Top 10 Budget Travel Destinations You Can’t Miss this year
If you are searching for some cheap travel places across the globe, then you have landed at the right place. In this article, we have presented the top 10 budget travel destinations for culture, adventure, and scenic views.
1. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Cost: $30-50 per day
Must-see attractions: Doi Suthep temple, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Elephant Nature Park
Seen as the cultural center of Thailand, one can find Chiang Mai with its interesting history, colorful traditions, and scenic surroundings. Some of the places that should not be missed are:
1. Doi Suthep temple (a sacred place with overwhelming architectural design).
2. Chiang Mai Night bazaar (an active place filled with local products and street food).
3. Elephant nature park (an elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre).
Other features include:
- Wat Phra Singh (exotic looking temple).
- Chiang Mai Old City (Old city walls and moat with temples).
- Bo Sang Umbrella Village (umbrella making in the village).
- doi inthanon national park (the highest peak in Thailand, its waterfalls).
Insider's:
- Wind down the temple by looking over the views of Doi Suthep temple in the mornings or late afternoons.
- Wear appropriate clothing and removing of shoes in temples.
- Bargaing with the stall holders at the Night Bazaar is acceptable but courteous.
- Promote and practice responsible tourism.
Transportation to the area is by:
- CNX – Chiang Mai International Airport
- Public transport – songthaews and tuk-tuks.
Hotels range from cheap rates for basic guesthouses to exotic hotels with swimming pools.
You will have spiritual lessons, get a chance of participating in a fruitful culture that leaves a mark, and enjoy some fun activities. Travel to the northern part of Thailand as it’s the country’s spiritual North.
2. Medellín, Colombia
Cost: $25-40 per day
Must-see attractions: Plaza Botero, El Poblado neighborhood, Parque Arví nature reserve.
The city of Medellín, Colombia is perseverance and grit personified. Nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its exceptional weather all year round, Medellin draws many travelers in pursuit of culture, nature, and an impressive urban turn-around.
Principle sites:
1. Plaza Botero, (famous for Fernando Botero’s art)
2. El Poblado Neighborhood (famous for night out and fine dining restaurants)
3. Parque Arvi Nature Reserve (presentation of forests enhancement, hiking and sceneries)
Other attractions include: Museo de Antioquia, Jardín Botánico, Pueblito Paisa
What to do:Guided visits, a walk to Cerro Nutibara, explore Mercado Minorista
Places to stay: Hotel Du Parc, Hostel La Macarena
How to get there: José María Córdova International Airport, metro
Pro tips: Taste the food of the land, speak Spanish, vitamin N
There is no doubt of the beauty and creative energy around Medellin. It is this very transformation that draws quite a number of people to this particular destination. Take a look at Plaza Botero, El Poblado and Parque Arvi, and be ready to feel the sense of regeneration that the city has undergone.
3. Budapest, Hungary
Cost: $30-50 per day
Must-see attractions: Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Parliament Building, Buda Castle
Budapest is the capital city of Hungary that embraces a way of life where past meets present filled with stunning sights. The list of the must-see places includes:
1. Széchenyi Thermal Bath (the biggest bathing complex in Europe)
2. Parliament Building (a great example of Neo-Gothic architecture)
3. Buda Castle (World Heritage Site by UNESCO)
The rest of the attractions:
- St. Stephen’s Basilica (for views from its dome)
- Chain Bridge (the bridge that connects Buda and Pest)
- Andrássy Avenue (a broad calm looking street)
- Hungarian State Opera House (for the shows and tours)
Things to do:
- Go on a cruise on River Danube
- Go to Ruin Bars
- Go to Central Market Hall
- Walk the Széchenyi Chain Bridge
From low-cost dorm rooms to expensive hotels.
How to get:
- Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
- Well-functioning Public Transport System
Insider tips:
- Sample authentic Hungarian food
- Memorize a few phrases in Hungarian
- Walk around the neighborhoods
Because of its unique history, culture, and natural features, Budapest is the perfect place for those who love to travel, relax and learn.
4. Guanajuato, Mexico
Cost: $20-35 per day
Must-see attractions: Colorful colonial architecture, University of Guanajuato, Basilica Colegiata de Nuestra Señora.
Guanajuato, a colonial city located in the central part of Mexico, preserves the country’s history and culture. This site, included in the list of the World Heritage Sites, contains a number of works of vivid design, a variety of historical monuments, and rich intellectual life.
Attractions That Should Not Be Missed:
1. Colorful Colonial Buildings
Roam around the twisting streets and corners of Guanajuato City and take in the beautiful colonial houses all over the city. The buildings in the city painted pink, yellow, blue, orange, and, to a lesser degree, green comprise a veritable canvas of historical colors.
2. Centro Historico de Guanajuato
The En U. De Guanajuato is on one of the oldest Mexican educational facilities founded in 1732. The baroque-style buildings and whimsical courtyards are the reasons one can never get tired of visiting this place.
