17 UNDERRATED TRAVEL DESTINATIONS THAT ARE JUST BEAUTIFUL
Travel means embracing the unknown, seeking new experiences, and discovering the beauty of the world around us. It’s a chance to leave the familiar behind and delve into the unknown. Travel awakens our senses and opens our minds to the world’s wonders. Feel the sun’s warmth on your skin, taste new scents on your tongue, and inhale the sweet scents of faraway lands. And as we travel through life, we carry those experiences with us, shaping who we are and how we see the world. A journey is not just a physical journey, it is a journey of the soul, an invitation to explore the vast and infinitely fascinating range of human experience. These destinations are perfect for long vacationers like you and me. People who travel on a budget but still want the full experience. Hopefully, this guide will give you some fresh ideas for the next time you come to plan your next trip! 1: Taranaki – New Zealand Start in this beautiful part of New Zealand. I am fortunate enough to call Taranaki home. Taranaki is a region located on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand. Rising majestically across the state, Mount Taranaki is famous for its active, dormant stratovolcanoes. Taranaki is adorned with gorgeous black sand beaches that offer great surf breaks. This means that in winter you can ski and surf on the same day. It is said that summer is the best time to travel to New Zealand, but I don’t think so. New Zealand is wonderful any time of the year. But if you’re visiting Taranaki in the spring or fall, don’t forget a light jacket or a good rain poncho. New Zealand has many secrets only locals know. One of them is the fact that in New Zealand he regularly has four seasons in one day. Budget Tips Taranaki has plenty of free activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and volcano climbing. Stroll along the seaside promenade and watch the sunset before enjoying a glass of wine at one of his many unpretentious bars. Cheaper than Auckland or Wellington! We only use Kakak to ensure the best prices on flights. You really can’t beat them (and their mobile app is great!) Check prices for flights to New Zealand here Please ✈️ 2: Mirrisa – Sri Lanka Despite its growing popularity, Sri Lanka is still a relatively underrated travel destination. We spent three weeks in Sri Lanka as a family and this beautiful island has captured our hearts. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka offers golden sandy beaches, amazing food, stunning wildlife, stunning landscapes, and friendly people. If that’s not enough to make Sri Lanka your next travel destination, you should know that Sri Lanka recently announced that it is offering free visas to her over 30 countries, including the United States… What are you waiting for? Don’t miss the town of Mirissa, which offers beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and the slower pace of Sri Lankan life. Budget Tips From Mirissa, take a bus to the beautiful city of Galle. The ride costs less than $1, and the experience of sitting next to an open window surrounded by colorful locals is priceless. The pizza restaurant next to the bus station in Mirissa is also the best in Sri Lanka (and very cheap!) 3: Udaipur – India After spending 6 weeks in India last year, I’m a big Indian fan, so I’ll include two Indian cities. India gets a lot of bad press when it comes to vacation destinations, but if you give India a try, I think you’ll love it as much as I do. Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is an incredibly romantic and unique destination for travelers who like to think outside the box. Nestled on the shores of tranquil Lake Pichola, Udaipur has a maze of winding streets lined with charming shops and cafes. The people of Udaipur are friendly and welcoming, and they pride themselves on being a beautiful city with a vibrant arts scene. See the city from the water on a romantic sunset cruise on the lake. Please don’t let Udaipur enchant you! Things to do in Udaipur Join this private tour This tour is perfect for those who want to see all the highlights of Udaipur in one day. Explore the City Palace, the view of the Monsoon Palace, the tranquility of Fatehsagar Lake, the Jagdish Temple, and Lake Pichola. Budget Tips Take a tuk-tuk to the hills and find the reservoir. It’s nice, quiet, and shady. the best? It’s free! 4: Alleppey – India Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a city in the southern Indian state of Kerala, famous for its backwaters. An intricate network of canals and lagoons meandering around and around the region’s beautiful surroundings. Alleppey is probably the greenest, cleanest, and friendliest city