Phuket too busy? Try this neighbouring island where everything is cheaper and more relaxed
Bali. Phuket. Tokyo. Fiji. They're all beautiful holiday spots - but truthfully, they're all super busy.
And while they're worth visiting, sometimes when you're on holiday, you want something more laid back and wallet-friendly.
That's why thousands of Aussies have been rethinking their upcoming holidays, to find less obvious destinations.
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Koh Yao Noi is a relaxed island in Thailand. Getty
According to data from travel comparison site Omio, 32 per cent of travellers are seeking out 'under-the-radar' destinations.
The number one reason for this? Lower prices, followed closely by the appeal of less crowded destinations.
One perfect example of this is Phuket, which has long been a favourite hotspot for travelling Aussies looking for an overseas beach escape.
Though it's still a relatively low-cost destination, it's a crowded island with inflated prices and built-up beaches.
Meanwhile, the nearby island of Koh Yao Noi - just a 30-minute boat trip away - offers a similar but much more laid-back holiday.
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Smaller islands like Koh Yao Noi offer cheaper accommodation. Six Senses
"Heading to lesser-known destinations is one of the smartest ways to stretch your travel budget," Florian Cointet, Director of Expansion at Omio tells 9Travel.
"Spots like Krabi or Koh Yao Noi offer the same stunning beaches and culture as Phuket, but at lower prices and with more choice on accommodation and activities. You get a full holiday experience without the premium costs."
Koh Yao Noi is a relaxed island with fewer tourists and a slower pace of life. A lot smaller than Phuket, you can easily explore its quiet roads by scooter, snorkel in the clear water just off the beach, and find a patch of sand to yourself.
And just to make things even better, you can stay in beachfront bungalows from just $60 a night. (Other options include luxury glamping, eco treehouses, or the five-star Six Senses Resort).
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Pulau Besar is a popular spot with Malaysian locals, but off the main 'tourist trail'. Bayu Lestari Island Resort
Florian also points to Malaysia, where spots like Pulau Besar or Bukit Malawati are emerging as alternatives to more famous hubs like Malacca or Penang.
"They offer beautiful coastlines and fresh local cuisine, but with smaller crowds and better-value stays," he says.
"Choosing these kinds of spots can make a huge difference to your overall budget - particularly during peak holiday periods when prices surge in more popular cities."
Explore the outer neighbourhoods of Singapore. Getty
Another great 'dupe' is for anyone who wants to go to Singapore - a favourite spot which is notoriously pretty pricey.
Choosing neighbouring areas like Katong or Tiong Bahru, instead of flocking to big names in the city centre, can save a lot of cash.
"You still get Singapore's food culture, heritage streets and easy MRT access, but accommodation and dining tend to be significantly cheaper than in Marina Bay or Orchard Road," he says.
"Many travellers also don't realise they can pair a budget flight to Johor Bahru or Kuala Lumpur with a quick bus into Singapore - often saving hundreds during peak travel periods."
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