There are many cheap vacation spots in the world, and some even fully justify their “cheap price”, in the sense that you don’t want to vacation there at any cost. But in this huge list, there are also real pearls, interesting and pleasant places, travel to which will not burden your budget and will bring maximum pleasure from your trip. We have selected the 10 best places in the world for budget holiday, where you can have a great vacation without ceasing to be amazed at how cheap it is.
Hoi An, Vietnam
A person who has never planned an independent trip to Vietnam has most likely never heard of Hoi An, and if he did, he would confuse it with Hanoi. Leaving behind Hanoi the place of the cheapest city in Asia, the majority choose Hoi An, which is much more interesting and pleasant, but not much more expensive.
Arriving in Hoi An, one cannot help but note the fairly high quality of food and drinks in many restaurants with menus in English, aimed at tourists. By dining in establishments for locals, with plastic furniture, you can save a little, but given the general price level, most tourists prefer to visit places with a more comfortable and cozy atmosphere.
Hoi An overall looks lovely, and there are plenty of inexpensive excursions to keep lovers busy for a day or two, but it's the food that steals the show. There are many excellent Vietnamese restaurants in the city, and in most of them a main dish will cost from 70 to 150 rubles. Here you can also try the cheapest beer in the world, “bia hoi”, for about 5 rubles per glass. By the way, beer is especially cheap here, and the cheapest one is local La Rue, but you can also order Heineken brewed in Asia. Wine costs relatively a lot, but those who are not tempted by beer will be consoled by the moderate prices for cocktails. Vietnamese vodka is sold in bottles at incredibly low prices.
The old part of the city looks more like a Chinese fishing village from a revived museum, in which almost every second shop is a cheap sewing workshop. Tours to Michonne and other nearby towns are offered at every turn, including right at the counter in the hotel lobby and in many scattered travel agencies in the city center. In general, prices are about the same everywhere, but it can't hurt to haggle.
BUDGET
Taxi from Da Nang airport to Hoi An - 450-600 rubles
Bus from Da Nang railway station to Hoi An - 85 rubles
Taxi in Hoi An - 15 - 21 rubles per 1 km trip
WHERE TO LIVE. BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN HOIAN HOTELS
Delightful and charming, Hoi An is still a cheap city even by Vietnamese standards. Hotels have fairly high standards, and usually the default room of even a one-star establishment has air conditioning, cable TV, and sometimes Wi-Fi. If you want to go wild, you can find a place with manicured lawns and a swimming pool, at reasonable prices for any budget.
- CHOOSE THE MOST OPTIMAL HOTEL FOR YOURSELF AT PRICE-QUALITY IN HOI AN
WHEN TO GO. BEST TIME TO VISIT HOI AN
There are many hotels in Hoi An, the prices of which do not depend on the time of year. The low season is the rainy season, lasting from September to the end of November, and at this time the choice is especially large, and you can get a great discount, especially if you bargain yourself. If you are planning to come during the winter holidays, it would be a good idea to book your place as early as possible, because in many decent and most popular hotels all rooms are sold out many days or weeks in advance, so if you know where you want to go, it is better to book in advance.
Hoi An has a typically tropical climate, with distinct dry and rainy seasons, and temperatures fluctuate slightly throughout the year. From September to December, monsoons sweep over the city, bringing unexpected and heavy downpours. There are sunny hours and even days between storms, but it is almost impossible to predict them in advance.
The so-called dry season lasts from February to August, and during this time there is practically no rain, but slightly wet air makes warm weather noticeably hotter.
Goa, India
It's true that prices for holidays in Goa have been rising too quickly in recent years, but whoever gets there will be rewarded handsomely. The former Portuguese colony lacks the craziness that usually afflicts travelers to India, but instead has beauty and peace, plus amazing beaches.
Recently, more and more hotels with completely non-Goan prices have opened in Calangute and Baga in North Goa, but with this unfortunate exception, you can find cheap accommodation almost everywhere in Goa. The relaxed yet exciting hippie city of Anjuna still has plenty of hotels from around 350 rubles a night, with dinners around 70 rubles with a large bottle of Kingfisher beer for about the same price. Different parts of Goa cater to different types of travellers, so it's all about finding the one that suits you best.
The main entertainment here is to sit on the beach all day and go to bars, clubs and night parties on the beach. Beach restaurants keep prices for food and drinks at city levels, so dinner on the beach will be inexpensive, especially when compared to Europe.
BUDGET
Taxi from the airport to the nearest beaches - 300-450 rubles
Taxi in Goa - 7-22 rubles per 1 km trip
Bus travel in Goa - 3-10 rubles
Bike rental (for 1 day) - 110-165 rubles
WHERE TO LIVE. BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN GOA HOTELS
Goa is not a place, it is a state of mind. It is also an Indian state with several dozen small villages, most of which are located along the coast and attract many tourists from November to March. Compared to prices in other parts of India, Goa is a relatively expensive resort, but compared to other similar destinations, it is a very tempting choice.
During the peak holiday periods between Christmas and New Year, prices rise and hotels get so booked that if you can, try rescheduling your holiday or be prepared to pay more. But still, hotels in Goa are cheap and of good enough quality for a coastal resort. In addition, carefully choose the city where you will vacation. Some places are famous for their parties, while others are more family-friendly.
Hotel prices in Goa vary depending on the time of year. The high season, when crowds of Europeans and Israelis flock to the local beaches, lasts from November to March, with a particular surge in popularity observed in the week between Christmas and New Year. During this period, the cost of a hotel can double or even triple, but in most cases a room can be booked in advance, and the sooner the better. In April and May, mostly locals vacation in Goa, and from June to August there is almost no one here due to the beginning of the violent monsoon season.
- CHOOSE THE MOST OPTIMAL HOTEL FOR YOURSELF AT PRICE-QUALITY IN NORTH GOA
WHEN TO GO. BEST TIME TO VISIT GOA
Local weather forecasts are usually given for the main resort town of Panaji, located inland, so it may not be as hot on the coast. From December to April, during the main tourist season, the weather is very pleasant and dry, although there is humidity in the air even in the absence of rain. It gets really hot in April, and the monsoon season begins in June, bringing with it heavy downpours that stretch until mid-August. It is better not to come here at this time, unless your goal is to admire the rain and floods.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Bangkok may be a budget and undoubtedly captivating city in itself, but Chiang Mai, located in the north of Thailand, is even better. You want to stay in Bangkok for a few days, but leave time to visit Chiang Mai, where the weather is more stable, dozens of beautiful temples and many shops with much cheaper souvenirs and clothing than in the capital of the kingdom.
Chiang Mai is the second largest and most popular historical city in Thailand after Bangkok. And the prevailing atmosphere here is very different from what you may have already seen in Thailand, even if you ignore the picturesque mountain landscapes around. The city has excellent food, and any of the many small restaurants in the tourist area will serve you a multi-course lunch for 150 rubles. Most attractions here are either free or very cheap, so travelers can safely spend most of the remaining money on inexpensive souvenirs. Food and drinks are available for any budget, the most low prices can be found in many street cafes and restaurants for local residents.
BUDGET
Taxi from the airport to the city center - 130 rubles
Tuk-tuk from the airport to the city center - 65 - 95 rubles
Bus from the airport to the city - 16 rubles
Taxi in Chiang Mai - 15-20 rubles per 1 km trip
Bus fare in Chiang Mai - 22 rubles
WHERE TO LIVE. BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN CHIANG MAI HOTELS
The city is one of the best places to travel, offering a full range of hotels at low prices even by international standards, with hostels in Chiang Mai being, of course, even cheaper. A room in a quality 3-star hotel in Chiang Mai can be rented for about the same price as a bed in a hostel in Northern Europe. The price for a room in a private hotel right next to the walls of the central part of the city starts from 200 rubles per night. Pay a little more to get air conditioning, cable TV and a refrigerator in your room.
The high season runs from November to March, with prices rising further during Christmas and New Year. From April to October, you can stay at great prices even in the most popular places, while in cheap areas prices remain virtually unchanged throughout the year.
