Hi, <BR> <BR>I am considering Australia for my honeymoon next year. We are also looking at Hawaii and Tahiti. <BR> <BR>Although I know the airfare to Australia is very expensive (we are from New York), will it be cheaper for all us around, since the Australian dollar is much weaker compared to the US $? Ie., is it true we will get more for our money, or are the prices just inflated there, and will make it all relative? <BR> <BR>Am I also correct in assuming that for 2 weeks to any of the above destinations, staying at luxury resorts, with airfare, I cannot excpect to pay less than about $8,000? <BR> <BR>Thank you for your advice from your experiences. It is most appreciated!

In comparison to the US Dollar, vacationing in Australia is very economical. Food prices are very resonable, as are touring packages, and shopping. I'm not sure where you got your budget estimate of $8,000 for 2 for 2 wks. I was in Oz in May and and spent about $2100 all inclusive

Dear Mike, <BR>I always like to use the "coffee comparison" when trying to work out relative values. A coffee (latte etc) in any major city in Aust will cost you about A$2.50. <BR> <BR>If you stay in ***** resorts - yes, you'll pay more - but with the strength of the US$ at the moment, it's still a great price.

Mike, <BR>With the exchange rate the way it is, you will get a pretty good deal here, particularly if you book some things once you arrive. <BR>To put it another way, Australians would pay double for everything in the US, but you would pay half when you come here. <BR>Kay

<BR>We are going to Australia in about 5 weeks. I know Australia will less than Hawaii and Tahiti (have been to both) ~ however, I am not convinced Australia is the inexpensive destination some posts would have us believe. Yes, it takes almost 2 Australian dollars to buy 1 US dollar ~ but when your prices are almost double...... <BR> <BR>The Russell is about US$140. I think that is on par with what I would pay in downtown San Antonio (my home). The bridgeclimb is about US$60 (weekday) ~ that seems high for US prices (believe me we are going to do anyway). My stationwagon rental for 2 days is US$100 (maybe slightly lower). My guess is that food will be less. <BR> <BR>My pretrip opinion ~ substantially less than LA or NYC but on par with Texas prices. But, hey, we don't have harbors (ops sorry ~ harbours) and great barrier reefs. I understand the people are great.

The current exchange rate is about two Aussie dollars for the US dollar. We have travelled in US a lot and generally find that prices are comparable - meals and accommodation prices are comparable and when you take into account that you will get two of our dollars for one of yours, you are getting a bargain. <BR>Depending on when you are travelling, you may find it best to book one or two nights for your arrival and then book as you go. A lot of resorts/hotels offer standby rates to fill any empty rooms and you can often get a bargain at the last minute.

We were in Aus in June and found prices to look the same or less than the us$ amounts California on such things as food and clothes and tours. To the Australian residents, prices are normal and not inflated. The exchange rate only affects currency exchange. Some Hotel prices seemed higher, but the rooms were always much larger (usually suite style) and or in high rent tourist areas, so we found them to be a very good value. When you then knock 1/2 off the price, it was a steal! We bought extra suitcases ($75AUS)to bring home our shopping.

Not everyone is American!!!!!!!!!! Coming from Canada we have a slight exchange advantage but we found the prices a little high. $14.50 for a bacon and egg breakfast is still about $11.00 Canadian - a little pricey.

Looking through my charge bills, we usually paid about $8 Aus per person for our breakfast in sit down restaurants, and not much more for lunch. Fast food places were identically priced to US. In nice resort or fancy Sydney restaurants prices were less than similar places in the US or places like Vancouver BC. $60 for a 3 hour adventure tour would not be unusual anywhere in Europe or North America. We found most prices so cheap that we tended to splurge and get quality that we normally wouldn't buy.

Hi all, <BR> <BR>Just wanted to say thanks for all your help and advice. This is definitely great, and useful info. I think we are leaning towards Aus., will let you know!! <BR>thanks again!