There are many ways to save money on vacations. Choosing an affordable destination, such as the ones listed here, is an easy way to travel to an affordable location to enjoy your time off. Besides location, you can also travel during off-season, pick a place with a kitchen to prepare your own meals, use public transit, find free activities, and use points or discount codes for your bookings.
Great Value Vacation Destinations:
Colombia
Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. It’s also a fascinating mix of Amerindian, European and African heritages that have come together over the centuries to create a unique national identity. Check out our blog that explores the best places to visit in Colombia.
This country has an infectious vigour about it with tons to do: cities, beaches, mountains, music, dancing and welcoming people all beckon you to join in the fun. While a painful past (including Pablo Escobar’s reign of terror) was long associated with Colombia, its rebirth as a thrilling and welcoming travel destination is now well under way.
Discover Bogota’s historic heart with a city tour, take the funicular to the top of Monserrate mountain for incredible views of the capital and admire the world’s largest collection of Pre-Columbian gold at the Gold Museum. Then head to stylish, cultural Cartagena for a day at the seaside. Visit the coffee region for beautiful mountains and lush lanscapes, or head to Guatape for beautiful lakes and mountains.
Best time to visit Colombia: The best time to visit Colombia depends on your preferences and the activities you plan to do. Generally speaking, Colombia is a year-round destination with a relatively constant climate due to its location near the equator. December to February and July to August the weather is typically drier.
Malaysia
Malaysia is a great value vacations destination with fantastic food, stunning beaches and incredible jungles. It’s one of the most underrated destinations in Southeast Asia, despite being a popular backpacker hub. Check out our blog about Langkawi island.
It’s also one of the most diverse, with a range of cultural influences. You can find plenty of cheap things to do in Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Penang. Walking around historic cities is a great way to get a taste of Malaysia’s unique culture and heritage. Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur, Jonker Walk in Melaka and George Town in Penang are all worth a stroll and offer the opportunity to explore historic buildings and street art.
The rainforest in northern Perak is also a perfect short getaway for those that want to spend some time outside of the big city. You can go for guided nature hikes on Banding Island, Royal Belum State Park or Temenggor Lake.
Borneo is another amazing region in Malaysia for those who love national parks, lush rainforests, gorgeous oceanscapes, and mountains.
The best time to visit Malaysia: If you plan to visit the west coast, the best time to go is from December to February when the weather is drier and cooler. However, if you want to visit the east coast, the best time to go is from March to October when the weather is dry and sunny. Borneo is different, monsoon seasons affect North East Sabah from Nov to Feb and South West Sabah from June to Sept. For snorkeling, visit between April and December. For wildlife watching, March to October is best.
Indonesia
If you’re looking for a unique great value vacation idea, Indonesia is an excellent choice. It has everything from beautiful beaches to spectacular scenery, and it’s easy to travel around.
While most people head to Bali and the Gili Islands, Indonesia also offers a great variety of destinations that are much less touristy and more affordable. You can find dragons in Flores, explore the historic ruins of Java and even get off the beaten track to see some of the country’s most dramatic volcanoes in Sumatra.
The weather in Indonesia can be unpredictable, so it’s important to plan your visit well in advance. July to August is usually the best time to visit, as the weather tends to be dry and cool. Indonesia’s dry season lasts from April to October, and the wet season goes from November to March.
Indonesia is an extremely safe place to visit, but you should always be on the lookout for petty theft (bag snatching, pocket swiping and credit card fraud) when using public transport.
Ecuador
Ecuador is a stunning country that has a lot to offer the adventure-hungry traveler. The wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands, pristine beaches, glacier-capped Andes mountains and lush jungle ecosystems are just some of the incredible experiences to be had in this diverse South American country.
If you’re looking for an affordable vacation, Ecuador is a wonderful option. You can enjoy incredible wildlife and beaches, quaint colonial cities, delicious food and affordable accommodations on a trip to Ecuador!
For the best value, plan your trip during the shoulder seasons in October or November. During these months, you’ll experience less crowds and better hotel prices than during the summer or winter.
Start your trip in the capital of Quito, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll the historic center and climb to the top of Panecillo Hill on a guided tour. Continue to Otavalo, home of a famous crafts market dating back to pre-Incan times, and learn about traditional Andean culture with cooking classes and chocolate tastings. Finish your holiday with a visit to Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador.
The dry season in Ecuador runs from June to September, with clear skies and lower humidity. This is the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands, the Andes Mountains, and the Amazon rainforest.
Poland
Poland is one of the best value vacations in Europe – and with its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cheap food, wild nightlife and plentiful nature, there’s something for everyone.
