than anything, but I’ve noticed it a lot this year. So I was pretty excited to start on another climb. And almost immediately after I started climbing again I felt filled with energy.
Crossing this bridge over the feather river.
I’m not sure how that makes any sense, but I kind of love it. This next climb was one of my favorites. It felt like an absolute breeze and I was keeping my heart rate nice and low. It went on for a little over 7 miles so it took over two hours. I stopped off along the way for water at least once. But I basically just put my head down and dialed in. It felt effortless and mindless and I loved it. This was the perfect way to end off the day.
This water looked so inviting!
I got up to the top of that climb sometime around 6 PM. And for the first time all day, I decided to check for service. Periodically I’ll turn my phone on and off to see if I have any. But this is the first time all day where it seemed likely that I might. And as soon as I turned my phone on, I got some messages from OutsideJay. They had clearly arrived prior to our exchange over GARMIN. And I wished I had seen them sooner!
Heading up the final climb of the day.
He never mentioned over GARMIN that he knew of a Trail Angel in Quincy. But he had texted me that he knew a Trail Angel in Quincy, who would pick me up at the trailhead, take me into town to resupply, let me stay at their house for the night, and then take me back to trail the next day. That was quite literally everything I wanted and more.
At this point I had received the message 10+ hours ago, if not longer. But he included the number of the Trail Angel Taylor. So I decided to text Taylor and just see what the deal was. I apologized that it was super late and that I was only just now receiving his information. And I was shocked by how quickly Taylor responded. He said he hadn’t expected to hear from me because Jay had told him I was bypassed in Quincy. But he said it was absolutely no problem at all to come and get me and he would love to host me for the night.
At this point in time, I was about 3 or 4 miles from the trailhead where you could get picked up and go into Quincy. So I told him I’d be there around 7:30 PM and he said that that timing worked perfectly. He also said there were a couple other hikers staying at the house and that he would help me to do anything I needed.
That sure went from 0 to 100 real quick. One minute I was thinking about how I had a few more miles until camp for the night. Then one minute later, I turned my phone on and everything aligned perfectly to get hosted for the night. What a world. At this point, I was ecstatic as you might imagine. All of the sudden I was fantasizing about the drinks I would be getting in town and the food I would be eating. I knew I’d be getting into Belden sometime tomorrow, but that town isn’t super exciting. It’s really just one building that sells hot food and a small amount of free supply.
I picked up the pace around this time and started flying down the trail. It was basically all downhill and flat until I got to the road. I was truly in awe of all of the circumstances that had just aligned. I joke all the time about how I’m a wizard who uses my brain to make magic happen for me. But after moments like this, it’s just hard to deny. I wound up getting out to the road right before 7:30 PM. Taylor was there waiting for me and picked me up to drive me into Quincy.
It was about a 20 minute ride down into Quincy. A town that I’ve actually never been to on the PCT before. In the past I stopped off at Buck Lake, which is a resupply location not too far from the trail. Other than that, I’ve just pushed past this area And headed toward Chester. Taylor filled me in on his set up and everything like that. And we had some great conversation as we drove into town.
When we got into town and we headed to the house where I got to meet his girlfriend and their adorable dog. Then he showed me the room downstairs where he had a few beds set up and a bathroom with a shower. But he was having me stay in his roommates room, because they are gone for the summer. I thought that was super thoughtful and really convenient. There are a couple other hikers sleeping downstairs, so I feel bad coming in late and leaving early tomorrow. It’ll be nice just to have my own space and be able to stay up getting some editing done and not feel like a monster.
Taylor’s house was perfectly located in the town of Quincy. I walked right out the front door and across the street to get some dinner. There is a pizza place so I got some garlic knots and pasta. And I drank two sodas while I sat there. There were actually two other hikers in the pizza place and I assumed that they must be the other two who are staying at Taylor’s house. I had met one of them actually back in the desert. I chatted with them for a little bit while I ate.
The pizza place in Quincy was delicious, and had a cute aesthetic.
After eating, I walked down the street to the grocery store to grab a few more things. I don’t really need much food because I’m going to grab a few things in Belden. But I got some drinks and snacks for tonight and a few things like that. Then I headed back to the house to shower and relax.
I took an amazing shower and washed a shocking amount of black dirt off of me. The one thing that I did forget about the Dixie burn is just how dirty you get in this section trail. The ash just goes right through your socks and gaiters and cakes all over your feet.
After taking a shower, I got comfortable and laid down for the night. I had bought some chocolate milk and a few other snacks to have for dessert. Then I wound up staying up for a couple hours to get some editing done. It certainly wasn’t going to be the most restful night in town, but they really never are. It felt good to be productive anyway. Then eventually, I wound up calling it a night once it was ridiculously late.
