12 Cheap and Beautiful Places To Travel Abroad — and 5 Ways To Save Even More

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If you’re looking to travel on a budget, nearly anything is possible if you’re willing to make a few adjustments to your travel style. Even if you’re not splurging on luxe accommodations, you’ll eek more out of your travels for less and likely have plenty of awesome travel stories to tell in the process.

Here are budget travel tips to get you started, along with a list of places and regions where you’ll get more bang for your buck. Keep reading to learn more.

Although it sounds like traveling on a budget could limit your options, that’s not always the case. Spending less money means you can see and experience more, spend more time in a partial region or both.

If your goal is to see as much of the world as possible, it’s worth it to hone your budget traveling skills, which, in a word, comes mainly down to flexibility. Here’s how you can be flexible and save money while traveling.

1) Timing

When considering a destination, aim to understand the ideal travel times. High season typically means higher prices for accommodations and everything else related to tourism in that area. Your willingness to travel outside of high season could mean saving tons of money for plane tickets, lodging and other travel expenses.

2) Transportation

Depending on where you’re traveling, you may have the option to take public transportation or motorbikes, which can be much less expensive than renting a car. For inter-country trips, you can choose inexpensive options like ride-sharing, minibusses, trains or ferries as opposed to private taxicabs or plane rides.

3) Lodging

This is another place to save big. Booking budget-friendly hostels, private rooms, or family-style homestays could mean considerable savings depending on the area. Check out local Facebook travel groups or travel sites for updated information on reputable places.

4) Activities

Opt for free or nearly free activities. Many countries have no-cost or low-cost attractions like national parks and attractions, walking tours and monuments. Here, travel sites, Facebook groups and event sites will be helpful for planning these activities.

5) Exchange rate

Looking for places where the U.S. dollar is strong can also make your travels more affordable. Exchange rates can be a moving target, so be sure to check them frequently before and during your trip.

12 Cheap and Beautiful Places to Explore

Ready to travel on the cheap? Here’s a list of countries that fit the bill for inexpensive yet fun and memorable travel experiences.

Asia: Affordable Beauty and Adventure

• Vietnam:
  • Daily cost: $25-50.
  • Wallet-friendly highlights: Motorbike tours, inexpensive food, and cost-effective hostel stays.

• Thailand:
  • Daily cost: $30-50.
  • Wallet-friendly highlights: Inexpensive street food and markets, affordable accommodations, and free activities like visiting ancient ruins, temples and beaches.
• Laos:
  • Daily cost: $20-40.
  • Wallet-friendly highlights: Natural attractions like waterfall treks, tubing and parks, along with budget-friendly guesthouses.
• Indonesia:
  • Daily cost: $30-60.
  • Wallet-friendly highlights: Surfing, exploring ancient temples, and staying in budget beachfront huts.

Europe: Old World Charm on a Budget

• Romania:
  • Daily cost: $30-50.
  • Wallet-friendly highlights: Transylvania castle tours at low prices, inexpensive rural homestays, and hearty street food.
• Turkey:
  • Daily cost: $30-50.
  • Wallet-friendly highlights: Bazaars and markets, cheap but luxurious Turkish baths, and inexpensive regional bus travel.
• Croatia (off-season):
  • Daily cost: $35-60.
  • Wallet-friendly highlights: Lesser-known beaches, budget-friendly local eateries, and free natural parks.

Latin America: Diverse Cultures and Landscapes

• Guatemala:
  • Daily cost: $25-50.
  • Wallet-friendly highlights: Cheap markets, hostel stays, and low-cost excursions.
• Colombia:
  • Daily cost: $25-50.
  • Wallet-friendly highlights: Use of public transportation, street food, and budget lodging.
• Nicaragua:
  • Daily cost: $20-40.
  • Wallet-friendly highlights: Affordable surfing lessons, hostel stays, and low-priced local cuisine.

Africa: Breathtaking Landscapes and Wildlife

• South Africa:
  • Daily cost: $40-70.
  • Wallet-friendly highlights: Budget safaris, cheap eateries, and hostel accommodations.
• Namibia:
  • Daily cost: Approximately $50-80.
  • Wallet-friendly highlights: Self-drive tours, camping, and budget lodging options.

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