Travel doesn’t have to cost the earth, not if you’re a little clever with where you’re going and how you get there. For instance, if you insist on going to a five star luxury resort, then of course you’re going to pay for it and then some, but if you check out some off the beaten track, or under the radar destinations, you could not only find you save plenty of cash, but you could see some spectacular and little-known sights too.
Every year we hear about the ‘it’ places to go, and for 2016 there are some fantastic budget destinations to choose from. Here are five of the best.
Estonia
Cheap and beautiful, Estonia ticks both these boxes. The capital, Tallinn, is the perfect place to visit for history and architecture fans, with some of the most well-preserved architecture dating back to the Middle Ages in the whole of Europe. You can also get out and visit some of the nearly Baltic islands, such as Hiiumaa, as well as the plentiful national parks, such as Matsalu National Park, with stunning nature and wildlife.
Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are two of the most up and coming cities for travellers, and you will find countless backpackers heading here and passing through. Why? Well, for three reasons really – they’re cheap, they’re beautiful, and they’re authentic. You probably won’t find a destination which gives you a broader overview of traditional life than here, and Vietnamese culture and traditions are certainly very much on show no matter how long you stay for. Travelling from one city to the other is probably the most popular route.
New Mexico
Fantastic weather? Tick! An outdoorsy vibe with plenty to do? Tick! Cheap? Tick! New Mexico is like a scene from a Wild West film, and any fan of that kind of movie will love it. Set in the American Southwest, the landscapes are stunning, dramatic, and wild. Central New Mexico has Albuquerque, North Central New Mexico has Santa Fe, and Northeast New Mexico has the Santa Fe Trail, as well as Route 66 having passed through it.
Bosnia & Herzegovina
A country which formerly struggled but is now starting to make tracks on the tourism map. Historic and beautiful cities, such as Sarajevo and Mostar are seriously well-preserved, as well as offering rural and natural areas away from the cities. You might not have Bosnia & Herzegovina down as an adrenaline sports destination, but the wild landscapes certainly give you more than enough opportunities for this, such as white water rafting, as well as skiing during the winter months.
Quebec City, Canada
Many people dream of visiting Canada and experiencing the amazing landscapes, such as the Rockies, and the city life the country is famous for, but you might not have realized that Quebec City in particular won’t break the bank for a visit. The UNESCO listed town feels like it is stuck in time, but still has a strange modern vibe at the same time – it’s a blend many cities can’t seem to manage. Just outside of the city you will find Jacques-Cartier National Park, with its many wildlife viewing opportunities.
These five destinations are proof that you don’t need to break the bank to travel these days.