Where 2016 was marred by flash crashes with the British pound falling near parity with the Euro and the Swiss Franc taking a tumble, 2017 remained relatively unscathed by any major economic changes.
Despite this, the Australian dollar still grew stronger against numerous countries.
Of these, the North Korean won took the greatest hit, falling by 650% against the Aussie dollar with the Uzbekistani som coming up second, weakening by 171%.
Travelling on a budget this year? We compared currencies worldwide to see where the dollar saw the greatest growth in the past year to determine the hottest destinations to visit where your dollars will go the furthest.
For the purposes of travel, we've excluded areas deemed unsafe for Australians, such as North Korea, Uzbekistan and Syria from our shortlist. You can see the full list of currency changes between 1 January 2017 and 1 January 2018 as sourced from xe.com further down.
10 of the cheapest currencies for Australians in 2018
1. Argentine peso: 26.31% more per dollar
2. Ghanaian cedi: 14.92% more per dollar
3. Seychellois rupee: 13.91% more per dollar
4. Sri Lankan rupee: 11.98% more per dollar
5. Maldivian rufiyaa: 10.67% more per dollar
6. Lao kip: 10.57% more per dollar
7. Brazilian real: 10.47% more per dollar
8. Cambodian riel: 9.92% more per dollar
9. Philippine peso: 9.56% more per dollar
10. Hong Kong dollar: 9.42% more per dollar
1. Argentina
For the third year running, we're seeing the Argentine peso falling, cementing it as one of the prime destinations to visit for next to nix.
How much am I saving? For every AUD$100, you're getting an extra 312 pesos. That's enough to cover your admission ticket to Iguazu Falls
What are flight prices like? With Air New Zealand and LATAM offering flights to Argentina, it's now more affordable to explore South America. On sale, flights can fall to $1,079 return.
How much do I need? Check out our quick and easy guide to travel money in South America to see how affordable your full true works out to be.
With its picturesque coastal landscape, rich wildlife and colonial architecture, Ghana is a safari for the senses.
It's considered one of the most stable countries in West Africa due to its wealth and colonial independence.
How much am I saving? For every AUD$100, you're getting an extra 45.64 cedi, which equates to one extra coffee when you're in town.
What are flight prices like? Being a less frequented route, flights to Accra, Ghana, are priced at $1,800+ return flying luxury airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines, Qantas and Singapore Airlines.
Paradise unparalleled is just one way to describe the arresting island destination of Seychelles. Comprised of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, it's a place for relaxation and romance and its currency has taken a dip this year making it that much more affordable.
How much am I saving? For every AUD$100, you're getting an extra 133.84 Seychellois rupees. That's enough to buy you two tickets to a movie or a meal at a fast food restaurant.
What are flight prices like? Seychelles flights can start from $1,067 when departing from Perth. However, these cheap flights do come with multiple connections and a longer journey time. For the price though, it could be worth it.
Home to acclaimed beaches, ancient Buddhist ruins and untouched forest, with the Sri Lankan rupee currently weaker against the Aussie dollar, now's as good a time as any to explore this exotic location.
How much am I saving? For every AUD$100, you're getting an extra 1,282 rupees. That's enough for a swanky meal in a hotel restaurant.
What are flight prices like? During a sale, flights to Sri Lanka can drop to $300+ return on a budget airline like AirAsia making this a more than affordable destination.
How much do I need? Suss out the full cost of your trip plus grab your travel money before you take off with our Sri Lanka travel money guide.
It's getting cheaper and cheaper to experience life on the other side with the Maldivian rufiyaa now cheaper against the Australian dollar.
How much am I saving? For every AUD$100, you're getting an extra MVR116.26 which is enough to cover lunch or three local ferry rides.
What are flight prices like? Thanks to budget airlines like AirAsia, when on sale, flights to the Maldives can cost little over $400 return. Who says luxurious islands have to cost the world?
Colourful costumes, lauded beaches and panoramic views are yours for less this year when you put your dollars against the Brazilian real.
How much am I saving? For every AUD$100, you're getting an extra BRL24.54 which covers the cost of your ticket to the Landmark of the Three Frontiers.
What are flight prices like? When on sale, flights to Brazil can drop to under $1,000 return on airlines such as Qantas. Keep your eyes peeled for the bargains to win big this year.
How much money do I need? Work out the full cost of your trip, including where to score the best travel money cards.
The search for the world's best beaches is over with the Philippines within easy reach while staying easy on the pocket.
How much am I saving? For every AUD$100 you're getting an extra PHP314. Depending on how good your haggling skills are, this could score you a unique souvenir or a guided tour of San Sebastian Basilica with a touch to spare to give as a tip.
What are flight prices like? You can spoil yourself there and back with full service flights for under $500 when on sale with Philippine Airlines. Keep your ear to the ground for sale fares for the biggest discounts.
Shop, eat, explore repeat. What else would you do in Hong Kong, amirite? Especially now that you've got that much more to spend on fashion and food!
How much am I saving? For every AUD$100 you're getting an extra HKD52.68. Use this to take an organised tour of the nightlife with a local.
What are flight prices like? You can generally get return flights to Hong Kong for $500-700 when on sale, on a full service carrier or less flying budget.
How much money do I need? Work out the cost of your trip and get your money sorted before you leave with the help of our Hong Kong travel money guide.
Stephanie Yip was the travel editor at Finder and has been writing about travel and lifestyle for over a decade. She has written for a range of travel publications including Thomas Cook Magazine and Showpo. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia, and has visited over 50 countries (and counting). She has a passion for sharing her experiences and knowledge of travel and helping consumers stretch their travel cash while on holiday.
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