From the Philippines to Georgia, this year’s list of best budget travel destinations features exotic ideas from some of the world’s experts in travel. While some of these countries made the cut thanks to fluctuating currencies (Australia, we’re looking at you), others like Kyrgyzstan are more off-the-beaten path.
With this list, stretch your dollar further in 2017. Time to get traveling!
Northern Vietnam is a great budget travel destination for 2017. Consider renting a motorbike to see spectacular scenery like these rice terraces and mountains. Photo credit: Alesha Bradford.
Northern Vietnam is a great budget travel destination for 2017. Consider renting a motorbike to see spectacular scenery like these rice terraces and mountains. Photo credit: Alesha Bradford.
The digital nomads Jarryd Salem and Alesha Bradford are based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. They are in the midst of traveling across land from Thailand to South Africa, and are documenting their wild journey on NOMADasaurus. These are their two low cost suggestions:
1. Northern Vietnam
Vietnam is known as a budget destination, but the region north of Hanoi along the Chinese border often gets overlooked by travelers. This is truly a shame, because Northern Vietnam is where the most sensational scenery and culture can be found. Rice terraces, towering mountains, twisting roads and ethnic minority people all add to the adventure.
For budget travelers, private accommodation can be found for between $10-15 a night or dorms are as low as $5. Food ranges between $0.50 – $2 a dish and transport never costs more than a few dollars between towns. To really keep your costs down consider renting a motorbike.
2. Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
With 93 percent of the nation covered in mountains and a rich history and culture that goes back thousands of years, Kyrgyzstan is one of the most spectacular and underrated countries in the world. The capital city, Bishkek, is an incredible hub for exploring Central Asia, with Silk Road remnants like the Burana Tower just a short drive away and some incredible trekking opportunities in the surrounding mountains.
Best of all for a budget traveler, Kyrgyzstan is surprisingly affordable. Private accommodation in the city can be found for as little as $15 a night and good meals start around $2. Even a traditional yurt stay with 2 meals can be as cheap as $20 per person.
One of the first budget travel bloggers, Matt Kepnes has made a name for himself with his website and community, Nomadic Matt. And although the backpacker’s travel style might have evolved over the years, he still knows how to travel for less. Here are his favorite go-to spots:
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon offers a good mix of museums, historic buildings, eclectic music and nightlife, and squares and cafés to watch the world go by. I fell in love with this city when I visited. It had this old, gritty feeling that gave it tons of character. Plus, it is much less than many other European destinations, with budget accommodation clocking in around $30.
4. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is a fascinating metropolis filled with high tech infrastructure, modern skyscrapers, historic buildings, a large expat scene and delicious Korean food all at rock bottom prices. Plus, since it’s a major hub it is easy to access this low cost city.
5. Bucharest, Romania
With several centuries of architecture in Bucharest, there is an interesting display of old and new here. There are plenty of museums, cemeteries, historical sites to explore, plus wild nightlife and cheap, hearty food to be found! A go-to spot for digital nomads, it’s a city on the rise.
