Cheap Holiday

2 Temmuz 2016 Cumartesi

NEW

1 – Carnival Cruise Lines (cheapest)

7 nights from: $304 per person
(Miami, Florida → At Sea → Cozumel, Mexico → Belize City, Belize → Mahogany Bay, Honduras → Georgetown, Grand Cayman → At Sea → Miami, Florida)
4 nights from: $154 per person
(Miami, Florida → Key West, Florida → Cozumel, Mexico → At Sea → Miami, Florida)

If you want to leave from one of the Florida ports near a major airport, Carnival Cruise Lines is the low-price leader. The 7-night cruise is on the Carnival Glory, which is now based year-round in Miami and can carry 2,974 passengers.
Carnival and its “Fun Ships” slogan are very popular with first-time cruise passengers, and especially younger people and families, primarily from the United States and Canada.

2 – MSC Cruises

7 nights from: $329
(Miami, Florida → At Sea → At Sea → Philipsburg (St. Maarten), Netherlands Antilles → San Juan, Puerto Rico → At Sea → Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas → Miami, Florida)

Started in Italy, MSC only recently entered the North American cruise market with these winter Caribbean excursions. In the rest of the world, MSC cruises tend to be dominated by European guests, but now with their Miami-based cruises they attract mostly a North American crowd on these. They used to have 2 formal nights per cruise, and now the buffet restaurant is casual all the time, although the main dining room is a bit more formal. This sailing is on the MSC Divina, which can carry as many as 3,959 passengers.

3 – Norwegian Cruise Line

7-nights from: $349
(Miami, Florida → At Sea → At Sea → Ocho Rios, Jamaica → Georgetown, Grand Cayman → Cozumel, Mexico → At Sea → Miami, Florida)

Norwegian Cruise Line is famous for pioneering the “freestyle cruising” concept, where passengers can select from a wide range of restaurants and activities and go whenever they like rather than on a rigid schedule. This cruise is on the Norwegian Epic, carrying a maximum of 4,200 passengers, which counts more than 20 freestyle-dining restaurants on board. This massive ship also has extensive children’s programs, branded by Nickelodeon.

4 – Princess Cruises

7 nights from: $479
(Houston, Texas → At Sea → At Sea → Roatan, Honduras → Belize City, Belize → Cozumel, Mexico → At Sea → Houston, Texas)
4 nights from: $279 per person
(Fort Lauderdale, Florida → At Sea → Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands → At Sea → Fort Lauderdale, Florida)

A slightly upscale division of Carnival, the Princess Cruises leaves from Houston on this run and explores Mexico and Central America rather than the more common islands to their east. The Emerald Princess can carry 3,100 passengers having been recently renovated to include many of the newest and most popular features of the day.

Not as casual and fun-minded as the cheapest Caribbean cruises, the Princess sailings attract a bit more formality and a higher age range, though families with children are mixed in as well. Expect mostly Americans and Canadians on these cruises, with a sprinkling of Brits and other Europeans.

5 – Royal Caribbean International

7 nights from: $484
(Galveston, Texas → At Sea → At Sea → Falmouth, Jamaica → Georgetown, Grand Cayman → Cozumel, Mexico → At Sea → Galveston, Texas)
4 nights from: $327
(Fort Lauderdale, Florida → At Sea → Cozumel, Mexico → At Sea → Fort Lauderdale, Florida)

While its cruises leaving from Ft Lauderdale aren’t quite as cheap as those on Carnival, the Royal Caribbean cruises leaving from Galveston, Texas might be good value if you are already close by, but for most people you’ll get better value if you can get to Florida. This is on the Navigator of the Seas, which carries up to 3,114 passengers, and was one of the first to add such activities as rock climbing walls and an ice skating rink.

As you would expect in this price range, the dress tends to be casual and the ships attract a wide mix of younger and older and families and couples, mostly from the United States and Canada, particularly from Texas and Louisiana on this departure.

5 Looking For the Cheapest Prices on Caribbean Cruises

For some people this is the most important reason on this list, and for others it’s just a bonus on top, but it must be said that there is a stunning difference in costs between Europe and SE Asia once you are on the ground. This whole site is about the economics of travel and where your money goes furthest, so just take a look at the European Backpacker Index and the Asia backpacker Index to see what I mean. Or check out our Europe vs. Asia itinerary price comparison, which reveals that a slightly more expensive flight can save a fortune in a cheaper destination.

The cheapest city in Asia is Hanoi, where a backpacker can have a pretty decent time for a bit over US$10 per day. Compare that to, say, Paris, where the same group of expenses currently goes for US$75 per day, and you’ll recognize the value. Realistically, when you are in a super-cheap area you are more likely to splurge a bit more since everything on the scale is a deal.

Instead of a dorm bed for US$6 you can get a private room for US$10 per night, including in-room wi-fi, TV, a small fridge, and a big comfortable bed. You practically live like a king for US$30 a day in many cities in the region, compared to US$30 not quite even paying for a dorm bed alone in some European cities.

