Croatia, Poland, Peru: the best affordable vacation destinations
Traveling is a great way to escape from everyday life, but it can be very expensive. That's why many people avoid international travel. But don't worry, there are many tourist destinations where you can have a quality vacation without breaking your budget.
The Manual has shared ten affordable destinations. We also told you about free local activities and the cost per day per person.
San Jose, Costa Rica
The picturesque capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, is one of the cheapest places to travel in 2024, especially if you travel during the low season - from May to November. There is affordable accommodation here. For example, you can stay in a hostel for only $10. As for historical sights, we advise you to pay attention to museums, as they house large collections of artifacts. For example, the Museo Oro Precolombino (Golden Museum) presents a vast collection of gold items from the pre-Columbian era.
Daily budget per person: $90-150;
Free things to do: Mercado Central, La Sabana, Teatro Nacional.
Valencia, Spain
Most tourists in Spain visit Madrid or Barcelona, but Valencia is also an interesting destination. You can go shopping and buy items at bargain prices. Alternatively, you can go for a stroll or sunbathe on one of the sunny beaches. Valencia has an extensive public transportation system, and you can take city buses for only a few dollars one way.
Daily budget per person: $60-100
Free things to do: Jardines del Turia, La Lonja, Torres Serranos
Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam is always a top choice among tourist destinations for vacations. There are many temples, lakes, parks, and incredible architecture influenced by Chinese and French styles. Hotels and hostels are affordable, and you can spend the whole day walking the beautiful streets without spending a dime. For some peace and quiet, take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. If you want to grab a bite to eat, check out Vietnamese specialties like Pho and Bun Cha, which are available in many local cafes.
Daily budget per person: $30-100
Free attractions: Hanoi Night Market, One Pillar Pagoda, Old Quarter
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is a wonderful blend of tradition and modernity. It boasts various temples, shrines, palaces, and tall skyscrapers that form a futuristic skyline amidst diverse neighborhoods. The Petronas Twin Towers, a symbol of Kuala Lumpur, are two 88-story towers located in the city center. You can wander the streets during the day and visit a club or cocktail bar at night.
Daily budget per person: $20-60
Free attractions: Perdana Botanical Gardens, Batu Caves, Jalan Alor
Istanbul, Turkey
It is a city of mosques, flavorful dishes, spices, incredible architecture, and magical legends. It offers many enchanting experiences. You can wander through the bustling Grand Bazaar, which is a labyrinth of narrow alleys. Local street vendors offer affordable meals, making Istanbul vacations ideal for budget travelers.
Daily budget per person: $90-140
Free attractions: Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet district
Lagos, Portugal
Lagos is located in the southern part of the country, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Among the attractions here are several fortresses, the former slave market (Mercado de Escravos ou Vedoria), the Church of the Luz (Igreja da Luz de Lagos), and the zoo. Consider spending a day at Praia Dona Ana, one of the city's most beautiful beaches.
Daily budget per person: $60-140
Free attractions: Praia Dona Ana, Ponta da Piedade, Arch of Sao Goncalo
Krakow, Poland
The former Polish capital has a lot to offer tourists. Everything here is neat and tidy, with modern train stations adjacent to hotels and the Galeria Krakowska shopping center. You can immerse yourself in the city's rich history by walking along the Royal Route to Wawel Castle, which is often open to the public for a moderate fee. Many of the city's museums, such as the National Museum or the MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow, offer discounts or free admission on certain days.
Daily budget per person: $30-70
Free attractions: Wawel Castle, Old Synagogue, St. Mary's Basilica
Zagreb, Croatia
Quiet and cozy Zagreb attracts tourists with its beauty and cleanliness. It is one of the hidden gems of the country. While other cities in Croatia are crowded with tourists, Zagreb has much less traffic. You will undoubtedly have an authentic travel experience in Zagreb, and you can take a stroll along Tkalciceva Street or go for a walk in the green parks of Zrinjevac and Maksimir.
Daily budget per person: $70-100
Free attractions: Zagreb Cathedral, Mirogoj Cemetery, St. Mark's Church
Bohol, Philippines
If you're looking for a tropical, affordable destination, Bohol is the perfect place to go. It has incredible beaches known for their white sand. You can also enjoy the incredible aquatic life at one of the many snorkeling and diving spots, such as the Balikasag Island Marine Reserve.
Daily budget per person: $30-70
Free attractions: Baclayon Church, Chocolate Hills, Loboc River Forest
Lima, Peru
The capital of Peru, also known as the "City of Kings," is home to a large number of castles and palaces. It is well suited for budget travelers. Wander the streets of Barranco to enjoy inexpensive street food and take in the fantastic views along the Malecon promenade. You can immerse yourself in Lima's culture by visiting the Museo de Arte de Lima, which offers two-for-one admission every Sunday.
Daily budget per person: $70-100
Free attractions: Barranco, Love Park, Larcomar
