There is only one thing more titillating than travel: traveling cheaply. Especially today, when the dollar is tougher to stretch than a 90-year-old hamstring, wanderlusters are targeting foreign locales where their money works for them. Fortunately, there are plenty of travel destinations where “cheap” does not mean “lame.”
1) Bolivia
Much of Latin America has always offered an enticing proposition to tourists. How does a subtropical ecosystem packed full of exotic wildlife, poppin’ nightlife, a vibrant slate of varying cuisine, and people with an inviting demeanor sound? And what if I cut the price of everything roughly in half of what it would cost in the U.S.?
Bolivia stays true to this offer a tourist can’t refuse, combining modern cities like La Paz with scenic destinations like Lake Titicaca to great effect.
2) Costa Rica
While we typically associate the word “vacation” with “expensive,” it’s all relative. Costa Rica remains a tropical paradise where full-time residents can get by on relatively little money. This means that, once you account for airfare and accommodations, the cost of throwing back daiquiris on a Costa Rican beach is quite reasonable.
3) Poland
OK, right now is not the best time to visit Poland, but when this World War 3 is averted, and things cool back down, keep Warsaw on your to-visit list. Veterans of Polish travel cite medieval castles, Renaissance architecture, national parks, and diverse landscapes as reasons to visit this affordable Eastern European nation.
Check your Polish jokes at airport security, though.
4) Vietnam
If you know many people who have traveled to Asia, you know that something about Vietnam leaves a distinctly positive impression on visitors. Anthony Bourdain said he always went back to Vietnam whenever he had a chance, as the combination of cheerful and determined people and breathtaking scenery (rice fields alone are a sight to behold) was captivating.
And here’s the kicker: as far as Asian vacations go, Vietnam can be very affordable.
5) Mexico
Especially for Americans, Mexico can be among the cheapest “getaway” destinations when you factor in the cost of travel. Whether you’re simply hopping the border for a few days of low-cost partying or seeking a more scenic jaunt on the Yucatan Peninsula, you can’t go wrong in Mexico.
6) Cambodia
Located on the Vietnam border, one traveler comments that “you can feel guilty for paying so little” to visit Cambodia. Once a war-torn region of the world (thanks, Kissinger), Cambodia has become a must-go zone for cash-limited vacationers who want an authentic taste of Southeast Asian culture.
7) Egypt
On a continent known for its affordability, Egypt offers unparalleled history, natural beauty, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience that won’t come close to bankrupting you.
While you’ll hear some mixed reviews about the security of Egypt and must consciously avoid tourist traps, a trip to Egypt done right can be a thing of Cleopatra-level beauty.
8) Bhutan
A favorite destination of backpackers, Bhutan is renowned for its temples, monasteries, and breathtaking mountainous terrain. Nestled in the Himalayas between China and India, the remoteness of Bhutan is also what makes it a potentially affordable travel destination.
Though Bhutan won’t be a practical vacation for most families and casual vacationers, it can be a bucket-list trip for more adventurous travelers on a budget.
9) Indonesia
Few regions of the world combine such rich culture with such a low cost of living (i.e., cost of vacationing) as Southeast Asia. That’s why Indonesia becomes the third entrant on this list from that naturally breathtaking, culturally vibrant area of the world.
Though Bali gets all the love, Indonesia offers volcanoes, islands, ruins, and countless other attractions that you might even venture outside of Bali to take in. It won’t cost you as much as you might assume.
10) Thailand
When it comes to the sheer affordability of a vacation, few countries place higher than Thailand. When you consider that Thailand offers pristine beaches, ornate palaces, elephant rides, and so much more, Thailand almost seems too good to be true.
Plus, your 13-year-old self would never forgive you for passing up the chance to say, “I went to Bangkok.”
This thread inspired this post.
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