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We all want to travel as much as we can. One obstacle we often find ourselves encountering is the fact that travelling can get quite expensive pretty fast. From getting a cab to the airport, hotels, flights, to potentially renting a car abroad. Yeah, it's annoying and not cheap.
What if there was a way to travel often without having to save up too much beforehand? That would sound too good to be, right? Wrong. Finding a cheap flight isn't always the answer to travelling often as things like transport and accommodation costs can rack up rapidly.
So you're probably thinking "ohh God, tell us already the secret". Well, put simply, there is no secret. Throughout the years I have been travelling, I have found the most effective way to get cheap deals for holidays abroad is by having flexible dates. It's as simple as that.
Many booking websites offer you the "best deals" on flights + hotels. If you're lucky enough to be able to have flexible dates, you can always book a destination which isn't in it's peak season and the experience will be the same, only less foreigners and less expenses needed due to the fact that the local amenities haven't got as many people coming in. Due to this, you are bound to find cheap flights, hotels and even excursions there.
Look no further than the list below for my favourite cheap places to visit. I will also be breaking down the daily average cost of being there.
1. Thailand
It’s easy to live on less than £30 per day. Budget dorms cost £7 per night or less, you can eat on less than £5 per day if you stick to street food, drinks are just a couple quid, and tours and activities don’t cost much more than £10. This is of course if you do not go to the most lavish places available there and purely visit the local areas (which are still beautiful in many ways).
And, while the islands are more expensive than the mainland, it’s definitely still possible to visit them for under £45 per day as long as you travel slow and avoid visiting during the busy seasons like the 'Full Moon Party'.
Most people go overboard on partying and alcohol here, however, if you stick to happy hours and buy your beer at grocery stores like Tesco you’ll be able to have fun for a fraction of the cost. The best thing about Thailand for me personally was £2 full body massages! Definitely worth getting at least one or two during your stay if you have the time.
2. Portugal
Portugal is not only one of my favourite countries in Europe but it’s one of the cheapest countries as well. Offering charming cities, stunning coastlines, and beautiful weather, this country has become much more popular in recent years.
An interesting fact about the country is that it has one of the world's shortest runways in a city named 'Madeira' (which is where Cristiano Ronaldo is from). Madeira Airport, also known as Funchal Airport measured just 1.6km when it first opened in 1964.
Portugal is still super affordable. You can get by here for around £45 per day without missing out on the amazing food, fun activities, and delicious wine that call Portugal home. Hostels cost as little as £10 while snacks and fresh baked goods are just £1-5. Beer is only £2.50, making it a fun place to relax and enjoy the nightlife.
3. Hungary
Hungary is an amazing, affordable country, the highlight of which is Budapest. It’s a beautiful, historic city. And it’s cheap. Hostels in Budapest start at £10 per night. Meals at the markets or at the plethora of kebab and sandwich shops are around £5-10. Trains and buses were just a few dollars while a beer is less than £2.
Unless you are going out for a big night of drinking or paying for lots of attractions and activities, £30-40 will give you plenty of room to enjoy the sites and marvellous sounds of Budapest. This city is a great alternative to more popular destinations like Prague or Vienna, offering just as much fun for a fraction of the cost. Just don’t miss the ruin bars while you’re here!
4. Bulgaria
While often overlooked, Bulgaria is actually one of my favourite countries in Europe. Due to the country being under the radar, you’ll find no crowds and affordable prices. Hostels are only £10 per night, street food are just £4-5, and there are plenty of ruins, beaches, and a great mix of Turkish and European culture. Most museums are only £5 and even big-ticket activities like bungee jumping are only £30.
I recently visited a friend there and he told me haircuts are around £5. If you're from the UK, this might come as a shock as you would know we pay £20 here on average for a normal high street barber. If you’re traveling Europe and need to leave the Schengen, Bulgaria is a great place to spend some time! You can easily get by here for as little as £30-35 per day.
5. Taiwan
Taiwan is one of the most underrated countries in Asia. It’s super affordable, safe, clean, and has plenty of things to see and do. While mainland China gets a lot of attention, Taiwan is mostly overlooked by budget travellers. You can easily visit Taiwan for £40-50 per day as food and accommodation are both super affordable. Hostels start around £10 while street food costs just a couple dollars (and is super tasty). There are plenty of markets, lots of hiking, convenient public transportation, and a fun nightlife. No matter what you are interested in, you can find it in Taiwan. You’ll get a lot of value here.
Bonus tip: TRAVEL LIGHT! Flights are always cheaper when you do not have to pay for an extra checked in bag. Take a backpack with you and maybe a lightweight carry on bag for the plane ride and bulky items you are taking with you.
While travelling can be very costly, it doesn't always have to be super expensive. Especially if you're feeling the pressure of life crashing down on you and just need a break. These 5 destinations are some of the ones I have found very cheap deals on and the best thing about them is that you won't break the bank by visiting.
I hope you have found this blog post useful and I look forward to you sharing your thoughts with me if you ever visited or plan on visiting one of these destinations. Feel free to reach out to me on my Instagram at any time and I will answer when I can :)
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