3. Basilica Colegiata de Nuestra Senora de los Leones
The basilica is devoted to the Virgin of Guanajuato and is a unique monument of colonial church architecture. Possessing a beautifully decorated façade, exquisite stone works and stunning stained-glass windows, this basilica is a must-visit place.
Other Activities:
– Alhóndiga de Granaditas: Visit this building, which filled with the most stunning galleries, is actually the city’s historical battle shrine.
– Teatro Juárez: Engage in the activities in this beautiful Art Nouveau building in the form of a theater.
– Museo Iconográfico del Quijote: View the largest collection of illustrated versions of Don Quixote on the planet within this museum.
– Callejón del Beso: The local alley with the most beautiful views that are also known as for other reasons.
Activities/Recreation:
– Take a guided tour: Get to know the captivating history, legends, and the little known parts of the city φ the city called Guanajuato.
– Go to the Mercado Hidalgo: Enjoy local food, displays of arts, and purchase remembrances.
– Look for the mines of the area: Learn about Guanajuato’s s
5. Porto, Portugal
Cost: $35-55 per day
Must-see attractions: Ribeira neighborhood, Porto Cathedral, Taylor’s Port Wine Cellars.
Uncover Porto in Portugal – a city with deep historical roots, rich cultural practices, and attractive scenery. Key points of interest include:
1.Ribeira neighborhood (tormented hues of an ancient world hidden within a UNESCO kilt)
2.Porto Cathedral (Romanesque towers huddled together)
3.Taylor’s port wine cellars (making wines and pretty views available)
Points of interest:
- Luis I Bridge (the most famous looking bridge)
- Clerigos Tower (very nice view from the top)
- São Francisco church (decorated with stone carvings)
- Miradouro da Vitoria (nice views)
Things to do:
- Go on a cruise on the Douro River
- Go to Mercado do Bolhao (souvenirs, food)
- Go to the Serralves Museum and Park (modern art, landscaping)
- Watch Traditional Fado Music Performance
Facilities include cheap hostels and expensive hotels.
How to come:
- Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, OPO)
Takes a few minutes with public transport.
Please note:
- Do eat Portuguese food.
- Better learn a few Portuguese expressions.
- Visit some areas (especially République, Virtudes, São Nicolau).
Porto presents to the visitors plenty of history and culture as well as scenic landscapes, hence it is one of the best places for those who are interested in culture, wine and lots of adventure.
6. Hanoi, Vietnam
Cost: $20-35 per day
Must-see attractions: Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ha Long Bay
Searching for Hanoi: a well-known metropolis in Vietnam where both cultural and modern lives coexist. The key places to see are the following:
1. The Old Quarter (small alleyways, street shopping, lots of history)
2. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (huge structure, Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh museum)
3. Halong Bay (a bay in Vietnam recognized by UNESCO,1619 limestone islands surrounding emerald waters)
Other places of interest:
- Van Mieu (ancient temple complex dedicated to the teachings of Confucius)
- Dong Xuan market (places to shop for local products, trinkets and street food)
- West lake (calm water, shrines and greenery surrounding temples)
Local hacks:
- Dine in the Old Quarter but not later than midday
- Wear decently when visiting the Ho Chi Mihn mausoleum
- Take a packed overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay.
The city of Hanoi is rich in history, culture, and beautiful scenery. Breathe in the wares of the Old Quarter, pay your last respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and indulge in a boat ride across the stunning scenes of the Ha Long Bay.
Access:
- Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
- Local transport (bus, taxi)
Accommodation:
- Five-star to budget hostels
Witness the beauty of Hanoi and see why it has become one of the most sought after places among tourists.
7. Cusco / Peru
Charged cost: $30-50 per day
Visit attractions include: Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuamán fort, San Pedro market.
Cusco, Peru, the former center of the Inca Empire is a unique combination of rich history, vibrant culture and stunning sceneries. Some of the key points of interest include:
1. Machu Picchu (lost city of the Incas, one of the 7 wonders of the world)
2. Sacsayhuamán Fortress (the best stonework and engineering of Incas)
3. San Pedro Market (quite a colorful and cultural place)
Additional sites include:
- Plaza de Armas (central square with historical significance)
- Qorikancha (Inca Sun God’s temple)
- Cathedral of Cusco (cusquenian baroque architecture church)
- Tambo machay (Inca ruins and trekking place)
Activities include participating in:
- Conducting sightseeing activities
- Sample local food (cuy, papas a la huancaina)
- Joining cultural events
- Trek to accessible populated areas
Lodging facilities range in price from affordable lodges to high end hotels and service apartments.
How to get to the place:
- Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)
- Bus and taxi
Local advice for visitors:
- Adapt to the high region
- Follow the societal conventions
- Sample the food and beverages local to the area.