2 – The weather in SE Asia is good all year round

One major weakness with Europe is that most of it has a pretty lousy climate for most of the year. Except for the Mediterranean coast, the entire block from November through March is either frozen or deeply gray and drizzly in most cities. I’ve done quite a bit of European travel during this colder, cheaper, and less crowded period, but honestly it’s far from ideal when you always have to carry gloves, a hat, and a heavy coat with you.

On the other hand, most of SE Asia is tropical and therefore has only 2 seasons. There’s the dry season (mostly from November through May) and the so-called wet season (June through October). However, the wet-season thing is rarely more than a minor inconvenience, and it actually brings temperatures down to more welcoming levels in some places.

During the wet season in SE Asia you’ll usually have a few days a week where it either pours for an hour overnight, or for an hour in the late afternoon. If it’s in the afternoon it’s a perfect excuse to pop into a sheltered restaurant for a US$1 beer or two while you wait. In very rare cases there can be flooding, and while this does create problems for locals, tourists are almost always able to get elsewhere or to higher ground in plenty of time.

3 – Crowds of tourists are very rare in SE Asia

Sort of the flipside to Europe’s weather situation is that during July and August the weather in the big cities in the south (Madrid, Rome, Athens etc) gets so steamy that it can be pretty miserable outside. And as a result of that, the beach cities and resort areas get unbelievably crowded during these months, driving up prices and taking a lot of the fun out of being there as well.

And it’s not just the beach cities that get jammed. Go to London or Prague or Amsterdam during those two months and you’ll be in a sea of fellow tourists. Add these things up and Europe only has a couple good months on either side of summer where the weather is decent and it’s not insanely crowded.

In SE Asia, you’ll find crowds in many islands and resort areas around Christmas, and in Bali and a few other places in August, but in most SE Asian cities you couldn’t really call it crowded for at least 11 months a year. This means that finding cheap hotels is always easy, usually with no reservations in advance, and intercity tourist buses can usually be booked the night before with few worries.

4 – There’s no pressure to learn the languages in SE Asia

Some people are really good at learning foreign languages, and many others enjoy the process and the deeper cultural understanding you get when you can speak the native tongue. In SE Asia you can do as much of that as you like, and many travelers become quite successful at it, but at least there is zero pressure (or need) to learn the local language if you don’t want to.

The same thing can be said for most of northern Europe (thanks to the English skills of residents there), but in countries like Spain, France, Italy, or Greece, you really are at a disadvantage if you don’t (or aren’t able to) absorb the local language. For some people it can be stressful or even make them much less outgoing, which can detract from the overall experience.

For better or worse, the people of SE Asia have accepted the fact that they have more economic opportunity if they speak at least some English, plus have all important signs and menus and such in English as well. Many of them love practicing their English on tourists, so it can be surprisingly easy to do anything you want and even make a few friends.

5 – SE Asia is way more exotic than Europe

If English is your native language then chances are very good that you are of European heritage, one way or another. Whether you are starting in Cleveland or Melbourne or even London, there is nothing in Europe that will truly feel exotic to you. Sure, you might not be used to seeing a canal city like Amsterdam, but for lunch the locals there usually eat a sandwich or pizza or a hot dog or French fries just like you do at home.

With the exception of parts of Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, there is almost nothing in SE Asia that will NOT feel exotic to you. From the temples to the street food to open-air markets to even the kitchy souvenirs, nothing will look familiar, and this should be thrilling.

You can get eggs and toast for breakfast anywhere you go, but you might soon be hooked on spicy chicken noodle soup instead. It’s easy to start from scratch and take nothing for granted when you are exposed to a totally different way of doing things.

7 Reasons to Visit Southeast Asia

1- Berlin, Germany

2016 Backpacker Index: US$60.78/day

Berlin isn’t such an obvious tourist city, but it’s absolutely the kind of place where either you love it, or you’ve never been there. Everyone can find something to enjoy about it, partly because it’s especially trendy and dynamic lately as a new hub of European and world culture, picking up where London and Paris left off.

One challenge is that Berlin is a huge and spread-out city, so it’s important to choose where you stay wisely. Most budget travelers will prefer the former East Berlin section around Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg, which is where most hostels are as well as the best and cheapest nightlife and shopping. Check our list of recommended cheap Berlin hotels for a place to start.

2 - Prague, Czech Republic

2016 Backpacker Index: US$41.77/day

You may not realize that most large cities in this part of Europe were practically flattened during WWII and then rebuilt just after. Fortunately, Prague is one where the historic center survived mostly intact, and it remains one of the continent’s most beautiful and interesting. The downside is that the city center is almost always packed with other tourists, so you might have to work around them a bit.
Prague is also fairly compact, with most things walking distance from each other.

