“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before” – Dalai Lama.
This ancient quote has been trending on social media recently. Why?
According to research,
millennials are traveling a considerable amount more than previous
generations. More than ever before, many are taking vacations to “off
the beaten track” locations around the world.
All that exotic travel sounds expensive, but it doesn’t have to be!
Keep reading for the best cheap holiday destinations for 2018.
1. Portugal
Old towns, lagoon islands, salt pans, ancient fortresses, cliff top
views and sandy surf beaches are some of the many places you can visit
when heading to Portugal.
Accommodation varies in price. But there are many B&Bs, vacation rentals, or cheaper hotels to choose from.
If you head to a luxury 5-star, all-inclusive hotel, you’ll not only
spend megabucks but you might miss out on the local experience. Go for
cheaper accommodation and spend your time hanging out with the locals
for an authentic experience.
Many budget airlines travel to Portugal, some even with regular
bargains and deals, which means your flight might be even cheaper! To
travel around, you don’t need your own car as there are plenty of buses
and trains that run regularly at fair prices.
Seafood is famous in Portugal, generally cooked in the simplest of
ways, yet with the most exquisite tastes. Go to local bistros and
restaurants for an original taste of Portugal. These establishments will
be a lot cheaper than many touristy hotels and restaurants.
And don’t forget to try the local Port wine for an authentic Portuguese beverage.
2. Croatia
With popular tourist destinations like Greece going through financial
instabilities, many are heading to Croatia instead. If you avoid peak
season (July to August), Croatia can prove to be one of the best cheap
holiday destinations to visit in Europe.
With historical architecture, waterfalls, pebbled beaches,
mountainous coastlines and great nightlife, Croatia ticks many boxes for
all kinds of travelers.
There are also many activities you can do–snorkeling, scuba diving,
kayaking, hiking, zip lining and more. Croatia is also good for taking
the kids, as there are plenty of fun things for them to do.
Cheap flights are abundant, and public transport is easy with many buses and ferries easily available.
The Mediterranean style food and local wines are both tasty and for
reasonable prices. You’ll eat your way through your vacation if you
decide on visiting Croatia.
3. Thailand
Thailand has been a popular destination for quite a number of years.
But it is still one of the best cheap holiday destinations, mostly
because of the exchange rate.
Thailand is fun, energetic and full of culture. With historical
palaces, tropical islands, caves, mountains and jungle safaris, there is
a lot to do in Thailand.
There are nearly a hundred temples in Chiang Mai which you can tour
freely. There are also many street markets with lots of bargains to be
found.
When traveling from the USA, even though the distance is far, the
flights are cheap. Travel within Thailand is also great for budget
travelers with buses, trains, and trishaw taxis cheap and in abundance.
Another option is hiring a bicycle or even a
motorbike for exploring the area at your own leisure.
Food is extremely cheap, with good value buffets and sizzling street food available for just a few dollars.
In many other countries, the prices for 5-star hotels are
extortionate. But one of the best things about Thailand is that you
might be able to afford the luxury, because of the exchange rate and
lower prices.
For example, an awesome luxurious place to stay is
Howie’s Homestay. Check it out!
4. Indonesia
Indonesia, although a long-haul destination, is extremely popular thanks to low travel costs and cheap activities.
Made up of thousands of islands, Indonesia is full of rich culture
and beauty. Indonesia is very varied, with monkey jungles, religious
temples, volcanoes, shipwrecks, and mountains. There are also many fun
things to do, from snorkeling and scuba diving to white water rafting
and quad biking.
Many backpackers choose Indonesia for its cheap accommodation, as
there are many cheap hostels to stay in. If you want to upgrade to a
hotel room, you generally won’t have to pay too much more either.
Return flights to Indonesia vary during the time of year but are
generally under $500. Most of the main islands have buses to travel
around, but a common method of travel is by ferry (from island to
island).
Food in Indonesia is a similar price to many other Asian countries,
such as Thailand. But the taste is obviously different wherever you go.
The national dish is Nasi Goreng, which can be bought for just a couple
of dollars.
5. Zanzibar
Zanzibar boasts a variety of gorgeous attractions. From pristine
beaches with coral reefs to spice tours and old forts, Zanzibar is an
island full of beautiful contrasts which makes it one of the best cheap
holiday destinations.
Although the flights may be a bit more pricey, your dollars will stretch far while you are there.
The cheapest and most convenient way to travel is using the “dala
dala” which is a shared minibus/taxi. There are several around, and
you’ll get a real authentic experience if you use one. It’s not overly
expensive to hire a personal driver either when compared to other
countries.
Accommodation can also be done on a budget, with many vacation rentals and hotels being great value for money.
Zanzibar has a variety of foods to try, and most are for seriously
cheap prices too. Make sure to try their famous Pilaf rice and their
meat kebabs. Don’t forget to try some sugar cane juice too!
The Best Cheap Holiday Destinations: Where Will You Go?
As you can see, you can travel the world and experience new cultures and lifestyles without breaking the bank.
Make sure to do your research, and use price comparison websites to
find great deals on accommodation. Don’t forget to keep checking your
flights as they will go up and down depending on the time of year.
And plan for activities, but don’t be scared to try something new.
The same goes for food–head to where the locals go and experience the
real deal!
So, are you ready to jump on a plane?
Check out our blog for travel tips and more!