Top Countries To Explore When The Budget is Tight

Traveling to new and exciting destinations may be at the top of your bucket list, but finding funds to travel extensively may be the one thing holding you back. Many vacation destinations can cost a small fortune to visit, such as a swanky resort in the Caribbean or a chalet in Aspen. While some vacation destinations may be unreasonable for you to consider right now, there are many stunning, exciting locations that you may be able to visit on a dime. These are a few of the budget-minded destinations to place at the top of your list.

Indonesia

Located in southeastern Asia, Indonesia is comprised of more than 13,000 islands. This makes it the largest island country in the world. The country has a diverse population as well as many stunning geographic features, such as volcanoes, jungles, beaches, rivers and more. While in Indonesia, be sure to visit Lombok, Sulawesi, Krakatoa and Komodo. The cost of living in Indonesia is so low that you may be able to enjoy a full dinner for as low as $1.

Cuba

If you do not want to travel so far away, you can head to Cuba for a tropical getaway. Thanks to improving political relations between the United States and Cuba, tourists are now increasingly making plans to enjoy all that this island nation offers. In addition to lovely beaches, rivers and more, you can also enjoy Cuba’s incredible cuisine, culture and nightlife. Top attractions include Old Havana, Morro Castle and Sierra Maestra. The cost of living in Cuba is approximately 35 percent lower than in the United States, so you can expect to enjoy an affordable vacation.

Thailand

Located at the southern end of mainland Asia, Thailand is another affordable place to visit. This country may be more heavily-visited by tourists than many others on this list. Popular destinations include Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands, the Burma Railway, the Grand Palace and several other locations. Culture, natural beauty and friendly residents are only some of the reasons why you should include Thailand in your upcoming travel plans. A rental room in a countryside location may cost approximately $4 per night.

Cambodia

Situated between Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia is an affordable vacation destination that is easy to overlook, but it has much to offer. The geography is diverse, and there are numerous national parks and protected ecological areas that you can explore. This is also an area that is rich in history and culture. Some of the more popular tourist destinations include Sihanoukville, Battambang, Kampot and Kep. Restaurant prices are approximately 65 percent lower than in the United States, and consumer goods are approximately 35 percent lower.

Uruguay

If you have been dreaming about visiting South America soon, a trip to Uruguay is a wonderful idea. Located between Argentina and Brazil along the Atlantic coast, Uruguay is a small yet diverse country. Its landscapes include beaches, deserts with huge sand dunes, rivers, mountains, plains, lakes and more. Thanks to its friendly hospitality and overall affordability, this is a popular tourist destination. Some hot spots include Colonia del Sacramento, Torres Garcia Museum, Pocitos, Isla de Lobos, the Mansa and Brava beaches and more. Compared to the United States, a restaurant meal is 18 percent cheaper in Uruguay and consumer prices are 32 percent cheaper.

Vietnam

Vietnam is rapidly becoming a popular tourist destination because it has a lot to offer its guests. The country is located to the east of Cambodia and has a long shoreline along the Gulf of Thailand. Ha Long Bay is a popular natural area to visit because of its turquoise waters and lush limestone islands. Other popular tourist areas are the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An and others. You can expect to enjoy all that Vietnam has to offer at a reasonable price. In fact, a typical Vietnamese meal at a restaurant will cost approximately $1.

You understandably need to have a reasonable travel budget available when you head out of the country for any destination. However, when funds are tight and the travel bug hits you, these are some of the most interesting and affordable destinations that you could work into your travel plans.