The city is also quite cheap still, at least compared to Western Europe, although hotel prices can seem high if you want to stay in the middle. Check our list of recommended cheap Prague hotels for some really good ones only a quick and cheap tram ride away.

3 - Budapest, Hungary

2016 Backpacker Index: US$30.99/day

Though it’s in the heart of part of Europe that isn’t known for being well off, Budapest is quite a grand city that makes it feel rather rich. Still, it’s among the cheapest European cities, and it offers very good value. Even if the castle up on the Buda side of the river isn’t a stunner, and that the parliament building on the Pest side is a copy of the one in London, this is an attractive city with a feel of its own.

Budapest is also compact enough that budget travelers can stay in the cheap hotels and hostels a bit inland on the Pest side, and still walk everywhere while sightseeing. The Free Budapest Walking Tour covers highlights on both sides, and is a great introduction.

4 - Krakow, Poland

2016 Backpacker Index: US$24.71/day

When you hear that Krakow is among the very cheapest cities in Europe you might not expect much. But in reality, Krakow is also one of Europe’s loveliest and most pleasant cities, with quite a lot to do. At its center you’ll find about 30 square blocks of a historic medieval town, surrounded by a peaceful park, and with an enormous cafe-lined town square at its heart.
For those who like hearty portions of meats and sausages, Krakow is wonderful, but there are also many Italian and other international cuisines, including many vegetarian options, so something for everyone. Hotels just on or near the central square are reasonable, but you can stay for a lot less by going a few blocks away.

5 - Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

2016 Backpacker Index: US$31.77/day

With a population of only about 13,000 people, Český Krumlov will be an extremely welcome stop in between Prague and Budapest, or Prague and Vienna or Salzburg. This well preserved town was forgotten and almost abandoned in the later years of Communism, and it wasn’t rediscovered and renovated until well into the 1990s. Since it’s still a relative newcomer to the tourist scene, it isn’t yet “touristy” even though it’s very tourist friendly.

There are almost no chain hotels or restaurants of any kind, so staying here will be a very local experience. Better still, hotels and food here are much cheaper than even in Prague, so the value is outstanding. The historic town center is small enough to walk through in less than 10 minutes, yet you can still get nice hotels in its heart starting at around US$50 per night. If you are willing to stay a few blocks away from the center, it’s even cheaper.

Ultimate cheap European Route 1 month

By far the busiest destination in the Caribbean, Cancun is obviously not an island so it might not count for some people. But Greater Cancun also consists of Playa del Carmen, the Riviera Maya area as well as Cozumel, so it’s a huge cluster of resort areas all served by one busy airport.
With cheap flights from almost everywhere and hotels starting at suspiciously low prices, Cancun is easily the cheapest Caribbean destination and a great choice for the Spring Break crowd as well. It’s worth noting that the cheapest hotels in and around Cancun might not be within walking distance of the beach. The new hotels along the Hotel Zone tend to be good value compared to Caribbean islands. If you want to stay in a lovely town rather than along a strip of new hotels, look for places down in Playa del Carmen, which is only an hour south of the airport by taxi or shuttle.

Cheap 3-star hotel average: $35.50
Cheapest RT airfare from NYC: $346
7-nights + Flight Index: $940
Popular with: Americans, Canadians, budget travelers from all over Europe, Spring Breakers

2 – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana has some modestly priced hotels that include breakfast, but it’s much better known as the best and cheapest place for luxury all-inclusive resorts at amazing rates. In fact, some of these all inclusives only cost a bit more than the ones that only include breakfast. There are really good air+hotel packages available that can keep prices down and offer fantastic value for the Caribbean.

Cheap 3-star hotel average: $56.00
Cheapest RT airfare from NYC: $392
7-nights + Flight Index: $1,080
Popular with: Americans, Canadians, Brits, French, Germans, Spanish, Belgians, Dutch, Swiss, Portuguese, Russians

3 – Varadero, Cuba

While Americans couldn’t legally sun themselves in Varadero or any other Cuban resort city, Canadians and Europeans are very fond of this commercialized stretch of beach out on a restricted peninsula. You’ll find mostly larger all-inclusive resorts here built specifically for the package crowds. Varadero is relatively cheap and good value for the Caribbean, and quality in its beachfront resort hotels is fairly high. Once Americans can visit Cuba solely for leisure, things are bound to change quite a bit. By the way, when I researched prices for Varadero from the US, it came up with the fairly expensive prices listed below. But I’ve included the place here because my Canadian friends assure me that it’s as cheap as the Dominican Republic when you book from Canada.
(included as a service to Canadians and Europeans who wonder where Cuba stacks up from a price standpoint)

Cheap 3-star hotel average: $276.25
Cheapest RT airfare from Toronto: $361
7-nights + Flight Index: $2,655
Popular with: Canadians, Europeans including Russians, almost no Americans…yet

4 – Negril, Jamaica

Negril, which is about 90-minutes from Montego Bay Airport by road, has a beautiful west-facing beach and an abundance of cheap 2-star and 3-star hotels, making it among the Caribbean’s best value destinations. There are also many all-inclusives and upscale & pricey 4-stars, so it’s a good mix rather than just all down-market. The gorgeous area along 7-Mile Beach is lined with smaller hotels and a few larger ones plus a few all-inclusives. THIS is where you want to go in Jamaica if you want to visit the country rather than just visiting the grounds of a hotel.