While many travelers visit Krakow or Warsaw, it’s the smaller cities that really offer the true essence of Poland. Here, you’ll find that Polish people are more relaxed, and it’s much easier to get a feel for their culture. If you’re traveling solo, consider taking one of these guided tours. These tours are a great way to see the best of each city and learn about its history.
Don’t miss visiting the spectacular Tatra Mountains, where you can take in some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Europe.
When you’re ready to head out and explore, you can use the public transport system in most major cities. Buses and trams are affordable and convenient ways to get around, especially in larger cities like Warsaw. You can buy a day or three-day pass, and prices start at about 15 PLN ($3) per person.
Best time to visit Poland is from spring to late fall. For skiing, January to March is best.
Morocco
Whether you’re a gastronomic adventurer, a cultural wanderer or a hiker looking for epic mountains, sweeping deserts and historic cities to explore, Morocco is a great value vacation destination. It’s an exotic and awe-inspiring country filled with dazzling diversity, welcoming hospitality and the perfect glass of mint tea.
There is so much to do in Morocco and with a little planning, you can find yourself in a new city for free or at a very low cost. For example, Tangier offers a beautiful whitewashed medina with colorful alleys and it’s a must-see for anyone visiting Morocco.
Travelers can also explore the High Atlas, North Africa’s highest mountain range home to markets full of delicious eats and Berber tribesmen herding goats. Or head to Essaouira, a popular beach hangout for 1960s rock stars and a one-time shooting location for season three of Game of Thrones.
It’s a good idea to take antitheft precautions when visiting Morocco, such as not carrying too much cash in your pockets and keeping valuables out of sight. The risk of pickpocketing is very high, so be careful around the souqs and medinas. Dress is more conservative here as well, consider keeping shoulders covered and wearing longer shorts and skirts.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua is one of Central America‘s most underrated vacation destinations. It’s home to lakes, volcanoes, beaches and stunning colonial cities.
It’s a perfect choice for adventure seekers, history buffs and culture lovers. You can hike through exotic rain forests, visit nature reserves, marvel at tropical birds, do some surfing, and even trek the volcanoes!
Despite its natural beauty and rich cultural history, tourists are wary of visiting Nicaragua due to political unrest that started in 2018. Travelers can still explore the country safely if they take precautions.
Crime in Nicaragua is high, with armed robbery and assault being common. The country has a lower police presence outside major urban areas, so it’s best to avoid travelling alone or at night here.
Public transport is cheap and easy to use, but it can be chaotic. ‘Chicken buses’ leave when they’re full – so it’s important to keep your bags in a secure location and agree a fare before getting on the bus.
Nicaragua is a great destination for a budget holiday, with a huge variety of accommodation from five-star resorts to eco-lodges and super-cheap hostels. If you want a more rural experience, there are also camping options in some nature reserves and on some of the less developed beaches.
Albania
Albania is a great value vacation destination for anyone looking to see some of the most interesting places in Europe. This Balkan country has a rich history and beautiful beaches, as well as plenty of adventure opportunities in the mountains.
The country’s rich culture means that Albanian people are extremely welcoming of tourists. They will go out of their way to help you, whether that’s giving you a lift or offering advice on local sights.
This strong sense of community is a big reason why Albania is a safe place to visit. The country’s small size and lack of tourist infrastructure make it a fantastic choice for travelers who want to get off the beaten track.
Travelers should keep in mind that the country’s public transport is unreliable, so it’s important to plan your trip carefully. The cheapest way to get around is by taxi, but be sure to negotiate a fair price and avoid getting scammed. You can also use the free buses that run between some cities, although they are not always reliable.
Albania has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
General Money Saving Travel Tips:
- Plan in advance: Research and book your accommodations, transportation, and activities well in advance to take advantage of early bird discounts and avoid last-minute price hikes.
- Consider off-season travel: Traveling during the off-season can save you a lot of money on flights, accommodations, and attractions.
- Choose budget-friendly accommodations: Look for budget-friendly options such as hostels, vacation rentals, and camping sites. These can be much cheaper than hotels, especially in popular tourist destinations.
- Cook your meals: Eating out can be expensive, so consider cooking your meals or packing snacks to save money.
- Use public transportation: Instead of renting a car or taking taxis, use public transportation to get around. This can save you a lot of money on transportation costs.
- Look for free activities: Many cities and tourist destinations offer free activities, such as museums, parks, and cultural events. Research these ahead of time to save money.
- Use loyalty programs: If you are a member of loyalty programs for airlines, hotels, or rental car companies, use them to save money on your vacation.
- Shop around for deals: Don’t settle for the first deal you find. Shop around for the best prices on flights, accommodations, and activities.
- Use coupons and discounts: Look for coupons and discounts for restaurants, attractions, and other activities in the area you are visiting.
- Set a budget and stick to it: Create a budget for your vacation and stick to it. This will help you avoid overspending and save money.