- CHOOSE THE MOST OPTIMAL HOTEL FOR YOURSELF AT PRICE-QUALITY IN CHIANG MAI
WHEN TO GO. BEST TIME TO VISIT CHIANG MAI
Despite the mountainous terrain, the weather in Chiang Mai is very similar to the weather in the coastal cities of Southeast Asia. The hottest month is April, and high humidity can make the heat simply unbearable. The city cools down slightly during the wet season from May to October, with rain falling in daily showers but rarely turning into a lingering drizzle. From November to February the weather is relatively moderate, so it is best to come on vacation during this period.
Cairo, Egypt
Definitely, Cairo today should be classified as “depending on the news”; in fact, the situation in the city is only encouraging lower prices for flights and good hotels in the tourist area. But even when things are quiet in Cairo, you can find plenty of amazingly cheap deals for budget travelers; suffice it to say that hotel prices start from 500 rubles.
Cairo is a great place for budget travelers. This is one of those places with one way or another parallel worlds that provide a wide choice for lovers of luxury holidays, while at the same time offering independent tourists good hotels with meals at very reasonable prices.
What you really have to be wary of in Egypt is intrusive street service, since tourists are usually surrounded by a crowd of “helpful” locals whose relatives sell the cheapest cruises on the Nile or best tours to the Great Pyramids. The best thing is to resist their pressure, study the market a little and hire a car with a driver for the whole day for about 800 - 1000 rubles for three.
Prices for tours and excursions from Cairo can always be reduced by 50%, and if you're lucky, even 70%, so be prepared to haggle. You can hire a driver and car for the day for a shockingly low fee, but don't be surprised how often he'll stop at the souvenir displays and restaurants from which he takes his cut.
By European standards, food here costs very little, especially if you visit places that locals frequent rather than tourist establishments with menus in English. Alcohol is not served everywhere, but on every corner there is a small wine shop where you can choose from several types of cold beer, which is easy to take with you for lunch.
BUDGET
Taxi from the airport to the city center - 215-450 rubles
Bus from the airport to the city - 10-15 rubles
Taxi in Cairo - 10-15 rubles per 1 km trip
Subway fare: 5 rubles
WHERE TO LIVE. BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN CAIRO HOTELS
Hotel seasons in Cairo are closely related to the weather; prices usually reach their maximum values from December to April, and their minimum values from June to August. If you are planning to come for the winter holidays, we recommend booking your accommodation as early as possible.
In hotels of upscale international chains, prices vary significantly, but in the market for local and independent hotels and hotel chains everything is stable. Often, a 2-star hotel in downtown Cairo is located in what was once a much more expensive but worn-out establishment, allowing for significant savings if you're happy to stay in a room that has seen better days.
If you decide to book a hotel on the spot (we do not recommend it), then it is better not to rely on taxi drivers waiting at the airport, since you never know where you will end up if you cannot provide the driver with the address of the hotel where you have booked a room in advance. It is still preferable to book a room for at least the first night.
- CHOOSE THE MOST OPTIMAL HOTEL FOR YOURSELF AT PRICE-QUALITY IN CAIRO
WHEN TO GO. BEST TIME TO VISIT CAIRO
Despite its deserted location, from November to April it is very expensive in Cairo. comfortable temperature, and at night it can even be a little cold. From May to October the daytime can be a bit uncomfortably hot, especially considering the humidity that descends on the Nile Valley at this time of year. Summer nights in the city are great, but daytime sightseeing can get expensive. It almost never rains in Cairo, so save space in your luggage by removing your umbrella and raincoat from your suitcase.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is another place where, when choosing hotels, you may get the impression that accommodation there has become quite expensive. In addition, Bali has recently suffered from its own popularity and the growing number of travelers, as evidenced by traffic jams that eat up a significant part of the time allotted for excursions. Yes, it is true, over the past 5 years a lot of things on the island have become more expensive, but you can still find hundreds of places that still offer lovely rooms starting from 700 rubles per night. So despite the disadvantages of popularity, Bali remains a fantastic travel destination, at least for those who don’t mind staying in trendy international chain hotels, in which case Kuta is the best place. The city is known as the island's surfing and nightlife capital, attracting independent and budget-conscious travelers from all over the world.
However, the surrounding landscapes and local way of life continue to astound those who come to enjoy one of the most unique and easily accessible cultures in the world. The food here is simply excellent, it’s not difficult to find a place where lunch will cost about 100 rubles, and something really tasty, and sometimes fashionable, will cost not much more. Local beer, made from the sap of palm inflorescences, is considered the cheapest drink in Bali, and it is really popular, although you can taste cheap cocktails at popular bars.
Sitting on the beach (watching the endless stream of trinket vendors and homegrown masseurs) is considered the main local entertainment, and, of course, it's free. For a small fee, you can rent a surfboard and even get some lessons for less than most other surf spots.
BUDGET
Taxi from the airport to Kuta - 100-170 rubles
Bemo from the airport to Kuta - 20-35 rubles
Taxi in Kuta - 13-17 rubles per 1 km trip
WHERE TO LIVE. BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN BALI HOTELS
Hotel prices start shockingly low, although the cheapest options have no air conditioning, cheap furnishings and obvious need for renovation. If you're a minimalist, you'll have plenty to choose from. If you prefer a split system to a fan, then the price of the room will increase, although there are still many great deals, unless you come during the winter holidays.
As on many other tropical islands, the greatest intensity tourist season in Bali reaches during the Christmas and New Year holidays. The second peak in hotel prices in Bali occurs in August and September, when many Europeans go on vacation.
The transition season for Bali hotels can be considered the period from April to July, and the low season lasts from January to March and from mid-September to December.
Many cheap hotels and private inns do not change prices throughout the year, while in many 3-star and more expensive hotels prices fluctuate incredibly, and if you come out of season, you can stay very well. There are no hostels with dormitory rooms in Kuta, but the abundance of private and inexpensive rooms in private hotels is such that there is simply no need for dormitory rooms.
- CHOOSE THE MOST OPTIMAL HOTEL FOR YOURSELF AT PRICE-QUALITY IN BALI
WHEN TO GO. BEST TIME TO VISIT BALI
It is not surprising that the air temperature in Bali, located almost on the equator, remains almost unchanged throughout the year. As in other tropical countries, everything is determined by the alternation of wet and dry seasons. The wet season lasts from November to March, and during this time rain can be expected almost every day, and if it does come, it pours like buckets or even stands like a wall. If you get caught in the rain, you will definitely need shelter, although showers here rarely last more than 30 minutes, so the main thing is to wait out the rain, and then you can do whatever you want.
During the dry season from April to November, there is much less rainfall, but the air is still humid, so regardless of the time of your trip, we recommend bringing plenty of T-shirts from home if you do not want to spend money on them on the Indonesian island.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap serves as a gateway to the nearby Angkor Wat complex and is expected to be a terrible place to put up with in the hopes of getting to the amazing temples, but in reality it turns out to be a nice little town that is nice to relax in if you have some free time . Hotels in Siem Reap range from very cheap to world class, with the quality at the lower end generally being quite good. In Siem Reap you can also find the cheapest hostels in the world.
It's true that visiting the Angkor Wat temple complex, which lies north of the city, is probably the most expensive tourist attraction in the entire region, but once there you can see why it costs so much, and that it is truly worth it. Thrifty travelers can purchase a ticket for a one-day excursion, which gives the right to visit the complex in the evening of the previous day, which will allow you to explore the place without unnecessary haste. After purchasing a tour for one day, three days or a week, you can enjoy unfathomably low prices on everything else.