While I was in town, I also figured I would try to make a reservation for the next town, Chester. Honestly, I’ve been considering taking a zero day there. I would probably get in late in the evening after a 30+ mile day. That would be the perfect situation to then take a zero the next day. I’ve been maintaining really solid mileage since coming back out here. But more than anything I have tons of writing and video work to get caught up on. And Chester has a shockingly great selection of food. So it would be a really nice town to take a zero in.
But when I looked online to make a booking for Thursday night, and possibly Friday night as well, I noticed that Friday was all booked. One thing I do remember about Chester is that it was a really busy and really expensive town. Likely due to its location between Lassen and Shasta. So the hotel bookings were completely full for Friday and for the weekend. I just wound up booking Thursday so I can at least get into town for the night and resupply. Then maybe I’ll just stay until check out the following day and have a short day.
It’s funny because I very rarely zero and attempt to take days off. I think it’s even less common for me to attempt to even remotely plan a day off. Even though I am only a couple days out. But then of course I go to do it and everything in town is booked. I guess that means no zero for me! But I should still be able to get into Chester nice and early in two days. I’ll just try to get there as early as possible so I can enjoy myself in town and get as much work done as I can.
If you enjoyed this blog and would like to support my hike by buying me a soda or a snack along the way, there is a “Tip the Author” button below! It links directly to my Venmo. Any and all support is incredibly appreciated!
Loved the comment here about the mental breakdown. Far out can be so entertaining at times.
Home»VISA AND PASSPORT NEWS» Uzbekistan’s Tourism Boom: Millions of Citizens Flock Abroad in 2025—Top Destinations and New Travel Trends Revealed
Saturday, August 2, 2025
In the first half of 2025, Uzbekistan’s outbound tourism has reached unprecedented levels, with a marked increase in the number of citizens traveling abroad. The surge in international travel is reflective of shifting trends in the country’s engagement with global tourism, as millions of Uzbek citizens now venture beyond their borders to neighboring countries and popular regional destinations. This trend, highlighted by recent data from the National Statistics Committee, marks a significant transformation in travel preferences and offers insight into the growing role of Uzbekistan’s citizens in the international tourism sector.
Growing Engagement in International Travel
Over the course of the past several years, Uzbekistan has seen a steady rise in outbound tourism. The National Statistics Committee’s latest report reveals that this upward trajectory is continuing into 2025, with a marked increase in the number of Uzbek citizens exploring international destinations. The majority of these travelers are heading to nearby countries, reflecting the ease of travel and cultural ties that Uzbekistan shares with its neighbors. However, the scope of international destinations is expanding, as Uzbeks are increasingly exploring popular regional spots across Central Asia and beyond.
The demand for international travel from Uzbekistan is fueled by several factors, including improved economic conditions, higher disposable income among middle-class citizens, and easier access to travel information. The surge in outbound tourism is not just a reflection of a rising interest in foreign destinations but also indicative of the country’s growing integration with the global travel and tourism industry.
Neighboring Countries: The Main Destinations for Uzbek Tourists
Neighboring countries remain the top choices for Uzbek tourists, with destinations in Central Asia being the most popular. For many citizens, these countries offer proximity, affordability, and shared cultural and historical ties. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan are among the leading destinations for Uzbek travelers, thanks to the ease of access and low travel costs.
Kazakhstan, in particular, has become a favored destination for Uzbek tourists, offering both modern amenities and rich cultural experiences. The shared historical ties and the common language spoken in many parts of the country contribute to a seamless travel experience. Similarly, Kyrgyzstan’s stunning natural landscapes, including the Tien Shan mountains and Issyk-Kul Lake, have attracted many tourists looking for both adventure and relaxation.
While Central Asia remains the primary focus for Uzbek travelers, regional destinations outside the immediate vicinity have also seen an increase in popularity. Countries within the broader region, including Russia, Turkey, and even some Middle Eastern countries, have become more accessible to Uzbek tourists due to evolving travel agreements and relaxed visa policies.
Russia, a longtime trading and cultural partner, continues to attract a significant number of Uzbek visitors, with cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg being top destinations for both business and leisure travelers. The shared history between the two countries, along with close linguistic ties, makes Russia a familiar and comfortable destination for Uzbeks looking to experience both modern urban life and traditional Russian culture.
Turkey, a popular destination for Central Asian tourists due to its historical significance, modern infrastructure, and ease of access, is also becoming increasingly popular with Uzbek travelers. Turkey’s appeal is further strengthened by its diverse offerings, ranging from beach resorts on the Mediterranean coast to cultural and historical sites in cities like Istanbul and Ankara.
Shifting Travel Preferences: A More Diverse Global Outlook
While Uzbekistan’s outbound tourism has traditionally focused on neighboring and regional countries, there has been a noticeable shift in preferences. The first half of 2025 has seen an increased number of travelers heading to more distant locations, reflecting an expanding curiosity for global destinations. These international tourists are not just seeking proximity; they are exploring new cultural experiences and diversifying their travel choices.