we have visited in India. We are committed to providing our visitors with great beaches and great restaurants. If you’re looking for a unique travel destination in India, you’ll love Allepey. Why not listen to the podcast where my teenage son and I spent a month talking about the realities of backpacking in India: Is India as scary as everyone says it is? 5: Phong Nah-Ke National Park – Vietnam Most people who travel to Vietnam tend to head for the big cities that offer beaches and shopping. It’s a shame because this means missing out on the opportunity to experience a beautiful destination like Fonner. Steeped in history, Ponner offers adventurous travelers a breathtaking opportunity to experience one of Asia’s oldest karst mountains. Formed over 400 million years ago, these breathtaking mountains are traversed by hundreds of spectacular rivers and caves, all waiting to be explored. For adventure-loving budget travelers, Phong Na, Vietnam is a must-see destination. Budget Tips Rent a motorbike (very cheap – beware of motorbike scams popular in Vietnam!) and drive around the beautiful hills. Food in Vietnam is so cheap that
19 Places to visit around the World in 2024
There are many factors to consider when planning a vacation, from finding cheap travel destinations and the safety of your intended destination to hotel options. But, like it or not, one thing influences your travel decisions more than anything elsemoney. All those resort fees, airline tickets, and life-changing meals add up quickly, so at the end of the day, you want to prioritize where the US dollar has the most purchasing power. We did a little research to find out which countries have the most advanced US dollars based on recent exchange rates. Due to the volatility of the global economy, these prices may fluctuate at any time, but they have remained consistent over the years. Some places have tried and offered better prices. Without further ado, here are 21 of the best cheap places to travel the world. Hungary 1 USD = 377.27 Hungarian Forint Hungary’s booming economy is good news for anyone planning a trip to Budapest. Budapest has a growing scene of Michelin-starred restaurants and high-tech spas, beckoning us from all over the world. Budapest is full of 5-star hotels with 3-star prices. But if you want to pamper yourself, relax in a room at the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest. The old-world hotel was filled with chandeliers, stained glass, and white stucco. After all, this is the hedonistic capital of Europe. South Korea 1 USD = 1,280.24 South Korean won While other travelers hit the top tourist destinations of Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island, we set our sights on another South Korean city.Mokpo is located in the Jeolla region at the southern tip of the peninsula. The port city is home to some of the country’s most interesting restaurants, and specialties such as hon-gyo (a naturally fermented, extremely spicy stingray dish) attract foodies from all over the world. Mexico 1 USD = 19.37 Mexican PesoMexico has consistently been one of my favorite places to travel on a budget. Mexico City has a street food culture second only to its hipster restaurant scene, where most of the money is spent on food. But be sure to leave some cash to visit all the cultural wonders the city has to offer, including the legendary Jumex Museum. If you want to go further out, head to Jalisco to see tequila made with the sauce, or head to Isla He Holbox for a sleepy beach scene. Argentina 1 USD = 173.95 Argentine PesoThe Argentine Peso is currently at an all-time high. Some additional benefits for American travelers to the country: In 2016, the Argentine government eliminated a $160 “reciprocity fee” for U.S. citizens, allowing foreigners to pay 21% of their hotel stays. received a VAT refund of Announced that we could spend the extra money on steak and Malbec if we wanted. Vietnam 1 USD = 23,585.00 Vietnamese dongMany countries in Southeast Asia currently have good deals for dollar carriers, but a trip to Vietnam is recommended. Hanoi is arguably the most romantic city in the region, but don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path on your next visit:Places like Ninh Van Bay and Phu Quoc Island have pristine beaches and cozy resorts not found in tourist areas. Brazil 1 USD = 5.17 Brazilian RealLike many countries in South America, Brazil is a good place to visit if you don’t want to break the bank. But for $1 she’s getting 5.32 Brazilian Reals, which means she’s getting even more value than usual. Rio de Janeiro is the most obvious place to invest your time and money, with amazing hotels like 2018 Hot List winner Emiliano just steps away