Traveling to distant and exotic locales does not need to break the bank. Bargains are easy to find when you know how and where to look. For example, if you are traveling from the US to another country, it might save you serious dollars to fly in and out of another location.
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How do you know the best way to book cheap flights?
Going to Google flights online makes it easy by letting you enter your departing airport and search by continent, such as Europe, South America, Asia, etc. When you add your date range, you will see how much it costs to fly to many locations. You can then search from those locations to your final destination, selecting the route that best suits your budget and times.
There is another benefit of traveling this way besides saving money – spending a night before and after your destination in another city/country and exploring other places. Many people find that the money in airfare savings easily covers the two hotel night stays in the other city.
You may find alternative travel routes, such as traveling between European cities by train or bus. That provides you with beautiful scenery you may have missed had you traveled direct to your destination.
Wherever you want to travel, there are affordable options to help people on any budget find an exciting vacation opportunity. You can also look into hostel stays (not just for the young anymore) to help save money or stay off the beaten path for affordable accommodations.
Why Is Traveling Important?
Traveling is one of the best ways to spend your vacation time as it opens you up to new experiences, points of view, and ideas you may never have thought of in your daily life. Travel leads to growth in ways that nothing else can do.
When you travel, you get to meet people from all walks of life, learn about different cultures and lifestyles, try new foods (some exotic), and see other styles of architecture. Nature, plant life, birds, and animals may also differ from what you see at home, giving you unique perspectives on the world beyond your backyard.
Here are some of the top reasons why traveling is beneficial:
- Personal growth
Traveling helps you learn how to navigate transportation, new skills, independence, and self-reliance as you venture beyond familiar territory. By seeing how others live, you can gain a new appreciation of your corner of the world. Traveling may help you make positive changes in your life or the lives of others. Many people use traveling to volunteer abroad and make a more significant difference in the world.
Being out of familiar territory may seem uncomfortable, but that is what leads to the highest degree of personal growth. Go ahead, take that cooking or wine-making class. Try glass-blowing or basket-making or learn to paint from a local artisan.
- It helps people recharge and relax
Our daily lives are often filled with appointments, commitments, deadlines, and one thing after another. It is just as important to take a break from the rat race and unwind. Traveling is the best way to do that as it forces you off the hamster wheel and puts you in the middle of new horizons.
Travel allows you to live in the moment rather than always planning for what comes next. You never know when something unplanned may create an exciting new option.
- Relieves stress and anxiety and can help with health and mental problems
Traveling helps to relieve the stress of daily life, which can lead to physical and mental health problems. Stress is a leading cause of hormone, sleep, and immune system changes that can interfere with our well-being. https://hghformen.clinic believes that hormonal imbalances, such as HGH deficiency, can also cause mental health issues.
HGH therapy can relieve mood swings, irritability, and even depression while also strengthening the immune system and improving overall health, vitality, and well-being.
- Exposes you to new things and information
Traveling pushes you beyond your comfort zone as everything from food to customs may differ from what you regularly experience. Immersing yourself in a different culture allows you to experience things you could never get from a video or book. Exploration expands our horizons and knowledge. There is more to life than we know of in our insulated worlds.
From world-famous sites to historic locations, traveling allows you to explore exciting destinations. You may even learn new career skills or find opportunities to enhance your business.
- Creates memories
Whether you travel solo, as a couple, with family, or as part of a group, traveling allows you to create memories that will last a lifetime. You may never return to that corner of the world again, so take plenty of time to savor the experiences and capture them in photos and videos.
Narrating your videos is the best way to remember your experiences. Think of all the new stories you will have to share when you return home.
- Can boost creativity and motivation
Travel takes planning, allowing you to be creative in designing your trip. Many people become highly motivated when researching their destinations, tours, hotels, and restaurants.
You can also use that newfound creativity in your daily life as you see things with renewed perspectives. If your career or personal interests are in the artistic fields, traveling can help enhance your creativity.
- It gives you a new appreciation of you
Traveling exposes you to many different lifestyles that may help you appreciate what you have back at home. You may realize that things you once thought were most important may not be anymore.
