The recent surge in the Australian dollar has opened up destinations for travellers that would normally be considered too expensive.

Iceland, Sweden and Norway have all suddenly become more affordable, as have Eastern European countries and old favourites such as Fiji.

The latest Expedia Foreign Exchange Index has the Icelandic Krona 42 per cent lower against the Aussie dollar than a year ago, having been significantly impacted by the global financial crisis.

The index, complied by online travel group Expedia.com.au and foreign exchange specialist HiFX, found the Polish Zloty the second weakest, 26 per cent lower against the Aussie in the past year, followed by the Fiji dollar, off 17.5 per cent.

The Aussie dollar touched a nine-month high above 82 US cents earlier this month, and currently trades just below 80 cents.

"Monitoring exchange rates is a good way of determining when to visit a country," Expedia Australia's Louise Crompton said.

"Scandinavia has become considerably more affordable, giving Australians a great opportunity to visit this spectacular part of the world and make the most of a region which would normally be out of reach for most travellers."

Eastern Europe has traditionally offered good value, and combined with a favourable exchange rate, should move this destination up on the "must see list", she said.

"A further impact of the (global financial crisis), advantaging travellers, is the drop in the cost of flights and accommodation globally," she said.

Last year's index showed South Korea, South Africa and Vietnam in the top three places.

 

AAP