Lots of people think they can’t afford to travel, but if you’re willing to get a little off the beaten path, there are plenty of exotic yet budget-friendly destinations out there just waiting to be discovered.
From Asia to south American to eastern Europe, here are a few suggestions for exotic places you can definitely afford to visit. You might be surprised at just how far your dollar will stretch!
Nepal
This landlocked country is home to eight of the world’s top 10 highest peaks, and is a magnet for the outdoorsy and adventurous. You’ll find great bargains on food, not to mention a wide variety of cuisines. Odds are you’ll want to fit in some trekking while you’re in Nepal; this can be pricey, but shop around for the best deals. Good quality gear can also be bought for a song if you need to kit up there.
Cambodia
Sandwiched between Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia should definitely not be overlooked by the budget traveler. Rich in history, its temples are not to be missed, and if you want to relax in the sun after soaking up the culture, it’s easy to get away to one of the picturesque islands or beaches down south. While it’s less developed than surrounding countries, Cambodia offers rock-bottom prices on everything from accommodation to drinks – just watch out for possible scams…
India
Colorful, lively, spiritual: India ticks all the boxes. It’s a diverse country, one of extremes – the rural and scenic south, and the historic, cultural north. Really, it deserves weeks, if not months, to explore in its entirety. Even so, it’s bound to be a frugal trip. Prices vary widely across the country; they are higher in the larger cities and tourist hotspots, and during festival seasons, but overall, accommodation and meals clock in at great value. Getting around can be done on a shoestring, too, as India has an extensive transport network.
Czech Republic
Small yet dripping in heritage, the landlocked Czech Republic has a lot going for it. Prague is the jewel in its crown, but for those with time to spare, getting further out into the country is well worth the effort. There’s beautiful architecture, hiking and swimming opportunities, and of course, cheap beer, beds, and bus tickets for budget backpackers.
Vietnam
Look beyond the madness of the street traffic and you’ll quickly come to see the charm of this country. There are so many unforgettable experiences to be had, from exploring local markets to cruising magnificent Halong Bay, hiking through lush mountains and navigating subterranean caves. For history buffs, the imprint of French colonialism lingers in the architecture and there are many fascinating sights related to the Vietnam War. And of course, the cuisine deserves a call out – fresh and bursting with subtle flavors, the street food here is in a league of its own.
Croatia
Croatia boasts a stunning coastline, and is bursting with quaint old towns just crying out for you to lose yourself in. Charming churches and zig-zagging alleyways are remnants of the past that remain, even as the country continues to develop. For lower prices, head inland to continental Croatia and get off the tourist circuit.
Turkey
East meets west in Turkey, a country packed with internationally famous ruins and landmarks. The coastal Mediterranean areas are stunning, and offer plenty of opportunities for sailing, hiking, and cruising. You’ll enjoy many of the comforts of western Europe, as the infrastructure is of high standards, yet Turkey is far less expensive than some of its neighbors. Food is delicious and reasonably cheap and there are plenty of street stands; buses are also an economical way of getting around.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua remains one of the lesser-known destinations in Central America, but that’s part of its appeal. Because it’s yet to be discovered by the masses, you can stretch a dollar further than you could in other nearby locations, such as Costa Rica. If you’re into the outdoors, there’s plenty of lakes, waterfalls, jungles and volcanoes to explore; beaches to surf, snorkel and sunbathe. Culture vultures can soak up the history and architecture in colonial Granada and elsewhere. Look out for the famous intercity ‘chicken buses’, used by locals and tourists alike – you might find yourself sitting alongside some livestock for the duration of the ride.
Bolivia
Diverse in geography and population, Bolivia is one of the most remote countries in the world, where traditions and beliefs date back to the days of the Inca kings. It’s a little rough around the edges; simply navigating around can be a challenge, and it’s not for the faint of heart. But as your reward, you’ll experience views and landscapes unlike anything you’ve seen before, from sparkling lakes to volcanoes, geysers, and of course, the famous salt desert – to say nothing of the thousands of wildlife species that call Bolivia home.
Peru
Peru is growing in popularity as a destination, but for now, there are still plenty of affordable options for the budget traveler. Be sure to visit more than just Machu Picchu and you’ll enjoy a much more satisfying journey – there’s a reasonably extensive bus network in most cities to help you get around. There are ancient ruins to explore, museums to savor, and vast varieties of delicacies to sample.