Cheap 3-star hotel average: $75.25
Cheapest RT airfare from NYC: $377
7-nights + Flight Index: $1,280
Popular with: Americans, Canadians, Brits, Germans, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Italians

5 – St. Lucia

A surprisingly good value considering its remote location, St. Lucia has many very nice 3-star beach resorts at very good prices. The problem is that flights are sometimes weirdly expensive, so whether you can afford to come here or not will largely depend on getting good airfare. This is a popular stop for cruise ships and there is also a great mix of upscale resorts, so St. Lucia is justifiably popular for many different groups.

Cheap 3-star hotel average: $83.00
Cheapest RT airfare from NYC: $357
7-nights + Flight Index: $1,295
Popular with: Americans, Canadians, Brits, Germans

6 – Aruba

Almost completely flat, Aruba is another Dutch island without a striking volcano at its center. Still, it has a well developed tourist infrastructure and a busy airport with cheap flights from Europe, so it’s a popular choice for northern Europeans as well as Americans. Most hotels on Aruba are in the mid-range and upper end, but there are enough affordable places that get good reviews to make it pretty high on this list.

Cheap 3-star hotel average: $80.75
Cheapest RT airfare from NYC: $373
7-nights + Flight Index: $1,311
Popular with: Americans, Canadians, Brits, Dutch

7 – Montego Bay, Jamaica

Jamaica’s busiest airport is near the heart of Montego Bay so visitors can be checked-in sooner here than if they went to Negril or Ocho Rios nearby, but hotels here can also generally more expensive for that privilege. This is a very well developed and touristy area along Jamaica’s north shore, with plenty of large all-inclusive resorts all the way up the price scale. All along the north shore you’ll find a string of large hotels (many all-inclusive), and there are a few good activities as well. But the actual town of Montego Bay, centered along the so-called “Hip Strip” is disappointing. In other words, if you want to stay in an independent hotel and try many nearby restaurants and bars, go to Negril. Montego Bay is really only good for its larger resorts.

Cheap 3-star hotel average: $82.25
Cheapest RT airfare from NYC: $377
7-nights + Flight Index: $1,329
Popular with: Americans, Canadians, Brits, Germans, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Italians

8 – Barbados

While it’s a bit farther than other cheap Caribbean destinations and flights can cost a bit more, Barbados has many good-value 3-star beach resorts in addition to some very posh and pricey resorts. Barbados has a well developed hotel scene so it won’t feel as exotic as some of the smaller islands nearby. The diving here is excellent so it’s great value for the scuba set.

Cheap 3-star hotel average: $97.50
Cheapest RT airfare from NYC: $350
7-nights + Flight Index: $1,382
Popular with: Americans, Canadians, Brits, Germans

9 – Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua is one of the more accessible Caribbean islands that is known as a playground for the rich and famous. It’s a beautiful place and flight deals are often available, but resorts here range from moderate on up to shockingly expensive. Several celebrities have homes on the island, which tells you something about the crowd that books here. Still, there are some modestly priced hotels that get very good reviews, so it’s a possibility for budget visitors.

Cheap 3-star hotel average: $117.00
Cheapest RT airfare from NYC: $318
7-nights + Flight Index: $1,455
Popular with: Americans, Canadians, Brits, Germans, Italians

Cheap/Excellent 3-star hotel: Catamaran Hotel Marina – US$153/night
Check current Antigua & Barbuda resort and package deals

10 - Curaçao

Officially part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Curaçao has excellent diving and some of the cheaper hotels in the southern part of the Caribbean. It also has a large and busy airport which helps keep airfares reasonable from North America and several key European cities. Curaçao is also seldom in the path of
hurricanes, so autumn trips are a great value here.

Cheap 3-star hotel average: $71.75
Cheapest RT airfare from NYC: $483
7-nights + Flight Index: $1,468
Popular with: Americans, Canadians, Dutch, Germans, Italians, scuba divers from all over

Cheapest Caribbean Islands: 10 destinations by price in 2016

Low season from US$129
High season from US$149

Only fully opened since late 2011, the AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort (originally known as the Golden Palm Tree Resort & Spa) has 392 water villas, which is nearly four times as many as the second-most in the world. The water villas range from roomy to enormous, with the largest having 3 bedrooms. The resort completed a renovation in early 2014, after only being open 3 years, and rates are now a bit lower as well.

