There’s nothing quite like jetting off for a holiday, but wouldn’t it be great to do so without stretching the budget too far? With great-value accommodation, cheap cuisine and spectacular attractions galore, these top spots are easy on the wallet without compromising on incredible experiences.
Hoi An, Vietnam
The calm waters of the South China Sea, villages in the midst of rice fields and a UNESCO-listed ancient town combine to make Hoi An a dream holiday destination. Although Vietnam is becoming more popular by the second, finding cheap homestays, hotels and resorts is a breeze, and you’ll dine on delicious local dishes for small change.
In terms of budget activities, it’s easy to cycle around town to explore rice paddies, sundrenched An Bang Beach, charming canals and French-Colonial architecture. Hoi An’s master tailors are famous for original or recreated designs, so you can pick up a new wardrobe too, for a fraction of the price at home.
Tasmania, Australia
If it’s a camping holiday you’re looking for, head to Tasmania for an array of free spots smack bang in the heart of nature. Mayfield Bay Coastal Reserve is a short drive from Swansea, with a sandy beach and views over Great Oyster Bay to Freycinet Peninsula.
For breathtaking ocean views, Bay of Fires offers campsites in the conservation reserve, which is home to orange granite boulders on a backdrop of turquoise seas.
Only small fees apply for camping in National Parks, giving you access to astounding natural wonders on a shoestring budget.
Lisbon, Portugal
With its scenic seven hills, charming cobbled streets, ancient ruins and delectable cuisine, a Lisbon holiday offers a perfect slice of sundrenched Europe. Best of all, it happens to be one of the continent’s most affordable cities, with great-value hostels and guesthouses, along with tasty, cheap treats like healthy Caldo Verdi (soup) and the obligatory Portuguese custard tarts.
Just strolling around the colourful districts is enough to fill delightful days, however there are plenty of cheap things to do. See the works of Picasso, Andy Warhol and Dali at the Museu Colecao Berardo for free on Saturdays, hop on the train for a short ride to dazzling beaches and navigate the labyrinth of narrow streets in historic Alfama.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
KL is a popular stopover destination for longer flights. However, this dazzling city of glittering highrises, exquisite street food and endless shopping opportunities deserves much more than a glimpse. Accommodation in the heart of the city is fantastic value and it’s a very walkable place, though there’s also the free GO KL bus to get you around the main sites.
The incredible Petronas Towers act as a signpost no matter where you are, so you can get happily lost throughout unique districts. Explore the old fashioned shop houses of Chinatown, sip on cheap cocktails in Bukit Butang and pick up bargains to stuff your suitcase with, at Central Market.
For cheap flights to any of these destinations, it pays to be flexible in order to snap up sales. If that’s not possible, travelling during shoulder or off seasons is the way to go, for fantastic holidays that don’t break the bank.
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