Try these destinations for the Bora Bora experience without the pricetag.
With a luxe escape to Bora Bora potentially costing you over $10,000 for accommodation per night alone (have you seen the Four Seasons Resort?! It's what postcards were MADE for!) Bora Bora may be a little beyond your budget. This doesn't mean you can't live like royalty on a pristine beach while on holiday.
There are plenty of other island paradises out there that are just as postcard-worthy for a fraction of the price.
Here are our top picks of enviable and affordable places similar to Bora Bora but cheaper. We have added deals too that could help you save.
How much does Bora Bora cost?
- Flight time from Australia: 17 hours and 35 minutes (from Brisbane, 2 stops)
- Average flight price from Australia: $1,743 return (cheapest departures are from Sydney where the average cost is $1,706
- Accommodation (3-star): $343+
- Domestic beer: $10.76
- 3-course meal for two: $134.55
- Package holidays can start from: $4,000 for 5 nights in 4-star accommodation including flights from Hobart or Cairns
8 dreamy places like Bora Bora
1. Seychelles
Found surrounded by the clear, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean off the coast of West Africa, the Seychelles is home to 115 islands. The little bits of paradise host soft-sand beaches, lush tropical forests and, of course, luxurious resorts.
- Flight time from Australia: 21 hours and 40 minutes (from Melbourne, 1+ stops)
- Average flight price from Australia/price range: $1,672 return (cheapest flights are from Sydney where the average fare is $1564)
- Accommodation (3-star): $115+ per night
- Domestic beer: $6.29
- 3-course meal for two: $62.88
- Package holidays can start from: $2,317 for 7 night, flying out of Perth
2. Maldives
One of the first destinations that comes to mind when you think of words like 'paradise' and 'exotic', this chain of more than 1,000 coral atolls is renowned for it's perfect blue lagoons, colourful reefs and incredible overwater bungalows.
- Flight time from Australia: 10 hours and 55 minutes (from Perth, 1+ stops)
- Average flight price from Australia/price range: $800 return (cheapest flights are from Perth where the average is $602)
- Accommodation (3-star): $66+ per night
- Domestic beer: $4.61
- 3-course meal for two: $29.94
- Package holidays can start from: $1,429 for 5 nights departing from Perth
Agoda
Extra 8% off Maldives hotels
Valid for travel from April - May 2019. T&Cs apply.
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G Adventures
Up to 35% off global tours
Valid for travel until 31 July 2019. Destinations include Australia, Maldives, Costa Rica, America, Europe, China, Africa, Japan and more. T&Cs apply.
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Flight Centre - Holidays
Up to 70% off holiday packages
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include Maldives, Hawaii, Fiji, Dubai, Australia, Thailand, Vanuatu, Dubai, New Caledonia and more. Inclusive of return flights, buffet breakfast and more. T&Cs apply.
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Flight Centre - Holidays
Maldives: 7-night stay + flights from $2,345
Valid for travel from 1 May - 15 June and 15-31 July 2019. Includes return economy class airfare from Perth to Maldives, transfers and accommodation at Sheraton Full Moon Resort. T&Cs apply.
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3. Cook Islands
With its similar French Polynesian heritage, turquoise waters and white beaches, you’ll be hard-pressed to find the difference between the Cook Islands and Bora Bora. One however is the flight time, which is 6-hours direct from Sydney compared to 19-hours to Bora Bora due to flight changes in New Zealand. Getting to paradise soon? #winning.
- Flight time from Australia: 6 hours and 10 minutes (from Sydney, non-stop)
- Average flight price from Australia/price range: $850 return (cheapest flights are from Sydney where the average fare is $588 return)
- Accommodation (3-star): $102+ per night
- Domestic beer: $8.59
- 3-course meal for two: $57.27
- Package holidays can start from: $2,569 for a 6-night stay departing from Canberra
Flight Centre - International
South Pacific flights from $519 return
Valid for travel from 20 July - 15 September 2019. Destinations include Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, New Caledonia, Cook Islands and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Fiji.
