Travel doesn’t not only mean taking a break from your hectic schedule. I will give you a whole new dimension to your vacation ideas. Have you been breaking your head thinking over which place to visit in a pocket friendly manner? Good you are reading this because your buck stops here. Taking a vacation is a surefire way to unwind, no doubt about that. But if you are taking a vacation from the perspective to explore this beautiful, incredible world of ours, it is beyond anything else. It will fill your soul. Once you decide on the place, you should quickly book the cheapest flight and hotel available.
So let’s start! Here are some budget trips that you can take in any year. These are the places you can go on vacation without breaking the bank.
- Agra – India
None can beat the splendor of Taj Mahal, the Ode to Love built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, Mumtaz. The sanctity of love is truly experienced in this magnificent piece of architecture. Tagore famously said it is ‘a teardrop on the cheek of eternity’. 2019 is the time to see this wonder through your own eyes. Taj Mahal is flocking with tourists every day. Just sit there for a while and keep listening. You will hear the euphony of different languages all together at one time. Well I did this and it felt surreal. All boundaries dissolve, all hatred evaporates; everybody from every corner of this world is there with you at that exact moment making you feel one with the world. Isn’t that what exploring means? The smiling and awestruck faces from different countries make you believe that love for travel unites all. That’s the magical power of Taj Mahal. That’s the magic of love. Is Taj Mahal a dream or a dream come true is something you decide but it’s worth visiting. UNESCO has awarded it the status of World Heritage Site. Standing beside the Yamuna river, this ivory-white marble structure has an aura that cannot go unnoticed even far away. Try to visit it once during a full moon evening. It will give you a different splendid look to its already mesmerizing beauty. You will get many affordable hotels in the city. If you are a true traveler, then I am sure you can ignore the pestering rickshaw-wallas, hawkers, souvenir sellers surrounding Taj Mahal.
2) Beunos Aires, Argentina
Have you watched the last match between Boca Juniors and River Plate? Are you confused as to why I am talking about football? Really? Seriously? C’mon. Can I write about Argentina without its soul? Still I am not talking about Maradonna or Lionel Messi (though not from BA) or even for that fact Sabatini, Guillermo or Juan Martin del Potro. This is a fantastic vacation idea though. Visiting the land of your Idol. Still I can give you some other reasons as to why Beunos Aires should be one of the places to visit anytime. Eclectic and intoxicating is how I shall describe Beunos Aires. This city is doing the Tango all the time with its thumping energy and seductive nature. If you have a craving for Ice-cream, then thank God you are in the right place. Have the juiciest of steaks or an ice-cream at your will. If you are wine lover like me, then take a sip at the local cafes lining the streets. Fire up in this sleepless city and enjoy every bit of its food culture, European-Latin architecture and the vibrant murals.
3. Puebla, Mexico
Here is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for its Baroque architecture, locals say that there are 365 Churches in here. Do come back and let me know the truth. Embark on a walking tour to treat your eyes with its beautiful architecture and colonial buildings. From the colourful houses lining the streets to the world famous Talavera pottery, Puebla is sort of a hidden gem. Spice up your life with mole poblano. Visit the Candy Street, African Safari and Cholula while in Puebla.
4. Krabi, Thailand
There are very few places which beckon you to come back again. Krabi is one of them. Using the word exotic while describing a beach destination can get overrated and sometimes underrated. Krabi is one such destination where the word exotic truly fits it. The four island trip (Phra Nang Cave, Poda, Koh Gai or Chicken Island, and Tup Island) and Phi Phi Island Trip will leave you in awe. The flavourful locale down the Aong Nang beach area serves up a hearty dose of international cuisine and some fresh mouth watering sea food. So if you suffer from Krabi craving syndrome, don’t worry your health is fine. All you need to do is to pack your bag and get going.
5. Province of Laguna, Philippines
Laguna Province is comparatively less well known. It is a bliss to be surrounded by warm friendly people, hot springs, lakes and last but not the least mouth watering delicacies. It is also the home to some of the oldest churches in Philippines.
6. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Lying off the coast of Tanzania, this picturesque island is your dream destination. The turquoise blue water along with the shallow sandbars plays the perfect host to all. Stone Town in Zanzibar City’s Old Quarter is a World Heritage Site which should not be missed. You will find a number of inexpensive bed & breakfast and hostels in Stone Town. Spend some ‘me’ time while watching the white dhow sails make its journey in the stunning blue waters of the Indian Ocean. This idyllic beach destination in the African Country will fill you up with fun and frolic and an everlasting smile.
7. Fez, Morocco
A heady mix of old and new has brought Fez, Morocco in the prominence. Enough of playing second fiddle to Marrakesh, the tourist and culinary scene of Fez is blooming! This is the new go-to place in Morocco. It makes your world more colourful and tastier. This place gives the best rustic feel one can ask for. Walking down many ‘main streets’, one is sure to lose track of time. Who cares about time when you have got yourself drowned in the myriad faces of Fez? Explore Fez through its souks, narrow alleyways and ancient buildings.
8. Kathmandu, Nepal
First of all, this is the world’s cheapest place for trekking. The magnanimous Himalaya welcomes you to this beautiful land. It’s amazing how this affordable place can serve you with so many activities. This is the ideal vacation spot for nature lovers, adventure seekers, history buffs and spiritual seekers alike. Kathmandu caters to all budget types. The hustle and bustle is what makes Kathmandu so alive. What are you waiting for? Book your flight tickets for the trekker’s and backpacker’s paradise. And yes, get hold of a momo recipe for me.
9. Antigua, Guatemala
The Land of Eternal spring is back on its feet and raring to go. The best conserved Spanish colonial city is worth every penny spent. This colonial gem is buzzing with activities. Antigua is the lavish base for exploring one of Guatemala’s most well preserved regions. The ruins, historic buildings, cobblestone streets paint a very vibrant picture of this place. Just as a piece of advice, try avoiding venturing out at night.
