You've done Japan and perhaps South Korea - now you're looking for something new
Updated . First published
Too hot, too crowded and far too expensive; as we near the end of 2025, it's fair to say that some of our traditional holiday favourites are beyond the reach of most Australians.
Sad? Certainly, but it doesn't mean you have to go without the postcard perfect holiday next year.
The following destinations are on the rise, and happily, they all offer fantastic bang for your buck and experiences you'll be talking about for years.
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With a flight time to Taipei (from Sydney) of around nine hours, a holiday in Taiwan is relatively inexpensive Getty
Taiwan
You've done Japan and perhaps South Korea and now you're looking for a similar destination which balances bustling cities full of adventure with peaceful countryside away from the maddening crowds.
It's no surprise that the Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA) has opened its Australian Taiwan Tourism Information Centre (TTIC) in Sydney; recent visitor data shows Australian and New Zealand visitor numbers have increased by more than 26 per cent in the past year and forecast to climb a further 16 per cent by the end of the year.
Why should you get ahead of the curve? With a flight time to Taipei (from Sydney) of around nine hours, a holiday in Taiwan is relatively inexpensive and you're only a short distance away from a world of hot springs, night markets, mountain trails and night markets.
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Chuanfanshi beach and sea waves with the azure sky in the Kenting National Park of Pingtung, Taiwan. Getty
Taipei brings the hustle and bustle, but the country is serviced by an efficient public transport network (including high-speed rail) so that travellers can experience the country's diverse landscapes, from the high peaks of the Central Mountain Range to picturesque beaches and lush national parks.
Highlights include visiting Sun Moon Lake, hiking through Taroko National Park and frolicking on the beaches of Penghu.
A fine dining destination through and through, Taiwan is also the world's first destination to have a Michelin-starred ice-cream shop (Minimal in Taichung).
Sierra Leone
When Intrepid Travel released their 2026 Not Hot List, their annual list *curated by local experts and trend analysts) revealing their top 10 under-the-radar destinations, many were surprised to find Tiwai Island in Sierra Leone had made the cut.
Freetown, Sierra Leone. Getty
Travel industry insiders, of course, have long understood that this West African nation has plenty of natural assets in its favour, offering adventurous tourists a wealth of watersports activities on spectacular beaches such as River No. 2 Beach and Bureh Beach, hiking opportunities in the likes of Gola Rainforest National Park and Outamba-Kilimi National Park, and the ridiculously picturesque Banana Islands.
Add to that the country's bold new 10-year tourism strategy to enhance tourism infrastructure and become a leader in sustainable tourism, and the destination is looking pretty perfect.
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The cherry on top? Tiwai Island, a wildlife sanctuary and newly inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits at the heart of the country's tourism transformation and is an integral part of Intrepid Travel's new eight-day Sierra Leone Adventure: History, Culture & Nature holiday. Tours begin in October 2026 and are priced from $4,685 per person.
Albania
How this Balkan gem continues to fly under the radar with most Australians is baffling, but if you get in quickly before mass tourism takes over and it becomes the next Croatia, you could emerge victorious (industry data shows an 82 per cent increase in visitation figures compared with 2019 levels.
This number is only predicted to rise (and rise) as travellers seek a favourable price-value proposition, which Albania delivers in spades.
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Albania is an affordable destination to holiday. Getty
Of course, you can't just rely on the country's affordability and warm, welcoming locals; Albania is also home to the Albanian Riviera, which is significantly cheaper than its western European counterparts, a varied cuisine and a rich and colourful history shaped by both Ottoman rule and communism.
Don't miss the charming Ottoman-era towns of Gjirokaster and Berat, the ancient Greek and Roman cities of Apollonia Archaeological Park and Butrint, or the Albanian Alps - known for its dramatic peaks, traditional villages and hiking trails.
Sri Lanka
Whether you want a traditional wildlife safari, a relaxed surf holiday or to immerse yourself in the colourful chaos of a vibrant city, we present the country which offers all of these experiences within close proximity of one another.
Located a little over 10 hours from Sydney, Sri Lanka is not only a relatively low-cost holiday destination for Australians, the recent Virtuoso 2026 Luxe Report the county as a key 'destination on the rise' attracting travellers with irresistible combination of cultural depth, history, wildlife and beaches.
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A beach in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Add to that over 20 national parks, a vibrant culinary scene, 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and one of the most scenic rail journeys around and you've got the ultimate holiday spot.
Most travellers will earmark Yala National Park and/or Udawalawe for safari, Sigiriya, the ancient fortress, and Kandy for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic as key destinations to visit, but don't miss the seaside town of Mirissa for a classic beach break, or the pretty colonial city of Galle - famous for its gemstones (be prepared for financial ruin or heartbreak).
The 'Stans'
It wasn't all that long ago that nobody you know was travelling to the likes of Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, but suddenly the demand for Central Asia tours - known more commonly as 'The Stans' is booming.
It makes sense of course; the five countries (Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the aforementioned Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan combine the rich history of the Silk Road, ancient cities, natural beauty, and varied architecture which runs the gamut from Soviet-era to traditional.
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The Kalyan Minaret in Uzbekistan. Getty
The people? Since tourism in these parts is still in its infancy, locals are enthusiastic and welcoming.
The countries themselves are all considered affordable for Australian travellers, but they aren't exactly similar. Kyrgyzstan boasts breathtaking landscapes, including the Tian Shan mountains - the perfect place for hiking, while Turkmenistan is dominated by desert and ancient cities such as Merv and Nisa.
Tajikistan is dedicated to mountain adventure, while Uzbekistan is the perfect destination for those interested in Silk Road cities and history (particularly Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva). Your best bet? To book a Stans tour which takes in the best spots throughout each nation.
Bunnik Tours has an extensive 30-day 5 Stans tour priced from $18,795 including airfares.
