By Oliver Gaywood.

Who doesn’t love a cheap holiday? If you’re looking to get away in 2018 but you haven’t decided where to go yet, discover where in the world you can enjoy a cheap vacation this year.

Skyscanner Australia has researched the cheapest places to go on holiday in 2018. Below each city you’ll find the average cost of a return flight from Sydney, as well as the average price for a night in a three-star hotel, a bottle of beer, a meal out (a three-course fancy meal and a cheap meal, both for two people) as well as the cost of one of the city’s most popular attractions.

1. Penang, Malaysia

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Jan 16, 2018 at 2:44pm PST

The island of Penang is one of Malaysia’s most popular locations. With beaches, forest walks and one of the country’s biggest cities to explore, it’s easy to see the attraction.

The biggest city, George Town, is a fusion of British, Chinese, Indian and Malay cultures which brings about an eclectic mix of architecture and dining styles. Hidden among the narrow streets are some of Southeast Asia’s best street art.

Along the north coast of the island you’ll find the tranquil Batu Ferrenghi beaches and farther along you’ll find the Penang National Park, a paved walkway through green forest that leads to Monkey Beach, a name that comes from the frequent macaque monkeys that visit.

Flights: From $336

Accommodation: From $32

Price of beer: $4.13

Average cost of dinner for two: $20.63; $7.60

Cost of activities: $20 (adult entry to Entopia tropical sanctuary)

2. Xi An, China

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Jan 9, 2018 at 7:10am PST

Xi An, found in central China, is a historic city known for being the start of the fabled Silk Road. Its most famous attraction is the Terracotta Army, where you can see more than 8000 lifelike statues that date back to the third century BCE.

Being a hub for the Silk Road, Xi An has long welcomed visitors and new cultures, and these influences can be found across the city, however there’s plenty of Chinese history in its pagodas, museums and city walls too.

Flights: From $389

Accommodation: From $23

Price of beer: $0.99

Average cost of dinner for two: $17.74; $5.92

Cost of activities: $24-$30 (adult entry to see Terracotta Army)

3. Surabaya, Indonesia

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Dec 4, 2017 at 4:13am PST

If Bali doesn’t tickle your fancy (or you’ve already been half a dozen times), there’s plenty of other options for great holidays in Indonesia’s 6000 inhabited islands.

Another cheap holiday destination in Indonesia is Surabaya on nearby Java. Much more developed than Bali, Surabaya takes a bit of exploring to enjoy – from its rich Arab culture and integrated Dutch past to one of the country’s largest Chinatowns.

Like in Bali, beer, food and accommodation are all ludicrously cheap, making it a great way to start exploring the rest of Indonesia.

Flights: From $421

Accommodation: From $21

Price of beer: $2.01

Average cost of dinner for two: $14.33; $5.74

Cost of activities: 50-70 cents (adult entry to Suroboyo Carnival Park)

4. Kochi, India

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Dec 25, 2017 at 6:50am PST

Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, may only be the 75th biggest city in India, but its metro population is close to half of New Zealand’s national total.

Its coastal position has seen it take influences from the Brits, Dutch and Portuguese explorers of yesteryear, and it’s also heavily influenced by Chinese traders and fishermen, giving the city a different feel to much of the rest of India.

In amongst this you’ll find traditional Indian culture, art and, most importantly, food. And when you can get a delicious curry for $3, there’s little else that matters.

Flights: From $512

Accommodation: From $30

Price of beer: $1.82

Average cost of dinner for two: $10.10; $3

Cost of activities: 10 cents (entry to Mattancherry Palace)

5. Luang Prabang, Laos

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Jul 3, 2016 at 4:55am PDT

Forget the tubing culture of Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang is the cultural capital of Laos and a much more scenic and low key way to enjoy the country. In 1995, the city became a UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

Enjoy local delicacies such as laab at one of the many riverside restaurants, climb the central Mount Phousi for spectacular city views (especially as the sun rises or sets) and wander along the markets for local handicrafts.

Be sure to explore the beautiful Royal Palace – its mirrored Throne Hall is one of the most stunning attractions in Southeast Asia.

Flights: From $564

Accommodation: From $38

Price of beer: $1.20

Average cost of dinner for two: $11.66; $5.20

Cost of activities: $4.60 (entry to Royal Palace)

6. Colombo, Sri Lanka

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Jan 16, 2018 at 1:18pm PST

With colonial architecture, tree-shaded streets and beaches lapping beside the city, Colombo is a great place to begin a tour of Sri Lanka.

The food is the star of the show in Sri Lanka, from magnificent and fragrant street food to sit down restaurants with almost embarrassingly low prices. Cheap local beers wash down the curries well, almost too well, especially when you need to be sure to stay hydrated on your trip.

While in Colombo, enjoy the ancient temples, the British-inspired architecture and the nature that is evident over the city – especially at Galle Face Green.

Flights: From $588

Accommodation: From $22

Price of beer: $2.90

Average cost of dinner for two: $16.90; $5

Cost of activities: $10 (foreign adult entry into Colombo National Museum)

7. Prague, Czechia