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When thinking about your dream vacation, you undoubtedly already have a few popular…and probably pricey, destinations in mind. But what if you could take your dream vacation and also travel on a budget at the same time?
We’ve compiled a list of affordable alternatives to 10 international vacation hot spots. But if you’re hoping to save some hard-earned cash, plan your trip around a place’s off-season.
As a bonus, you’ll have a better travel experience when you don’t have to jostle your way through crowds.
So whether you’re dreaming of a vacation as far away as possible or as close as Toronto, we’ve got you covered. But before we get into our favorite places to travel on a budget, there are some things to remember:
That being said, click “Next” to see our 6 favorite international dream vacations!
Thailand is back…and in a big way! So now’s a perfect time to visit and travel on a budget, with famous sights still pleasantly uncrowded. Resort tourism on the islands and beaches is more expensive than traveling around the inland regions.
However, it can be a wonderfully budget-friendly place to travel either way. And you can find great value on any budget. For the best prices, go to the northern Chiang Mai region, and we promise: you’ll love it.
Amid the Buddhist temples, rice fields, and hill tribes, you can find some of the best accommodations around.
Whether you’re looking for a backpacker dorm bed, starting at $6 per night, or a quality hotel with a swimming pool, starting at $35, this affordable international getaway has something for everyone.
Mexico is an incredible country with extensive coastlines, remarkable culture, and top-notch food. It’s one of those classic North American places to travel on a budget. Many people visit this affordable international getaway for its warm weather and stunning beaches.
Places like Tulum and Cancun are some of the most well-known destinations in the country. But we admit: they’re super touristy. So we suggest heading to some other parts for a more budget-friendly experience.
Areas around Oaxaca claim to have some of the best surfing in the world, for instance. This is where you find golden sand beaches and epic waves.
Mexico is about as affordable as you can get in North America. Think $2 tacos combined with $4 margaritas and friendly accommodations for under $30 a night.
Istanbul is the perfect starting point for a trip in this affordable international getaway, but equally perfect for a city trip, being such a unique and modern city with prices you might expect from a remote or much less developed country.
Located between East and West and once home to the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, you’ll find Roman ruins, bazaars, cave cities, and plenty of Mediterranean beaches. The view from the Burj Khalifa in Dubai is undoubtedly breathtaking.
Still, for the price of admission, $34, you could travel on a budget and see the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace, $12 each, stop by the Suleymaniye and Blue mosques, both enchanting and have money left over for lunch and dinner in Istanbul.
Colombia is a remarkable country to travel to on a budget. Within this affordable international getaway, you can find a bit of everything: the Atlantic and Pacific coast, the Amazon rainforest, and the beginning of the Andes mountain range.
Add to this the lively cities of Bogota and Medellin and the friendliness of Colombians and their vibrant culture, and you’ve got one of the most amazing budget-friendly destinations in the Americas.
It’s one of our favorite countries and has incredible value right now against the USD. For example, in local restaurants, you can get a set lunch, which includes soup, main course, juice, and dessert, for a mere $2.50!
Guatemala is the same as The more popular Costa Rica, except way BETTER and more affordable. In Guatemala, you can have an incredible time in the lush jungle, climb volcanos, and take in the stunning coastline for a fraction of the cost of Costa Rica.
This affordable international getaway has surfing, unreal wildlife, fantastic coffee, zip lining, and ancient ruins. Budget-friendly buses can get you around the country for up to 3 bucks!
They’re called “chicken buses,” and it’s hard to miss the colorful and decorated buses that crowd the streets of major highways and cities. These are the more common way for locals and tourists to travel on a budget.
But we MUST warn you that they won’t exactly pass a safety test. The safer buses are the intercity versions, which are about $10 to ride. If you’re with a group, renting a car to visit quiet, off-the-beaten-path beaches and mountains is THE way to go!
Some say this underrated country could be “the next Croatia.” But currently, it remains very much under the radar. So now’s the time to go! Albania’s pristine coastline, charming capital, well-preserved Ottoman-era towns, and impressive Alps offer many reasons to go.
You can learn a lot about the compelling history of this once-isolated country, known during the Cold War as the “North Korea” of this continent. But don’t worry. Today, it’s a developing democracy, and enhanced infrastructure has made it easier to travel.
But did we mention it’s also one of the most low-cost European destinations? You can easily travel on a budget and find hotel rooms for roughly $25. Albanian cuisine is also delicious. A good lunch or dinner might cost you about $2 to $4.
Are you hoping to travel on a budget? Share your questions with us in the comments section, and we might be able to shed some light on your next affordable international getaway!
And whichever destination you choose for your next adventure, make sure you make your sunscreen. We recommend buying the EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen from Amazon!
In the meantime, Must See Places has many ideas for where your next trip should be. For instance, check out: 10 Relaxing Resorts in Mexico That Offer Good Times and Stunning Views
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