Cusco is a place with numerous adventures to experience as well as a lot of cultural activity. There is an… a courtesy to come and see that ancient beauty.
8. Krakow / Poland
Charged cost: $25-40 per day
Visit attractions include: Wawel Castle, the Main Market Square, Schindler’s Factory Museum.
You will uncover sights that are going to be of great interest to you particularly in the city of Krakow in Poland but also elsewhere in the country. Attractions not to miss are:
1. Wawel Castle (UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Polish statehood symbol)
2. Main Market Square (the largest square of medieval markets in Europe)
3. Schindler’s Factory Museum (Krakow during the German occupation and the Second World War)
Other places of interest:
- Kazimierz District (old Jewish neighbourhood)
- St. Mary’s Basilica (magnificent architecture)
- Cloth Hall (old trading center)
- Wieliczka Salt Mines (cultural site protected by UNESCO)
Things to see and do:
- Guided tours
- Cultural Festivals
- Sample local dishes such as pierogi, bigos, and zapiekanka
- Go to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
The accommodation provided includes cheap and expensive hotels.
Hop in on:
- John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice (KRK)
- Public transport facilities (bus, tram)
‘Better’ self-guidance:
- Move out on foot
- Relish their assorted snacks and refreshing juice
- Abide by the locals
Krakow is full of history, culture, and beautiful art formed in architectural style, all of which provide a reason for tourists to throng this place and enjoy its ambience.
9. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Charged cost: $40-60 per day
Visit attractions include: French Quarter, Bourbon Street, national WWII museum.
Welcome to New Orleans in the state of Louisiana, the city full of life, history, culture, and fun. Here are some of the sites to explore:
1. The French quarter (taste the local history as you enjoy rich architecture, restaurants and nightlife in general)
2. The Bourbon in most of the cases street (the liveliest spot where you are assured of cocktails and live music)
3. National WWII Museum (the best museum ever with interactive activities)
Other entertaining places;
- Jackson Square (historical ground with a park and street vendors)
- St. Louis Cathedral (wonderful building design)
- French Market (wares on sale and It’s Creole)
- Steamboat Natchez (a boat cruise on the Mississipi river)
Things to see and do.
- Book a tour
- Go to events (Mardi Gras; Jazz & Heritage)
- Sample the food – beignets; gumbo; po’ boys
- Enjoy the sights in the Garden District (old mansions)
Hotels are affordable but there are also 5-star facilities.
How to get there:
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
- They also have public means (streetcar, bus)
Gimme some insider secrets:
- Walk
- Eat and drink the local fast food
- Be mindful of how things are done where you are.
New Orleans is a destination with much culture, history and fun, making it very hard to forget.
10. Sofia, Bulgaria
Charged cost: $20-35 per day
Visit attractions include: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, National Historical Museum, Vitosha Mountain.
Sofia has affordable rates when it comes to accommodation, food, and most of the activities you will want to participate in.
Explore Sofia, Bulgaria - a unique city that has it all, from history and culture to nature. The following are some of the must-see sites:
1. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Exquisite Orthodox church)
2. National Historical Museum (The Largest Museum in Bulgaria)
3. Vitosha Mountain (Hiking, Skiing and beautiful villages)
Extra sites include:
- Ivan Vazov National Theatre (Famous for its neoclassic design).
- Central Market Hall (fresh fruits, handicrafts)
- Church of St. Nicholas (a historical architecture)
- Sofia's Historical Remains (The ruins of a Roman city called Serdica).
Leisure Activities:
- Participate in guided safari trips
- Engage in cultural activities and festivals
- Sample the local food (shopska salad, banitsa, kebapche)
- Go to Rila Monastery which is a World Heritage Site
Accommodation options are available from affordable lodgings to expensive ones.
How To Get There:
- Airport Sofia (SOF)
- Transport available (bus, tram, and metro rail)
Pour la petite histoire:
- Walk around
- Eat and drink what is available outdoor market wise
- Follow the culture.
A trip to Sofia is bound to be memorable. People’s capital has a rich history, good places to visit including mountains and lakes, and they present interesting local events to entertain visiting tourists.
Budget Travel Tips:
1. Look for options and organize everything accordingly.
2. Pay for the rooms before the trip and take care that it sticks to the plan.
3. Have community meals, eat local conquering the street food.
4. Move around with the aid of devices for the public.
5. Do not travel within the high tourist demand season.
Conclusion:
This list of the 10 best budget travel destinations is an unbeatable combination of culture, adventure, and natural beauty all at cheap prices. Naturally, whether you are a regular backpacker or a budding one, these places are bound to give you a wonderful time.
About the Author
@kusereo6uw61k
An optimist, who spreads positivity. Nature's beauty inspires my creative writing. With every word, I share hope and enthusiasm, illuminating the world wonders.