from some of the best beaches in the world. But don’t forget to visit São Paulo too. A younger generation has brought trendy galleries, museums, and bars to some long-overlooked neighborhoods. South Africa 1 USD = 17.01 South African RandThe value of the South African Rand has fluctuated a lot in recent years, but we are happy with its current level. (By comparison, ten years ago a dollar was just R8.57.) Once you’ve picked up the 21-course tasting menu at Cape Town’s Test Kitchen, step into the wilderness at Singita Castleton Lodge in Sabi Game Reserve Sands. Step in. Costo Rico 1 USD = 581.88 Costa Rican ColónCosta Rica’s Colon has fallen somewhat in recent months but remains cheap for US travelers. Then there’s the fact that most of the country’s best assets (namely, its natural beauty) can be enjoyed for free. From trekking in the tropical cloud forests of the Alajuela Mountains to surfing on the Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica is one country where outdoor adventures thrive. (And the hotel is pretty nice too.) Columbia 1 USD = 4,732.05 Colombian PesoColombia feels like a microcosm of South America at its finest, with Andes mountains, Amazonian jungles, and sandy beaches within its borders. In addition to its natural attractions, major American cities are undergoing a renaissance in food, arts, and technology, yet it remains one of the most affordable places Americans can visit. Philippines 1 USD = 55.22 Philippine pesoNever dreamt of island hopping in the Philippines. Considering that places like Palawan and Siargao are among the most beautiful places on earth, it’s hard to believe they’re so economically accessible. Even his five-star resorts like Shangri-La Boracay can be booked for under $350 a night. Egypt 1 USD = 24.63 Egyptian PoundFollowing in the footsteps of the Pharaohs in Egypt may seem expensive, but the Egyptian pound has skyrocketed this year. So, a tour of the pyramids, a Nile cruise, or exploring Cairo has never been more affordable. We look forward to more recent openings such as St. Regis Cairo and Beachfront Villas at Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria. We’ve been eagerly awaiting the official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum for years, and it looks like it will open in 2023. Malaysia 1 USD = 15.40 Maldivian RufiyaaMoney goes a long way in Malaysia, especially when eating street food and exploring cities like Kuala Lumpur on foot. It’s also cheap (and sometimes free) to visit pristine beaches, limestone caves, and
The HYPE Top 10 overrated destinations around the world.
Top 10 most overrated travel attractions however the plot twist is most of these locations are heavily overrated and often leave their visitors feeling disappointed don’t get us wrong. We’re not saying that these locations are to be avoided we’re just trying to paint the right picture for you so you won’t set yourself up for disappointment. 10. TIMES SQUARE, NEW YORK If you ask any new yorker to recommend a tourist destination there’s one place that they will tell you to avoid at all costs, it’s the Times Square neighborhood. It’s an extremely overcrowded place with hundreds of giant billboards and people walking around wearing creepy costumes, it’s safe to say that times square is basically nightmare material if you’re going there on a shopping trip. Then you’re just going to waste your time the only excusable reason that would make you pass by the neighborhood as if, you’re going to attend a Broadway show. 9. RAINBOW MOUNTAIN, PERU CUSCO The Minnetonka rainbow mountains or The Montana de Siete Colores is a destination that skyrocketed to fame thanks to social media and Instagram influencers unless you’re visiting rainbow mountain in august. You probably won’t see the same sight that can be seen on Instagram photos these photos are a product of heavy editing in photoshop to make the mountain’s color appear so vibrant and lively. We’re not downplaying this travel destination because even if it’s not as vibrant in real life as it is in photos, it still is magnificent now that we’ve established that the rainbow mountains might not be what you expect there’s another bump in the road that might steer some people away from visiting. It’s quite a journey to arrive at the mountain’s location it takes a two-hour road trip then another three-mile long hike if you’re coming from Cusco or another three-and-a-half-hour road trip through, the district of Pitumarca the journey takes way too much time and you will be exhausted by the end of the day. 8. HOLLYWOOD SIGN, LOS ANGELES who wouldn’t want to take a photo next to the Hollywood sign for years taking a photo next to the big bold letters of the Hollywood sign has been almost a mandatory thing that travelers do when they arrive in Los Angeles. You will always find hundreds of people going on an hour-long hike from Griffith park or the brush canyon trail just to snap a photo. There’s so much more to Los Angeles than the Hollywood sign so do yourself and everyone a favor and try to explore the rest of the city instead. 