One might think that a city built as a stopover for trips to a world-famous landmark would be full of unscrupulous businessmen and stupid souvenir shops. There's a bit of both, but otherwise it's a nice, laid-back Cambodian town that would be lovely on its own, even without the Angkor Wat complex next to it. Food and drink in the city is quite cheap, with pleasantly high quality and a surprising variety of establishments on Pub Street and the adjacent alley. Particularly pleasing is the draft beer and the presence of “happy” hours in almost any cafe, but at reasonable prices you will also be offered wines, strong alcohol and exotic cocktails. In dozens of establishments that advertise special offers, the norm during happy hour is a meal for less than 100 rubles, washed down with a glass of Angkor beer for 20 rubles.
BUDGET
Taxi from the airport to the city center - 235 -335 rubles
Motodop (motorcycle with driver) from the airport to the city center - 170 - 200 rubles
Tuk-tuk for the whole day to Angkor Wat - 335-500 rubles
Taxi to Siem Reap - 35-70 rubles per 1 km trip
WHERE TO LIVE. BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN SIEM RIP HOTELS
The range of prices and quality of accommodation in Siem Reap is wider than anywhere else in Asia. A bed in the hostel courtyard costs 33 rubles, decent inexpensive hotels start from about 700 rubles, and just outside the city there are world-class resorts, some of which have five stars. Peak prices occur between November and February, although in inexpensive hotels prices increase, if at all, only slightly. If you are going here during high season, it is better to book a room in advance.
- CHOOSE THE MOST OPTIMAL HOTEL FOR YOURSELF AT PRICE-QUALITY IN SIEM RIP
WHEN TO GO. BEST TIME TO VISIT SIEM RIP
Siem Reap has an almost tropical climate, the heat lasts all year round, only alternating wet and dry seasons. The most better weather is established from mid-November to February, and at this time the city is most lively. From March to the end of May, daytime temperatures go through the roof.
The wet season brings heavy rain for about an hour every day, but if you are unlucky, the downpour can last for several hours at a time. The Angkor Wat temple complex is practically impossible to hide from the rain, so traveling during the height of the rainy season can be quite a risky undertaking.
Cusco, Peru
Cusco is the largest city in the vicinity of Machu Picchu in Peru, and is also an excellent launching pad for excursions to the famous hill. This makes Cusco practically the twin brother of Siem Reap described above. Regardless of how you get from Cusco to Machu Picchu, you will have to spend a lot; A package one-day excursion by train now costs about 5,000 rubles.
Where Cusco really resembles Siem Reap is that it is an absolutely wonderful city in its own right and a popular hangout spot for backpackers to spend weeks on end. The abundance of hostels and cheap hotels means that finding cheap accommodation won't be too difficult, and that's not even to mention the very good local food, cheap booze and nightlife. The place is worthy of a visit in itself, but visiting Cusco and not visiting Machu Picchu is blasphemy, so consider your expenses in advance.
Considering that most people only know Cusco as a stopover on the way to Machu Picchu, it's a little surprising how charming, gorgeous and interesting the city actually is. Some parts of traveling to Cusco and Machu Picchu can seem incredibly expensive, so it's a good thing that many other things are very cheap here.
A flight from Moscow to Cusco and even to Lima will be expensive (round-trip flight prices start at 60,000 rubles), and a train to Aguas Calientes (if you prefer a one-day excursion) or a tour along the Inca Trail (you have to walk) are much more expensive than you might expect, so prepare in advance.
Food and drink in Cusco is also cheap, with an endless string of restaurants and bars keeping prices competitive. Beer is especially popular here, and its price is quite reasonable compared to prices at home.
BUDGET
Taxi from the airport to the city center - 135-200 rubles
Taxi in Cusco - 11-20 rubles per 1 km trip
Trip to Machu Picuchu and back by train - 4,750-26,000 rubles
WHERE TO LIVE. BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN CUSCO HOTELS
Hotels in Cusco are for the most part very cheap, although quite high quality. Several hostels catering to backpackers have recently opened, although saving on overnight accommodations is almost pointless given local prices.
Hotels in Cusco fill up during the high season, which runs from May to October. This is the dry season when Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail are most popular. During this period, it will not be a bad idea to book a room in advance, especially if you want to stay near the city center, in the vicinity of Plaza de Armas. Cusco continues to grow in all directions, so most of the new hotels are located quite far from the center of the main action.
- CHOOSE THE MOST OPTIMAL HOTEL FOR YOURSELF AT PRICE-QUALITY IN CUSCO
WHEN TO GO. BEST TIME TO VISIT CUSCO
If you visit during the low season, from November to April, you will have a fairly wide choice of hotels upon arrival, which will allow you to get a great discount. During the wet season, the city is not particularly popular, so competition between hotels reaches its peak of fury, and partly this is due to the fact that most of the income of such establishments comes from selling tours and excursions to guests, so even if they rent out a cheaper room, the owners do not lose money.
Due to the height geographical location(higher even than Machu Picchu itself) and proximity to the equator, the average air temperature in Cusco remains almost unchanged throughout the year. Summer (December to February) is somewhat warmer than the rest of the year, but it coincides with the wet season and heavy rains with flash floods will determine your enjoyment of the trip more than the temperature itself.
The best time of year to travel is from May to September, when the sun shines almost constantly in Cusco and the weather is dry. At any time of the year, in the evenings and nights in the city it becomes quite cool; frosts are possible during the dry period, but snow as such is very rare in these places.
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena has become a very fashionable destination in recent years, thanks in part to the fact that decades before the country was generally considered unsafe to visit. A lot has changed today. Colombia in general, and Cartagena in particular, is inundated with tourists, primarily those with a limited travel budget. While the news of the revival of tourism in Colombia is causing a cautious reaction, the city of Cartagena should definitely become a desirable item on the list of holiday destinations. A beach town with a colonial historic center and a long chain of resort hotels along a very beautiful sandy shore, this is one of the best cultural holiday destinations in South America.
By international standards, Cartagena can be called a very cheap city in everything from hotels to food and entertainment. In this respect, in South America it is closer to Panama or San Jose than to Lima or Buenos Aires. But if things continue to improve in Colombia, it is likely that prices will quickly creep up. Underrated places like this can't stay cheap forever.
In the meantime, most attractions can be seen for free or very cheap, and food and drink can also be quite inexpensive if you stick to local establishments rather than buying food and drinks in fancy hotel restaurants.
BUDGET
Taxi from the airport to the city center - 165 rubles
Bus fare in Cartagena - 25 rubles
Taxi in Cartagena - 30-40 rubles per 1 km trip
WHERE TO LIVE. BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN CARTAGENA HOTELS
Hotels remain fairly cheap even in high season, making the destinations popular with many sunseekers from around the world.
Cartagena hotels are in greatest demand during the period from December to February, as well as from July to August. Prices peak during the carnival and film festival (February), so if you are going here during the festival, it is better to book a room in advance. The rest of the year is considered low season, and it is much easier to find a comfortable place to live.
- CHOOSE THE MOST OPTIMAL HOTEL FOR YOURSELF AT PRICE-QUALITY IN CARTAGENA
WHEN TO GO. BEST TIME TO VISIT CARTAGENA
The most pleasant months to travel to Cartagena are from November to March; the temperature and humidity drop slightly, and the rising wind makes the stay even more comfortable. There are two rainy seasons a year - from mid-March to May and October-November, but even then rainfall rarely becomes a serious problem.
Panama City, Panama
The capital of Panama is a bit like Cartagena, of course, if you forget about the periodic riots that occur on the city streets. In any case, Panama City attracts more and more travelers from all over the world every year. The Panama Canal is still a major attraction, but tourists are now more focused on the city itself, shopping, restaurants and nightlife. And not far from the city there are beautiful beaches and resort areas.
As Costa Rica and Belize become more expensive year after year, Panama is gaining a reputation as a cosmopolitan melting pot of delights with very attractive price tags. Yes, there are even cheaper places in South America, but none of them have such refinement. Boasting a rich historical and cultural past in addition to its tropical nature, Panama is gaining popularity among travelers as a cheaper alternative to Costa Rica. Indeed, prices here are generally lower than in Costa Rica, but be warned, this will not last long if this surge in interest from tourists continues.