Popular European destinations, including cities like Prague, London, and Paris, are increasingly on the radar for Uzbekistan’s growing middle class. The accessibility of low-cost airlines and a greater awareness of global destinations are driving this shift. Additionally, the growing popularity of digital nomadism and remote work opportunities has led to more Uzbeks traveling abroad for longer durations, not just for vacations but also for work and study.
South East Asia is also becoming an increasingly attractive region for Uzbek travelers. Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia, known for their tourism infrastructure and low-cost living, have experienced a steady influx of tourists from Uzbekistan. These destinations offer rich cultural experiences, beautiful landscapes, and modern amenities, making them ideal vacation spots for those seeking a mix of adventure, relaxation, and urban exploration.
Factors Contributing to the Rise in Outbound Tourism
Several factors have contributed to this dramatic increase in outbound tourism from Uzbekistan in 2025. One of the key drivers is the growing economic stability and improvement in living standards. The Uzbek government has made strides in increasing the country’s economic growth, and as a result, citizens now have more disposable income to allocate towards leisure activities, including travel. The increase in disposable income has allowed more people to travel abroad, especially among the younger population, who are eager to explore new destinations.
Additionally, the rise of budget airlines and affordable travel options has made international tourism more accessible. With airlines such as Flydubai, Air Astana, and Turkish Airlines offering affordable direct flights from major Uzbek cities to regional and international destinations, travel has become more affordable and convenient. The availability of low-cost travel has democratized tourism, allowing individuals from various income groups to travel abroad.
The increased availability of travel information through digital platforms and social media also plays a crucial role in inspiring Uzbek citizens to explore international destinations. As more people share their travel experiences online, the desire to visit new places and experience different cultures grows. Online travel agencies and booking platforms have made it easier than ever for travelers to find affordable accommodation, flights, and tours, further contributing to the tourism boom.
Challenges and Opportunities for the Uzbek Tourism Industry
While the growth in outbound tourism is encouraging, it also presents several challenges for Uzbekistan’s own tourism industry. As more citizens travel abroad, there is an increasing need for the country to enhance its own tourism offerings and infrastructure to keep up with the growing demand. For Uzbekistan to retain a portion of its outbound travelers, the country must focus on improving its tourism services, promoting its unique cultural heritage, and investing in modern tourism infrastructure, such as hotels, resorts, and transport networks.
Uzbekistan is home to a wealth of historical and cultural landmarks, including the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, which attract millions of tourists each year. However, to remain competitive in the global tourism market, the country will need to market itself more effectively and make the tourism experience more seamless for international visitors. This includes investing in digital marketing strategies, improving tourist facilities, and ensuring that both domestic and international tourists have access to a high standard of services.
On the other hand, the increase in outbound tourism also presents a valuable opportunity for the country’s travel and hospitality industries. With more people traveling abroad, there is an increased demand for travel agencies, tour operators, and travel services within Uzbekistan. The growth of outbound tourism creates a thriving market for local businesses to cater to the needs of travelers preparing for international trips. This includes offering services like visa assistance, foreign exchange, travel insurance, and pre-departure briefings to help travelers navigate the logistics of international travel.
The Impact of Overseas Tourism on Uzbekistan’s Economy
The rise in outbound tourism is having a ripple effect on Uzbekistan’s economy. As more citizens travel abroad, there is an increase in the demand for international goods and services, which benefits the country’s import and retail sectors. Additionally, the growing interest in foreign travel is fostering greater global awareness of Uzbekistan as a destination for investment and tourism, which can attract foreign capital and international partnerships.
Moreover, the increase in outbound tourism has contributed to the growth of the Uzbek travel industry, including travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, and hospitality services. As Uzbeks increasingly look abroad for travel experiences, the need for better services, more innovative travel products, and a more sophisticated travel ecosystem will only continue to grow.
The government of Uzbekistan is expected to continue to support this burgeoning industry by facilitating better infrastructure development and expanding the country’s role in international tourism. As Uzbekistan strengthens its connections with other nations and builds its reputation as a key player in global tourism, it is likely that the benefits of outbound tourism will extend back into the domestic economy, helping to fuel long-term growth and development.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Uzbekistan’s Tourism Growth
As Uzbekistan’s outbound tourism continues to grow, there is a strong potential for this trend to persist well into the future. With rising economic prosperity, increased access to travel, and a growing desire among Uzbeks to explore the world, international travel will likely become even more deeply ingrained in the culture. However, for this growth to be sustainable, the country must continue to invest in tourism-related infrastructure and services, both to support outbound travelers and to attract international tourists to Uzbekistan.
In conclusion, Uzbekistan’s overseas tourism growth in 2025 and beyond represents a transformative shift in the country’s global engagement. With millions of citizens now traveling abroad, the Uzbek government, businesses, and citizens are all poised to benefit from this increased international exposure. By capitalizing on the opportunities presented by this trend, Uzbekistan can ensure that its tourism industry continues to thrive in the coming years, while also offering its citizens greater access to the world.
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