7. HOBBITON, NEW ZEALAND If you’re a fan of the blockbuster fantasy franchise lord of the ring then it’s almost certain that the Hobbiton movie set is a destination that, you have always wanted to visit lord of the rings director made the right choice when he picked New Zealand as the movie’s filming location. it’s even better that they’ve kept the set preserved so fans can live the fantasy as they walk through the breathtaking scene that was just created for their favorite movie. But be well prepared to be disappointed, guided tours usually cost around 80 to 90 dollars which some might find understandable as it’s a once-in-a-lifetime type of situation what’s disappointing is the fact that you won’t get the opportunity to explore Hobbiton freely all the tours are heavily guided and you won’t find yourself moving quickly from one place to another in a matter of minutes. It’s a frustrating feeling seeing all these incredible locations and not being able to explore them on your own. 6. THE LITTLE MERMAID, COPENHAGEN Little mermaid statue Copenhagen is home to many spectacular locations and we assure you that the little mermaid statute isn’t one of them as much as it’s unimpressive it’s very overrated. It has actually been voted as one of the world’s major disappointments make use of your precious time and go on a stroll on the colorful harbor of Nyhavn. Perhaps visit the marketplace of torval hovern and try out some of the most delicious gourmet food or explore Tivoli gardens which were Walt Disney’s favorite amusement park and was the inspiration behind Disneyland 5. FRENCH QUARTERS, NEW ORLEANS Everyone around the world have this image of the French Quarter located in New Orleans as being a place where the locals play jazz music and enjoy themselves while celebrating and partying in the streets let’s not forget about mardi gras unfortunately when you visit the French Quarter you will be met with a site that’s completely different from what you are expecting. It’s no longer the charming neighborhood that it used to be you probably won’t encounter any locals unless you’re going to a bar you will find more middle-aged drunks than you’ve ever seen in your life finding a restaurant that serves good food without astronomical prices is rare the whole neighborhood is overcrowded and cramped and you’ll want to leave as soon as you arrive if you want to visit a lively place that remains as advertised head to the Marigny neighborhood in New Orleans 4. MOUNT RUSHMORE, SOUTH DAKOTA Upon first glance of Mount Rushmore, you will be in awe at how impressive it is to carve presidents into the mountains and to even think that this was done in the early 20th century when technology wasn’t as advanced as it is now is mind-boggling once the initial surprise wears off you’ll start to realize how underwhelming the sculptures are photos on the internet have exaggerated how big the sculptures look when in reality they’re much smaller they’re still impressive however don’t set your expectation too high before you visit Mount Rushmore 3. BLARNEY STONE, IRELAND do you want the gift of gab well we can assure you that kissing a giant stone isn’t going to make you any wiser or smarter? we would advise you to instead do nothing and just waste time and save your money
25 Amazing Ancient Ruins Of The World
The world is home to a plethora of fascinating ancient ruins, from crumbling cities to temples that have withstood the test of time. Many of these ancient societies were incredibly innovative and forward thinking. Just take a look at their meticulous city planning and incredible feats of engineering; some of which we are yet to fully understand. Some of the most captivating ancient ruins are full of thousand-year-old mysteries that will boggle even the most curious of minds. Ayutthaya Founded around the year 1350, Ayutthaya is a historical city that began as a Khmer military and trading post. It wasn’t long before this thriving trading port became the ancient capital of Thailand. It held onto this title for four centuries until it was burned down by Burmese invaders. As many of the temples and relics of the city were crafted from wood, the large majority were destroyed. Only around 50 stone relics and temples survived the fire and can still be seen today. Since renovations started in the 1970s, exploring Ayutthaya’s