It seems as though almost every time you turn on the television, a couple, a group of friends, or family members are enjoying moments at some resort. They are always smiling while soaking up the sun, exploring some exhibit in a European tunnel, or on top of a South American mountain.
Now, what’s stopping you from being like those people in the commercials? Ahh yes, money, the universal killer of dreams.
Thank goodness there is a way to get around the hefty expenses a vacation often brings. The cheap traveling spiel has been said hundreds of times, but no matter how you put it, traveling on the cheap can still be a frustrating and near impossible process. There are so many terrific spots that simply get overlooked. The trick is to know how to spot them and weigh their value. So, let’s break it down:
If you’re looking for an exotic beach to lay out on with an umbrella drink…
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Indonesia
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Guatemala
- Colombia
These places are all indescribably beautiful—and cheap to boot! Perhaps you dream of dipping your toes in the breathtaking turquoise waters off the southern coasts of Thailand or dancing along the Mexican strip of Cancun. The sun favors these countries and embraces them with its golden glow all day, every day. Spring break will no longer have to be spent shoveling off the snow of your cars. Your vacation will be all about getting a nice tan and swimming in water so clear it looks as if it spilled from heaven.
The best thing about these countries is that all of their currency is cheaper than the U.S. dollar. In addition, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Guatemala are our very close southern neighbors, ensuring that your flight will be relatively short and painless.
An added bonus—when traveling from the U.S., plane tickets are not too ridiculous because it doesn’t take too long to get to these countries.
If you want to have some history looming in your selfies…
- Morocco
- South Africa
- Egypt
- Peru
- Greece
For a visit to South Africa, the only part that could potentially break your bank is the plane ride. On top of the expense, it’s also one of the longest. According to South Africa Airlines, a flight from JFK airport in New York to Johannesburg is one of the longest in the world. After takeoff, you won’t land in South Africa for nearly 24 hours. However, if flying for long periods of time doesn’t bother you, then South Africa is definitely a country to explore. Expenses on the vacation would be of great bargains considering every 1 U.S. dollar=over 13 ZAR (rands) XE Converter.
South Africa holds both beautiful and historical sites. Visit Robben Island in Cape Town where South African president and revolutionary Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for fighting for his people during the apartheid. There’s also The Cradle of Human Kind, where the remnants of the first human being were found. The site is a little over 30 miles outside the capital of Johannesburg; it includes tunnels and a museum containing exhibits on human evolution.
It also goes without saying that the northeastern country of Egypt is home to some of the most famous historical sites in the world. Many of which, such as going to see the Pyramids of Giza and The Sphinx, will not burn the checkbook. According to USA Today travel site, if residing in Cairo, a quick bus ride, or (if your feeling ‘athletic’) walking is even a possibility to Giza. While in Egypt, take time to visit the Nile river. The longest, and perhaps most famous river in Africa, if not the world, seeing the Nile is completely free! The Nile has been immortalized in the Judeo-Christian story of Moses; it’s also where paper got its start.
If Europe is calling your name and you can’t ignore it…
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Montenegro
- Croatia (off season)
- Albania
- Portugal
Eastern Europe is where it’s at as far as low expenses. Unfortunately, due to its immensely famous friends to the west like France, England, Spain and Germany, the eastern countries do not get as much love as they deserve from tourists.
However, if you’re desperate to travel to the western side of Europe, Portugal is one of the most inexpensive countries to travel to. Travel.usnews.com listed it’s northwestern city of Porto number two on its “Best Affordable Vacations in Europe.”
Featured image via Google images
