How the high $A has changed the way we travel

- Texas and the southern US, eased by Qantas' new flights to Dallas

- Argentina for "food, culture and sights"

- Indian Ocean islands (Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, Reunion and Comores), which have good air links with Australia.

Shopping, detested by some but a priority for many, has skyrocketed.

Bargain hunters' triumphs in snapping up electronics and fashions in the US have been heavily publicised.

But when it comes to shopping trips Australians mostly think of Asia.

Key destinations include Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong (and cities across China).

But good bargains are also often found in Seoul's teeming Namdaemun and Dongdaemun markets where made-in-Korea products are cheapest.

Three names for canny shoppers to remember in the Philippines are Shoe Mart (a department store chain) Manila's gigantic Mall of Asia (with price-competitive boutiques) and Greenhills Shopping Centre (with cheapest prices). Shoes are particularly good value.

Three other important shopping destinations:

- Sri Lanka: expatriate Sri Lankans, air crews and in-the-know travellers visit air-conditioned stores such as Odel where over-runs from designer labels sell at rock-bottom prices.

- South Africa: giant shopping malls dot Cape Town, Johannesburg and other South African cities. Chains include Edgars, Woolworths (unrelated to Australia's Woolworths; more like Myer), Truworths and bargain-basement Mr Price. Prices are commonly between 25 and 50 per cent of those in Australia.

- Argentina: bargains abound even on Buenos Aires' tourist-friendly Florida Street retail strip. Follow the locals to Pueyrredon, a crowded street of fashion bargains where trendy but cash-strapped locals shop.

Andrew Billows, who manages Phil Hoffmann Travel's Glenelg branch in South Australia, sees increasing numbers of travellers "returning to old favourites but taking different paths - exploring in greater depth at a slower pace or venturing to 'bucket list' destinations only dreamed about".

What's hottest? "Everywhere - across the globe," says Billows.

Increasingly, Australians can afford exotic "dream destinations" such as Antarctica or the Galapagos Islands.

A stronger dollar boosts an urge to explore.

What seemed impossible has become possible.

With mainstream visits to popular places behind them, Australians are becoming more adventurous - heading off the beaten track to destinations not previously visited.

"Countries they've not had the courage to explore become surprising discoveries," says Billows.

Travellers "extend holidays to explore regional areas, staying a few extra days to get lost wandering in cobble-stoned villages".

Billows says "river cruising is so popular that travellers demand it for Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, China, Malaysian Borneo and Burma/Myanmar".

Returning to favourite countries, travellers now commonly head for the hinterland rather than staying in previously visited capitals.

Which destination is best holiday value? That's an impossible call. As Billows notes, with the "Aussie" riding high "everywhere's a bargain - it really depends on what travellers want to do".

AAP