mix of Siamese, Sri Lankan and Khmer architecture has become a popular day trip from Bangkok. Stonehenge Dotted along the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, Stonehenge is easily one of the most recognized ancient ruins in the world. Dating back over 5,000 years, these curious stone rings are some of the oldest stone structures on the planet. Created out of sandstone, they are ensconced in mystery. Who built them and why is still largely unknown. Two popular theories maintain that Stonehenge was used as a site for religious rituals or otherwise to monitor the movements of the sun and moon. As you only need two hours to explore the ruins of Stonehenge, a day trip from London is often combined with a visit to Windsor or Bath. Mesa Verde Deep in the American Southwest, you’ll find Mesa Verde National Park with its fascinating collection of 600 ancient clifftop dwellings. The most famous of these dwellings is the Cliff Palace, built into an enormous sandstone alcove that’s protected it from the elements for over seven centuries. It’s the largest of its kind in North America and unlike the rest of the dwellings that contained just a few rooms for residential purposes, the palace had over 150 rooms and 23 sacred kivas. Having been lived in for close to a century,these unusual cliff-side villages were suddenly abandoned in the 13th-century. Sigiriya Sigiriya is an ancient fortress carved into a 200 meter vertical rock face in Sri Lanka. On top of what is now known as Lion Rock are the fascinating remains of an ancient civilization, thought to be the capital of the kingdom of Kassapa. In its heyday, it included a citadel, a mirror wall with stunning colorful frescoes, and a gateway in the shape of a lion. After the king passed, the capital was abandoned and it was used as a Buddhist monastery. While the climb to the top of Sigiriya is certainly not for the faint-hearted, the views of the ramparts, terraced gardens and cave shrines will be worth the effort. Masada The ancient fortress of Masada is possibly one of the most impressive ruins on the planet. Perched on a cliff top overlooking the Judaean Desert and the Dead Sea in Israel, the site is hauntingly beautiful. Dating back over thousands of years, it was built as the palace of King Herod. It had modern creature comforts such as a bath house and even private swimming pools. More famously, the enormous fortification saw the last stand of the Jewish Revolt who chose death over a life of Roman slavery. Two pathways lead to the top and while grueling in the beating sun, the views are worth it! Hampi The second-largest medieval city after Beijing, Hampi was one of the wealthiest in India. Once the thriving epicenter of the Karnata Empire with temples and imperial palaces, now only crumbling ruins remain. Founded in the 14th-century by two princes,the former capital began as a simple riverside religious center. Highlights include the temple that served as the royal family’s personal place of worship, the House of Victory, the Vitthala Temple with its stone chariot and musical pillars, and the main temple with its carvings of strange-looking sea creatures. Pompeii The eerie ruins of Pompeii can be found near the Italian city of Naples. When the iconic Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, it destroyed the Roman city in waves of lava and took the lives of over 2,000 residents along with it. The ancient city first discovered by accident beneath the volcanic rock in the 1950s is remarkably well preserved. However, it wasn’t until two decades later that it was properly excavated. You can walk down the streets of these ancient Roman ruins and imagine the town as it was in its heyday. There are the remains of stone houses, temples, bakeries, and even a brothel. Tulum An hours’ drive from Cancun, the Tulum ruins are the remains of an ancient cliff top fortress built by the Mayans. Walled on three sides with the fourth open to the Caribbean Sea, the views are simply incredible. Even though it dates back to 564 AD, was at its prime during the 13th and 14th centuries. It was a powerful trading hub for jade, cotton,and cacao beans. Apart from the El Castillo pyramid, the main attraction, have a look at the beautiful mural inside the Temple of the Frescoes and go fora swim at Tulum’s secret beach, surrounded by palm trees and sunbathing iguanas. Ephesus One of the most impressive Greek and Roman ruins on Earth, the ancient city of Ephesus can be found in western Turkey. Dating back over 2,000 years, it was once home to the famous Temple of Artemis. But what makes these ruins stand out is just how immersive they are. Unlike many other protected archaeological sites, you can touch, stand