Last Minute Holiday - Anywhere

gasman70 on 17/07/2023 - 10:51

Hi all,

I am looking for a last-minute holiday and wanted some help on where to start looking.

I have a month off from Thursday, 20th July, and am looking at going (with the wife) somewhere for 10-14 days (or more). I'm looking at a budget of around $6K , and I am looking for somewhere to explore and laze around the pool. Fiji and Bali have been places that friends have recommended.

We want to fly out of Brisbane or GC and can move anywhere within the month specified. Any recommendations on where to look or who to call?

Travel

Comments

  • Muzeeb on 17/07/2023 - 10:53
    +11

    Four Seasons Bora Bora for 1 night. Thank me later.

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 17/07/2023 - 11:37
      +3

      not sure if serious but surely thats more than 6k
      bora bora looks beautiful as though in the right conditions - totally out of my salary range though

      • Muzeeb on 17/07/2023 - 12:09
        +4

        That's not including food and drinks of course. That's another $6k. Just do a quick ALDI shop on the way to the airport for meals and drinks.

        • websterp on 17/07/2023 - 14:53

          Or few stacks of 2-min noodle and you are sorted.

    • serpserpserp on 18/07/2023 - 19:53

      Bora Bora was amazing when I went many many years ago

  • Hybroid on 17/07/2023 - 10:54
    +5

    This post reminds, there's a lot of people that booked super cheap Doubletree by Hilton Fiji hotels in an offer around a year ago for this August.

    It's coming up to the point of free cancellation deadline, there'll likely be those that have changed plans and you might be able to transfer one of those deals over cheaper than booking today.

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 17/07/2023 - 19:47
      +7

      We did consider Fiji then stopped. Correct me if I’m wrong, it’s essentially still a third world country, yes? Aussie Tourists go to a Resort and stay there for one or two weeks. They don’t really see the country or the Locals.

      • Hybroid on 18/07/2023 - 00:15

        I haven't been yet to confirm, but that's my takeaway impression from hearsay too. More resort & beach isolated getaway than anything else.

      • larndis on 18/07/2023 - 09:10
        +8

        I loved Fiji, we stayed on the coral coast for maybe 10 nights then 3-4 nights near Nadi (two adults and three young kids). We caught the $1 bus into town, walked around Nadi and Sigatoka, went to the markets, etc. Locals everywhere and they are the friendliest people in the world! Definitely no need to stay within the resort if you don't want to.

        • borrisz0r on 18/07/2023 - 12:00
          +1

          Second this. YMMV

      • samcro on 18/07/2023 - 11:59

        Yasawa Islands resorts, or a 7 day Blue Lagoon cruise in Fiji will give you opportunities to interact and mingle with local villagers. There are many resorts in the islands.

      • Freaksta on 19/07/2023 - 21:56

        We did about 10 days in Fiji in 2017 and it was great.

        This just represents the nights we did (had to stay on Denarau Island on the way in before trasfering to the island because of flight arrival time).

        Musket cove is on an island with two other resorts, the island was great, the resort seemed pretty sustainable, very close to cloud 9 (resturant basically floating in the middle of the ocean, google it). They had daily snorkling, daily cultural activities (free) to teach local practices (collecting coconuts, basket weaving etc). We did a day trip to an islans next door to it which is was the local community and school for kids on most of the surrounding islands. Could go diving, swiming, hiking it was great.

        Then we went back to the mainland, got on a $2 bus, probably only tourists onboard and went to pacific habour, drove past tons of smaller villages, got a view of how people live day to day. Stayed at a beach hotel, went white water rafting, hired a jetski for half a day which included a trip to another island for lunch and snorkle stops along the way.

        Overall great place and would go back, recommended a balance of going to an island and seeing a bit what real life is like. White water rafting, diving and tour to the island with the school where probably highlights. All people friendly but there is pretty crime etc.

        Nights:
        Denarau Island - Radison Blue
        Musket Cove Island Resort and Marina
        Musket Cove Island Resort and Marina
        Musket Cove Island Resort and Marina
        Musket Cove Island Resort and Marina
        Musket Cove Island Resort and Marina
        Pacific Habour - Uprising Beach Resort
        Pacific Habour - Uprising Beach Resort
        Pacific Habour - Uprising Beach Resort
        Denarau Island - Radison Blue
        Denarau Island - Radison Blue

  • AustriaBargain on 17/07/2023 - 11:08
    +5

    I have heard that one night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster. Also that one night in Paris is like a year in any other place. I tried to find more examples but ChatGPT started making up songs, like "One Night in Beijing" by the Black Eyed Peas…

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 17/07/2023 - 11:39
      +3

      i have never been the same after the ping pong show

    • [Deactivated] on 18/07/2023 - 20:28
      +7

      Ah Paris… the city of… the middle east.