Food and drinks are also pleasingly accessible, especially if you focus on street cafes and other establishments aimed at local residents. Restaurants aimed at tourists with menus in English may not seem cheap at all.
BUDGET
Taxi from the airport to the city center - 1000 rubles
Bus fare in Panama - 9-42 rubles
Taxi in Panama - 14-30 rubles per 1 km trip
Bus fare in Panama - 8.50 rubles
Trip from the city center to the Panama Canal - 200-350 rubles
WHERE TO LIVE. BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN PANAMA HOTELS
Hotels and hostels in Panama are quite good, especially those with minimal star ratings at the lower end of the price range. In 3-4 star hotels, which are a little more expensive, it is profitable to stay in the low season. But even all year round in Panama you can find a wonderful place at a good price, much cheaper than in most other cities in the world.
- CHOOSE THE MOST OPTIMAL HOTEL FOR YOURSELF AT PRICE-QUALITY IN PANAMA
WHEN TO GO. BEST TIME TO VISIT PANAMA
Hotels in Panama operate according to the same seasonal pattern as in the Caribbean, that is, the high season lasts from December to March, and in some places high prices remain high into April. The high season reaches its peak during the Christmas and New Year holidays, so if you are going here at this time, it is better to book a hotel as early as possible. The low season runs from June to November, and during this time you can find some great deals. Don't forget that the low season coincides with the rainy season; however, this only means that every few days in the afternoon the clouds pour down with rain.
Panama has a classic tropical climate, with temperatures almost constant throughout the year. During the dry season from December to May, it can be quite humid during the day, but the heat rarely exceeds reasonable limits, so the overall experience is pleasant. The rainy season lasts from June to November; It usually rains in afternoon showers and rarely lasts throughout the day.
Krakow, Poland
The only European city on our list will undoubtedly rise in price in the coming years as more tourists discover it. Undoubtedly, this is the most interesting tourist city in Poland, and it is quite easy to get to. It may not be as beautiful as Prague, but it usually has far fewer tourists and prices for everything are a little lower. And while the city is protected from the fate of overcrowded Prague by its location somewhat remote from the main tourist routes, a visit to it is definitely worth the effort. Indeed, Krakow is one of the optimal cities for tourism, although this situation may change in the coming years.
The historic city center is one of the most beautiful in the region, but the main thing is the infrastructure, aimed at travelers on a modest budget. Many hostels and hotels in the tourist area compete fiercely for customers, keeping prices unfathomably low for such a wonderful place. Now the city, thanks to its very low prices and constant festive atmosphere, is considered one of the most popular for bachelor and hen parties among Europeans.
The main attractions and public transport in Krakow are quite affordable, so even very budget travelers can afford to admire museums and palaces from the inside, and not just from the street.
Also, by European standards, food in the city is quite cheap, unless you like local cuisine. If you want something more exotic than “krupnyak” and “flakes”, then it will cost more, but it is also quite acceptable. Drinks, again by European standards, are also quite inexpensive.
BUDGET
Taxi from the airport to the city center - 500-700 rubles
Express from the airport to the center - 120 rubles
Taxi in Krakow - 50-80 rubles per 1 km trip
Bus from the airport to the city center - 30 rubles
Tram/bus around the city - 20-40 rubles
Public transport pass for the whole day - 120 rubles
WHERE TO LIVE. BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN HOTELS IN KRAKOW
By European standards, hotels in Krakow are very cheap, even 3-4 star hotels can offer excellent value for money, so resist the habit of going to a one-star hotel or hostel. Hotels located far from the historical center of the city are even cheaper, but the quality of service in them may be lower, and they are often very inconveniently located.
- CHOOSE THE MOST OPTIMAL HOTEL FOR YOURSELF AT PRICE-QUALITY IN KRAKOW
WHEN TO GO. BEST TIME TO VISIT KRAKOW
The high season in hotels and hostels in Krakow is in the summer, especially in July and August. As new, modern hotels open, prices have increased somewhat, but you can still find very tempting offers, especially if you arrive between November and March. Krakow has some very good hostels, most of which have private rooms, perfect for budget travelers.
The climate in Krakow is typical for the region, with warm but not sultry summers, which are also considered the wettest time of the year - rain is always possible here. Spring and autumn are also good in the city, usually with little rain, while winter is usually quite cool.
From the editor
Smart Trip does not deny that a holiday on a river in Ryazan will cost much less than a trip to Colombian Cartagena. But for some reason you want to go to Cartagena a little more? By making lists of the best places in the world according to the “expensive-cheap” principle, we are on a slippery slope, if only because no one has ever been able to come up with a universal concept of “most expencive” and “cheap price,” and we are no exception. All these parameters depend solely on you, your desires and financial capabilities. If you are not ready to spend more than 7,000 rubles on a ticket, you should pay attention to Eastern Europe and try to fit your vacation into a budget of 20 - 25,000 rubles for two weeks in the low season. If you want to see distant countries of South America or Southeast Asia, be prepared for the fact that the cost of flights to these destinations starts from 15,000 rubles on charter flights to Southeast Asia and 35 – 50,000 rubles to South America. Cheap? Expensive? There is only one answer: to each his own. But it’s still better to visit Peru once than to Bulgaria 7 times. IMHO.
PS: Times change. Prices too. Smart Trip tries to provide the most up-to-date information, but we still have no control over exchange rates and other parameters of your vacation, alas. If you want to throw a tomato at the author of the article, do it with reason in the comments below. Yes, your opinion is important to us.
We studied guidebooks, forums, bloggers' reports, booking systems, sites with food prices and selected the most affordable countries for vacation. For each, we calculated a budget for two per day and converted it into dollars. This is the average amount for a couple of travelers who live in the same room, do not like to spend too much and stick to the golden mean in everything. After all, everyone understands differently by comfort: for some, a bed in a hostel is enough, for others, they will still choose among five-star hotels. Therefore, we did not take into account luxury hotels and restaurants, but found out how much it costs to have a meal in ordinary local cafes and stay in guesthouses, mini-hotels or Airbnb apartments.
In some countries, expenses can easily be cut by one and a half to two times if you use public transport, eat in non-tourist places and look for hotels according to the principle “we just need to spend the night.” For India and Indonesia, for example, we recommend a daily budget of $40–$50, but you can travel to these countries as a couple for $20 per day.
Faktrum publishes a very useful article from the Skyscanner blog that will help you plan your vacation profitably.
Cheap countries without visa
Armenia
Approximate prices:
You can have a hearty and cheap meal in Armenia at every step: khachapuri in Yerevan costs up to 500 drams ($1), lamaj (flatbread with spicy meat filling) costs up to $1.7, and crayfish kebab near Lake Sevan costs about $3. The average bill in a simple cafe is $3–4, and for dinner for two in a tourist restaurant you will pay $7–30.
Photo source: Skyscanner.ru
In the capital of Armenia there are inexpensive hotels with double rooms for $25–30. If you like the comfort of home on vacation, rent a nice studio in a quiet area for $20 or an apartment in the city center on Airbnb for $30–40 per night. Outside the capital, prices are slightly lower. In Armenia, as in Georgia, a stranger can invite you for coffee, dinner or even overnight. Agree: this is not fraud, but hospitality.
Standard route:
Yerevan and surroundings; Lake Sevan; Vanadzor and Lori Gorge; Khor Virap monastery with views of Ararat; Vorotan Valley and Tatev Monastery.
Visa:
You can enter Armenia without a visa for up to 180 days during the year. If you want more, find out how to apply for an Armenian visa.
Georgia
Approximate prices:
There is no street food as such in Georgia. The only thing you can grab on the go is fresh khachapuri or lobiani, which are sold on every corner for 2-3 lari ($1). Lunch at the cafe will cost $6, and for a generous dinner with wine you can pay from $8. An intermediate option is khinkali: you won’t have to look for them for long; one piece costs 60–70 tetri ($0.25–0.30). A dozen khinkali with salad and a glass of beer (for everything - $4) is enough to fill you up for the whole day.