It’s located off the coast just south of the Kuala Lumpur Airport, so it could actually be a very cheap getaway when combined with an Air Asia flight from anywhere in the region. Reviews for the AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort had been quite average since it opened, but recently they have improved quite a bit so this one is a better bargain than before. There is no swimming in the lagoon below the water villas, unlike nearly all the others on this list. Do your research before booking this one.

2 – Reethi Beach Resort – Maldives

Low season from US$268
High season from US$406

With some of the best review scores in the Maldives, the Reethi Beach Resort is an unusual bargain for water villas. You might be disappointed to learn that the 30 water villas are in 15 structures, so each shares one wall with another. But that doesn’t mean that they are not private, and each is larger than you’d expect in this price range.

The resort itself has 114 total rooms in addition to 5 restaurants and 5 bars, which offers much more choice than most other resorts of this size. If this sounds interesting to you then read the reviews and you’ll probably be ready to book.

3 – Sun Island Resort And Spa – Maldives

Low season from US$328
High season from US$420

The Sun Island Resort & Spa has 68 semi-detached water bungalows in addition to its 358 island rooms and bungalows, making it among the very largest private-island resorts in the Maldives. The water bungalows here are a bit on the small side, but they are nicely appointed with luxury bathrooms and appealing private terraces over the lagoon.

A larger resort like this also comes with many benefits, including a long list of water sports and other family-friendly activities. There are also 9 different restaurants and bars, so even on a longer stay guests can avoid getting bored with the food service. The huge swimming pool as well as tennis courts, beach volleyball, and fitness club should appeal to guests looking to stay busy.

4 – Pangkor Laut Resort – Malaysia

Low season from US$330
High season from US$450

Speaking of Maldives-style, the Pangkor Laut is another private island with around 140 total rooms, including 45 overwater villas. The reviews here are excellent so the room rates are very appealing for those who can transfer through Kuala Lumpur or Singapore for the short flight to a nearby island.

The resort features 7 restaurants and bars and a huge list of included water sports and other activities. The spa here has an excellent reputation of its own, which helps make this a very popular destination for the honeymoon crowd from all over Asia.

5 – Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

Low season from US$338
High season from US$452

With 148 total villas including 60 over the water, the Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is one of a very few in the Maldives with its own surfing beach. The surfing packages cost a bit more, but it’s still a great deal for enthusiasts looking to add some waves to their tropical island holiday.

The reviews here are consistently very good so the value is high. Each overwater villa has a Jacuzzi tub among many other luxury features, so this is not a cut-rate resort by any means. The two restaurants and three bars also get good marks, and the nightlife here does as well.

6 – Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon

Low season from US$341
High season from US$442

The 24 water villas at the Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon are in 12 structures, so each does share a common wall with another unit. Still, guests get a lot of privacy as each room has its own terrace that doesn’t overlook the others. The resort also has 88 island bungalows, and 3 restaurants and bars from which to choose.

Reviews here are good and the rate includes breakfast daily, so it’s one to consider in this lower price range. Another benefit here is that it’s close enough to the main Maldives airport to allow for speedboat transfers, which are cheaper and more flexible than the sea-plane transfers that most other Maldives resorts require along with booking.

7 – Berjaya Langkawi Resort – Malaysia

Low season from US$349
High season from US$427

The 47 overwater chalets at the Berjaya Langkawi Resort are more tightly packed than most other resorts, but they are luxurious and quite large on the inside. This resort has 350 total rooms, including Rainforest Chalets that are similar inside except they are perched among the trees on the side of a mountain.

The complication for most people could be the location, which is on Langkawi Island in northern Malaysia. It might sound hard to reach, but it’s actually similar to the Maldives in that you have to take at least two flights to reach most resorts. Especially if you are in or near Southeast Asia, this is one to consider.

8 – Royal Huahine Resort – Huahine, South Pacific

Low season from US$359
High season from US$383

Currently the cheapest overwater bungalow resort in the South Pacific, the Royal Huahine Resort is also one of the few to claim only 3 stars as opposed to the 4- or 5-stars that nearly all other overwater resorts offer. The 17 overwater bungalows here are all quite large, however, and they are set over a beautiful calm lagoon on a small island not far from Bora Bora.

The resort has 18 less expensive rooms on the island, so the whole place is quite modest in size. Still, there is a wide variety of water sports and other activities that you’d expect to find at a luxury hotel in the tropics. Guests here pay less than in Bora Bora or Moorea, yet as long as they don’t expect a 5-star property, this one could be a great deal.

9 – Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge – Panama

Low season from US$360 (half board)
High season from US$427 (half board)

Another very interesting “eco-resort,” the Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge has 9 overwater suites in 3 different categories, and no other rooms. The best news might be that breakfast and dinner are included in the room rate, so this place probably deserves to be higher on the list of cheap overwater bungalow resorts.

Even the smallest class of overwater suites here is 2 levels with a king-size bed in an upper loft area, and a large private terrace out front. The main downside (for some people) is that this resort is quite remote, so it’s not the sort of place you can just pop by and get a room.