Many people find that traveling helps them renew or strengthen their relationships which might have suffered under the stress of daily life. It also feels great to return to familiar sights, faces, and places after time away.
Best Countries for Cheap Travel
Many countries are ideal for budget-minded travelers who want to get the most bang for their buck. Even locations frequently viewed as expensive for travel often provide options for budget travel, as you can find hostels, home-swapping, and pet-sitting homes that make travel to more expensive countries affordable. Getting the most value you can from your destination helps you stay longer, experiencing more of what there is to see.
As you begin your search, you will find that some countries offer luxury suites for less than the cost of a hostel bed in other places. Not only are accommodations more affordable, but so are spa treatments, meals, and tours. By choosing your travel location wisely, you will find yourself able to have more enjoyable experiences.
Here are some of the top countries for cheap or affordable travel:
- Thailand
A leading backpacker destination, Thailand offers numerous options for travelers. You can visit National Parks, jungles, big cities, or quaint islands. Know that some areas cost more than others, especially near the leading tourist destinations.
However, many people find accommodations well under $50 per night, some even considerably lower. Do not hesitate to enjoy the fantastic street food offered at unbelievably low prices.
- Colombia
This South American country offers everything you could want on vacation – beaches (Atlantic and Pacific oceans), mountains (Andes), and rainforests (Amazon).
With many accommodations ranging in price from $30 to $50 per day, there is something for everyone. Cities worth exploring include Cartagena, Bogota, and Medellin. Check out a coffee tour to see where Columbian coffee comes from.
- The Balkans – Here are a few of the options:
Albania
You may be surprised that American citizens can stay in Albania for up to a year without a visa. Expect to pay around $40 – $50 per night for affordable accommodations, far less for a bed in a hostel or budget accommodation. Food, beer, and wine are also affordable. You will be close to Puglia, Italy, and Greece without their higher prices. Of course, you can always look into affordable day trips.
Bosnia
Another Balkan country, Bosnia, offers the medieval town of Mostar for exciting exploration. The capital city, Sarajevo, was home to the Olympics many years ago. Bosnia is also a great starting point for exploring other Balkan countries like Croatia. Planning an extended Balkan trip allows you to visit many of these countries at an affordable cost.
Croatia
If your idea of travel means visiting stunning beaches, there is no better place to go than Croatia. Of course, you will also find medieval towns, over a thousand islands, a fantastic wine region, bustling cities, and affordable travel throughout the area with Flixbus.
- Vietnam
Do not be surprised when you see how far the dollar will go in Vietnam, where you can expect a hostel bed for around $10 and mid-range accommodations for around $40 – $50 per night. The cost of meals may also surprise you with a few dollars going quite a long way.
- Bulgaria
Although prices here, as elsewhere in Europe, have risen in the past two years, Bulgaria still offers many opportunities for budget-minded travelers. From hostels to hotel accommodations, there is something for every budget, and food costs are still affordable. With lovely old towns, relaxing beaches, and amazing wine, Bulgaria is a place to put on your travel list.
- Laos
Thrill-seekers will love visiting Laos, with its affordable options for hot air ballooning, hiking to impressive waterfalls, kayaking, zip-lining through a jungle canopy, and mountain climbing. Imagine sleeping in a tree hut while you escape the crowds that visit nearby Thailand.
- South Africa
Although it may be more expensive to fly to (see the first section for how to make it more affordable), spending time in South Africa will be worth it. Accommodations are often luxurious and affordable. A recent traveler found ninety-minute spa treatments for less than $60 USD at a safari lodge. From safaris and national parks to big cities and museums, there is so much to do and see that you will never be bored. Since many accommodations have kitchenettes, you can save by visiting the local grocery stores and preparing meals.
These are only some of the many places to travel on a budget. You can find other affordable travel options here.
Conclusion
You will be surprised at how easy it is to enjoy spending time in many countries for less than $50 per day. A little bit of planning will go a long way to helping you maximize your time and money.
Traveling can do for your body, soul, and mind what nothing else can. Whether you like the bustle of city life, the relaxation of time spent on the beach, the thrill of scaling mountains and hiking in forests, or pursuing educational or volunteering opportunities, the world is waiting for you. Where will you travel next?