A modest double room in Tbilisi and Batumi costs from $40 per night. It will cost $10 less to rent an apartment in a pleasant area near the center of the capital. In seaside Batumi, you can rent a small apartment in the private sector in 2016 for $20–25. Prices here are tightly tied to the season: an apartment by the sea with a fresh renovation and all amenities costs about $40 per day in mid-summer. In less touristy areas, you can easily find guesthouses with rooms for $15-$30.
Standard route:
Tbilisi; Mtskheta and the Georgian Military Road; cave city in Vardzia; Sighnaghi and Kakheti; Svaneti; Batumi and the Black Sea coast. If time permits, you can take a one-way ticket to Georgia, travel further overland to Armenia or Turkey, and fly home from there.
Visa:
Russian citizens can spend a whole year in Georgia without a visa.
Abkhazia
Daily budget for two: $65–75
Approximate prices:
A skewer of aromatic chicken kebab in Abkhazia costs about 200 rubles ($2.7), a cheburek with cheese and meat costs 70 rubles ($1). Lunch in a cafe by the sea will cost $5–12 for two, and a hearty dinner in apatskhe (restaurant national cuisine) - 9.5–13.5 $. For a one and a half liter bottle of homemade Abkhaz wine you will pay about $2.7.
On Airbnb, you can rent a room in a house by the sea in Sukhumi for $10 per day, and an apartment in the city center for $37 per day. If you dare to look for housing locally, it may turn out even cheaper: a room in a private house in Gagra can be rented for $9, and near Pitsunda there are options for $8 for two. A room in a good seaside hotel in Abkhazia costs $20–33 per night.
Standard route:
Botanical Garden, Kelasur Wall and the ruins of Bagrat Castle in Sukhumi; monastery and underground karst cave in New Athos; beaches of Gudauta, Pitsunda and Gagra; reserve near Lake Ritsa.
Visa:
To enter Abkhazia, Russians do not need either a visa or a foreign passport - an ordinary one is enough. Fly to Adler - from there it is only 10 km to the Abkhaz border, which runs along the Psou River.
Laos
Daily budget for two: $55–65
Approximate prices:
Lunch in street cafes costs from 12 to 50 thousand kip ($1.5–6), in a tourist cafe or restaurant - 50–100 thousand ($6–12). On average, a simple double room will cost about $12 per night. In the village of Vang Vieng, you can bargain on the spot and stay for that amount in a room with a wonderful view of the mountains. But in the capital, Vientiane, it is cheaper to book a hotel in advance: you can rent a cozy room for $15–17.
Almost all the attractions of Laos are paid, although they are very cheap: for example, entrance to the Paku caves will cost $2.5. These Buddhist caves can be reached by boat on the Mekong - you will pay $8 for a round trip and a stop at the “whiskey village”. Renting a motorbike with a manual transmission for the whole day in Laos costs about 70,000 kip - for $9 you are completely free to move around the country.
Standard route:
Vientiane; Luang Prabang; trekking in the Bocau National Park and/or rafting along the picturesque U River; Pakse and waterfalls of the Bolaven plateau; cruise along the Mekong south to Si Phan Don or to the 4000 Islands. You can continue your adventures in Cambodia or, if you go in the opposite direction, in Thailand.
Visa:
If you are traveling to Laos for less than 15 days, you do not need a visa. The only requirement is that the passport must be valid for 6 months from the date of entry.
Indonesia
Daily budget for two: $40–$50
Approximate prices:
Street food in Indonesia costs pennies: nasi goreng or mi goreng (fried rice or noodles) will cost no more than $1.5–2. You can have breakfast and lunch in local cafes for $2.5–4.5, and a hearty dinner costs $5–8 depending on the level of the establishment. You can rent a decent guesthouse room in Sumatra for $10, in Java for $10–15, and in Bali for $15–20. Traveling between the islands is also cheap - ferry travel costs about $3.
Standard route:
Since you have flown 9,000 km, spending your entire vacation in Bali, no matter how beautiful it may be, means depriving yourself of many impressions. There are 17,000 islands to choose from, from tiny paradises like Gili to Sumatra the size of Spain. Don't miss Borobudur and Mount Bromo in Java, visit Lake Toba or go on a jungle trek in Borneo.
Visa:
Citizens of the Russian Federation can enter Indonesia without a visa for 30 days through the international airports of Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, Denpasar, Batam Island, as well as through four seaports. At other border points, Russians can obtain a visa on arrival for a period of 30 days.
Vietnam
Daily budget for two: $45–$55
Approximate prices:
Banh mi sandwiches in Vietnam are sold at every turn for 10–15 thousand dong ($0.5–0.7), and juices cost the same in fruit shops. For a bowl of pho soup in a cafe, pay 1–2 $, and for 0.5 liters of homemade bia hoi beer - 1 $. In local eateries they offer food for pennies: two servings of fish or chicken fried in ginger sauce, with a plate of rice and a bowl of soup - $2. In a presentable restaurant these amounts are multiplied by 2–3. A hearty seafood dinner at a tourist establishment with Vietnamese cuisine will cost $12–20. If you miss European dishes, pizza for $5 will save you. You can eat a burger, fries and soda at fast food Lotteria for $3. Imported alcohol in Vietnamese stores is no more expensive than in duty-free, and a bottle of local rum can be bought for $3-4.
You can rent a double room in a Hanoi hotel for $11–15; in the village of Mui Ne, prices start at $10 for a bungalow with a shower and air conditioning right next to the sea, and in Nha Trang you can still rent a nice room with amenities for $6–10. Service in Vietnamese hotels is excellent, regardless of star rating. Breakfast is included in the price nine times out of ten.
Standard route:
Hanoi; Ha Long Bay; Museum of Cham Sculpture in Da Nang; Nha Trang; Mui Ne village; Dalat; Hoi An Museum City; Phu Quoc Island off the coast of Cambodia.
Visa:
Citizens of the Russian Federation can vacation in Vietnam without a visa for up to 15 days.
Serbia
Daily budget for two: $70–80
Approximate prices:
Serbian analogues of fast food - cheese pie gibanica, spicy sausages cevapcici, pljeskavica (cutlets with a side dish or in a bun) - cost no more than 200 dinars ($2). Moreover, to fill up, one splash of water is enough. You can have lunch for two in a decent restaurant for $7–9.
A simple double room in Belgrade hotels costs about $30 per day. For $16 you can rent a room in a hostel, and for $25–35 you can rent an apartment in the center.
Standard route:
Belgrade; Novi Sad; Smederevo; national parks Tara or Fruska Gora; Bajina Basta or other towns along the picturesque Drina River; Drvengrad is an ethnic village from the films of Kusturica. You can go to even cheaper Macedonia.
Visa:
To travel to Serbia, Russian citizens do not need a visa if the trip is within 30 days.
Montenegro
Daily budget for two: $80–90
Approximate prices:
Montenegrins' favorite national fast food is burek (a round pie or tubes filled with vegetables, cheese or meat) - sold for $1 in bakeries and on the beaches. A generous portion of cevapchichi with potatoes and pita bread costs $5–9 and is enough for two. It's even cheaper to have a meal at Mesar. These butcher shops sell semi-finished products, but you can ask for the same cevapchici to be fried on the spot - this is called “made on Rostile”. You can have a thorough breakfast in a Montenegrin cafe for two for $7–10, and a three-course restaurant dinner will cost $25–30. If you move literally 500 meters away from coastal establishments, you can save up to 50%.
The most expensive city in terms of housing is Budva: during peak season, simple one-room apartments by the sea are rented for $35–45 per day. But even in Budva, even in summer, you can rent a neat guesthouse room or a small studio for $20 if you book in advance. In winter in Montenegro, prices for hotels and apartments fall by almost half.
Standard route:
Podgorica; resorts of the Bay of Kotor (Kotor, Perast, Risan, Koštanica, Tivat, Herceg Novi); resorts of the Adriatic coast (Budva, Becici, Rafailovici, Sveti Stefan, Petrovac, Bar); Ostrog Monastery; National parks Lovcen and Durmitor with the Tara River Canyon.