      • juki on 18/07/2023 - 21:09
        +2

        yeah i lived and worked there a few years, what a waste of my life

      • d86 on 19/07/2023 - 11:25
        -1

        and Africa.

  • Drakesy on 17/07/2023 - 11:23
    +7

    Mogadishu - Somalia
    Central Siberia - Russia
    Crimea - Can't really say who owns it at the moment.

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 17/07/2023 - 11:38
      +7

      the best part ? no line up for anything!

    • poboy on 17/07/2023 - 16:23

      Russia thinks Crimea belongs to Russia. Almost all other countries believe it belongs to Ukraine.

      • dowhatuwant2 on 19/07/2023 - 13:52
        +2

        A survey in May 2013, asked respondents what language they spoke at home

        82% Russian
        10% Crimean Tatar
        3% Russian and Ukrainian equally
        3% Russian and another language equally
        2% Ukrainian

        Note that the proportion of people in the survey who gave their ethnicity as Ukrainian was 20%, Crimean Tatar 15%

        According to the (2001 census), the ethnic makeup of Crimea's population consisted of the following self-reported groups: Russians:1.492 million (67.9%), Ukrainians: 344,515 (15.7%), Crimean Tatars: 245,000 (12.6%), Belarusians: 35,000 (1.4%), other Tatars: 13,500 (0.5%), Armenians: 10,000 (0.4%), and Jews: 5,500 (0.2%).

        Seems Russian to me?

        • Drakesy on 19/07/2023 - 14:39

          Maybe it was Russians who didn't want to come under the rule of Russia - for obvious reasons, who moved there. Then Russia tried to claim the land as their own as it was Russians who lived there?

          • dowhatuwant2 on 19/07/2023 - 15:18
            +2

            @Drakesy: Technically it was originally a Crimean nation as part of USSR, then nazi germany took it then russia took it back in 1944 and kicked out most of the Crimean Tartars who had inhabited it for centuries. USSR Russia then put it under USSR Ukraine as part of some 300 year USSR celebration in 1954 but there was subsequently some legal debate of the legitimacy of that decision. Crimea (Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic) actually voted to be a country of its own in 1991 and to form association with Russia. Crimea had a president, constitution and foreign policy. All according to the same laws Ukraine or Russia got independence, then they got annexed by Ukraine. Then they had another referendum in 1994 asking for autonomy that was rejected by Ukraine. Then another one in 2014 again declared illegal by Ukraine.

            I'd argue it should probably belong to all the Crimeans that got kicked out in 1944. Then if not them to the people who actual live there now that have had multiple referendum votes where its clear from every single referendum that they want independence rather than being part of Ukraine. If there had been a single referendum or census that had said otherwise i could understand where Ukraine is come and their claim to ownership of Crimea.

  • franco cozzo on 17/07/2023 - 11:26
    +15

    …heard about some pretty cool titanic tours recently?

  • djkelly69 on 17/07/2023 - 11:28
    +6

    Just got back from Fiji, definitely a lot more laze around the pool than somewhere to explore IMHO.

    I would be looking more South East Asia such as Vietnam, Thailand, etc.

    • Hansi on 18/07/2023 - 20:39

      I second that - get some cheap flights over and hang around the pool in Vietnam and explore SEA in general. I spent about $1000 in a month a decade ago backpacking style (incl local travel, hostels, party and street food): Thailand - Laos - Cambodia - Thailand - Malaysia - Singapore.

  • Tech5 on 17/07/2023 - 11:31

    For further afield- Canary islands (e.g. tenerife) and then into spain after or south coast of france.

    Warning- Tenerife is the british version of bali lol

    • GG57 on 17/07/2023 - 11:33

      Have you seen the temperatures there recently?

      • Tech5 on 17/07/2023 - 11:40

        I'm up in northern australia so the current 28deg weather in tenerife seems fine to me lol

        • GG57 on 17/07/2023 - 11:59

          But Spain and southern France?

    • Muzeeb on 17/07/2023 - 11:34
      +2

      And home to the world's worst aviation disaster.

      • Tech5 on 17/07/2023 - 11:39
        +1

        It would be real bad luck for it to happen again at TFN airport

        • Muzeeb on 17/07/2023 - 12:07

          Or GCXO 😉

    • juki on 18/07/2023 - 21:11
      +1

      wasnt it Canary islands that karl pilkington described as a huge rock and a bit pointless. Also so far from Aus, may as well go to hawaii

      • Tech5 on 18/07/2023 - 23:50

        Some people find rocks beautiful I suppose. I did enjoy the inland drive quite a bit

        • juki on 19/07/2023 - 06:51
          +1

          I just seems a long way when I look at a map really, reunion Island would possibly be nicer new Caledonia closer but I haven't been there in decades so no idea what is like these days. It used to be nice but pricey

  • Benoffie on 17/07/2023 - 11:53
    +3

    Try Vanuatu. Good flights out of Brisbane. You can rent a house.

