There are times in all of our lives when we really need or want to go for the budget travel option. Being lower on cash doesn’t mean we can’t travel though, far from it, we just need to pitch for more budget friendly options and be wise with our cash.
Check out our current favourite budget destinations to visit.
Xian, China
As the ancient capital of China, Xian is easy to get around by foot and it’s smaller population (around 13 million) makes it a lovely city to be in without it being crazy over crowded.
The discovery of the Terracotta Warriors put Xian on the map and visiting one of the world’s most incredible archeological find relatively inexpensively.
At night all of Xian’s ancient monuments are dramatically lit up and look absolutely stunning. It costs nothing to walk around them and enjoy the atmosphere and makes for a really lovely budget evening.
Xian is definitely a great and really interesting budget destination if you want to save those pennines yet still want to travel.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
A small city in the state of Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende is a gem of a spot in Mexico.
The Mexican Peso is historically low which means you get more for your money and the city is vibrant with great hotels, fun nightlife and a great art scene.
A large population of Americans either live full time in the town or have winter homes here which brings a really cosmopolitan atmosphere you’ll find in few other Mexican towns, adding to the draw of this budget destination.
Curacao
This Dutch-Caribbean island is a beautiful budget destination, it has some of the best snorkelling and diving in the Caribbean and unlike some of the other islands where you may be tempted to just stay on hotel property, Willemstad has an inviting charm that will draw you out of the hotel and get your exploring.
Thirty-eight small, gorgeous beaches frame the turquoise waters around Curacao, and each one offers a distinct experience, from secluded to surrounded by cliffs. Scuba divers and snorkelers will adore this budget destination, as will windsurfers and boaters of all kinds.
Sri Lanka
From remote, palm-dotted beaches to ancient temples and some of Asia’s best wildlife-watching opportunities, Sri Lanka has something to offer every kind of traveller and can most definitely be done on a budget.
The food in Sri Lanka is second to none and eating at a local restaurant or ‘roti shop’ will likely cost you a quarter of what it might in a place serving Western food so always go local.
The public transport on the island is good and the trains provide a cheap and beautiful way to get around.
Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb is often overlooked by travellers, It may not have the Adriatic Sea or the beach, but you will be immediately charmed by the Croatian capital’s vibrance, culture and history.
From its intriguing architecture to nearby natural havens, not to mention its coffee scene, this hugely underrated European capital has something for everyone and certainly those looking for a budget destination.
For those who love the outdoors, Zagreb has far more to offer than your average European city. Mount Medvednica perching over the Croatian capital offers a gorgeous escape for those who come to admire beautiful views over Zagreb. If you hike up these heavily wooded slopes you won’t believe that you are only a short tram ride away from the city centre.
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