Visa:
Citizens of the Russian Federation can stay in Montenegro without a visa for 30 consecutive days.
Cheap countries with visa on arrival or online
India
Daily budget for two: $40–$45
Approximate prices:
Street food in India costs almost nothing: a serving of vegetarian thali (rice, vegetable stew, lentils and flatbread) will cost 50 rupees ($0.8), and you can have a hearty lunch at a local eatery for 150 rupees ($2.3). The average bill in tourist restaurants is $3–6.
The situation with housing is similar: almost everywhere for 5–8 $ you will get a set of a bed, walls and roof, for 10–15 $ you will get a decent room with air conditioning. In Mumbai, Goa and Kerala, prices during the peak season - from December to February - increase 2-3 times. You can rent a scooter for a day for 200–250 rupees ($3–4). If you are traveling for a long time, it is better to rent a scooter for a week or a month - it will be even cheaper, about 150 rupees per day, and you will also be able to see neighboring states.
Standard route:
Delhi; Agra; a circle through the cities and villages of Rajasthan or a trip through the foothills of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand; and further - according to interests: either to Varanasi and Nepal, or to the south, to Mumbai and Goa or to Kerala. If time permits, visit Punjab (Amritsar), Kashmir and Ladakh.
Visa:
If you are entering India through Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Cochin, Hyderabad and Trivandrum airports, you can apply for your visa online.
Nepal
Daily budget for two: on a track in the mountains - about $40; in the rest of the country - $45–50.
Approximate prices:
In Nepal, you can have a hearty lunch for two at a street eatery for 400–500 rupees ($4–5). In tourist cafes prices are 2-3 times higher; lunch for two will cost closer to $15.
You can rent a double room in a cheap guesthouse with a shower and toilet on the floor for $5–8 per day. For $15–20 you can stay in a decent hotel in Kathmandu. average cost a small comfortable room for two in Nagarkot - from $15 per night, and in Pokhara - from $10.
Standard route:
Kathmandu and surrounding areas (Bhaktapur, Nagarkot); several days in the Chitwan Nature Reserve; Lumbini; Pokhara and mountain trekking - to Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, etc.
Visa:
A Nepalese visa can be obtained both at the Embassy in Moscow and at the airport upon arrival. Simply fill out the online form 15 days before your trip and present it at the border.
Cambodia
Daily budget for two: $70–80
Approximate prices:
You can buy a fried spider, a kilogram of mango or a bunch of bananas for $1 in Cambodia. Two servings of baked mussels with salad will cost $6. A hearty dinner with pork steak, potatoes and vegetables costs the same, and for a huge pizza for two in a regular cafe you will pay about $5. A glass of local beer in seaside bars costs $0.5, a jug will cost $2. You will spend more on spiritual food in Cambodia than on regular food: a ticket to Angkor for 1 day - $20, for 3 days - $40, for a week - $60. To rise above Angkor Wat in a yellow hot air balloon, pay $20.
A room with a double bed, air conditioning and shower in a guesthouse in the resort of Sihanoukville can be rented for $12–15 per day, and comfortable hotel rooms in Phnom Penh cost $15–20 per night. Khmers do not like to bargain; it is better to book accommodation in advance.
Standard route:
Siem Reap and Angkor temple complex; Lake Toplesap with floating villages, beaches of Sihanoukville (Ochuteal-Serendipity, Otres); Koh Rong island; national park Phnom Bokor; Phnom Penh.
Visa:
You can obtain a visa to Cambodia immediately upon arrival or in advance via the Internet.
Sri Lanka
Daily budget for two: $60–70
Approximate prices:
Food in Sri Lanka is similar to South Indian food in both taste and prices. Roti (spring rolls) cost from 40 Sri Lankan rupees ($0.28) for a vegetarian option to 120 rupees ($0.8) for a triangle with chicken and cheese. For a bunch of bananas you will pay $0.14, for a drinking coconut - $0.25, for a kilogram of papaya - $0.42. King prawns at the Hikkaduwa market sell for $7/kg, and buy a 0.75-liter bottle of red rum for $10. Kottu (something like a shredded hamburger) costs $1.5–2 in non-tourist cafes. Two servings of seafood dinner, rice with curry, salad and beer in a restaurant will cost $7–10.
The average price for a room with hot water and a fan in a guesthouse is $14–20 per night. In party areas like Mirissa and Unawatuna on the south coast, prices are higher - below New Year and until March, locals rent housing for $28–$55 per night. Prices for double rooms in Colombo hotels start from $25, and you can spend the night in a hostel for $16. If you plan to stay in Sri Lanka for a long time, it is wiser to rent a house or apartment for $330 per month (including utilities) on the spot.
Standard route:
Colombo; Pinnawela Elephant Nursery; Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, Lion Rock in Sigiriya, other Buddhist sites in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa; tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya; national reserve in the Sinharaja forest.
Visa:
There are three ways to obtain a visa to Sri Lanka - at the Embassy in Moscow, upon arrival at the airport or online.
Cheap visa countries
Romania
Daily budget for two: $80–90
Approximate prices:
You won't find street food in the Asian sense of the term in Romania. You can have lunch in a cheap cafe or fast food for about 10–30 lei ($2.5–7). A hearty lunch in restaurants in Brasov and Sighisoara will cost $12–14. Dinner at a highly advertised establishment in Bucharest will cost 100 lei ($24).
On average across the country, a simple double room in a guesthouse or two-star hotel costs $20–30. You can rent an apartment in the heart of Bucharest for $30–40 per day; in Brasov, aim for $35–45.
Standard route:
Bucharest; Danube Delta; Mamaia and other Black Sea resorts; Peles and Bran castles (“Dracula’s castle”); medieval Brasov; Transylvanian towns of Sighisoara and Sibiu. If you travel by car, do not miss the beautiful Transfagarasan mountain road.
Visa:
Romania is a member of the European Union, but has not signed the Schengen Agreement. With a national visa you can not only travel around the country, but also go to Bulgaria, Croatia and Cyprus. If you already have a long-term entry permit for these countries or a multiple-entry Schengen visa, you will not need to obtain a separate visa for Romania. In other cases, you need to apply for a Romanian visa.
Hungary
Daily budget for two: $85–95
Approximate prices:
The famous Hungarian goulash costs from 950 forints ($3.3). You can have a snack for two in an inexpensive cafe for $10, and a thorough dinner in a restaurant for $28. An impressive pizza will cost $5, and a cup of coffee with a delicate cake in Hungarian csukrázdy (pastry shops) is priced at only $2.5.
Cozy apartments in the very center of Budapest on Airbnb cost from $35–45 per night; in guesthouses on the outskirts you can live in comfortable rooms for $25. Apartments near Lake Balaton will cost another $5 less.
Standard route:
Budapest with its baths; Medveotthon Bear Park in Véresegyháza; open-air ethno-museum Skansen near the town of Szentendre; ancient Székesfehérvár; Pannonhalma Abbey; Lake Balaton and 10 more ideas for short trips from Budapest.
Visa:
To enter Hungary you need a Schengen visa.
Bulgaria
Daily budget for two: $80–90
Approximate prices:
A cup of coffee in Bulgaria costs from 0.8 to 1.5 levs ($0.5–0.8), a plate of soup (pileshka - chicken or trampota - with meatballs) - about 1 $, and Shopska salad - 2-3 $ . You can have breakfast in the Sofia cafe for $10 for two. A three-course dinner with drinks in a good metropolitan restaurant will cost about $20–22.
A double room in guesthouses in the city center costs from $16 per night. For $18 you can rent a room with a shower, air conditioning and a refrigerator in Kosharitsa and Ravda. A studio room in a three-star apart-hotel in the Sunny Beach resort costs about $26. Through Airbnb you can rent an excellent apartment by the sea with a pool in the yard for $25–35.
