Worldwide tourism is finally back in full swing this year after much of the world having to resort to finding creative ways to enjoy at-home vacations for the greater part of two years. Although avid travelers are now eagerly planning their next getaway free of COVID-19 restrictions, notable increases in the cost of living around the world have brought new complications in budgeting for everyone. A recent study by Slingo provides a helpful overview of price comparisons for those with some of the world's most famous destinations in mind. Calculated with the prices of entrance tickets (no tour guides included) and a nearby hotel, here is a list of the most affordable landmarks to visit in 2022.
10 Mount Eden Crater, New Zealand
Mount Eden Crater in Auckland, New Zealand, is one of the largest volcanic cones in the region and makes for one of the most Instagram-worthy views in the area, with the city skyline in the background. Entrance to this peculiar site for a bit of exercise or a relaxing sunset is free, and hotels in the area are affordable.
- Entrance - Free
- Hotel - $131.40
- Total - $131.40
9 Machu Picchu, Peru
The quintessential destination for travelers in South America is most often Machu Picchu. The good news is that this breathtaking display of the former glory of the Incan empire in the Andes will not deal a harsh blow to your budget.
- Entrance - $38.99
- Hotel - $81.82
- Total - $120.81
8 Cristo Redentor, Brazil
Cristo Redentor (Chris the Redeemer) is perhaps the most recognizable icon of Brazil. It is found in Rio de Janeiro, which holds a position as a popular tourist destination for a myriad of reasons and is enjoyable even for the non-religious due to its panoramic views of the coastal city.
- Entrance - $18.17
- Hotel - $99.44
- Total - $117.61
7 Hagia Sofia, Turkey
The magical city of Istanbul is home to the Hagia Sofia, which was built by a Roman emperor from 532 to 537 and has been a place of importance throughout all of Turkey's history. One can visit this currently active Mosque for free, and Istanbul's affordable hotels make this a great option for a budget.
- Entrance - Free
- Hotel - $106.54
- Total - $106.54
6 Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Travelers seeking an exotic trip to the jungles of Southeast Asia or fans of Angelina Jolie's Tomb Raider should have Angkor Wat on their list of places to go, not to mention that it ranks quite high on the list of the cheapest landmarks to visit.
- Entrance - $34.79
- Hotel - $69.84
- Total - $104.63
5 Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
The Great Pyramids of Giza, featuring the largest pyramid in Egypt and the tomb of a Pharoah, is always at the top of dream destinations for world travelers. Luckily for everyone, the entire experience is extremely budget-friendly.
- Entrance - $22.22
- Hotel - $67.48
- Total - $89.70
4 Great Wall of China, China
For those looking for the uniquely ancient experience, one can only find in China, the infamous Great Wall of China should be on the to-do list. Despite the global notoriety of this fortification that brought security to the operation of the Silk Road, entrance comes at the surprisingly low price of $9.14.
- Entrance - $9.14
- Hotel - $72.21
- Total - $81.35
3 The Great Sphinx, Egypt
The Great Sphinx, one of the world's oldest monuments, can be found next to the Great Pyramids of Giza in Cairo but requires a much lower entrance fee of only $5.05. Penny pinchers can easily opt to enter this site instead and still be able to say they experienced one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
- Entrance - $5.05
- Hotel - $67.48
- Total - $72.53
2 Mount Fuji, Japan
Mount Fuji, one of the planet's three Holy Mountains, is a major tourist destination seen on many bucket lists. This sacred site which is also Japan's tallest mountain, is free to enter, and hotels in the area are quite affordable.
- Entrance - Free
- Hotel - $64.90
- Total - $64.90
1 Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal takes the crown for the cheapest landmark to visit in the world with a very low entrance fee and nearby hotels fitting any budget. This 17th-century site next to the Yamuna river in the Indian city of Agra gives a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of the Mughal emperors who ruled India at the time.
- Entrance - $13.34
- Hotel - $29.59
- Total - $42.94