Top 5 Places to Visit on a Budget

The excitement of travelling to a new place, the whiff of fresh air, the aromas of delicious food untasted before, immersing in the culture of a new set of people…. the benefits of a vacation are many.

But if the side effect of a vacation is blowing a hole through your pocket, the aftertaste is not a pretty one. Here is a list of places you can travel to without blowing your budget.

CAMBODIA

This magical kingdom combines the ancient and the modern, the spiritual and the carefree, the simple and the flamboyant. Soak in the breath-taking views of the iconic Angkor Wat atop a hot air balloon at sunrise bathing the magnificent temple in its golden sunshine. Hop onto a tuk-tuk and go pagodas hoping in the narrow lanes of Phnom Penh. Those fond of cruises can pick from the serene and breezy view of the Ha Long Bay or the bustling hub of activity in Mekong Delta. The experiences are many in Cambodia….be it the hypnotic apsara dance, strolling on the idyllic beach resorts in Sihanoukville or feasting on the Kymer cuisine.

Average Cost Per Day: $50/person(stay+food)

TURKEY

Turkey has something for everyone be it thrill seekers or culture enthusiasts. Pump up your adrenaline by snowboarding or windsurfing in the Aegean Sea or skiing/snowboarding in the Köroğlu Mountains. Roam the streets of the old city in Turkey, revel in the glory of the most majestic Ottoman mosques- The Blue Mosque and take in the aromas of the nearby spice market. The picturesque Cappadocia will blow you off your feet, with the fairy chimneys reminding you of mars. No space travel required here!!! Stay in one of the cave hotels is quaint and the scenery from the hot air balloon is unforgettable. The Bosphorus dinner cruise may set you back by a few $$$. But the night cruise with the famous whirling dervishes dance, Sheesha and lip-smacking local cuisine makes it worth it.

Average Cost Per Day: $45-50/person

ALBANIA

Albania is a hidden gem in Europe that offers you beautiful sights of the stunning alps as well as pristine beaches rivalling those of Greece at half the cost. If you fancy cobbled streets archaeological towns, such as Butrint and Apollonia and hamlets such as Bera, and Korçawill take to straight to a fairy tale. The beaches of Saranda and Drymadescan can give the French Riviera a run for its money. Placid waters, breath-taking sights and the delicious seafood are all reasons for a thumbs up for the Albanian coastline. Albania has a tumultuous history and you can find numerous bunkers which now house pubs across the capital Tirana.

Average Cost Per Day: $60/Person

PERU

A trip to Machu Picchu is usually on most travellers’ bucket list. The ancient Inca city is one of the seven wonders of the world and while entry to the site will set you back by $50 dollars, it’s a trip of a lifetime which will make it worthwhile. Plus stay and food is fairly affordable in Cusco and Lima, both cities you should/have to visit. One, Lima…is the gateway to the country and the other Cusco the quaint town which is a stopover for Machu Picchu. There are many ways to reach Machu Picchu. The cheapest option is private cab/bus from Cusco, the train is more expensive and the 4-day hike on the Inca trail to Machu Picchu is perhaps the most expensive option. A trip to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world is a beautiful experience. The peace and calm will help you find the Zen in you.

Average Cost Per Day: $70/person

NEPAL

For those who love mountain biking and hiking, Nepal is a paradise waiting to be explored. Watching the sun come up over the Himalayas while surrounded by some of the tallest peaks in the world on a trek is an unbelievable experience. Those looking for Nirvana can find refuge in the temples and Buddhist monasteries. Kids will enjoy bathing elephants and looking for Rhinos and tigers in the Royal Chitwan National Park.

Average Cost Per Day: $40/person