It's time to start packing your bags because 2017 is shaping up to be an awesome year for budget travel. With the dollar rising and the pound at an all time low, your hard earned cash will go a lot further in so many destinations around the globe – oh, and according to some aviation experts, airfares are expected to plummet in 2017 as well, score! So where should you go on your next trip? Here's our pick of the most affordable (and super cool) destinations to visit this year.

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1. Cambodia, Asia

Wherever you go in Cambodia, you’ll find excellent value, not to mention some of Southeast Asia’s most marvelous landscapes as well as the world’s friendliest people – yes, seriously. Beyond the UNESCO-listed sanctuaries of Angkor Wat, you’ll find sleepy colonial towns, bohemian riverside retreats and some of the most exquisite beaches our fair little planet has to offer.

Average costs (in US Dollars):

Cheap guesthouse room: US$5–10

Local meals and street eats: US$1–3

Local buses: US$2–3 per 100km

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2. India, Asia

India still is, and always will be one of the ultimate destinations for budget travel. Why? Well, there are few countries in the world where you can still travel so extensively for so little. If you want culture, conquer the Golden Triangle, for beautiful beaches and blinding temples explore Gokarna, for delicious street food look no further than Mumbai and for a challenge, enter Himalayan country.

Average costs (in Rupees):

Dorm bed: ₹100–200

Double room in a budget hotel: ₹300–700

All-you-can-eat thalis (plate meals): ₹120–300

Bus and train tickets: ₹300–500

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3. Mexico, North America

Few places in the world offer as much diversity and culture as Mexico. The country’s glorious mosaic of regional identities are as varied as the nation’s fabulous landscapes, which encompass everything from high-lux beach escapes in Tulum to colourful and vibrant cities like Cancun – oh, and let’s not even mention the ancient ruins, dense rainforests and tequila. Convinced yet?

Average costs (in Pesos):

Hostel dorm bed: M$180; double room in budget hotel: M$350–600

Comida corrida (fixed-price lunch) in economical restaurant: M$60–80

250km bus trip: M$220

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4. Bulgaria, Europe

Not many people immediately think of Bulgaria as there go-to holiday destination – which is a great shame. The country has lots to offer budget travellers, not least deserted beaches, hotels at bargain prices and lots and lots of lovely towns. If you need an outdoorsy escape, the place is famous for its dramatic mountain ranges, which are perfect for exploration on foot or by bike!

Average costs (in Leva):

Dorm bed: 18–22 lv

Room in a simple guesthouse: 25–50 lv

Meals from cafeterias: 5–10 lv

Public transport tickets: around 1 lv

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5. London, United Kingdom

ou’re probably thinking we’re all crazy, but after Brexit, the UK capital is that little more affordable. First things first, London is not cheap, but if you plan it well, stay in hostels, eat in dingy (but tasty) cafes and opt for all forms of public transport, you’ll save so much money. The best thing about the place is that few global capitals rival London’s plethora of free sights. Here, you can see the Rosetta stone, giant dinosaurs, roam through former royal palaces and glare at artistic masterpieces for absolutely nothing.

Average costs (in GBP):

Dorm bed: £10-32

Market-stall lunch: £5, supermarket sandwich £1.50-4.50

Many museums: free

Standby theatre tickets: £5-25

Santander Cycles daily rental fee: £2

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6. South Africa, Africa

One of the best things about South Africa is that you don’t need to spend millions to experience the awes and wonders of the bush. To take advantage of this natural paradise, ditch the tourist hotspots and safari in Hluhluwe—Imfolozi to see white rhinos and massive elephants, visit Drakensberg for hiking and for cheap food and amazing culture, spend a few days in the buzzing city of Cape Town.

Average costs (in Rand):

Hostel dorm bed: from R160

Budget main dish: less than R75

Two-week hop-on, hop-off Baz Bus pass: R4100

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7. Vietnam, Asia

After years of turbulent change, Vietnam still remains amazing value for visitors from all over the world. Ask anyone that’s been, and they’ll immediately tell you the country’s greatest asset is its pristine countryside. Imagine twirling vistas, stratosphere-touching limestone karsts, charming waterways, blissful beaches and aromatic tea plantations. Then there’s the cuisine – oh the cuisine. Wherever you go, you’ll get amazing food for nothing – literally nothing.

Average costs (in USD):

One hour on a local bus: US$1-1.50

Cheap hotel: US$10-15 a night, dorms less

Local meal consisting of noodles: US$1.50-2.50

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To be continued on next post...

Link will be provided.

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Article Credit:
https://theculturetrip.com

Photo Credit:
© Lena Serditova / Shutterstock
© Mikadun / Shutterstock
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© Todoranko / Shutterstock
© ESB Professional / Shutterstock
© Dereje / Shutterstock
© Jimmy Tran / Shutterstock

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