Standard route:
The most striking places in Bulgaria: Sofia and Mount Vitosha; Koprivshtitsa; Plovdiv and Perperikon; Valley of Roses; Rila Monastery and the Seven Lakes; Nessebar; tiny Melnik; beaches of Sunny Beach.
Visa:
Bulgaria is not part of the Schengen zone, but you can enter this country with a double or multiple-entry Schengen visa. You can also visit Bulgaria if your passport contains valid multiple-entry visas from Romania, Croatia or Cyprus. In other cases, you need to obtain a Bulgarian visa.
The site offers you relatively budget beach holiday options
Summer is in full swing, and you still don’t know where to go on vacation? The editors of the site have compiled for you a list of beautiful resorts with affordable housing prices.
Sochi, Russia
The resort area of Greater Sochi, which includes Adler and nearby settlements, took fifth place in the ranking of budget resorts in Europe.
Yes, not only do Russians like this area on the southern slopes of the Central Caucasus Range, but more and more foreigners come every year. The average daily cost for a vacation here will be 57 euros per day (about 4 thousand rubles), however, you can find cheaper accommodation and spend less on food.
Southern coast of Crimea, Russia
The southern coast is the territory from Cape Ai-Petri to Mount Kara-Dag. This is a real tourist Mecca, because the most beautiful and popular cities of the region are located here - Yalta, Gurzuf, Alupka, Partenit, Massandra, Miskhor, Livadia, Solnechnaya Dolina, Sudak and others.
It is in the center of the Crimean resort towns that housing and food will be more expensive. But it’s worth looking for housing in the suburbs, and you can easily find a room for 900 rubles a day and canteens where you can have a delicious lunch for 250 rubles.
Gagra, Abkhazia
Palm trees, fruits, pebble beaches. Sanatoriums and rooms that can be rented from local residents from 700 rubles per day. Inexpensive and very tasty food. Interesting sights - Lake Ritsa with Stalin's dacha, New Athos monastery and cave. In any coastal town of Abkhazia, be it Gagra, Gudauta, Pitsunda or Sukhum, you will surely enjoy it.
Antalya, Türkiye
The beach resort so beloved by Russians Mediterranean Sea is trying its best to attract the attention of tourists. A holiday on local beaches will not cost our tourists too much, especially if you are not original and take a last-minute trip from one of the popular travel agencies. Its average cost is 20 thousand rubles per person.
Crete, Greece
The cost of a holiday at the island's popular resorts averages 4.5 thousand rubles per day, a little more in Limassol and only 1 thousand more than in Sochi. Limassol is the second largest city on the island. There is a beautiful sea, beautiful beaches, low prices.
Petrovac, Montenegro
Petrovac is the undisputed leader in the list of inexpensive European resorts. A holiday in this stunning place with clean beaches and magnificent nature will cost approximately 3 thousand rubles per day. The city is surrounded by coniferous forests and olive groves, and the air here is truly healing.
Sozopol, Bulgaria
On the Bulgarian coast, Sozopol is considered a good and inexpensive resort. Even before the birth of Christ, there was an ancient colony founded by the Greeks here. Sozopol is home to many remains of buildings that were erected during antiquity, these are churches and temples, ancient houses. This cultural center, by the way, is under the protection of UNESCO. Tourists spend about 3.5 thousand rubles here per day.
Liepaja, Latvia
Prices in the resort of Liepaja, located on the Baltic Sea coast, are much lower than in the more “promoted” Jurmala. The cost of a room for two in a hotel for one week is 10 thousand rubles.
Koh Samui, Thailand
For Russians planning an independent holiday, the only disadvantage of a holiday on Koh Samui will be the high price of air tickets. In July this is approximately 25 thousand per person. As for accommodation, you definitely won’t go broke here. For about 13 thousand rubles you can rent a bungalow for two for two weeks. Sea, palm trees, white sand beaches, cheap fruit - these are the main charms of this little tropical paradise.
Sihanoukville (Kampong Saom), Cambodia
A stay in this mysterious ancient country will cost about 2 thousand rubles a day, but the impressions of this trip will last a lifetime. The main cost item, as in the case of Thailand, will be air tickets, and you will have to fly to Sihanoukville with two transfers. Round-trip tickets for one person will cost 50-75 thousand rubles.
There are really a lot of places in the world where you can relax inexpensively at any time of the year. Choosing a country for a budget holiday is especially important in times of crisis, when many people have to tighten their belts.
However, traditional tourist destinations like Turkey and Egypt are starting to get boring. That is why we decided to create a rating for you, where we present best countries for a budget holiday, where you can “cheaply” but tastefully bask on the beach, explore another culture and see many sights.
So, let's go!
10. India
A distinctive feature of tourism in India is the fairly strong contrast between the standard of living in different parts of the country: from very rich to, so to speak, miserable. This gives complete financial freedom in terms of choosing a holiday.
Based on this, you should choose less populated cities, because The price level in India is directly proportional to the number of inhabitants in a locality. By choosing small cities or resorts, you can only 300-400 dollars to rent housing and eat for 2 weeks!
India is a country with very rich cultural heritage, so there will be no problems with organizing leisure time. Tourists are offered a large number of historical monuments, nature reserves, religious institutions, museums, etc. In addition to this, delicious and cheap food, a developed transport network, beautiful beaches and friendly people.
The disadvantages of holidays in India include the presence of an unpleasant smell and garbage in some places. And remember! Don't hurt cows in India ;)
9. Vietnam
Vietnam is located next to China, Laos and Cambodia and is one of the cheapest holiday destinations in Southeast Asia. Indeed, prices for food, accommodation and public transport less than in European and Mediterranean resorts by 2-3 times!
In addition, at a low price in Vietnam you can get diving lessons, explore national parks and temple complexes. The only drawback that most tourists note is the long and quite expensive flight.
8. Costa Rica
The small country of Costa Rica, which is lost between continents, is considered one of the most beautiful places on earth and attracts tourists with its luxurious beaches, beautiful landscapes and affordable life.
Vacationers often note the unique nature of Costa Rica with its rare animals and beautiful waterfalls, as well as its location between two oceans washing the country’s shores.
Low prices for housing and food are considered additional incentives for visiting Costa Rica. For example, You can rent a good apartment in the capital of the country for $200 a month. Food at local markets is cheap, so food costs no more than $100 per month. More sophisticated tourists can dine in numerous restaurants and cafes, where the average bill varies from 3 to 8 dollars.
The only disadvantages of traveling to Costa Rica are the long flight and a significant time difference.
7. Laos
Many tourists associate Laos with Thailand, which is located next door to this country. Indeed, the Lao People's Democratic Republic is very similar to Tai, only a little simpler and poorer.
Traditionally, Laos is considered a land of adventure, because... people come here for new experiences that can be obtained at a very reasonable price. For example, for a 30-day vacation with accommodation and meals you will pay no more than $300. And there’s really nowhere to spend money in Laos, there are practically no large stores, and on the shelves of small ones there are mainly local fruits and vegetables.
A distinctive feature of Laos is the presence of a huge number of temples and monks that are scattered throughout the country. Vacationers in Laos also note the calm and measured rhythm of the country; even there is no active traffic on the roads. Most of the resorts are small villages with quiet and clean beaches and green oases.
The disadvantages of Laos include not very good transport infrastructure and lack of nightlife in small resorts.
6. Thailand
Thailand is often called "land of a thousand smiles", which was largely due to the hospitality of the Thais. That is why millions of tourists from all over the world come here to relax, and some of them even move to permanent residence.
Mild climate, good beaches, delicious spicy food and low prices housing costs are determined by the fact that many freelancers, poker players, and remote workers who are not tied to their place of residence come to this country. They often choose Thailand as their “wintering” place. It is worth noting that behind For $200 you can rent a small house for a whole month, while spending $100-150 on food.
Among the disadvantages of Thailand, tourists often include the presence of transvestites, people gay, as well as pollution in some areas (mainly large cities).
Useful advice for smokers in Thailand: take cigarettes with you from home, in Thailand they are very expensive and of poor quality.
