Five Affordable World Travel Destinations

by: C.J.Gustafson
LocationsThat Offer More But Cost Less

Soyou want to travel the world but you have a tight budget? Are you tired of reading about everyone else’s exotic adventures andready to have some of your own? Haveyou always wanted to take an international vacation but thought you couldn’tafford it? There are numeroustravel destinations across the world that are both exciting and affordable. Five of them are described here to give you ideas and get you startedplanning your own getaway.
Thereare two ways to approach affordable vacations to distant destinations. Either you will save money getting there or the savings will occur onceyou arrive at your selected spot. Ifyou want the trip there to be affordable, many travel consolidators recommendchoosing well-known destinations that are served by numerous airlines andreceive millions of travelers each year. Thecompetition for customers usually drives costs down for everything from lodgingto tour packages. Airfares betweenmajor hubs tend to be more affordable and there are often plenty of discountsand last minute travel deals.London
InEurope, London is a top pick for affordable vacation destinations, for theseexact reasons. Not only do you havemore flights to choose from, they are cheaper than if you flew to a more remotelocation. On average, staying inLondon may be a bit more expensive than other European destinations, but theseemingly endless choices in hotels, restaurants, transportation, tours, andother travel essentials gives travels opportunities to mold their vacation tofit their budgets. And you can useLondon as your home base to set out on day trips to other more exotic locationsor buy a Eurorail pass and see those more remote countries without the expenseof flying there.Playadel Carmen, Mexico
Thistheory also works well for traveling in the Caribbean. Belize is an appealing destination, with wonderful Caribbean beaches anda lush tropic setting, but since it has only recently emerged as a populartravel destination, it is more expensive than Cancun, Jamaica or otherwell-traveled locations along the Mayan Riviera. With fewer flights, getting there is more expensive, and there are fewmoderate lodging options. Developmentof larger luxury resorts have begun to boom, but the only real alternative forthose on a budget is staying in local facilities that may be hard to locate fromhome and may be more rustic than most travelers are willing to try.
Althoughthere are many options for affordable vacations in the Caribbean, an excellentpick is Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Accessiblevia flights to Cancun, which are often some of the cheapest in the region, Playais just a half hour away. It isfilled with a multitude of lodging choices, from expansive luxury resorts on theocean to quaint but clean hotels downtown. From Playa, travelers can branch out and visit Tulum and other locationson the Mayan Riviera or take the ferry across to the island of Cozumel wheresnorkeling is prime and the attractions are many.
ForAsian destinations, travelers often do better to focus on saving money once theyget to their destination. Dependingon your country of origin, getting to just about any spot in Asia is going to bea sizable chunk of your travel budget. Thedifference will come from the cost of lodging, food, entertainment and othertravel expenditures once you arrive. Bychoosing destinations where you get the most for your money, you can save agreat deal on your international vacation. A drink or dinner in Tokyo will cost you many times more than what itwould in Saigon. The key here is togo where your dollars buy you more and where the local cost of living is low.TiomanIsland
Anaffordable yet exotic choice for Asia is Malaysia and specifically TiomanIsland, knows as the mythical 'Bali Hai' from the film 'South Pacific.’ Tioman Island is located at the southern end of the east coast ofMalaysia on the South China Sea. Its sandy beaches, bordered by lush jungles andstunning mountains make it a relaxing yet intriguing destination, ideal for sunlovers, snorkelers and divers. Theisland also has many villages for exploring and shopping. English is widely spoken and therates are amazingly affordable, with a two night lodging package for a suite ata lovely oceanside resort averaging around 100 U.S. dollars. Typically visitors reach the island via the speed ferry from themainland. Although the trip cantake over two hours, it is enjoyable and provides opportunities for dolphinwatching along the way.
BuenosAires
SouthAmerica also has many destinations that are affordable because of the savingsonce you arrive. Locales like Riode Janeiro in Brazil, the areas top destination, are coming down in price butare still more expensive than cities such as Buenos Aires in Argentina, wherethe rates are lower and the U.S. dollar goes further.

Ahuge metropolis that is more European than South American, the city has much tooffer including cultural events, thriving nightlife, shopping, local sports, anda host of tours and excursions. LaBoca, with its street performers, shops, and unique architecture is a bigtourist draw. The large number ofchoices for lodging, restaurants, and activities provides opportunities forbudget travel and savings. Airfare to the city is relatively reasonable for aninternational destination, with discount fares from the U.S. averaging around$500 round trip. Buenos Aires mightnot be one of the most exotic or inspiring destinations in South America, but itis a city that everyone should see at least once, and with some of the mostaffordable rates and fares around, it makes the list as a top South Americandestination.
LasVegas
Thelist would not be complete without a North American destination, and the champof all affordable locales is Las Vegas. Ittoo is a city that should be seen at least once, and many world travelers returnagain and again for the gaming, art, shows and people watching that just can’tbe found anywhere else. Closeenough to other top U.S. attractions like the Grand Canyon, Vegas provides otheroptions for those who have had their fill of casinos.

Thecity has long been known for its cheap vacation packages with hotels and resortsthat offer discount rates for rooms, meals and entertainment in hopes ofattracting people to their gaming tables. Airfarerates into Vegas are some of the most reasonable in the United States, no matterthe origination destination. Andwith more than 100,000 hotel rooms to choose from, there is sure to be a lodgingchoice that fits your budget.

Theworld provides hundreds of affordable travel destinations. With all the options available, there is no excuse to put off thatlife-long desire to travel to exotic places at the far ends of the earth. Destinations can be researched on the Internet or yourtravelconsolidator can makerecommendations and help with locating cheapinternational airfare and lodging rates that fit your budget. Sowhat are you waiting for? Get outthere and explore the world.