10 – Gangehi Island Resort – Maldives

Low season from US$383
High season from US$474

The Gangehi Island Resort features 8 Overwater Villas that are just off the island and 8 Overwater Deluxe Villas that are a bit farther out on the pier, in addition to 29 Island rooms. While the overwater villas may not look as pretty as some others on the outside, they are quite luxurious on the inside and well appointed with amenities.
Considering there are only 45 total rooms you might be surprised to find 2 different restaurants and an additional bar. Reviews here are consistently great, which is another small surprise considering the modest overwater room rates.

10 Cheap Bungalow Resort in the World in 2016

1. Vietnam

Vietnam has that perfect combination of being fantastically cheap as well as having lots of fascinating sights. If you’re a backpacker on a shoestring budget, you can certainly survive on very little here. For example, a dorm bed might cost you as little as $7 a night. If you have just a bit more money to spend then Vietnam also gives you great value, as you can easily find wonderful modern hotel rooms for under $30 a night.

Dig into the delicious Vietnamese pho noodle dishes (about $2 for a meal) or drink the bia hoi (locally brewed beer at $0.50 or less a glass), and you can manage to spend very little indeed. Activities and tours, such as those to Ha Long Bay or the Mekong Delta, are all reasonably priced, especially if booked locally.

2. Northern Thailand

Huh, Thailand? Isn’t Thailand supposed to be an expensive resort destination these days? That may be true to some extent if you only go to the beaches in the south, but not if you turn your focus to the inland regions in the north.

Take an overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (cost: $12) and you will quickly realize just how affordable Thailand can be. For example, here you can still find backpacker dorm beds starting at $4 and basic private rooms starting at about $8. Need something more midrange? Chiang Mai is one of the best places to find great independent hotels for very little money. Food throughout Thailand is delicious and inexpensive, especially if you eat local—hit up local restaurant and you can get a fantastic stir fry for about 100 Baht ($2.50). Stick to local transportation (like the ubiquitous tuk-tuks) and you might struggle to spend more than about $25–$30 a day as a backpacker.

3. Morocco

Stick only to places like Djeema El Fna square in Marrakech—Morocco’s most touristy location—and you might think the country is really not so cheap. Order a simple shish kebab with some salad at one of the street stalls here and you might be charged a highly unreasonable $12. But… turn a few corners and you can find that same meal at an authentic Moroccan eatery for just $2.50.

If you are easily seduced by smooth sales pitches, know that the salesmen in Morocco work from finely crafted scripts. But keep a stiff upper lip at the markets and you’ll find that it’s easy to travel in this country for under $30/day, especially if staying in backpacker hostels or budget guesthouses. On a midrange budget of around $50/day you can stay in some of the famous riads—courtyard mini-palaces offering wonderful relief from the sun and buzzing city streets.

4. Albania

Okay, first a little confession: I haven’t yet been to Albania! But for my next big trip I have my eyes firmly on the Balkans, and the buzz on the European backpacker trail is all about Albania. Since this list previously neglected to mention Europe at all, I’ve chosen Albania to represent here for now..

Yes, you can travel cheaply in Europe. You only need to look towards the east and south-east of Europe, including the Baltics, Central Europe and the Balkans. Some have even taken to calling the Balkans the ‘Southeast Asia of Europe’, which is a weird way to put it but it kind of makes sense. While Croatia is the most touristy in the region and getting more expensive, you can travel very cheaply in Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Macedonia, with the cheapest country in the region easily being Albania.

Right on the Adriatic coast just above Greece, Albania offers beautiful white sand beaches, while inland you’ll find huge mountain ranges as well as the buzzing capital of Tirana. The country doesn’t have as many direct flight connections as some others, so it can be easier or cheaper to fly to nearby Corfu in Greece or start a trip in Dubrovnik in Croatia.

5. Nicaragua

Nicaragua had long been off the radar due to years of political and civil unrest, but today the country is stable and open for tourism—and becoming increasingly popular. Currently it may well be the cheapest destination in Central America (though Guatemala is close).

In 2013 I was easily able to find a good dorm bed in the colonial city of Grenada just a block from the main square for just $5 a night. Basic privates (with a shared bathroom) can be found for around $10 a night even in the touristy seaside town of San Juan Del Sur.

6. Indonesia

When I first visited Indonesia, I predictably came to Bali. It wasn’t love at first sight. Bali’s south is roughly split between Kuta, a cynical playground for vomiting spring-breakers from Australia, and Seminyak, a beachside town attracting high-spenders with luxury hotels and rose-petalled infinity pools. Neither is really my scene.

But then I discovered the other Indonesia. Go even just a little inland on popular Bali and you’ll find that prices drop and places begin to feel a bit more authentic. Even Ubud (made famous by Eat Pray Love, or at least so I’m told…) manages to be just pleasantly touristy with all its Hindu temples and wonderful arts and crafts, while the rural north and west coasts of Bali are nearly a mirror image of the over-commercialised south. For Bali budget travel tips, check out this post on travelling on Bali for less than $25 a day.