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4. Indonesia
It’s no secret that Australians have a love affair with Indonesia. What’s not to love? From its enviable beaches and its relaxed vibe to its rich history and exotic appeal. It’s also only a hop and a skip away from our shores and flights there are almost always on sale - bonus!
- Flight time from Australia: 2 hours and 45 minutes (from Darwin, non-stop)
- Average flight price from Australia/price range: $422 return (cheapest flights are from Perth where the average fare is $257)
- Accommodation (3-star): $12+ per night in Bali
- Domestic beer: $3.41
- 3-course meal for two: $24.35
- Package holidays can start from: $779 for 7 nights departing from Perth
Voyagin
US$40 off bookings
Minimum spend of US$450 on activities and attraction tickets. Destinations include Bali, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and more. T&Cs apply.
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Agoda
Extra 5% off hotels worldwide
Valid for stays from 22 October 2018 - 31 December 2020, including over Christmas. Destinations include Bali, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Paris, Amsterdam, Sydney, Gold Coast and more. T&Cs apply.
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Columbus Direct
Get 5% off your next travel insurance policy
Use our exclusive code to get 5% off any Columbus Direct travel insurance policy, domestic or worldwide. Destinations would include Thailand, Bali, Fiji, USA, UK, Italy, France, Japan and more.
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CruiseAway
50% off deposits + up to $1,000 airfare credit with Princess cruises
Valid for travel on select dates in 2019 - 2020 with select Princess Cruises. Destinations include Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Bali, Perth, Sydney and more. Includes bonus $100 onboard credit. T&Cs apply.
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TourRadar
Up to 76% off Asia tours
Valid for travel on select dates across Asia. Destinations include India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Bali, Colombo, Sri Lanka and more. T&Cs apply.
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World2Cover Travel Insurance Deals
15% off travel insurance
Save on your next policy to destinations including Bali, Thailand, USA, Europe, Japan, New Zealand, Vietnam and more. Terms and conditions apply.
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Flight Centre - Holidays
Bali: 5-night stay + flights from $769
Valid for travel from 1 August - 31 October 2019. Includes return economy flights from Perth, accommodation at Swiss-Belhotel Petitenget, daily breakfast and more. T&Cs apply.
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Klook
Up to 10% off activities in Bali
Valid for use on select dates in 2019 across Bali. Activities include water rafting, trekking and more. T&Cs apply.
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MyBali
Bali: Up to 2,000 off holiday packages
Valid for travel on select dates until December 2019 across Bali. Inclusive of return flights, unique bonus values, deluxe accommodation and more. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
Bali: 5-night stay + flights from $799
Valid for travel until 22 December 2019. Includes accommodation at Kuta Beach Heritage Hotel, return flights, daily buffet breakfast and more. T&Cs apply.
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Voyagin
US$25 off bookings
Minimum spend of US$300 on activities and attraction tickets. Destinations include Bali, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and more. T&Cs apply.
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Flight Centre - International
Bali flights from $300 return
Valid for travel from 10 October - 24 November 2019 with Jetstar. Destinations include Hawaii, Bangkok, Phuket and more. Sample fare is Perth-Bali.
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Hotels.com
Up to 75% off accommodations worldwide
Valid for travel on select dates in 2019. Destinations include Bali, Phuket, Miami Beach, Santorini, Athens, Barcelona and more. T&Cs apply.
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Expedia.com.au
Hotel stays worldwide from $99
Valid on select dates and hotels in Phuket, Bali, Manila, Bangkok, Dubai, Osaka, Las Vegas and more. T&C's apply.
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Agoda
Bali 3-star+ stays from $12 per night
Bali villas, homestays, hotels and hostels from just $12 per night. Sample destinations in Bali include Jimbaran, Seminyak, Kuta, Denpasar, Legian and more. $12 sample price is for Vilarisi Hotel in Legian.
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HomeAway
Bali villas from $29 per night
Book a private villa stay in Seminyak, Kerobokan, Sanur, Ubud and more.