on and walk through every part of the city. Highlights include a series of ancient public toilets, the Library of Celsus and Hadrian’s Temple. It is also home to the 25,000-seater Great Theater of Ephesus, the largest outdoor theater in the ancient world. Ellora Caves The Ellora Caves are made up of a series of caves, monasteries and temples carved into the side of a basalt cliff. Out of 100 caves, only 34 are open to the public. Located in Maharashtra, India, Ellora dates back to 600 AD and took Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monks over five centuries to craft. The highlight of the Ellora Caves is the Kailasa Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is the largest monolithic sculpture in the world. Other worthy sights include the large preaching Buddha in the Carpenter’s Cave, so-called because of the rock’s resemblance to
15 Best Instagram Destinations in the World to Visit
If you take an epic trip, but don’t post about it to Instagram, did it even happen? Mm-hmm Like it or not, Instagram has changed the face of travel forever with nearly half of all millennial travelers choosing their destinations based upon Instagram ability. Here we’re talking about the most popular travel destinations on Instagram, and how to get the perfect shot. Let’s go. Travel Photography is nothing new. When you experience something unique, you naturally want to share it. So if a picture is worth a thousand words then a good Gram Hammer is enough convincing to make millions of people travel to faraway lands. Smartphones have armed every traveler with a camera, blown up previously unknown spots, and some say made travel more about capturing an experience than experiencing the moment itself. Now that doesn’t mean that Instagram is the end of travel….. But with more people dying globally from selfies than from shark attacks, we should all remember to not let the joy of travel be overshadowed by the pursuit of “likes”on social media. Without further ado, these are the most Instagrammable places on earth and how to get the perfect shot. 1. Machu Picchu The Lost Citadel of the Inca made headlines around the world in 1911 when American Explorer, Hiram Bingham, published the first photographs of a major archaeological discovery using his Kodak Panoramic camera, O.G. Instagrammer. Most get the shot from the Caretaker’s Hut, which has great views but is also insanely crowded. A better option is to head to the quarry where it’s easier to get an unobstructed view. Pro tip: Most people wake up at 4:00 in the morning to try to get there early. Little do they know, everyone’s waking up at 4:00 in the morning. So you’re just going to stand in line in the darkness waiting for a bus. It sucks. You shouldn’t do that. What you should do is sleep in and head up to Machu Picchu in the afternoon when there’s fewer crowds, better light and plenty of alpacas. 2. The Canadian Rockies For those of you who blame Instagram for the downfall of travel, let’s talk about Spirit Island in Alberta, Canada. Swarmed 365 days a year by camera toting tourists, it’s actually not Instagram’s fault entirely. It’s probably Kodak’s. In 1960 Kodak advertised its new Colorama film by hanging a gigantic photo of Spirit Island in Grand Central Station in New York City for 40 years. Talk about gaming the algorithm. As a result, these days it’s nearly impossible to get the shot to yourself. There’s a 90-minute boat tour that takes you there for 15 minutes only, or you can get a camping permit, canoe there, and spend the night. An easier and even more popular option is to go to nearby Lake Louise famous for its turquoise waters and iconic red canoes. The crowds are intense, but the lake is big enough for you to find your own quiet corner. Perfect for a clean shot or maybe even enjoy some nature. 3. The Eiffel Tower The Eiffel Tower is perhaps the most recognizable building in the world. So if you don’t want to be “tres cliche`” you might have to get ” un peu creatif.” Most people snap a photo straight down the Champ de Mars. But a better angle is across the Seine in the staircase of the Palais de Chaillot Get there at dawn for no crowds and a back lit Eiffel Tower. 