People should travel--it makes them happier and reduces stress. Of course, not everyone can afford to stay at five-star hotels and dine at Michelin restaurants. That's fine because if travelers carefully plan their trip ahead of time and pick the right destination, a fantastic vacation won't break the bank. If anything, a smaller budget means visitors have to do as the locals do. That translates into a more authentic experience. Read on to learn about epic countries that won't break the bank.
6 Bolivia
Travelers in South America's land-locked Bolivia will be astounded by the height of the altiplano, the colonial architecture, and the world's highest lake, Lago Titicaca. Roads between destinations are long, bumpy, and dusty. La Paz is crowded and the altitudes can make visitors feel ill, but brave-hearted travelers will discover kind hosts, magical landscapes, delicious meals, and a simpler way of life.
- Largest city/airport: La Paz/El Alto or Santa Cruz/Viru Viru
- Main Attractions: Lake Titicaca, Uyuni Salt Flats, colonial architecture
- Budget per day: $30
- Lodging: $8-$12 per night in hostels
- Meals: $8-$10 for two meals a day at local restaurants
- City transportation: $1-$2 for a full day in public transportation
- Long-distance transportation: $8-$15 for a train ticket
5 Greece
Greece can be expensive or cheap depending on the choices travelers make. Visiting in the off-season (fall, winter, and spring) will lower the cost. Avoiding expensive islands is another way to avoid spending too much. Tourists can opt to visit the island of Naxos or Paros instead of expensive Santorini or Crete. Vacationers shouldn't worry if they can't afford an island stay because there's still plenty to see on the mainland. They'll see ancient ruins like Athens's Acropolis, and the beautiful beaches of the Halkidiki region.
- Largest city/airport: Athens/Eleftherios Venizelos Airport
- Main Attractions: The Acropolis, Voidokilia Beach, The Meteora Monastery
- Budget per day: $45
- Lodging: $14-$25 per night in a hostel in Athens's center
- Meals: $10-$15 for cheap fast food or picnics
- City transportation: $5 for a full day of public transportation in Athens
- Long-distance transportation: $30 for a train from Athens to Thessaloniki
4 Turkey
Turkey straddles the limit between East and West. For millennia, travelers, traders, and invaders have crossed through this country leaving their mark on its landscape and culture. It is the perfect place to encounter a variety of ancient ruins. People more interested in a fun, relaxing vacation can have that too. Turkey has both Aegean and Mediterranean beaches with plenty of sunshine and fantastic nightlife.
- Largest city/airport: Istanbul
- Main Attractions: Beaches, Cappadocia, ancient ruins, Grand Bazar, Hagia Sophia Mosque
- Budget per day: $40
- Lodging: $5-$15 per night in a hostel
- Meals: $10-$15
- City transportation: $5 for a 10 pass metro card
- Long-distance transportation: bus tickets $30-$60, high-speed train tickets $10 (limited destinations), low-cost flights $25-$35
3 Estonia
Backpackers taking the less-traveled route could find themselves in Estonia. This country on the Baltic Sea shares linguistic roots and culture with Finland to the north. Tallinn, the capital city, is famous for its well-preserved medieval center, Old Town. The island of Saaremaa has some of the only meteorite craters near populated areas. The country also offers visitors the chance to experience old-growth forests like Järvselja Primeval Forest Reserve.
- Largest city/airport: Tallinn/Lenart Meri Airport=
- Main Attractions: meteorite craters on Saaremaa, Järvselja Primeval Forest, Old Town in Tallinn, castles and ruins
- Budget per day: $35
- Lodging: $10-$20 for a hostel in central Tallinn
- Meals: $10 to buy groceries and prepare meals in hostel kitchens, $10 for one inexpensive restaurant meals
- City transportation: $1.50 for a one-way ticket
- Long-distance transportation: $65 for a low-cost ticket from Tallinn to Saaremaa, local buses and ferries are much cheaper
2 Argentina
There's a lot to see and do in Argentina. This country's ongoing economic problems have made it the perfect destination for budget travelers. Foodies will love trying traditional Argentinian barbeque called Asado and wine tasting at vineyards in Mendoza. Nature lovers will love visiting national parks like Los Glaciares where they can get up close and personal with the Perito Moreno glacier, Iguazu with the world's largest waterfall, and Talampaya full of dinosaur fossils.
- Largest city/airport: Buenos Aires/Ezeiza
- Main Attractions: Wine tasting in Mendoza, tango shows, Iguazú Falls, eating an Asado, whale-watching in Puerto Madryn
- Budget per day: $30-$40
- Lodging: $10-$15 for a night in a hostel
- Meals: $15 per day
- City transportation: $.50 per subway ticket
- Long-distance transportation: Buenos Aires to Mendoza by bus $45, Buenos Aires to Iguazú Falls by bus $55
1 Morocco
Morocco has incredible mountain views, beaches, the Sahara Desert, and astounding historic sites. Visitors here will be impressed by how friendly and hospitable Moroccans are. The food is delicious and cheap. The sights are colorful and exotic. Best of all: tourists in Morocco don't need a big budget to enjoy their trip.
- Largest city/airport: Casablanca/Mohammed V International Airport
- Main Attractions: The Sahara Desert, drink traditional mint tea, UNESCO site Fez, Casablanca, and Marrakesh
- Budget per day: $35
- Lodging: $10-$20 for a private hostel room with a shared bathroom
- Meals: $15 per day for two cheap restaurant meals
- City transportation: Less than $1 for a one-way fare on city buses and trams in Casablanca
- Long-distance transportation: $20 for a 12-hour bus premier journey from Tinghir to Agadir via Marrakesh--buses and trains are the cheapest way to travel