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Groupon
Up to 70% off hotel stays and vacation packages
Destinations include Gold Coast, Port Douglas, Bali, Phuket, Fiji, Vietnam and Hawaii. Sample packages include a 5-night stay in Surfers Paradise for $299 (Regularly $579) and a 5-night package to Fiji for $999 (Regularly $2101),
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TripAdvisor Rentals
Bali private pool villas from just $214 per week
Price is based on a seven-night stay in February 2018.
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Tick Travel Insurance
10% off your Bali travel insurance policy
Want to save more on your Tick Travel Insurance policy? Simply enter this code to receive a 10% discount on your cover.
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Design Hotels
Up to 30% off if you book in advance
Valid for bookings made at least 30 days in advance at hotels around the world. Destinations include France, USA, Bali, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, UK, Singapore, Japan and more.
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Scoopon
Up to 63% off Bali escape
Valid for stays on select dates until 20 December 2018 at Sintesa Jimbaran. Includes daily buffet breakfast and dinner, a 90-minute massage for two and more. T&C's apply.
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5. Panama
While not the cheapest destination on this list, Panama is very much comparable to what you’ll expect from Bora Bora. That is, it sports islands for days, soft white sands and an exotic atmosphere.
- Flight time from Australia: 23 hours and 40 minutes (from Sydney, 2+ stops)
- Average flight price from Australia/price range: $2176 return (cheapest flights are from Sydney where the average fare is $1979)
- Accommodation (3-star): $43+ per night
- Domestic beer: $3.56
- 3-course meal for two: $42.75
- Package holidays can start from: $1,686 for 7 nights departing from Sydney
finder.com.au Hotels
Panama 4-star hotels from $62 per night
Find accommodation in Panama City or along the coast in destinations like Farallon and Bocas del Toro from just $62 per night.
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6. Cambodia
Seeking an exotic island escape with pristine beaches that won’t blow the budget? Try Cambodia. You can get flights cheap as chips with budget carriers like Jetstar and unlike its neighbour Thailand, it isn’t too overrun with tourists.
- Flight time from Australia: 8 hours and 15 minutes (from Darwin, 1+ stops)
- Average flight price from Australia/price range: $592 return (cheapest flights are from Perth where the average fare is $405)
- Accommodation (3-star): $41+ per night in Koh Rong
- Domestic beer: $1.42
- 3-course meal for two: $21.37
- Package holidays can start from: $81 for 3 nights departing from Perth
TourRadar
Up to 76% off Asia tours
Valid for travel on select dates across Asia. Destinations include India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Bali, Colombo, Sri Lanka and more. T&Cs apply.
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Nexus Holidays
Up to $1,300 off Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar tours
Valid for travel on select dates in 2019 - 2020 across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Destinations are Holang Bay, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap and more. T&Cs apply.
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Wendy Wu Tours
$100 off tours for senior card holders
Valid on 2018 dates depending on the destinations. Destinations include China, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Japan and more. T&Cs apply.
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7. Malaysia
When it comes to beach destinations, Malaysia is less likely to be the first name that flies off your tongue, but sitting so close to Indonesia it shares some of its idyllic landscape. Glam it up in Penang or save your pennies in Langkawi. For your next trip, naturally.
- Flight time from Australia: 5 hours and 35 minutes (from Perth, non-stop)
- Average flight price from Australia/price range: $483 return (cheapest flights are from Perth where the average fare is $285)
- Accommodation (3-star): $27+ per night in Langkawi
- Domestic beer: $2.04
- 3-course meal for two: $30.55
- Package holidays can start from: $465 for 3 nights departing from Perth
Voyagin
US$40 off bookings
Minimum spend of US$450 on activities and attraction tickets. Destinations include Bali, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and more. T&Cs apply.
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Cudo
12-Day Malaysia tours from $2,599
Valid for travel on select dates between May - November 2019 across Malaysia. Destinations are Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Langkawi and more. Inclusive of daily breakfast, private transports, international return flights from Australia and more. T&Cs apply.
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Voyagin
US$25 off bookings
Minimum spend of US$300 on activities and attraction tickets. Destinations include Bali, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and more. T&Cs apply.