4. Los Angeles, California. Millions of tourists come to LA every year to visit places they’ve seen in the movies, from the Hollywood sign to the Griffith Park observatory, and the Santa Monica Pier. But Instagrammers have their own monuments…. in particular the Los Angeles County Museum of Art or LACMA. Specifically, they come for the streetlight installation out front, a pillar of many Los Angeles girls’ Tinder profile. Come at night when the crowds are gone and the lights are on. But come before sunset if you want to see the museum. It closes early, but it’s totally worth it. 5. Venice, LA A new classic is the Venice sign because Venice is so hot right now. To get this shot, you’re going to need to walk into the middle of the street. So wait for the 22nd crosswalk and please do not get hit by a car or an electric scooter. Speaking of Venice, what better place for a romantic photo than the original Venice in Italy? Most tourists jostle for a spot on the bridge above the Grand Canal. So if you want it to yourself, you’re going to have to get there before sunrise. Another option is to take a canal ride, 80 euros for a half hour. It’s not cheap, but if you want to get that shot and truly experience what it’s like to travel around Venice in a canal boat, it’s totally worth it. Other good photo spots include Punta della Dogana, which sounds like a place in Star Wars or Burano Island for Venice vistas without the crowds. 6. New York City The New York City skyline is world renowned for good reason. But taking an elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower{ Empire State Building} is going to cost you at least fifty seven dollars, not to mention your precious time. For a better and cheaper shot, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge down under the Manhattan Brooklyn overpass, a.k.a. Dumbo, to the corner of Washington and Water Street for a classic New York City shot for free. 7. Taj Mahal. Built to celebrate love, the Taj Mahal is now one of the most photographed buildings in the world. The classic shot is right down the middle of a garden, but you’re going to need to be the first one there if you want that shot without millions of people in the background. Another option is to frame the mausoleum from the archways of nearby buildings. Even better, cross the river at dawn and get the backside of the Taj Mahal with locals and the river in the foreground. 8. Big Ben Now some say that the sun never set on the British Empire, but in London during the winter, the sun sets pretty early, and there’s a lot to see with not a lot of time. Of course you want Big Ben, the iconic tower on top of the Palace of Westminster. But you don’t want to take a selfie up your nostrils just to get the clock tower in frame. So walk across the Bridge of Westminster, and wait for sunset. Just cross your fingers that there’s actually sunlight. Alternative photo locations include the colourful houses of Notting Hill, the Georgian town houses of Kensington, and the ever-changing street art of Shoreditch. 9. Big Sur, California. From San Francisco drive south to Big Sur, a cliff side stretch of California coast that’s maintained its rustic charm, thanks to its inaccessibility. Point your camera in any direction, and
31 INSANELY AFFORDABLE Budget Travel Destinations to VISIT NOW
You want to travel the world but you don’t have a lot of money? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered……. How to travel around the world for cheap. One of the most common questions we get is where should I travel that’s not too expensive? Here we made a list of the coolest and cheapest travel destinations from around the planet. All right listen up. These are the cheapest places to travel in the world Cape Town, South Africa Situated at the southern tip of the African continent, Cape Town has it all- good beaches, great weather, wine, and safaris nearby, not to mention an awesome blend of European and African culture. Cape Town may be far away, but once you’re there it’s one of the best overall destinations for your money. Vietnam Fifty years ago Vietnam was torn apart by war. Today it’s one of the top travel destinations on the planet. Ho Chi Minh, formerly known as Saigon, has tons of beautiful French colonial architecture. Hanoi has great street side bars that serve Bia Pho, fresh beer that costs 25 cents a glass, and the one kind of expensive thing in Vietnam is sent through Halong Bay, which is worth it. It’s not the cheapest country in Asia; it doesn’t have the best beaches, but a motorcycle adventure from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is totally worth it. I did it on a bike I bought in a bar for 300 bucks. So can you. Ecuador Ecuador, named after the Equator, is quite an incredible country. It has the Andes Mountains; it has the Galapagos Islands; And it has the Amazon rainforest not to mention beautiful colonial towns like Quito…. and surf. If you’re going to go anywhere in Latin America, you should go to Ecuador. Plus they use the dollar. Kraków In Europe to save money, you want to travel east. Polish city of Krakow is one of the best value destinations on the continent. It’s got a solid old town with great nightlife, good restaurants, tons of hostels, and