These are tough financial times. But that doesn’t mean you are not allowed to go on a vacation. In fact, many people who enjoyed a full weekend away from routine and work found themselves relaxed, energized, and more enthusiastic about life. It is scientifically proven that a good vacation decreases high levels of stress, improves a person’s mindset, and adds years to life. But do you really have to spend a fortune just to go on a well-deserved holiday?
The good news is that there are a number of holiday destinations all over the world that can offer you excellent time, great accommodation, and perhaps the break you really need from the hustle and bustle of your own daily grind. And they need not be expensive.
Here are great 10 cheap holiday options that you can select over expensive vacation packages that you probably want to try but can’t due to financial limitations.
#10 Bolivia vs. Brazil
When it comes to a South American getaway, Brazil tops the list, with vacation packages in Rio de Janeiro almost in everyone’s mind. Rio’s an obvious choice to a lot of people, with its string of high quality hotels and great party events in its vibrant beach resorts. Not to mention a visit to the famous Christ The Redeemer monument. But staying in Rio de Janeiro is quite expensive, because the place is such a huge tourist magnet.
A trip to Bolivia is a more affordable yet no less exciting option. Venture to the Amazon Rainforest, one the biggest and the last rainforests in the world. Or visit Potosí, the world’s highest city at 4,090 meters and discover Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest lake at 3,800 meters, aboard traditional native boats.
#9 Korcula vs. Corfu
Looking to enjoy the warm European weather on a sun-kissed island? A holiday at Corfu may immediately come to mind. The Greek island nestled at the Ionian Sea is a popular destination for those who seek the beach and want to bask in the sun. But Korcula offers the same without burdening you with the rates.
An island in the Adriatic Sea, Korcula is a great alternative to Corfu if you want to enjoy the beaches without the high number of tourists. Snorkeling, deep sea swimming and feasting on Korculan seafood are the common activities you can do. Peaceful and quiet, Korcula is a great choice if you want to spend your vacation relaxing and recharging your batteries without shelling too much out from your wallet. The island is also laced with pine forest trails, which provides an excellent venue for jogging and walking.
#8 Canyonlands vs. Grand Canyon
If you want to explore canyons, ridges, and gorges, you need not go far. The Grand Canyon in Arizona offers an excellent venue for hikers, rock climbers, and canyon explorers alike. But if you are looking for another alternative that offers similar and different at the same time, then a trip to the Canyonlands National Park in Utah is a good choice.
Canyonlands features pristine hiking trails that snake through forests, ridges and rock walls for climbers to conquer, and breathtaking views that you can enjoy from the high grounds. There are also bike trails for cyclists. The Colorado River and The Green River that flows through the park offer a great venue for kayaking and river trekking.
#7 Oman vs. Dubai
Dubai is no doubt the most glamorous city in all of the Middle East. Structured and shaped to the mold of Las Vegas, Dubai has attracted not only professionals, but tourists who want to enjoy and bask in the Middle East experience. However, most vacation packages in Dubai rhymes “sky high” in terms of price.
Oman, on the other hand, offers almost all of the things Dubai brings to the table. And the good news is that Oman is budget-friendly. Branded as the second best city to visit in a review by Lonely Planet back in 2012, Oman flaunts a plethora of spectacular beaches, lofty mountains, scenic deserts, and cruises that go through Musandam’s fjords.
#6 Costa Rica vs. Mexico’s Mayan Peninsula
The Mayan Peninsula in Mexico is an attractive destination for those who look forward to spending time partying in beach resorts or heading out to the sea for a myriad of underwater adventures. But most holiday plans in the Mayan Peninsula are hard on the pocket.
Costa Rica’s famed Pacific Coast proves to be a cost-effective alternative that brings the same offerings the Mayan Peninsula serves. Hidden beaches, good food, surfing, and fine snorkeling spots are just some of the things vacationers are bound to enjoy in Costa Rica, even if they are on a tight budget.
#5 Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania vs Bavaria
Bavaria is a great destination if you are into centuries-old German castles, picturesque forests, and mugs of German beer. But staying in Bavaria will cost you a lot. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, a region in Northern Germany, offers a cheaper alternative.
Fairytale castles and white sandy beaches that face the Baltic Sea are just some of the things you will enjoy in Mecklenburg. And if you are into Gothic architecture, cities in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are dotted with Gothic structures. The former royal residences of Schwerin, Güstrow, Ludwigslust and Neustrelitz are also huge tourist attractions.
#4 Gambia vs. The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are one of the most popular destinations for Western Europeans who want to enjoy some sun and sea. Located just northwest of mainland Africa, the Spanish archipelago’s tourism industry is the region’s main economic driver. Great weather, beautiful beaches, exhilarating diving spots, and volcanic parks are what make a trip to the Canary Islands appealing.
But Gambia, a tiny sliver of West Africa, offers a beach holiday that can parallel with the best beach destinations in the world. Facing the Atlantic coast, Gambia’s fine beaches include Kololi, Kotu, Fajara and Bakau, all of which are filled to the brim with tourists. And if you want to try something other than working on your tan, then a trip deeper to the country will introduce you to African wildlife.
#3 Patara vs. Ölü Deniz
Turkey is one the hottest vacation destinations in the world and for a lot of good reasons. The weather, the food, the history, and the culture make Turkey a magnet for tourism. Ölü Deniz is quite popular. Located in a region where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet, Ölü Deniz is practically a sheltered lagoon hidden from the open sea. However, a stay in Patara is much cheaper than a holiday in Ölü Deniz.
Patara boasts the untouched and unspoilt Patara beach that faces the Mediterranean Sea. Devoid of any sign of commercialization, Patara’s long coastline is the nesting ground for the nearly extinct loggerhead turtles. If you are about the sand, the sea, the sun, and the wind, Patara is more than sufficient to meet your standards.
#2 Budapest vs. Paris/Vienna
Paris and Vienna are too mainstream, too crowded, and overrated. Budapest, on the other hand, has what Paris and Vienna have – the glamour, the ritz, fashion sense, and rich history. You can experience all these in Budapest without the heavy price tag.
The capital city of Hungary boasts old theater houses, thermal baths, and lots of museums among others. When you decide to experience Central Europe without spending much, then Budapest is a great option for you.
#1 Orakei Korako vs. Rotorua
New Zealand is well known for its geothermal springs, geysers, and hot pools. So it’s no wonder that the country attracts tourists and vacationers who want to enjoy in its relaxing pools and see fascinating geysers. Rotorua is one of the popular destinations that feature such attractions. With walkways that go past geysers and hot springs and lead to scenic views of New Zealand’s “wild side”, Rotorua can be too crowded and expensive though.
Orakei Korako, on other hand, provides the same offerings for less. A trip to Orakei Korako includes a ferry ride that will take you to Hidden Valley and visit the thermal Ruatapu Cave. Other attractions include the ‘Waiwhakaata’ or ‘Pool of Mirrors’ hot pool at the bottom of the cave.