7 Amazingly Beautiful Destinations that are Totally Affordable

I’m a total and complete travel junkie. There’s just about nowhere that I wouldn’t try at least once, which means that I’m constantly looking for the next cool place to visit. This also means that I’ve become something of an unofficial travel agent for my friends and family.

Whenever someone in my life is looking to take a vacation outside of their comfort zone, they come to me. The largest task that I am asked is to think of a beautiful vacation destination that isn’t going to completely break the bank. This isn’t always easy; vacations can be costly, especially when you decide that you want to visit another continent.

That said, there are a few staples that I recommend every single time, both because they’re absolutely stunning and because they are totally affordable. Since you’re on a budget, I suggest you learn how to earn credit card points for free flights.

#1: Thailand

Thailand really is what you make of it. You can rent a room for a few dollars a night or enjoy a night of luxury in a five-star hotel. You can eat delicious food from street vendors or enjoy a meal from an award winning chef in a fancy restaurant. $1 USD is equal to 30 baht, which is the currency in Thailand. This is a pretty good exchange, which means that most things are relatively inexpensive. Regardless of what you spend on accommodations, you will at least be getting a deal with your spending money, which is always a bonus.

#2: Greece

For many people who don’t realize that Greece is actually quite affordable, traveling here may seem like a faraway dream. It’s one of the most photographed places on the planet — and for good reason, too. Stunning architecture, blue waters, and views that most people would die for should mean that Greece is totally unaffordable… But it isn’t. Whether you want to check out the buildings and museums of Athens or the colorful sights in Santorini, you can do it all without ever breaking your budget.

#3: Morocco

Truth be told, Morocco is only relatively inexpensive because it isn’t quite as popular as some other Western European vacation destinations. You’re going to get plenty of bang for your buck here because they want you to come back. It is a developing nation, which means that real estate is starting to pick up and tourism is eventually going to go through the roof. It is expected that everything become much more expensive in the next few years, as tourism begins to pick up, so it is important that you get this trip in now while you can still afford it!

#4: Portugal

If you’re looking for somewhere both architecturally stunning and filled with sandy beaches, look no further than Portugal. Its location, right in the tip of Europe, probably has something to do with the reason that it is so underrated, and therefore so affordable for travelers seeking a little something different. Almost everything in Portugal is affordable, from hotels to food and beyond. Plus, fewer crowds means a better, more localized experience for you and your group. You are guaranteed special attention, and the inter-city transportation is plenty affordable, so you can get around with ease.

#5: Croatia

I’m not going to lie to you: Airfare to Croatia isn’t always inexpensive. As a matter of fact, it can be pretty rough. That said, there are other ways to get there. Many cruise ships offer multi-day stops in Croatia, which is a great way to get to experience the country without having to pay for hotels, food, and the like. Whether you want to take a boat ride around the stunning waters or you decide to walk around and visit some of the most fabulous tourist spots, you’re guaranteed to be surrounded by cleanliness and beauty.

#6: Philippines

Although many tourists are often afraid to try out local street vendors and markets, it’s one of the best tips I can ever offer to people visiting the Philippines. Not only is the food absolutely amazing, but it’s incredibly cheap as well. A $10 plate from a street vendor can easily feed 2 or 3 people and it’s going to be some of the best meals you’ve ever had in your entire life. Furthermore, the Philippines is full of friendly, helpful locals who just want people to have a good time and share in the culture. It’s incredibly affordable, incredibly beautiful, and absolutely a place that you’ll want to visit time and time again.

#7: Vietnam

Much like the Philippines, some of the best food deals on the planet can be found in Vietnam. The tasty cuisine is available just about everywhere, from fancy restaurants to local street vendors who are cooking up some of the best tasting dishes you’ve ever had. Beyond that, you are inevitably going to have to bargain. Tourists tend to be overcharged here in an attempt for locals to make a quick buck, but just keep in mind that every price is negotiable and the amount of money you spend on this vacation is highly dependent on how well you can bargain with the locals.