03 Jul Summer of 2017: Affordable Holiday Options and Cost-Effective Solutions

The summer is almost here, which means it’s time to start thinking about summer vacation options. If you feel reluctant to even let your imagination run wild due to financial issues, don’t be! There are a lot of seductive choices to take into consideration without having to worry about breaking the bank.

The world is full of amazing locations waiting for you to discover their treasures. You don’t have to spend a lot to have the time of your life – you can have a unique experience and spread the word to those who still don’t believe that it’s possible to find cheap accommodation.

While 2017 is a year of hesitations, budget travelers can benefit from a visit to one of the many great countries listed below. Although some of them may not be on your current bucket list, there is no reason not to get informed and include them in your next voyage.

First Things First

There is nothing stopping you from starting your very own travel fund. If you still haven’t put some money aside for the summer, start today and secure your traveling. Open a savings account that you can access online or make withdrawals on ATMs on the move. However, it may take a while for you to see some serious results, therefore, contemplate the following:

• Piggy bank – Spare every penny from the daily shopping by saving them in your own piggy bank.

• Seek a Helping Hand – If you want to reach the summer goal, but can’t do it alone, ask for help online. SmartyPig is an online personal piggy bank that will help you achieve your financial goals.

• Cut Expenses – Calculate the real monthly costs and cut unnecessary expenses. In addition, you can easily sell tons of stuff laying around on eBay or other sites to contribute to your savings. Old clothes, furniture, electronics or some other equipment you don’t use anymore can all get you a few extra bucks to invest in your vacation.

Let’s Travel

This year offers a lot of fun to those who want to relax and unwind. So let’s take look at some bargain destinations with great sites and memorable days under the sun.

• Greece

When we are talking about the most visited countries in the world, Greece definitively takes the number one position on the list. The number of visitors each year is close to 20 million, and its mainly because of the numerous sparkling beaches, delicious cuisine, fun-loving spirit, and rich cultural experiences.

One might think to add costly on the list, but the truth is that this country has some economic difficulties at the moment. Of course, there are still some pricey Greek Islands with luxurious accommodation, but there are also plenty of reasonably priced spots for those who want to sip cocktails by the beach, as well for tourists looking for quiet and beautiful vacation rentals.

From Europe’s oldest city of Crete, to one of the most photographed locations, Navagio beach, and the nesting place of loggerhead turtles in Zakynthos, there’s plenty of room to make the most of your visit to Greece. Spend $11 for a night at one of the various hostels, drink beer for $6 and have the whole package for $24.

• Thailand

If you ever wanted to pack your bags and go to a place of adventures, perfect islands, and alluring dishes, stop daydreaming and just do it! Another popular tourist location offers the heaven for only $30. This price includes a comfortable hotel with a swimming pool, though for only $5 one can find a bed to sleep in.

Getting around is extremely simple, however, it is preferable to stay away from more commercial places, as they can be quite expensive. Nonetheless, getting a little bit further to the Chiang Mai area can provide affordable accommodation with rich culture, lovely Buddhist temples, and a visit to one of the unique local tribes.

• Mexico

Mexico is an ideal holiday selection due to affordable prices, inviting parties, mouth watering cuisine, and stunning beaches. If you have never been there, this summer presents a brilliant opportunity to exchange your dollars for pesos and go on a much deserved vacation. Considering that $1 is equal to 19 pesos, you don’t have to worry about stretching the budget.

Eat like the locals and try appealing tacos for $2 from street vendors or drink beer for $1.35. As always, Cabo and Cancun cost more, so look for low-key beaches which provide lower expenses but still offer mesmerizing beauty.  

• Hungary

Nothing screams majestic more than the capital of Hungary – Budapest. This important historic city is located on the famous Danube River, inviting guests to admire its blend of both modern and archaic charms.

Regarding the costs, once you get there it’s a bargain, while the trip itself may require a few bucks extra. One of the most beautiful cities in Europe will take you on a journey through time with grand architecture and famed thermal baths. On the other hand, the city will tempt you with gourmet pastries, rooms for $13, $1.30 worth of beer and satisfying dinners for $6.

