Travel on a Budget: Inexpensive Destinations that Withstand Inexpensive

Being very frank, there is always a mental cost attached to the notion of travelling the world. Flights, hotels, and cafe bills and bills that seem to have no end, can give you the impression that you need to win a lottery to visit your dream destinations. The thing about it, however, is that we do not have to be rich to travel richly. There are destinations that are beautiful, have a rich culture, and provide tasty food without necessarily emptying your pocket.

Being a budget traveller does not imply visiting a shabby hostel or having a bowl of instant noodles in the corner. It is all about shrewdness, being adventurous and knowing where to head. Here, then, is a list of economical places that do not seem economical: places where you feel you can spend your considerable money, but whose experiences do not match.

Vietnam (Luxury for Less)

Vietnam is among such countries that can make low-cost travelling a luxury. Whether you are riding down the cliffs of limestone that surround Ha Long Bay, or in the narrow streets of Hoi An, with thousands of lanterns, everything seems to be on a postcard.

Food in the streets is of a global standard, consider boiled bowls of pho, crispy banh mi, and iced coffee, creamy and under a dollar. Hotels and homestays are cheap, and domestic transport is laughably cheap. It is easy to move around the nation, spending less than a weekend in most Western cities.

Travel tip: Do not forget the night trains, they are also a part of the adventure, and they will save you a night in a hotel.

Portugal, Europe, the Affordable Gem

To find a European touch without the huge bill, Portugal is the most suitable place. The cobbled streets in Lisbon, trams and tiled structures make each and every corner of Lisbon worthy of a photo. The beaches in the Algarve are as beautiful as those in the French Riviera but much cheaper. And then there is Porto, a city that is like a hugging place with its riverfront and renowned wine.

Foodies will love it here. An average dinner of seafood, bread made locally, and a glass of wine is much cheaper than in its neighbouring countries of Spain or Italy. Add in low-cost flights within Europe and quaint Airbnbs, and Portugal instantly becomes the lowest on the ranking of cheap but chic countries.

Mexico: Colour, Culture, and Cost-Effective Adventures

Everything comes in Mexico: beaches, history, jungles, and tacos, all in colour and warmth. Outside the tourist trekked destinations of Cancun, other cities like Oaxaca, Merida and Guadalajara have much of the Mexican culture at a much-reduced price.

You may visit ancient ruins of the Mayan civilization, take cooking lessons, or even sit on the beach with a drink in your hand without worrying that someone might steal your wallet. Street tacos, fresh fruit juices or bus rides around town are all dirt-cheap meals, but the experience is invaluable.

Bonus: Hostels and boutique stays in Mexico have stepped up their competition, the hammocks, tropical courtyards, and fashionable design all under $30 a night.

Georgia (Europe and Europe’s Best-Kept Secret)

It is not a U.S state, but the nation between Europe and Asia. Georgia is a utopia that a majority of travellers have yet to explore. It is beautiful, cheap, and extremely hospitable. The capital city, Tbilisi, is a blend of old-world beauty and hipster cafes, and the Caucasus Mountains can compete with the Alps in terms of beauty at a fraction of the price.

Here, food and wine are a big concern. You are eating in a family restaurant with vineyards all around, and a plate of dumplings (khinkali) and cheese bread (khachapuri), and it all costs under ten dollars.

And the best part? Georgian hospitality welcomes you as family, not as a tourist.

Indonesia (Dream Island Without the Cost)

Bali is just a renowned place, yet there is far more to Indonesia than the most popular island. Indonesia has all the cheap paradise you need, whether you are in the temples of Yogyakarta, the serene beaches of Lombok or the adventure feel of the Komodo Islands.

A complete meal and smoothie may cost you about $3, a scooter may cost you about $5 a day, and beachfront villas cost you about $30 a night. You will be allowed to enjoy luxury at a low cost, whether it is taking sunrise hikes or a spa treatment, which will take you a fraction of the cost of other locations.

Secret: Go to some smaller islands, such as Nusa Penida or Flores, to get smaller crowds and even better prices.

Turkey (Between Two Worlds, on a Budget)

Turkey is a love child between Europe and Asia, a country with culture, history and taste. A week spent in Istanbul would be a week of adventures, covering old mosques and bazaars, Bosphorus cruises, etc. Then there is Cappadocia, air balloons that fly, fairy chimneys and the turquoise coasts of Antalya and Fethiye.

The best part? It is unbelievably cheap. Delicious kebabs, baklava and Turkish tea are a few dollars. Even budget hotels and boutique accommodation seem luxurious and not expensive.

Nepal Mountains and Meaningful Moments

Nepal is a place of utter magic to nature lovers and adventurers; it is not only the Himalayas, but also heart-touched simplicity. Hiking through the Annapurnas or walking the old streets of Kathmandu are cheaper than the majority of European weekend retreats.

The cuisine is wholesome, the locals are hospitable, and the experience is natural. You will find that you relate well with nature and culture, something that money can never purchase.

Final Thoughts

You do not need to spend a lot of money travelling to make it extraordinary. This is true because in budget travel one can experience the most special things, like talking to people, discovering the small cafes or experiencing sunsets in destinations that do not feature in the glossy magazines.

Cheap destinations do not seem cheap when they bring you priceless experiences. Then, lighten your load, keep your eyes open, and keep in mind that the world rewards the people who venture forth into it, not the people who come out and say they can afford to do it and then end up doing it.

Since the ideal travels are not related to the amount of money that is used, but rather the experience that is gained.