5. Bulgaria
Bulgaria is one of the few European countries which can offer tourists quality and inexpensive holiday by the sea. Due to the similarity of the Bulgarian language, this place attracts quite a lot of Russian-speaking tourists. Therefore, sometimes you can find signs and other information in Russian, especially since most Bulgarians understand it.
Bulgaria attracts many people due to inexpensive and short flights, well-maintained beaches, delicious food, and clean seas. The advantages also include absolute safety, because... Bulgarians are a peace-loving people and the local population very rarely exhibits aggressive behavior.
Prices in Bulgaria, of course, are slightly higher than at resorts in the Asian region, but are at a low level among European ones, while having high quality of service. A standard trip with a 10-day stay will cost you approximately 700 euros (2 people, 4* hotel).
It is worth noting that Bulgaria is excellent for holidays with children, especially since children’s trips to this country are usually subject to discounts. There are also health resorts in Bulgaria.
4. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka provides all the services of a leisurely and relaxing holiday: calm ocean, clean beaches, diving, fishing, sightseeing tours and much more.
Many tourists enjoy the kind and hospitable local people of Sri Lanka, cheap fruits and seafood, and beautiful nature. When choosing housing It's worth paying attention to beach hotels, rooms in which are several times cheaper than usual. For example, for $200-300 you can stay for a whole month.
In order not to ruin your vacation, experienced vacationers recommend washing fruits thoroughly, be sure to boil water, and when visiting the jungle, get vaccinated first and take anti-malarial tablets. The disadvantages of a holiday in Sri Lanka usually include only a long flight and expensive alcohol and cigarettes.
3. Türkiye
Türkiye is a favorite destination for Russian-speaking tourists, because... it is this country that has become synonymous quality, but inexpensive holiday . But if you look at Turkey through the prism of history, you can see the successor to the great empires of the past with a rich cultural heritage.
However, despite this, by and large, Türkiye attracts tourists thanks to beautiful scenery, good hotels, inexpensive food, high quality service. Holidays in Turkey include a full range of tourism services, from excursions to historical sights to active recreation.
Tourists cite the only disadvantages of holidays in Turkey as the excessive intrusiveness of local residents and merchants.
2. Indonesia
Indonesia is the largest island state in the world, which every year becomes more attractive in the eyes of tourists. A mild climate, untouched nature, beautiful landscapes and white sand beaches - this is what Indonesia attracts lovers of exotic and active holidays from all over the planet.
Every person there will be able to find entertainment to their taste: diving centers, surfing sites, hiking in the mountains, yacht trips, nightclubs, safaris, excursions, etc. Prices may pleasantly surprise you, for example, The average price of lunch in a cafe varies from 2 to 8 euros. With the right budget, a month's holiday in Indonesia can cost 500 euros including accommodation and food.
Tourists often cite the disadvantages of traveling to Indonesia as long flights and difficult relationships with local aborigines.
1. Cambodia
The indigenous people of Cambodia are the heirs of an ancient civilization that survived the horrors of colonization, genocide and violence. But today Cambodia is considered one of the most promising tourist countries in the Southeast Asia region.
Thanks to the historical past in Cambodia, many historical monuments, burial places, and temples have been preserved. In addition to architectural attractions in Cambodia, you can admire untouched natural landscapes, go to mountain walking, and also soak up the white sandy beaches. Low prices for housing and food are also considered an undoubted advantage of Cambodia. In particular, for 50-70 dollars You can rent a cozy apartment for a whole month.
Disadvantages include not very good transport infrastructure and poor condition of drinking water.
Travel, discovering the world, new countries and emotional satisfaction. Every tourist is looking for all this, but cannot find it due to the high cost of vacation. But there are places where you can get your fill of impressions for a reasonable price. Introducing cheapest resorts in the world– places where you will feel like a king!
Cambodia at the top of cheapness and exoticism
There are many budget resort countries, but Cambodia and its beaches are at the top. Accommodation will cost about 150 domestic money per day. This includes a hotel room and three meals a day. The only thing that will cost a pretty penny is the flight. There are no direct flights from the CIS to the country, so you will have to make at least one transfer.
The food in Cambodia is delicious, and staying in a good hotel will cost only 60 “wooden” per night. Beaches and infrastructure are developing rapidly. On this moment the state and resorts are considered the best for young people. Also, the large number of monuments and excursions adds color.
Vietnam is becoming more and more popular every year. This is due to the fact that accommodation and food in the country are inexpensive. But it’s not just the price that attracts tourists here. There are enough places to see here, at least take Nha Trang. One day stay will cost 250 rubles. Exoticism and variety of entertainment are the dominant factors when choosing a tourism destination, and the price is a pleasant addition.
India is a huge country, but only a few regions can be distinguished as world resorts. The most famous of them is Goa. If you try, you can have a good rest on this peninsula for 750 Russian money per day. This takes into account the fact that you will travel first class on trains, constantly travel by taxi, and live in a five-star hotel.
Of course, in some regions there are expensive hotels and places, but they are more acceptable than domestic ones and are significantly superior in quality. Resort life in India is fully available to our compatriots.
Thailand is a popular destination for cheap accommodation
Today in Russia no one can be surprised by a trip to the exotic country of Thailand. Just 10 years ago this was a remote area that was accessible only to the elite of our society. Why has the direction become so popular? Everything is very simple, thanks to exotic views and cheap accommodation.
Many residents of large Russian cities went to live in Thailand because the income allowed them to have a pleasant time all year round. You can relax here for 800 rubles a day, including accommodation in the most expensive hotel, constant transportation by taxi and delicious food.
Bolivia is the cheapest resort in South America
Bolivia is a little-known destination for our tourists. But despite this, resorts are considered the cheapest in South America. For one day, it is enough to spend only 850 rubles, and this will include excursions, accommodation, meals and shopping. But flying to the mainland is not an easy task; you cannot do without transfers. Let us note that Bolivia has very tasty beer, but what else is needed for complete relaxation?
Costa Rica is the second budget region in South America
We continue to consider the countries of South America; Costa Rica is considered the second cheapest. This is a developed and stable state where you can spend a budget holiday. To live one day in the republic you can spend only 250 rubles. And if you want to show off, then for 900 rubles you can walk day and night. You can eat in a restaurant for just a few dollars. It's a real pleasure to be here, especially for a long stay.
Hungary is a fairly popular destination for excursions and health-improving holiday. A trip to the capital is a must on any tour of Europe. Note that if you visit the country on your own, the price of the flight will not hit your pocket, because there are a lot of low-cost airlines here. Health resorts, museums, restaurants, clubs and other entertainment are worth a visit. A day in Budapest with visits to various places will cost 950-1000 rubles per day. For a European state this is not much.
If we talk about the Black Sea and famous resorts, then we will talk about Bulgaria. Over the past few years, the destination has become very popular among our citizens. However, a holiday in Bulgaria is cheaper than in your native Gelendzhik or Sochi. You can relax in Bulgaria in summer and winter, regardless of the season, the whole range of active, family and party recreation is collected here. For 1000-1200 rubles a day, your vacation will be simply royal.
If we consider holidays on the islands, then the most budget resort is Sri Lanka. There are incredible exotic views, an excellent coastline and pleasant service. Here you can enjoy the light breeze while drinking a cocktail on the seashore and eating only the best food. If we consider the cost, then for royal conditions you will have to pay about 1,300 rubles per day. Note that many travel agencies are beginning to intensively promote holidays in Sri Lanka.
If you don't know where to go, then go to Nepal. After all, there is always something to do here. Many religions, incredible landscapes of the Himalayas and other exotic surprises. Here you can relax perfectly and get a huge amount of emotions. At least take the climb to the highest mountain in the world!
The top cheap resorts in the world are presented, but this does not mean that this list is exhausted. There are other equally colorful countries where you can spend your holiday on a budget. For example, Egypt, Türkiye and Tunisia were not mentioned in the article. However, holidays here are inexpensive and prestigious.