10. Siem Reap, Cambodia
It has groomed itself to become the epicenter of Cambodia. To know what lies beyond this World Heritage Site, visit Siem Reap as your next travel destination. The first ray of sunlight falling on Angor Wat transforms the subtle Siem Reap into a life changing place. The history dipped Siem Reap is a place to be relished so do not rush into it. Take it slow.
11. Hawaii, USA
12. Montreal, Canada
Welcome to Canada’s cultural capital. The melting pot of vibrant cultures from all over the world serves up a storm in the form of culinary pleasures, the good life, arts etc. Soak in the splendid designs all over the city, heritage churches and fill your tummy with delicacies that you will find nowhere in the world.
13. Xian, China
The historical and cultural distinctive features have penetrated trough Xian’s past and is very prominent in the present day also. One of the most famous vacation places in China, it is also deemed as the birthplace of Chinese civilization. Xian, China landed in Samantha Brown’s list of cheapest places to visit in 2018 and its still holds its position firmly in my list in 2019 too. Visit the world’s oldest civilizations if not for anything else but for the best cuisine in the world.
14. Alsace, France
Bonjour Ladies and gentleman. Welcome to Alsace, where you will find a riot of colours in every nook and corners. The half timbered houses with steeped roofs are beaming with colours as per the tradition in the past; though the reason has obviously changed for good. Sitting blissfully at the Vosges Mountains, this region makes some finest wines in the entire world. Let’s raise a toast to this picturesque city of France and bask in the glory of all the things it has to offer.
15. Tbilisi, Georgia
The rustic, disheveled charm is the beauty of this place. It seems like Tbilisi has been strategically put among nature’s bountiful. Perched atop the breathtaking Mtkvari River, with the remarkable mountain serving as the backdrop, Tbilisi paints an outstanding picture. Added to it are the majestic synagogues, mosques, ruins of Zoroastrian fire temple and famous thermal baths.
16. Brasov, Romania
Your Romanian Holidays is incomplete without Brașov. Count Dracula’s birthplace is nothing short of magical. It’s like a picture perfect postcard resplendent with medieval watchtowers, cobblestone paths and Baroque churches. Set against the Southern Carpathian Mountains, thick forests and rolling fields, Brasov is a perfect harmony of old charm and contemporary city life.
17. Yerevan, Armenia
Yerevan is a hidden gem that you should certainly explore. The capital of Armenia is a bag full of surprises. The old and new perfectly co-exist in this picturesque landscape. Ladas and Mercs, simple teahouses and stylish European bars, street fashion to couture, everything has its place of its own. This shining city with its positive attitude is sure to make you feel at home within minutes.
18. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest has a strange appeal of its own. The city is beautiful, affordable, full of cultural and historical sites, thermal baths, lively nightlife and two more things that should be considered by default i.e. food and shopping
19. Barcelona, Spain
Most people have this notion that touring Europe is highly expensive. But you can choose this as your vacation destination. This Spanish city has something for everyone. The football and tennis frenzy city is bustling with artists and architecture. If you are hungry, get your fill from La Boqueria market.
20. Dakar, Senegal
.jpg)
This backpacker friendly destination is a present day alternative to the travel scene in Africa. The city has some delightful mosques, museums, beaches and cliff walks. You will find splashes of colours in the form of bright attires that the locals wear. This city is always alive with music, food and its hospitable folks.
21. Gobi Desert, Mongolia
This spectacular Desert in Mongolia is a must visit place for true travelers. The serenity of the place can turn any restless soul into a peaceful mode. The desert stretches out to some parts of China on one side and Mongolia on the other. Expect the warmth of the nomads, shimmering sand dunes and delve into the mystery of the unknown.
22. Port Salut, Haiti
23. Gaziantep,Turkey
The pistachio capital of Turkey, Gaziantep is one of eight UNESCO Creative Gastronomy Cities in the world. Gaziantep also has a culinary museum, believe it or not! The pistachio cheesecake, pistachio coffee or the Baklava needs to be relished without fail. If you by chance want to take a break from the heavenly foods, you can go for Hammam or the Zugma Musik Muzesi which is the largest Mosaic Museum in the world.
24. Herceg Novi, Montenegro
Herceg Novi is one of those smiling hosts who doesn’t wait for you to ring the bell but instead welcomes you with a hug full of hospitability, glittering seas, and a sunshine that brightens up your day. Snuggled between Mount Orjen and Adriatic Sea, Herceg Novi is your next vacation spot. Wide ranging history, mud spas, hidden beaches and hot springs are served up in a platter for the travelers to enjoy.
25. Zagreb, Croatia
This is not a place to be overlooked. The unspoiled Austro-Hungarian architecture along with its magnanimous mountains will give you an experience of a lifetime. Plenty of cheap restaurants, accommodation for all pockets, an array of museums, great hospitability, and tasty local foods are the USP of this city. Don’t miss out on the colourful murals by local street artists. This is a city that needs to be explored by foot.
26. Santiago, Chile
This up and coming city is affordable and provides accommodation and food at a cost effective manner. The wonderful neighbourhoods of the city set the tone and flavour for a memorable trip. Soak up the atmosphere in one of the stunning hillside parks or simply admire the architecture and the museums. Also visit the La Vega Market, Casablanca, Vina del Mar and Valparaiso
27. Granada, Nicaragua
Granada is Nicaragua’s best kept secret. Granada treats the eco-tourists with Mombacho volcano which is dormant in nature. It also treats its visitors with ziplining and sailing. This photogenic city is sprinkled with beaches and colonial-era architecture and attracts outdoor enthusiast and culture vulture.