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Five Affordable World Travel Destinations --
Locations That Offer More But Cost Less
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.
also see -> Getting around the London Underground
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.
Tioman Island, Malaysia
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, Argentina
South American 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.
also see -> Getting around the Buenos Aires Metro
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,
Las Vegas provides other non-gambling options for those who have
had their fill of casinos.
Cheap Las Vegas 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 discount flights and hotel deals 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.
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