Check out the gorgeous landscapes, take a hike at the glowing hills, and explore the local culture by visiting some of the many charismatic villages.

• Dominican Republic

I know what you are wondering – how on earth is the Caribbean affordable? Well, you don’t have to be a Kardashian to have a vacation of your dreams and still stay within reasonable budget limits. $45 per day can cover the travel, as well as food and housing.  

Let’s be real, choosing to save money means deciding to live like the natives, so shop and dine where the islanders do. Gather your supplies at local grocery stores and drink $1.30 beer underneath swaying palms of the $21 hostels near the beach.

• The Balkans

When talking about cheap accommodation accompanied by surreal dishes, the friendliest people, strongest drinks, and endless celebrations, we must mention the Balkan countries. Serbia,  Montenegro, Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, and Romania are all countries with green unexploited nature and surprisingly inexpensive adventures. Comparing the prices, Serbia is way cheaper than Mexico, and Bulgaria has even lower prices than Serbia. You see my point, right?

Out of all the places, Bulgaria has just the mix you are looking for. Numerous beaches with countless summer parties, hearty food, large range of sites, and abounding culture. Appreciate the legendary Black Sea and take a wine tour with multiple delightful tastings while adding some cheese and bread ($5) to the assortment. Visit Bulgaria to have the experience of a king while staying on budget.

• India

If you are not following the latest trends, just know that India is stealing the spotlight this year. So, get going while the prices remain low and have your affordable holiday for $20 a day. Obviously, this includes eating local meals and staying in a hostel, but you’ll definitely get to see what all the fuss is about and participate in colorful local festivals.

India has 29 states at your disposal, so choose wisely when deciding which one you want to visit first. New Delhi is the capital city, though if you choose to spice things up and decide to backpack through India, you can end up saving more money than you initially expected.

• Ireland

Who wouldn’t like to explore all of the riches Dublin has to offer? Believe it or not, there are plenty things you can do for under $20 in Dublin. First of all, let’s switch the currencies, as we need to measure the costs of this journey in euros.

The fact is that Dublin is far from inexpensive, however, it has a lot to for those who want to experience Ireland for a bargain. Visitors can walk and hang out with a herd of deer in the Phoenix Park, see the current displays for free at the Science Gallery, drink the best beer for %15 lower price than usual, have the best ice-cream for €2.40, drink €10-15 cocktails at a five star hotel or buy full meals and snacks for under €10. Sounds like a dream come true indeed.

• Costa Rica

This summer offers an incredible opportunity to say goodbye to accumulated stress and connect with nature. Starting with over 20 national parks of Costa Rica with the entrance fee of $6-$16, many waterfalls available for under $10, and free self-guided hiking on various natural spots. Afterwards, relax while drinking cheap happy hour beverages and plan to visit some of the best and low-priced museums.

Concerning the budget accommodation, rooms can be as little as $6 per person. Traveling to desired destinations and sightseeing the area is affordable as well. By taking a local bus, you can manage to get around for less than $10. When it comes to the cuisine, if you can spare $2-3 daily you can revel in extremely tasty local dishes.

• Cuba

Cuba is now on a verge of a major change, as Americans are finally allowed to enter this lovely Republic. For that reason, take advantage and visit this location before it loses its distinctive charm.

If your first exposure to Cuba is the divine Havana, then you are in luck, as you can drink $0.30 mojitos and catch a few laughs with friendly Cubans. On the other hand, you can step into a $1.5 time machine and come to the world’s largest car museum – Museo Del Automovil.

Take a stroll around the neighborhood and check out the blue signs on the doors, as these are the rooms that are up for rent. They generally cost around $20, so find the perfect fit for you and salsa the night away.

2017 is the best year to travel and explore the world. There are no excuses preventing you from packing your bags and going to some of the locations listed above.

Why not drink the best beers and wines, eat exquisite food, bathe in the open sea, hike and take a break in stunning nature, and have a vacation of your dreams while respecting your budgetary boundaries? This summer is about enjoying the fruits of our labors, so start saving right now and create your own unique travel story.