If you want to travel on a budget, almost anything is possible if you're willing to make a few adjustments to your travel style. Even if you don't splurge on luxury accommodations, you'll get the most out of your trips for less and will likely have plenty of awesome travel stories to tell in the process.
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Here are some budget travel tips to get you started, plus a list of places and regions where you'll get more bang for your buck. Keep reading to find out more.
Even though it looks like traveling on a budget might limit your options, this is 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 honing your budget travel skills, which, in a nutshell, mostly comes down to flexibility. Here's how you can be flexible and save money while traveling.
1) Calendar
When considering a destination, try to understand ideal travel times. High season usually means higher prices for accommodation and everything related to tourism in this region. Your willingness to travel outside of peak season could mean saving tons of money on plane tickets, accommodation, and other travel costs.
2) Transportation
Depending on where you are traveling, you may have the option of taking public transportation or motorbikes, which can be much cheaper than renting a car. For international travel, you can choose inexpensive options like carpooling, minibuses, trains or ferries, as opposed to private taxis or air travel.
3) Accommodation
This is another place to save big. Booking budget hostels, private rooms or family-style homestays could provide considerable savings depending on the region. Check local Facebook travel groups or travel sites for up-to-date information on popular places.
4) Activities
Opt for free or almost free activities. Many countries offer free or low-cost attractions, such as national parks and attractions, walking tours, and monuments. Here, travel sites, Facebook groups and event sites will be helpful in planning these activities.
5) Exchange rate
Looking for places where the US 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 Beautiful and Cheap Places to Explore
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Ready to travel cheaply? Here is a list of countries that are perfect for inexpensive, yet fun and memorable travel experiences.
Asia: affordable beauty and adventure
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Thailand:
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Daily cost: $30-50.
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Wallet-Friendly Highlights: Cheap street food and markets, affordable accommodation, and free activities like visiting ancient ruins, temples, and beaches.
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Laos:
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Daily cost: $20-40.
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Wallet-Friendly Highlights: Natural attractions like waterfall hikes, snow tubing, and parks, as well as budget-friendly guesthouses.
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Indonesia:
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Daily cost: $30-60.
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Wallet-Friendly Highlights: Surf, explore ancient temples and stay in budget-friendly seaside cabins.
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Europe: old world charm at a low price
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Romania:
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Daily cost: $30-50.
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Wallet-Friendly Highlights: Cheap Transylvanian castle tours, cheap rural homestays, and hearty street food.
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Türkiye:
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Daily cost: $30-50.
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Wallet-Friendly Highlights: Bazaars and markets, cheap but luxurious Turkish baths and cheap regional bus trips.
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Croatia (out of season):
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Daily cost: $35-60.
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Wallet-Friendly Highlights: Lesser-known beaches, budget-friendly local restaurants and free nature parks.
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Latin America: Diverse Cultures and Landscapes
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Guatemala:
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Colombia:
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Nicaragua:
Africa: breathtaking landscapes and wildlife
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South Africa:
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Namibia:
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Daily cost: Around $50-80.
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Wallet-Friendly Highlights: Self-guided tours, camping and budget accommodation options.
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This article was originally published on GOBankingRates.com: 12 Beautiful and Cheap Places to Travel Abroad – and 5 Ways to Save Even More