While we're still in Oz (3 years to go!) we would like to take advantage of being here to go on holiday somewhere near - I'm interested in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Bali, China - unfortunately all seem substantially cheaper to visit from the UK so may need to wait until we're home

I've been to New Zealand and Fiji, also Tasmania. Seen a lot of Oz (but not the North)
Does anyone have any recommendations for holidays that won't break the bank??

It's really cheap to holiday in Bali - although I live in Darwin so flights are probably cheaper from here. Air Asia do cheap flights to Indonesia from the South x

P.S. Bali weather is quite similar to the NT, so bear in mind it's the Wet Season over Christmas x

Hawaii, I have been there 5 times and love it.

Admittedly the last time was 4 years ago, but you can get some good deals.

New Caledonia, for a French flavour and great snorkeling. DD has been twice on a French immersion trip, lucky girl.

You say holidays that won't break the bank but an idea of budget would be good as one person's pocket money is another person's monthly living expenses.

There's four of us so I would like to keep it within 5-10K

I haven't done Northern new Zealand (Bay of Islands looks good) - also haven't done Cradle Mountain. I'd like something that is more adventure/activity based - Living in QLD I can do a beach holiday in Caloundra (which I love). Really wanted Vietnam/Camobodia but a friend said to get the best out of it you should go on a tour and this is very expensive. Indonesia may be another place to consider....

I don't understand why you are being swayed from Vietnam. Have been last two years and travelled independently. (Cant recall last time I went on a tour of any type.) Also cant believe that it would be cheaper to do from UK.

Pick up a reasonable fare to KL or S'pore and then get a flight with AirAsia to Ha Noi or Ho Chi Minh.

Use TripAdvisor to source cheapish hotels, meals etc. Christmas before last we spent three weeks going from Ha Noi to HCMC. Couple of internal flights with Vietnam Airlines; other journeys we used a driver and car (family of 5 with 3 teenagers). Dont think our accommodation was ever over $100pn per room (we travelled Xmas/New Year so high season).

Our itinerary was Ha Noi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Dalat, Nha Trang, Mui Ne, HCMC.

Ha Noi is cheaper than HCMC. In fact I preferred Ha Noi.

Eating out can be cheap or expensive.

Am sure for the 5 of us it was closer to the $5K mark than 10.

Loved it so much went back the following year - last Christmas combining it with Cambodia.

HTH. Happy to answer any further queries.

Thanks OzSheila - Perhaps need to be more adventurous. Was daunted after a friend who has been there told me it's hard to get around independently. Research showed that all inclusive was cheaper from UK than from Oz, but will look at flying from BNE and more independent options,

Travel very expensive out of oz, but we have found on occasion fares to LA for just over the $1000 each.

Once there you are looking at a holiday half the price of being in OZ, flight only about 12hours too, I always find that really short after the UK 24 hour thing.

Interesting Trouble with me is after OZ heat I want cold destinations

I traveled independently around Cambodia / Vietnam in 2004. It is no trouble at all. I was doing my backpacking (a slightly more mature backpacker than average) and stayed in perfectly nice places for $20 a night and I can be something of a fusspot. I think you could easily do it on budget.