Prices for travel have increased greatly in recent years. You can no longer find those few-dollar flights and cheap hotels where you could stay comfortably without spending much.
For budget-conscious travelers, finding a place to go has really become a challenge.
Most big cities now have prohibitive prices, and now even the less touristy and more adventurous areas are starting to capitalize heavily on tourism.
So what to do if you want to travel on a budget? What are the best places to go? In this article, we will look at 10 places that are interesting and have maintained affordable or at least acceptable prices.
1. Tbilisi, Georgia
Georgia’s capital has quietly become one of Europe’s most exciting luxury destinations. Many historic merchant mansions are now house boutique hotels with rates starting at about $150.
The city’s emerging food scene rivals Paris with Michelin-quality tasting menus for $60. Traditional Georgian wine tastings in private cellars cost $25, while exclusive access to historic bathhouses starts at $40.
Travelers can also arrange special events like private concerts in ancient courtyards, where traditional polyphonic singers perform for intimate audiences.
Local experts suggest visiting in May or September when the weather is perfect for rooftop dining and countryside excursions to private vineyards.
2. Gdansk, Poland
This Baltic gem outshines its Polish siblings with restored Hanseatic mansions and amber-filled museums.
Travelers can find harbor-view suites in converted merchant houses for only $120, while private amber-crafting workshops run for $40.
In terms of food, the city’s acclaimed seafood restaurants serve full fish meals for about $45.
In addition, the emerging art scene offers exclusive gallery access and meetings with local artists for minimal costs. Waterfront hotels can also arrange private sailing trips along the coast, complete with champagne and fresh seafood, for a fraction of the usual Mediterranean prices.
3. Muscat, Oman
While Dubai is the city of skyscrapers and modernization, Muscat offers refined Arabian luxury at reasonable prices.
Five-star beach resorts charge $200 instead of Dubai’s $800, while desert camps provide private butler service for just $180.
Can you even believe that Mountain-top fortress hotels offer helicopter transfers for the price of a Dubai taxi?
Local experiences include private dhow cruises with gourmet dinners and private viewings of precious frankincense and ancient silver jewelry.
One thing you absolutely cannot miss? Many desert camps offer exclusive stargazing sessions with astronomers, followed by traditional Omani feasts under the stars.
4. Luang Prabang, Laos
This UNESCO town delivers a very good treatment in former Laotian palaces.
The price for a nice hotel room is around $100, while riverside villas with personal chefs go for $250 – a fraction of Thai prices.
Dawn alms-giving ceremonies can be arranged with private guides, followed by a gourmet breakfast in beautiful orchid gardens.
The surrounding mountains host exclusive meditation retreats in treehouses, while private boat trips up the Mekong include champagne picnics on secluded beaches.
It can be the perfect trip for those seeking relaxation and the pursuit of spirituality but without sacrificing comfort.
5. Split, Croatia
Croatia is usually a cheaper choice if you are looking for a place similar to Italy.
Private yacht tours to islands cost half the Amalfi Coast prices, and historic wine cellars offer exclusive tastings for about $40.
A sea-view apartments in 1,700-year-old buildings start at about $120, but consider that prices rise considerably during the summer period.
Another interesting thing is the city’s renowned spas that provide treatments using local olive oil and lavender in private Roman-era chambers.
The best time to go there? June or September, when you can enjoy the warm temperature and the sea without much crowding.
6. Merida, Mexico
The Yucatan’s sophisticated capital outshines Tulum with authentic nice experiences that are reasonably priced.
Restored haciendas offer private cenote swims and spa treatments for about $100, while historic mansions with courtyard pools cost around $150 per night.
Local guides are very friendly and well-prepared and can even arrange exclusive evening access to Mayan ruins, followed by a gourmet dinner under the stars.
The city’s cultural scene includes private performances of traditional dance and exclusive access to artists’ workshops. Specialty tours even explore hidden cenotes via private helicopter, landing for picnics in breathtaking locations.
Definitely a trip to consider to enjoy the wonders of nature at a good price.
7. Jaipur, India
The Pink City’s heritage hotels have mastered a very nice accessible luxury.
Former Maharaja residences offer rooms from $150 to $180, some of them even with personal butler service.
Private elephant sanctuary visits cost around $50, while exclusive gem-cutting workshops run $40 (we definitely recommend them).
If you’re looking for special experiences, some local artisans even open their workshops for private demonstrations of traditional crafts, from block printing to miniature painting.
Another interesting thing to note is that some experiences, like the hot air balloon rides over amber fortresses, cost half what similar experiences can cost in European cities.
8. Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor is a town in Montenegro; it is located on a bay, which is why it is also a destination for some Mediterranean cruises.
The interesting thing is that this medieval town provides Mediterranean beauty at Balkan prices. Many good hotels offer waterfront rooms for $130, while private speedboat tours of the bay cost around $100.
Some wine tours are also very interesting because they explore small-batch producers in the surrounding mountains. We also recommend private sunset cruises, which often include oyster harvesting with local fishermen.
Once again, this is a destination we recommend in summer (or, at most, spring) but not in winter.
9. George Town, Malaysia
Penang’s capital blends colonial majesty with modern travel amenities.
Some gorgeous heritage mansion hotels start at $90, while private street food tours with renowned destinations can cost around $40.
The city’s famous restored shophouses offer private cultural experiences at remarkably low prices. Traditional craftsmen teach private workshops in age-old techniques.
If you prefer nightlife and drinking, there are some good rooftop bars. Some of them offer intimate tastings of rare Malaysian spirits for minimal costs.
10. Salvador, Brazil
Salvador in Brazil is a good alternative if you’re looking for a nice tropical destination without Rio prices.
If you are looking for some sought-after accommodations, there are some nice restored Portuguese mansions in the historic district that offer rooms for about $100.
As always in Brazil there are many activities to have fun. Private capoeira classes in royal squares cost around $25, and private percussion workshops with professional musicians can be held for just $50.
A typical day? You can organize a private tour to explore hidden corners of the historic district, ending with a wonderful rooftop dinner overlooking the bay.