affordable prices across the board.. Montreal. For a North American bargain head to Montreal, the capital city of the Canadian province of Quebec. Montreal combines French-Canadian heritage with great food, a killer music scene, and some of the best prices you will find in a North American city. India Hands-down, the classic budget traveler destination has to go to India. It’s cheap as chips, and it has it all. Does it have stunning scenery? Dude, the Himalaya. Good food? The best. Plus, it’s vegan friendly. Instagram potential? Of course, and you’ll have Tinder pics to last until marriage. There’s so much to do, it’s hard to know where to even start. You’ve got Mumbai, home to Bollywood, Rajasthan India’s largest and most colorful state, and of course the Himalaya where you can pose yoga, meditate Ajayan, and maybe even see the Dalai Lama. No matter where you go, you can travel in India for a whole month for the price of one week in Europe. Mexico Forget Spring Break and go to Mexico City. The vibrant capital of Mexico is full of amazing street art, architecture, and some of the best food on the planet. For those of you in the United States especially people in California and the southern border states, Mexico is extremely accessible. If you’re thinking about cancun, skip it and head down to Tulum for some boho beach vibes where you can pose yoga next to Mayan temples . If you live in the United States, especially the southern border states, or if you’re from California, Mexico is the closest and one of the cheapest locations in the world. Baja California Head down to Baja California where you can surf, drink craft beer, eat lobster tacos ,and drink amazing wines all for a fraction of the price that you would pay in the United States. Budapest One of our favorite cities in Europe is Budapest, a stunning capital full of Art Nouveau and Baroque architecture from the golden days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Even better Budapest sits on top of 120 natural hot springs that bubble up into these bathhouses. After soaking your bones all day. Nepal Feellike a change of scenery? How about Nepal? Nepal is the access point for the Himalaya, and even if you’re not trying to climb Mount Everest, which I feel like most of us are, there’s a ton of stuff to do:- You can go whitewater rafting, paragliding, explore the Buddhist monasteries, and even go on a wildlife safari in the jungles and see rhino. Yes, they have rhino in Nepal. The country is still recovering from the 2015 earthquake, so your tourist dollar swill go a long way in rebuilding Nepal. Sri Lanka Sri Lanka is one of the most overlooked countries in Asia, so if you want something like India, but are looking for something more off the beaten path, Sri Lanka might be for you. This is land nation was once ravaged by civil war but is now in peace. Travelers are discovering beautiful beaches, colorful culture, and the 5,000 elephants that are just wandering around the country. 5000 just walking around Sri Lanka. The only downside is because it’s still not very developed for tourism, there aren’t a ton of options. So you might have to spend some time looking around, but here’s to adventure. Nicaragua Nicaragua is a Central American country that is a great alternative to Costa Rica. Costa Rica is an incredible country, but because it’s become so popular, it’s gotten much more expensive. That’s not the case with Nicaragua. Yet, it’s got undeveloped beaches, great surf, cheap beer and tons of adventure opportunities. Towns like San Juan del Sur are a great place to get started. But get down to Nicaragua before that all changes. Buenos Aires, Argentina The capital of Argentina is a great place to visit. It’s super fun and a great deal. It’s got a blend of Italian and Spanish immigrants with French architecture that is uniquely Argentinean. The bohemian neighborhood of San Telmo is especially popular with tourists, but it’s a really good place to stay, especially if you can find a nice Air bnb. For fun think steak dinners every night, wash down with Malbec wine, and plenty of beautiful people teach you how to tango. Thailand Thailand is the go-to destination for most backpackers and with good reason. Where else can you get a private cabana on the beach for 10 bucks, an hour-long massage for 5 , and amazing street food for $1? Only in Thailand. The islands and beaches are starting to get a bit more expensive, but Chiang Mai in the north, Thailand’s second largest city , is still a great deal, especially if you’re trying to do some trekking or volunteering at elephant sanctuaries. If you want to head up the islands, Koh Pipi is still a great deal and Krabi has some incredible rock-climbing