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Singapore Airlines
China, Japan and Malaysia flights from $640
Valid for travel from 1 May 2019 - 17 March 2020 across China, Japan and Malaysia. Destinations include Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Hiroshima and more. Sample fare is Adelaide-Shanghai. T&Cs apply.
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EasyRentCars.com
Up to 20% off Malaysia car hires
Valid for car rentals until 31 July 2019 across Malaysia. Destinations include Kuala Lumpur, Penang and more. T&Cs apply.
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Berjaya
Up to 25% off stays in Kuala Lumpur
Book in advance and get up to 25% off your stay in Langkawi, Malaysia.
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Berjaya
Up to 25% off stays in Langkawi
Book in advance and get up to 25% off your stay in Langkawi, Malaysia.
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8. Philippines
Hailed as having some of the best islands in the world (Boracay, Cebu and Palawan to name a few), the Philippines has more than 7,000 islands waiting for you to explore, each with its own highlights from crystal clear waters and powder-soft beaches to historical monuments and cultural encounters.
- Flight time from Australia: 8 hours (from Brisbane, non-stop)
- Average flight price from Australia/price range: $527 return (cheapest flights are from Perth where the average fare is $429)
- Accommodation (3-star): $12+ per night in Palawan
- Domestic beer: $1.35
- 3-course meal for two: $21.53
- Package holidays can start from: $899 for 3 nights from Perth
TourRadar
Up to 76% off Asia tours
Valid for travel on select dates across Asia. Destinations include India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Bali, Colombo, Sri Lanka and more. T&Cs apply.
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My Cruises
Up to $4,000 in free extras cruises + flights worldwide
Valid on select 2019 - 2020 dates. Destinations include Vietnam, Philippines, England, Dubai and more. Inclusive of additional bonus nights, return flights, onboard meals and more. T&Cs apply.
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My Cruises
Get $4,000 in free extras with 18-night Vietnam and Philippines cruises + flights
Valid on select 2019 - 2020 dates across Vietnam and Philippines with Royal Caribbean cruises. Inclusive of additional two bonus nights, return flights, onboard meals and more. T&Cs apply.
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Searching for a deal? Here are some of the best:
TFE Hotels
Up to 35% off global hotels
Valid across all hotels in Australia and New Zealand. Save up to 25% on regular rates, plus sign up to TFE Hotels eClub and get an extra 10% off on your bookings. T&Cs apply.
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Contiki
Up to 25% off last-minute tours worldwide
Book a range of last-minute Contiki tours, from week-long jaunts to month-long journeys, to destinations including Italy, France, Germany, Greece, Vietnam, Thailand, USA, Canada and more.
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Booking.com
Up to 20% off worldwide hotels
Valid for travel from 10 April - 6 May 2019. Destinations include Rome, Paris, London, Bangkok, Seoul, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur and more. T&Cs apply.
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Agoda
Extra 5% off hotels worldwide
Valid for stays from 22 October 2018 - 31 December 2020, including over Christmas. Destinations include Bali, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Paris, Amsterdam, Sydney, Gold Coast and more. T&Cs apply.
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Otel.com
Extra 8% off hotel bookings
Valid on hotel stays worldwide on all dates, including over holidays like Easter, Christmas and New Year's Eve.
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Columbus Direct
Get 5% off your next travel insurance policy
Use our exclusive code to get 5% off any Columbus Direct travel insurance policy, domestic or worldwide. Destinations would include Thailand, Bali, Fiji, USA, UK, Italy, France, Japan and more.
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Flight Centre - International
South Pacific flights from $519 return
Valid for travel from 20 July - 15 September 2019. Destinations include Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, New Caledonia, Cook Islands and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Fiji.
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Agoda
Extra 8% off Maldives hotels
Valid for travel from April - May 2019. T&Cs apply.
