The Weekend Edition - Sleep In. Slow Down. Enjoy.

The Weekend Series: vacation value – five holidays that won’t break the bank

The Weekend Series: vacation value – five holidays that won’t break the bank



One of the unfortunate realities of living in Australia is our relative isolation from the rest of the world. Travelling isn’t cheap, but going without a holiday just isn’t an option for most of us. It's not the end of the world – there are plenty of holiday options that won’t decimate your bank account beyond repair. We’ve scouted around and found five ten-day trips that will satiate your wanderlust and give you the adventure you are seeking for less than $2500. All you have to do is pack a bag, round up some travel buddies and find yourself some cheap flights and you're all set to explore.


Maldives Dhoni Cruise
Look, day trips to the coast are great, but the beach tends to lose its lustre when you have to share it with thousands of other people. Those of us that like to soak up the sun and a bit of solitude might get a kick out of this luxurious getaway. For six days, you and your travel buddies will sail around the waters of the Maldives, catching rays on some pristine, white sandy beaches, snorkel underneath the waves and salivate over meals prepared by your own personal chef. For $1443 you will be able to enjoy all of this, which is much more appealing than finding space for your towel between the flags.

Salcantay Trek and Machu Picchu
If gorgeous mountain treks and breathtaking vistas are your kind of thing, the Salcantay Trek is a great option. If you’d rather avoid the over saturated path of the Inca Trail, this seven-day trip takes travellers along a separate, lesser travelled trail in the Peruvian Andes, through the Salcantay Pass and around Mount Salcantay itself, offering stunning views of snow-capped mountains and a chance to inspect the fantastic ruins of Machu Picchu. This holiday includes meals, accommodation and all the gear you’ll need, and can be booked for around $2000. Want to see more? This handy video should be all the convincing you need.

Annapurna Trek
When it comes to enlightening travel experiences, it doesn’t get much more enriching than a trek through the Himalayas. Before you start dreaming of conquering Mount Everest, we suggest starting with a gentler sort of introduction. Over ten days, you and your group will follow tracks through the oak and rhododendron forests of the Annapurna Range, visiting Gurung Villages and lakeside towns, sleeping in comfort at eco lodges and campsites, and finally immersing yourself in the vibrant Nepalese culture of Kathmandu. From $2150 your trek will include meals, flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara, bilingual guides, trekking gear and more. Get a closer look at the magic of the Annapurna Trek here.

Tanzania Wildlife Adventure
The wildlife of the African continent is so diverse that you could spend all of your annual leave and not even see a fraction of the fauna that calls the land home. If you only have a little bit of time to explore, we suggest booking in for this memorable wildlife experience in the heart of Tanzania. This four-day whirlwind trip will take you to through Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park and to the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, otherwise known as the Garden of Eden of Tanzania. One of the last refuges of the Black Rhino, the Ngorongoro Crater boasts an extremely high density of animals, including lions, elephants, hippos, birds and more. For $1990 you can take in the Tanzanian wilderness with this unbeatable safari adventure.

Mekong Delta Cycle
If you love getting on the bike on a Saturday morning and cruising around town, then you’d best saddle up for this holiday – it’s right up your alley. The Mekong Delta is a fertile region of southern Vietnam, where the Mekong River finishes its 4500-kilometre journey through six countries. One of the most fertile regions in the entire country, the Mekong Delta is a picturesque paradise of temples, rivers, pagodas, rice paddies, fields and orchards. This three-day trip will see travellers explore the region on bicycle, clocking an average of 40 kilometres a day of sightseeing across beautiful Vietnam. This trip can be booked for $790 and includes meals, bike hire, hotel accommodation and expert bilingual guides. Watch this video to get a glimpse of what you could experience.

These deals are available through World Expeditions, which offers plenty of trips, traipses and treks to take on, year round.



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