The Traveller's Magazine
We’re so excited to introduce this post by Anna from over at My Destination! Despite what the economy forecast says, there’s no reason not to take a holiday when there are destinations like these that are so cheap. Like she says, they’re a cheap as chips!
When it comes to planning your trip abroad, what is most important to you: the destination or the budget? If you do your research well, you won’t have to compromise on either and you can enjoy a fantastic experience that won’t break the bank whether you want to go bungee jumping in Sydney, or dine in gourmet Cape Town restaurants.Here are four fantastic travel destinations that will allow your money to go a little further and your bucket list to get a little smaller!
Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt
This Red Sea resort is a Mecca for scuba diving enthusiasts and overall the city is surprisingly affordable. One of the cheapest ways to enjoy a holiday in this Egyptian destination is with an all-inclusive package deal (flights and accommodation start from £300!), but that doesn’t mean you have to sit around the pool all day or attend cheesy theme-parties at night.
Snorkelling activities start from about £25 (including a boat cruise) and if you’re already a certified scuba diver, you can hire the diving gear (£14-20 a day) and head off to explore the breathtaking marine world of the Red Sea.
Haggle at the traditional bazaars and a pick up a handmade souvenir, or head to one of the local street cafes or bars for a drink and a chance to hang out with the locals.
The Egyptian desert is a playground for thrill-seekers of all ages and you can go on a camel safari for £25 or you can get the adrenalin pumping with a quad bike ride over the sand dunes from £20.
Cornwall, UK
Cornwall is one of the UK’s leading tourist destinations and a great place to escape the rat race and unwind amid stunning natural landscapes. It’s not all about Cornish pasties, cream teas and riding tractors though (but you must try at least one of the three during a visit); there are some pretty amazing beaches and impressive surfing conditions.
Camping is a fantastic and affordable way to experience the beauty of Cornwall and there is an array of campsites across the county, from Bude to Land’s End. Tent pitches cost from £4.50 per person per night, or if there are a few of you, a holiday in a static caravan is great way to save money and enjoy the comfort of modern amenities.
The Eden Project is one of Cornwall’s most famous tourist attractions (entry £22) and if you love watersports, there are plenty to choose from in Newquay, Falmouth or St. Ives, such as surfing (£25 for a two-hour lesson), kiteboarding, windsurfing, sailing, and boat trips.
The country pubs ooze charm and character and are the best place to get to meet the real locals and learn more about the history and heritage of Cornwall. They also offer menus of delicious homemade food (between £4.50 and £15 for a main meal) and some proper Cornish locally-brewed ciders and ales.
Throughout the year, there are plenty of free festivals to attend across Cornwall, from renowned food events to lively music events.
The Camel Trail between Wadebridge and Bodmin is a flat off-road track where cyclists and walkers can enjoy the unspoiled scenery free of charge, and Land’s End is the most south-westerly point of the UK, boasting dramatic granite cliffs and spectacular views across the Atlantic Ocean.
The great thing about Cornwall is that you are never more than 20 minutes away from the coast and the priceless golden sand beaches can be easily reached by bike, car, bus or train.
Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and despite not being one of the most popular destinations for tourists, it is one of the cheapest. The city is one of the oldest in Europe so it is full of historic ruins and sites.
City breaks start from £130 and must-see attractions include the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (free entry), the oldest building in Sofia, St George Rotunda (free entry), and the Botanical Gardens Borisova Gradina, which is home to the Ariana Lake.
The city has a thriving nightlife with cafes and bars open until midnight and clubs (entry about $5) open until 5am. The Pri Kmeta is a bar and microbrewery that has regular live music and the staggering average cost of a beer in Sofia is between 60p and £1.20!
Mazatlán, Mexico
Mexico is the ultimate destination for sun-lovers and Mazatlán is one of the country’s oldest beach resorts that dates back to the 19th century as a hotspot for travellers from all over the world.
The city features stunning natural scenery comprising 20 kilometres of crescent-shaped sandy beaches fringed with the lapping waves of the turquoise ocean.
Zona Dorada is the tourist zone and the Centro Historico has beautiful piazzas and restored 18th century buildings.
The best way to get around the city is by bus or open-topped taxis called pulmonías. A trip in a pulmonía between downtown and the tourist district can cost as little as £2.50 and a single trip on a bus start from 60p.
The resort has undergone major refurbishments over the past decade and it now features chic restaurants and a beautifully-restored opera house. However, it is still an affordable place to visit with the average meal in a casual restaurant costing about £4.50-£7.75 and the local brewed beer, Pacífico, is about £1.20. Budget hotel accommodation varies between £3 and £11.50 per night.
Centro Histórico is the place to grab a bargain and El Mercado is a large marketplace in the centre of the town that sells everything including food, clothes and beautifully handcrafted souvenirs.
Take a trip to the world’s tallest natural lighthouse, El Faro, and absorb the magnificent views across the city and coastline – but be warned, it’s a very long climb to the top!
We want your vote: which destination would you choose?
Mazatlan is a great place to visit in Mexico, they have some amazing resorts and also have good surfing!
Bulgaria is beautiful and definitely cheap! Well worth a visit in the springtime!