Five Affordable World Travel Destinations

FiveAffordable World Travel Destinations

LocationsThat Offer More But Cost Less

So you want to travel the world but you have a tightbudget? Are you tired of readingabout everyone else's exotic adventures and ready to have some of your own? Have you always wanted to take an international vacation but thought youcouldn't afford it? There arenumerous travel destinations across the world that are both exciting andaffordable. Five of them aredescribed here to give you ideas and get you started planning your own getaway.

There are two ways to approach affordable vacations todistant destinations. Either youwill save money getting there or the savings will occur once you arrive at yourselected spot. If you want the tripthere to be affordable, many travel consolidators recommend choosing well-knowndestinations that are served by numerous airlines and receive millions oftravelers each year. Thecompetition for customers usually drives costs down for everything from lodgingto tour packages. Airfares betweenmajor hubs tend to be more affordable and there are often plenty of discountsand last minute travel deals.

London

In Europe, London is a top pick for affordable vacationdestinations, for these exact reasons. Notonly do you have more flights to choose from, they are cheaper than if you flewto a more remote location. Onaverage, staying in London may be a bit more expensive than other Europeandestinations, but the seemingly endless choices in hotels, restaurants,transportation, tours, and other travel essentials gives travels opportunitiesto mold their vacation to fit their budgets. And you can use London as your home base to set out on day trips to othermore exotic locations or buy a Eurorail pass and see those more remote countrieswithout 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 anda lush tropic setting, but since it has only recently emerged as a populartravel destination, it is more expensive than Cancun, Jamaica or otherwell-traveled locations along the Mayan Riviera. With fewer flights, getting there is more expensive, and there are fewmoderate lodging options. Developmentof larger luxury resorts have begun to boom, but the only real alternative forthose on a budget is staying in local facilities that may be hard to locate fromhome and may be more rustic than most travelers are willing to try.

Although there are many options for affordable vacations inthe Caribbean, an excellent pick is Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Accessible via flights to Cancun, which are often some of the cheapest inthe region, Playa is just a half hour away. It is filled with a multitude of lodging choices, from expansive luxuryresorts on the ocean to quaint but clean hotels downtown. From Playa, travelers can branch out and visit Tulum and other locationson the Mayan Riviera or take the ferry across to the island of Cozumel wheresnorkeling is prime and the attractions are many.

For Asian destinations, travelers often do better to focuson saving money once they get to their destination. Depending on your country of origin, getting to just aboutany spot in Asia is going to be a sizable chunk of your travel budget. The difference will come from the cost of lodging, food, entertainmentand other travel expenditures once you arrive. By choosing destinations where you get the most for your money, you cansave a great deal on your international vacation. A drink or dinner in Tokyo will costs you many times more than what itwould in Saigon. The key here is togo where you dollars buy you more and where the local cost of living is low.

Tioman Island

An affordable yetexotic 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 ofMalaysia on the South China Sea. It's sandy beaches, bordered by lush junglesand stunning mountains make it a relaxing yet intriguing destination, ideal forsun lovers, snorkelers and divers. Theisland also has many villages for exploring and shopping. English is widely spoken and therates are amazingly affordable, with a two night lodging package for a suite ata lovely oceanside resort averaging around 100 U.S. dollars. Typically visitors reach the island via the speed ferry fromthe mainland. Although the trip cantake over two hours, it is enjoyable and provides opportunities for dolphinwatching along the way.

Buenos Aires

South American alsohas many destinations that are affordable because of the savings once youarrive. Locales like Riode Janeiro in Brazil, the areas top destination, are coming down in price butare still more expensive than cities such as Buenos Aires in Argentina, wherethe rates are lower and the U.S. dollar goes further.

A huge metropolis that is moreEuropean than South American, the city has much to offer including culturalevents, thriving nightlife, shopping, local sports, and a host of tours andexcursions. La Boca, with itsstreet performers, shops, and unique architecture is a big tourist draw. The large number of choices for lodging, restaurants, and activitiesprovides opportunities for budget travel and savings. Airfare to the city is relatively reasonable for an internationaldestination, with discount fares from the U.S. averaging around $500 round trip. Buenos Aires might not be one of the most exotic or inspiringdestinations in South America, but it is a city that everyone should see atleast once, and with some of the most affordable rates and fares around, itmakes the list as a top South American destination.

LasVegas

The list would not be completewithout a North American destination, and the champ of all affordable locales isLas Vegas. It too is a city thatshould be seen at least once, and many world travelers return again and againfor the gaming, art, shows and people watching that just can't be foundanywhere else. Close enough toother top U.S. attractions like the Grand Canyon, Vegas provides other optionsfor those who have had their fill of casinos.

The city has long been known for itscheap vacation packages with hotels and resorts that offer discount rates forrooms, meals and entertainment in hopes of attracting people to their gamingtables. Airfare rates into Vegasare some of the most reasonable in the United States, no matter the originationdestination. And with more than100,000 hotel rooms to choose from, there is sure to be a lodging choice thatfits your budget.

The world provides hundreds of affordable traveldestinations. With all the optionsavailable, there is no excuse to put off that life-long desire to travel toexotic places at the far ends of the earth. Destinations can be researched on the Internet or your travelconsolidator can make recommendations and help with locating discountflights and hotel deals that fit your budget. Sowhat are you waiting for? Get outthere and explore the world.

Aboutthe Author

C.J. Gustafson is a freelancewriter and photographer who travels extensively for work and familyvacations. A cheapskate by nature and necessity, she is always on thelookout for bargain travel deals and affordable vacation destinations.

Copyright 2005 1st-Family-Vacations.com