7. Bolivia

Bolivia is by far the ultimate cheap place to travel in South America. One caveat is that you need to be willing to rough it a bit sometimes: it is very much an undeveloped backpacker destination and the ‘flashpacker’ may feel that increased comforts are hard to find.

That said, you can find basic dorm beds in the $5 – 6 range, though the better hostels typically cost around $10 for a dorm bed (usually with breakfast included). If you’re not too fussed, you can get wonderfully filling Bolivian set meals for about 20-25 Bolivianos (or $3), or international style meals for about double that.

8. Cambodia

Come for the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat, but stay for everything else—ranging from jungle waterfalls and gripping war museums to a host of impossibly pretty islands.

Angkor Wat, while stunning, does easily overshadow the rest of this intriguing country. Many organised tours offer Cambodia simply as an Angkor Wat add-on to a Vietnam or Thailand itinerary, but travel to Cambodia independently and you can spend your time discovering the country properly. Want to simply relax on a beautiful beach? Consider going to Sihanouksville, or to the nearby island of Koh Rong where you can still (for now) have a stunning tropical beach all to yourself.

9. Nepal

Nepal is renowned as one of the best places in the world for safe and affordable mountain trekking. Following the earthquake in 2015, Nepal has been slowly recovering and is open for business once again.

Home to eight of the world’s 10 highest peaks, Nepal is a great choice for those looking for an active trip amongst epic landscapes, though equally you can choose to just chill out in Kathmandu. Despite their remoteness, many routes through the Himalayas have tea houses and lodges along the way where you can eat, sleep, and recover. On a backpacker budget, you can easily survive on about $25 a day in Nepal.

9 Cheap Holidays Cities

1) $19.37 Kathmandu, Nepal

Nepal is most famous as the home of half of Mount Everest, and those actually climbing the mountain, or to the main elevated base camp, will have to deal with those not-insignificant expenses. But those just coming to admire the city and its Buddhist culture will find it to be very cheap by international standards.

Prices for hotels and hostels are nearly as cheap as those in smaller cities in India, which are generally the lowest on the planet. It’s worth noting that hotels and guesthouses at the absolute bottom end of the price spectrum will be quite minimalistic, to put it kindly, but paying a bit more gets you something not bad at all. Of course there are now a number of expensive hotel resorts meant for those on much larger budgets, so nearly all price ranges are catered for.
Transportation and attractions in the city are also very cheap by nearly anyone’s standards, so your main expenses will be guided trekking excursions or adventure sports, if you choose to do them. Food and drinks are also very cheap by most standards so this continues to be a great stop for budget-minded travelers as well as those who can afford the best.

2) $19.91 Lao People's Democratic Republic, Vientiane

Vientiane deserves its reputation as one of the most mellow capital cities on earth, but it’s also more modern than many people expect based on older travel guides. There are now some chain restaurants and newer shopping centers, plus a large waterslide park opened in 2008.

The city is yet another great bargain for travelers to Southeast Asia, with nearly everything cheaper than Bangkok, and more along the lines of Hanoi. Being a smaller city, there aren’t loads of hotels in Vientiane, but fortunately most of them are quite cheap and friendly.

The main attractions in the city cost little or nothing, so it should be quite easy to keep your budget intact once you’ve found a place to sleep.

Eating on a tight budget in Vientiane is quite easy, as you’d have to go out of your way to find a restaurant that even approaches North American or European prices. Local dishes based on rice and noodles are cheapest, but sandwiches, pasta dishes, and even pizza can be found at good prices. The local lager called Beerlao is served everywhere at very low prices, while the Lao-lao rice whisky is even cheaper.

3) $21.66 Ukraine, Kiev

Most things in Kiev are quite cheap by European standards, though there is the situation of newly-rich locals driving prices up and creating a posh class of restaurants and boutiques that didn’t exist until recently.

Hotels are cheap, at least, so those who make the trip can stretch their funds quite a long way if they eat and drink like a local rather than like a tourist. Inflation in Ukraine has been a problem since 2014, so nominal prices might be higher, though that tends to go along with a better exchange rate for visitors.

4) $22.20 Ecuador, Quito

Quito is known for its high altitude and spring-like weather all year round, and both of these things combine to make the place a bit exotic, especially compared to other large cities in South America. It’s also a hub and starting point for those planning a visit to the Galapagos Islands.

It’s becoming a popular stop for those who are touring around the continent, and fortunately for the budget traveler it’s quite cheap by international standards. Basic hotel rooms are available for a very low price, with reasonable quality available for not much more. Several hostels in the city also offer backpacker-friendly prices, and many also have affordable private rooms.

The main attractions and sights are all either free or cheap, and transportation tends to be quite affordable as well.