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G Adventures
Up to 35% off global tours
Valid for travel until 31 July 2019. Destinations include Australia, Maldives, Costa Rica, America, Europe, China, Africa, Japan and more. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
TourRadar
Up to 76% off Asia tours
Valid for travel on select dates across Asia. Destinations include India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Bali, Colombo, Sri Lanka and more. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
TourRadar
Up to 76% off tours worldwide
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include Europe, India, Iceland, Asia, Japan, New Zealand, Morocco and more. T&Cs apply.
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Topdeck
Up to 30% off trips worldwide
Valid for travel between May - December 2019. Destinations include Europe, North America, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. T&Cs apply.
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Flight Centre - Holidays
Up to 70% off holiday packages
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include Maldives, Hawaii, Fiji, Dubai, Australia, Thailand, Vanuatu, Dubai, New Caledonia and more. Inclusive of return flights, buffet breakfast and more. T&Cs apply.
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My Cruises
Up to $4,000 in free extras cruises + flights worldwide
Valid on select 2019 - 2020 dates. Destinations include Vietnam, Philippines, England, Dubai and more. Inclusive of additional bonus nights, return flights, onboard meals and more. T&Cs apply.
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My Cruises
Get $4,000 in free extras with 18-night Vietnam and Philippines cruises + flights
Valid on select 2019 - 2020 dates across Vietnam and Philippines with Royal Caribbean cruises. Inclusive of additional two bonus nights, return flights, onboard meals and more. T&Cs apply.
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Uniworld
Up to $3,000 off tours + cruises worldwide
Valid for sailings until December 2019. Destinations include Central Europe, France, Italy, Asia, Portugal, Spain, India, Egypt and Russia. T&Cs apply.
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Hotels.com
Up to 75% off accommodations worldwide
Valid for travel on select dates in 2019. Destinations include Bali, Phuket, Miami Beach, Santorini, Athens, Barcelona and more. T&Cs apply.
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Expedia.com.au
Hotel stays worldwide from $99
Valid on select dates and hotels in Phuket, Bali, Manila, Bangkok, Dubai, Osaka, Las Vegas and more. T&C's apply.
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Travel Talk
Up to 35% off worldwide tours + extra 5% off with code
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Jordan, Russia, India and Nepal. T&Cs apply.
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Budget Air
Up to 20% car hire worldwide
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include Australia, Japan, Europe, China and more. T&Cs apply.
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Nexus Holidays
Up to $1,300 off Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar tours
Valid for travel on select dates in 2019 - 2020 across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Destinations are Holang Bay, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap and more. T&Cs apply.
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Rentalcars.com
Compare over 800 car hire companies worldwide
Rentalcars.com can help you compare major car hire company rates for the best price. Companies it compares include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Thrifty, Alamo, Dollar and Budget.
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Wendy Wu Tours
$100 off tours for senior card holders
Valid on 2018 dates depending on the destinations. Destinations include China, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Japan and more. T&Cs apply.
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Go Airport Shuttle
5% off airport transfers and car hire
Valid on select dates and locations worldwide. Destinations include USA, Canada, Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, Sydney, and the Czech Republic. T&C's apply.
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Berjaya
10% off last-minute Seychelles stays
Valid for stays on select dates. Booking must be made 2 days prior arrival. T&C's apply.
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City Discovery
Save up to 50% on sightseeing
Pick up a CityPass for deep discounts on attractions worldwide
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Flight Centre - Holidays
Maldives: 7-night stay + flights from $2,345
Valid for travel from 1 May - 15 June and 15-31 July 2019. Includes return economy class airfare from Perth to Maldives, transfers and accommodation at Sheraton Full Moon Resort. T&Cs apply.
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Food, drink and hotel costs sourced from: Numbeo.com and Hotel Finder. Hotel price based on a per-night price in June-2019 quoted on 27 December 2018. Prices are based on a per-night rate for a 7-night stay at a 3-star hotel in the above destinations. We used the dates 17-24 June 2019 as a guide.
Feature image: Four Seasons Resort, Bora Bora (Expedia)
Flight Centre - International
South Pacific flights from $519 return
Valid for travel from 20 July - 15 September 2019. Destinations include Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, New Caledonia, Cook Islands and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Fiji.
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