    • gasman70 on 17/07/2023 - 13:25

      Thanks, I'll have a look.

    • Sensiekatie on 18/07/2023 - 09:45
      +2

      OP was concerned Fiji was third world. Vanuatu is worse than Fiji on that scale. Very poor infrastructure and way more "rustic". Labour is cheap, but Meals at restaurants were at Sydney prices, so not cheap.

  • andy19363 on 17/07/2023 - 12:04
    +2

    Penang….. batu ferringhi

    • Almost Banned on 17/07/2023 - 13:41

      I'm going to Penang for a week next month.
      Any tips?

      • Benoffie on 17/07/2023 - 19:21

        Love Penang. Thankfully overlooked by most Aussies. Stay in George Town if possible. Try the local bakeries. Visit the Blue House and the Protestant Cemetery (great connections to Adelaide there).
        Best Nyonya - https://mtp1933.geniuspos.com.my/
        It's hidden so watch the locals.

      • Pumpkin_rrr on 17/07/2023 - 19:42
        +1

        Ten years or so ago I went to Penang for 3-days 2-nights, had food in the streets and market (was very young then). Has not one but two food poisoning, one nearly killed me.

        A fellow Traveller got bashed because he was”staring” at someone.

        Not going back in a hurry..

        • Almost Banned on 17/07/2023 - 19:48

          I kinda feel that way about Bali.

      • EvilRabbit on 19/07/2023 - 14:32
        +2

        Was there last month. If you're in Batu Ferringhi, be prepared for the place to feel pretty dead during the day. It'll come alive during the evenings though. Feel free to PM if you have other questions.

  • Tily on 17/07/2023 - 12:32
    -1

    6k for 10-14 days last minute overseas trip. Might be pushing the budget there.

    • Thrawn on 17/07/2023 - 12:51
      +5

      Very easy. can fly Brisbane to Bali for $700 return per person departing Sunday. Accommodation under $1k easy for 10 days. You can go to any Asian country except maybe Singapore

    • Ridiculous Panda on 18/07/2023 - 19:18
      +5

      Bro that is plenty of money for many countries.. unless you want an extravagant holiday.

  • Derrick Crane on 17/07/2023 - 13:02
    +5

    Have a look at Khao Lak (Fly into Phuket and about 1 hour drive north).
    Many options here and as it is low season, accommodation is very cheap.
    Plentiful restaurants at very cheap prices.
    It is the rainy season but it does not rain every day and when it does it is often a short lasting downpour.
    Think you may even get change from $6000.

    • Tee Rex Arms on 18/07/2023 - 12:21
      +2

      Khao lak is amazing been there twice. Bulk Germans visiting there when I went last September.

    • drprox on 18/07/2023 - 18:05
      +1

      Luxury escapes always seems to have ripping accommodation deals there so definitely possible

    • BanannaMan on 18/07/2023 - 22:49

      great suggestion

  • GG57 on 17/07/2023 - 13:31
    +3

    As a guide, OP could look at Luxury Escapes.

    • gasman70 on 17/07/2023 - 14:03

      I just stumbled across the site. Lots of options on there.

      Damn shame that flights are taking up more than 50% of the holiday cost.

  • ChocStrawberries on 17/07/2023 - 13:44
    +1

    For something different, maybe a cruise? Shore tours to stretch your legs and explore, bring a few books to get your "chill time" on deck.

    • gasman70 on 17/07/2023 - 14:04

      We've done loads of cruises, and love them, but there aren't any suitable ones for the dates I've mentioned.

  • pharkurnell on 17/07/2023 - 13:53

    Vahine Island

    • gasman70 on 17/07/2023 - 14:05

      Nothing available.

  • KITT888 on 17/07/2023 - 14:46
    +2

    Boracay Island, Philippines

    • gasman70 on 17/07/2023 - 16:32
      +1

      Looks great, but flights are as much as the room at the resort….and it's the best one I could find. The flights also take longer than getting to Europe!

  • Pumpkin_rrr on 17/07/2023 - 16:11

    River Cruise to Europe

    • gasman70 on 17/07/2023 - 16:27

      I don't want to travel a day to get there. I probably should have mentioned that.

      • Pumpkin_rrr on 17/07/2023 - 19:37

        You want to go overseas…
        Do note that Just going to Perth will take 5-6 hours. More hours to get out of this Island call Australia!
        Just tongue and cheek about the River Cruise…

        • gasman70 on 18/07/2023 - 06:51

          When I say a day, I mean 24 hours.

  • Sawtell on 17/07/2023 - 17:58
    +1

    Direct flight from Brisbane to Manila then Subic Bay resorts?

  • Mechz on 17/07/2023 - 18:24
    +1

    Maui is nice, pretty chill and possibly in budget?

