Author:
C.J. Gustafson
So you want to travel the world
but you have a tight budget? Are you tired of reading about everyone
else’s exotic adventures and ready to have some of your
own? Have you
always wanted to take an international vacation but thought you
couldn’t afford it?
There are numerous travel destinations across the world
that are both exciting and affordable. Five of them are described here to give you
ideas and get you started planning your own
getaway.
There are two ways to approach affordable
vacations to distant destinations. Either you will save money getting there or
the savings will occur once you arrive at your selected
spot. If you want
the trip there to be affordable, many travel consolidators
recommend choosing well-known destinations that are served by
numerous airlines and receive millions of travelers each
year. The
competition for customers usually drives costs down for
everything from lodging to tour packages. Airfares between major
hubs tend to be more affordable and there are often plenty of
discounts and last minute travel deals.
London
In Europe, London is a top pick
for affordable vacation destinations, for these exact
reasons. Not only
do you have more flights to choose from, they are cheaper than
if you flew to a more remote location. On average, staying in London may be a bit
more expensive than other European destinations, but the
seemingly endless choices in hotels, restaurants,
transportation, tours, and other travel essentials gives travels
opportunities to mold their vacation to fit their budgets. And you can use London
as your home base to set out on day trips to other more exotic
locations or buy a Eurorail pass and see those more remote
countries without the expense of flying there.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
This theory also works well for traveling in the
Caribbean. Belize
is an appealing destination, with wonderful Caribbean beaches
and a lush tropic setting, but since it has only recently
emerged as a popular travel destination, it is more expensive
than Cancun, Jamaica or other well-traveled locations along the
Mayan Riviera. With
fewer flights, getting there is more expensive, and there are
few moderate lodging options. Development of larger luxury resorts have
begun to boom, but the only real alternative for those on a
budget is staying in local facilities that may be hard to locate
from home and may be more rustic than most travelers are willing
to try.
Although there are
many options for affordable vacations in the Caribbean, an
excellent pick is Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Accessible via flights
to Cancun, which are often some of the cheapest in the region,
Playa is just a half hour away. It is filled with a multitude of lodging
choices, from expansive luxury resorts on the ocean to quaint
but clean hotels downtown.
From Playa, travelers can branch out and visit Tulum and
other locations on the Mayan Riviera or take the ferry across to
the island of Cozumel where snorkeling is prime and the
attractions are many.
For Asian destinations, travelers often do better to
focus on saving money once they get to their destination. Depending on your country
of origin, getting to just about any spot in Asia is going to be
a sizable chunk of your travel budget. The difference will come from the cost of
lodging, food, entertainment and other travel expenditures once
you arrive. By
choosing destinations where you get the most for your money, you
can save a great deal on your international vacation. A drink or dinner in
Tokyo will cost you many times more than what it would in
Saigon. The key here
is to go where your dollars buy you more and where the local
cost of living is low.
Tioman Island
An affordable yet exotic choice for Asia is Malaysia and
specifically Tioman Island, knows as the mythical 'Bali
Hai' from the film 'South Pacific.’ Tioman Island is located at the southern end
of the east coast of Malaysia on the South China Sea. Its sandy
beaches, bordered by lush jungles and stunning mountains make it
a relaxing yet intriguing destination, ideal for sun lovers,
snorkelers and divers.
The island also has many villages for exploring and
shopping. English is widely spoken and
the rates are amazingly affordable, with a two night lodging
package for a suite at a lovely oceanside resort averaging
around 100 U.S. dollars.
Typically visitors reach the island via the speed ferry
from the mainland. Although the trip can take over two hours, it
is enjoyable and provides opportunities for dolphin watching
along the way.
Buenos Aires
South America also has many destinations that are
affordable because of the savings once you arrive. Locales like Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, the areas top
destination, are coming down in price but are still more
expensive than cities such as Buenos Aires in Argentina, where
the rates are lower and the U.S. dollar goes
further.
A huge metropolis that is more European than South
American, the city has much to offer including cultural events,
thriving nightlife, shopping, local sports, and a host of tours
and excursions. La
Boca, with its street performers, shops, and unique architecture
is a big tourist draw.
The large number of choices for lodging, restaurants, and
activities provides opportunities for budget travel and savings.
Airfare to the city is relatively reasonable for an
international destination, with discount fares from the U.S.
averaging around $500 round trip. Buenos Aires might not be one of the most
exotic or inspiring destinations in South America, but it is a
city that everyone should see at least once, and with some of
the most affordable rates and fares around, it makes the list as
a top South American destination.
Las Vegas
The list
would not be complete without a North American destination, and
the champ of all affordable locales is Las Vegas. It too is a city that
should be seen at least once, and many world travelers return
again and again for the gaming, art, shows and people watching
that just can’t be found anywhere else. Close enough to other top
U.S. attractions like the Grand Canyon, Vegas provides other
options for those who have had their fill of
casinos.
The city has long been known for
its cheap vacation packages with hotels and resorts that offer
discount rates for rooms, meals and entertainment in hopes of
attracting people to their gaming tables. Airfare rates into Vegas
are some of the most reasonable in the United States, no matter
the origination destination. And with more than 100,000 hotel rooms to
choose from, there is sure to be a lodging choice that fits your
budget.
The world
provides hundreds of affordable travel destinations. With all the options
available, there is no excuse to put off that life-long desire
to travel to exotic places at the far ends of the earth. Destinations can be
researched on the Internet or your travel consolidator can make
recommendations and help with locating cheap international airfare and
lodging rates that fit your budget. So what are you waiting
for? Get out there
and explore the world.
About the Author
C.J. Gustafson is a freelance
writer and photographer who travels extensively for work and family vacations.
A cheapskate by nature and necessity, she is always on
the lookout for bargain travel deals and affordable vacation
destinations.
© 2004
1st-in-cheap-vacations.com
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