Food and drinks are available in all price ranges. If you concentrate more on street fare and the things locals generally eat then you can stuff yourself for very little, but tourist-oriented restaurants are less cheap, though they do make things easy if you don’t speak much Spanish.

5) $22.70 Lao People's Democratic Republic, Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang deserves its reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s most charming cities. The mixed colonial architecture plus the many picturesque temples add to an ambiance that is unusually romantic and pleasantly laid back. There’s a good reason why it’s now Laos’ most popular tourist city.

By Southeast Asia standards some aspects of Luang Prabang are quite expensive, but by any other standards it’s still cheap and a great bargain. There are even a handful of very cheap hotels suited for a backpacker budget, but don’t expect much quality at the bottom end. Plenty of lovely guesthouses are all over town, at a range of prices, plus a few luxurious larger hotels.

This city has far more fancy and expensive restaurants than Vientiane or anywhere else in the country, but there are plenty of cheaper places as well. Drinks are also quite cheap in most places, especially for those who like fresh fruit juice or Beerlao.

Tours and attractions can add up a bit if you aren’t careful, at least by area standards, particularly with tuk-tuks and boat drivers insisting on much higher prices than elsewhere in the region.

6) $22.91 Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo is Sri Lanka’s capital and home to its largest international airport, but that doesn’t mean you should plan on spending any real time here. There are no checklist attractions and the city is short on charm as well so it’s better to spend most of your Sri Lanka time elsewhere. With that in mind, the prices listed here for food and drinks and transportation are valid for the whole country.

Sri Lanka is quite cheap overall and it’s good value even compared to neighboring countries, but it does lack a real budget traveler infrastructure. In other words, there are very few hostels and 1-star hotels anywhere in the country. The good news is that standards for 2-star places are good so those sharing a room can still get great deals.

Food can be incredibly inexpensive if you eat rice and curry like most locals, or even cheaper if you stick with the “short eats” (finger foods) that can be filling and delicious as well as safe. Beer and local spirits are well priced, though they are hard to find unless you put in some effort.

7) $23.03 Egypt, Cairo

Cairo is a great bargain for the budget traveler. It’s one of those places with more or less parallel systems, with luxury travelers having plenty to choose from but backpacker types can also find good hotels and meals at very reasonable prices.

Tours and trips starting from Cairo are almost all very negotiable in price, so be prepared to bargain hard for the best deals. You can hire a driver and car for the whole day at an amazingly affordable price, but don’t be surprised if you are frequently stopping off at souvenir emporiums and restaurants that also give kick-backs to your driver.

Food is quite cheap by European standards as long as you go to places where locals sometimes go rather than only to tourist joints with English menus. Alcohol isn’t easy to find in most restaurants, though there are small liquor shops in most neighborhoods so getting some cold beers and such to take with you really isn’t too difficult.

8) $23.22 India, Delhi

Compared to the rest of India, except for Mumbai, Delhi is relatively expensive as well. It’s really best to stay for a few days at the most and spend more time in smaller and more interesting cities. Hotels and hostels in Delhi are not particularly cheap, except for perhaps in the backpacker ghetto of Paharganj.

Good news is that most of the city’s attractions are free or cheap, and that you can (and probably should) hire a private car with a driver for a very affordable sum.

Food can be quite cheap if you are happy to try the stuff sold at street stalls all over town, but air-con tourist restaurants will definitely eat into your budget. Alcohol is tough to get in most of the city, though people at your hotel can always arrange to deliver it for a small fee.

9) $23.75 Cambodia, Phnom Penh

Hotels in Phnom Penh can be incredibly cheap, though spending just a bit more money will get you a nicer place that is likely to be worthwhile. High end hotels aren’t much cheaper than they are elsewhere, but mid range places can have great quality and be good bargains.

At most restaurants you’ll see an emphasis on Western food, which is often quite good compared to elsewhere in SE Asia, but local dishes are also on most menus and are usually even better bargains. Draft beer, specifically Angkok Beer, is cheap and cold all over, and often on a happy hour pricing scheme. Bottled beer and hard alcohol aren’t quite as cheap.

Unless you want to hit the firing range near the Killing Fields, all the attractions in Phnom Penh are quite cheap as well, and many are free.

10) $23.82 Romania, Bucharest

Bucharest doesn’t exactly have the best reputation among travelers, but it’s an interesting destination at the very least. Some complain that the Soviet Era still feels alive and well, though progress is continually being made, so those wanting to see those influences should probably come soon.

What Bucharest might lack in polish, it makes up for with reasonable prices. It’s one of Europe’s cheaper large cities, and budget travelers in particular will have far more good options than in most other cities to the north or west. Hotels and hostels are generally cheap, though quality standards might be lower than you are used to if you book at a bottom-end place.

Food and drinks are also pleasantly cheap for most visitors, and the main attractions will barely make a dent in your budget, so you won’t be rushed to see everything in one or two days, at least.