  • Sweet3st on 17/07/2023 - 19:33
    +1

    I did New Caledonia recently, very nice. 2 hour flight from Brisbane. Explore Noumea, the islands (Isle of Pines was great). Lots of snorkeling and unspoilt places, few tourists, nice food. You can venture up North on the main island as well.
    If you don't want to do much, a more resort-ey Pacific Island or Penang. You could also do the Cook Islands via NZ, Auckland is always good for a day or two.

  • sumyungguy on 18/07/2023 - 08:02
    +1

    Vietjet startted flying ex-BNE on 16-Jun, promo fare BNE/SGN for 21-Jul/7-Aug is under $1K.

  • jrvb42 on 18/07/2023 - 09:59
    +1

    Eygpt. 9 day trip $1000x2 (tour radar), airfare $1000x2 (yes, use scoot to athens and aegean to cairo), accom+alco+food all inclusive $110pn at Hurghada Resort x 20n = $2000. Done. It can be done, because I did it a couple of months ago.

    • belongsinforums on 18/07/2023 - 11:27

      How safe is it for women in your opinion?

  • 2esc on 18/07/2023 - 10:22

    Plenty of places in Australia to check out and with 6 grand heaps of options. With a whole month off and 6 grand go away for the whole month.

  • capslock janitor on 18/07/2023 - 10:31

    Uluru

  • belongsinforums on 18/07/2023 - 11:28
    +2

    Thailand for sure. Has resorts and things to see

    • Danger on 18/07/2023 - 11:57
      +1

      Resorts and Escorts

      • belongsinforums on 18/07/2023 - 14:35

        Bangkok is great. And there are cultural relics a short train ride away

        • Sweet3st on 18/07/2023 - 16:48

          I hated Bangkok, messy crowded and depressing.

          • belongsinforums on 18/07/2023 - 17:17

            @Sweet3st: Sad to hear. Loved the medical museum and the food. Did you make it to the temples just out of town?

    • bazingaa on 19/07/2023 - 13:37

      what are the places to be visited in Thailand if a couple stay for 4-5 days ?

      • belongsinforums on 19/07/2023 - 15:10
        +1

        Chiang mai would be number one on my list. Plenty to do there. Enough to do around Bangkok though. IMO the islands are overrated and way too touristy. Avoid Phuket. I'm no expert and it depends on your budget and what you want to do

  • hopper on 18/07/2023 - 11:39

    Backyard camping.

  • 1968 on 18/07/2023 - 11:44

    Bali > Fiji

    Fiji has to be one of the most overrated ‘cheap’ holiday destinations from AU. Not cheap, long flight, Denarau island is basically where all the Aussie flogs hang out and feels like you are in AU with everything in AU dollars.

    • samcro on 18/07/2023 - 12:28

      Incorrect. The shops and restaurants prices are in Fijian dollars. I was there in May and never saw any AUD pricing.

      • 1968 on 18/07/2023 - 17:18

        I’m referring to Denarau island where majority of the tourists stay. I’ve been there so definitely not incorrect

    • gromit on 18/07/2023 - 12:56
      +1

      been a couple of times to Fiji and not my favourite place either. But, never saw any place that had prices in AU Dollars. Though if cheap is your prime motivation then bogan central that is Bali is definitely better, personally would not choose either.

      • [Deactivated] on 18/07/2023 - 20:52
        +1

        Come to Bali… we don't know when, but every day is one day closer to the next lose a limb lottery!

    • Sawtell on 18/07/2023 - 18:31

      Agree about the flogs. If you want a nice holiday in Fiji you need to pay (alot) for it.

      Watching bogans line up for the bar to open at 10am with plastic cups 'because its free' is not an island holiday.

  • Sweet3st on 18/07/2023 - 11:45
    +1

    Broome is very different and you can certainly do resort style holiday. Do a tour down the coast to Perth.

  • BlaCkAdDaIX on 18/07/2023 - 12:04

    could definitely do Ko Samui on your budget,

    I'm getting 7 night deals offered around half price on last minute at the moment at 5* resorts, but have already booked something cheaper.
    air fares not too bad either from Bangkok or Singapore… and to either of those you should be under a grand each.

  • capslock janitor on 18/07/2023 - 13:59

    Call ghostbusters

  • Stevecro on 18/07/2023 - 16:43
    +4

    Penrith is nice

  • gviddy on 18/07/2023 - 17:53

    Ipswich Heights

  • FocusRider on 18/07/2023 - 18:09
    +1

    Singapore.. one night at Marina Bay Sands should set you back about 6k.

  • tessel on 18/07/2023 - 18:30
    +1

    Tasmania. East or West coast for something different.

  • ass3ts on 18/07/2023 - 20:05
    +4

    Travelling thousands of kilometres to laze around the pool. I don't get it.

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