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’re not spending a lot on luxury accommodations, you’ll get more out of your travels for less, and you’ll probably have lots of amazing travel stories to tell in the process.
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Here are budget-friendly travel tips to get you started, along with a list of places and regions where you’ll get the most bang for your buck. Keep reading to learn more.
While it may seem like traveling on a budget can 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 honing your budget travel skills, which, in a word, mostly comes down to flexibility. See how you can be flexible and save money while traveling.
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1) Time
When considering a destination, try 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 peak season can mean saving a lot of money for airfare, lodging, and other travel expenses.
2) Transport
Depending on where you are traveling, you may have the option of using public transport or a motorbike, which can be much cheaper than renting a car. For travel between countries, you can choose cheap options such as ridesharing, minibuses, trains or ferries rather than private taxis or plane travel.
3) Hosting
This is another place to save big. Booking budget hostels, private rooms or homestays can mean considerable savings depending on the area. Check local travel groups on Facebook or travel websites for up-to-date information on reputable places.
4) Activities
Choose free or almost free activities. Many countries have free or low-cost attractions, such as national parks and attractions, walking tours, and monuments. Here travel websites, Facebook groups and event websites will come in handy to plan 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 Cheap and Beautiful Places to Explore
Find out more: 5 vacation destinations that middle-class families can no longer afford
Ready to travel cheap? Here is a list of countries that meet the needs of cheap yet fun and memorable travel experiences.
Asia: accessible 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 such as waterfall trails, tubing and parks, as well as affordable inns.
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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 affordable beachfront cabins.
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Europe: Old World Charm on a Budget
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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 plentiful street food.
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Peru:
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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, affordable 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: Approximately US$50-80.
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Wallet-Friendly Highlights: Independent tours, camping and economical accommodation options.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 12 Cheap and Beautiful Places to Travel Abroad — and 5 Ways to Save Even More
