When we think of exotic destinations, it’s easy to think of luxury, expensive hotels/resorts and that sort of deal, but it really doesn’t have to be that way. This list of affordable exotic destinations should provide you with a good idea of where you can go when you’re tired of the same ol’ same ol’.
If you want to get the most value for your money, make sure you stay out of/spend little time in Bangkok. While the bustling capital is a thing worth experiencing in and of itself, accommodation and food is much cheaper in other places in Thailand, and there are a lot more interesting things to see. For example, the featured image is from Khao Phing Kan, also known as James Bond’s island. Also, many places in Thailand allow you to get up close and personal with Tigers, so if that’s on your bucket list, Thailand is just the place for crossing it off.
(Picture credit: Arian Zwegers) You might be surprised to learn that Indonesia is the 4th most populated Country in the world, with almost 240 million people inhabitants. This fact, combined with the many small islands that make up the country, makes it a completely different scenery from what most of us are used to. With options like admiring huge active volcanoes from afar, visit what was recently a completely isolated people in Baliem Valley, experience bustling trade districts, the traditional dance performance of Legong(picture), or relax on the beac, it’s hard to go wrong.
(Picture credit: Hadi Zaher) At this point you’re probably not surprised that Malaysia made the list. Kuala Lumpur is the most popular destination, and with some cuts, like not staying in a premier hotel, it’s possible to do a longer stay on a budget. The picture is from Batu Caves, a series of caves and cave temples located just north of the capital. Again the options are many, and you can choose to have a very multi-faceted trip if you want to. One thing you should keep in mind is that Malaysia has a primarily Muslim population, so making an effort to not offend them by the way you dress will keep you out of trouble, and might even earn you that little extra bit of good-will you need to have an amazing experience.
(Picture credit: Shankar S.) While perhaps being most famous for cheap labor, the Philippines is a great destination for backpackers and budget travelers in general. Not only is it a haven for budget divers and beach people in general, you can also go to see the stunning Banaue Rice Terraces, or the monstrous Mayon volcano, or you could even take a trip through the Puerto Princesa underground river, one of the new 7 wonders of nature. With some suggested daily budgets going as low as 15-20$ per day and even lower, it’s a no-brainer for the sun deprived, broke student.
(Photo credit: Visionn Photo) Although it’s probably not the first country that comes to mind when you hear “exotic,” Albania has some of the cheapest costs of living of all the countries in Europe. And its safety, culture, and the many beautiful beaches, for example Ksamil Beach in the picture above, makes it an ideal location for someone who wants maximum return on their dollar. . . . .
With the travel season upon us, it’s time to begin exploring again and creating memories that last.
Like everyone else, I’m pretty much broke and can’t afford to go on a luxury trip across Europe, but just because the university takes all my cash doesn’t mean I can’t still travel.
Here is a list of 10 countries that rank on the low-end for cost right now:
Home to many activities and sites, this cheap country will have you living like a king for less than you would think. You can get a nice place to stay, food, transportation and even alcohol for less than 20 USD per day.
Thailand has been trying to revamp its tourism as of late and many tourism companies have been offering excellent deals. I’m a huge advocate of hostels, but if that isn’t your thing, you can get a private room with a bathroom for less than 30 USD per night.
If you are open to bunks, you can easily get by for an entire day on that price.
With the state of the economic condition in Greece, prices are low and the tourism will help bring in some more much-needed money. The country is mind-numbingly beautiful and features amazing coasts and architecture.
This is one of the best locations in all of Europe for cheap travel. . . . .
The 15-mile Fimmvörðuháls trail takes you from the coastal greenfields of Skógar, past waterfalls, mountain goats and the famous the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which erupted in 2010. It can be a tough slog in a day, especially in the snow, which can stick around until late June despite warm weather. A great place to break your journey to Thórsmörk is the Baldursskali volcano hut. It’s in an isolated spot, so most days you’ll only see couple of wardens, their dog an half a dozen walkers. If tackling nearby Laugavegurinn trail, book overnight huts through the Icelandic Touring Association.
Dorm from £34, advance booking advised, volcanohuts.com
Brightey
The gite d-etape “L’Alivi” is in the tiny village of Serriera on the fantastic six-dayMare e Monti (Nord) trail in Corsica. You’ll find a good bed in a rustic stone building that was once the village’s olive press and mill, and the food here was some of the best we had in Corsica. We ate herb tart, wild-boar lasagne and a local cheese, served with homemade fig preserve. Breakfasts are no less generous and there are packed lunches (€7), too.
Dorm from €18, doubles/private dorm also available, alivi.fr
bryfox
“We prefer the traditional ways”, said the refuge manager. “Anyway, it’s cheaper. We can’t afford helicopter supplies!” We were staying in the Astrakas refuge, nearly 2,000 metres high (and powered by solar panels), in the mountains of northern Greece. It is open from May to October, serves food and has simple dorms and cold showers. Enjoy the peaks and tarns of Mount Gamila and take the well-marked paths to the Dragon Lake, or to the Vikos gorge and cobbled tracks of the Zagoria. Bed from €13, astrakarefuge.com
JaneSLaurie
In between crystal-clear lakes and encircled by the jagged peaks of the Tatra mountains is the Polish Tourist Society mountain shelter. This is the only lodge inthe national park that can’t be reached by car and makes the perfect spot to break your trek. Refuel with a bowl of zurek, a hearty soup of sausage, onion and potatoes, before taking an evening stroll to see the wildflowers or the Siklawa waterfall.
Dorm from £7 a night, piecstawow.pl
Rachel Thorley . . . .
Student Ramblings 