If you want to travel longer, more often and for less money, check out our best budget destinations for 2010. These places have it all: beautiful vistas, hospitable people, amazing beaches, ancient sites...and jaw-dropping prices. So don't worry about your limited funds as these countries will stretch the budget of the most money-conscious traveler.
1. Mongolia
Cycling in Mongolia. Mongolia, a landlocked country situated between giant Russia and China, is a hidden jewel of Asia. Undoubtedly, Mongolia is one of Asia's last unspoiled and untouched destinations. This land of amazing landscapes, dramatic views of Gobi Desert, abundant wildlife and unique history is also one of the cheapest places in Asia and the entire world.
In contrast to the intact countryside, Ulan Bator, the Mongolian capital, is a vibrant developing city, with hip cafes, funky hostels and stylish stores. Still, the country's main city, inhabited by around 1 million, remains inexpensive. The dorm will cost you US$ 6 (9,000T) and a double-room in a hostel is around US$ 20 (basic breakfast included). In many hostels there is free Wi-Fi.
Renting a jeep is the easiest way to get out of the town and see the countryside. If you share a jeep or minivan with other travelers, the cost goes down to around US$ 25 per day. Sleeping in yurts (Mongolian: ger), traditional Mongolian dwellings, costs around US$ 3.5 (5,000T) per night, simple breakfast and supper included. Food is also inexpensive. For dinner in a local restaurant you will pay around 2,000T, while in a Western-style restaurant the price is double. Beer is between 1000T and 1300T (around US$ 0.90).
2. Peru
Roadside souvenirs, near Cuzco, Peru.From the pristine cost of the Pacific Ocean, throughout the majestic Andes, to the tropical jungle in the country's eastern part, Peru is a land of superb vistas and extraordinary locations. Despite the fact that more and more travelers head to this South American state, the costs of traveling are pretty low in comparison to other countries on the continent.
Travelers on a shoestring budget can easily get by on around US$ 20 a day. The country's currency is nuevo sol (S/), which is around S/3.50 per US$ 1. Sleeping in dormitory rooms is of course the cheapest option, but even double rooms are not that expensive - in Lima, the country's capital, you can rent a room in a hostel for around S/40. Dinner in an inexpensive restaurant is around S/8, while large beer is around S/ 3.50.
Unfortunately, visiting Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca city and the main magnet for adventurers, is not cheap. Four-day guided trekking to the lost city is around US$ 300 per person.
3. Albania
Ionian Coast. Albania. Albania, surrounded by the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea, is one of the cheapest destinations in Eastern Europe, and definitely the cheapest Mediterranean country. Albania has it all: a beautiful coast, majestic mountains, ancient towns, rich culture and superb food. Still, prices in the country are much lower than in Italy, Greece or Croatia.
For 50 leke (US$ 0.5) you can get delicious local beer or espresso in a bar, a traditional Albanian meal in a restaurant will cost around 600 leke, while a double room in a hostel is around 1,000 leke (US$ 10). A 30 km ride by a local bus is 100 leke and entrance fee to Tirana's main museum is 200 leke.
4. The Philippines
El Nido. Philippines. This amazing country comprised of 7,000 exotic islands is the world's second largest archipelago. It is an off-the-beaten-track destination visited by relatively few travelers in comparison to other Southeast Asia countries and therefore, it is also much more affordable. The Philippines is one of the world's best diving and snorkeling destinations and a land of superb natural wonders, from lush hills to white-sand beaches.
One night in a double room in a hostel located in Manila or Coron will cost you between 700p (US$ 15) and 900p (US$ 19), and in the more remote places you will pay as little as 500p for a double room. If you are a dive addict you have to try wreck diving around Coron, which will cost you 1,700p (US $ 36) (equipment included). If you're a beer addict you will pay up to 45p (US$ 1) for a pint. Dinner in a local restaurant is around 75p, while Western-style restaurants serve meals for between 100p and 300p. You can easily get by on US$ 30 per day.
5. Ukraine
Lviv. Ukraine. Another European best-kept secret is Ukraine. This charming country, located in Eastern Europe, is the land of wild steppes, rivers and the beautiful Crimean coast of the Black Sea. The country's main cities, Kiev, Lvov and Odessa, are amazingly vibrant cultural hubs, while the Ukrainian countryside remains intact and wild.
Although the prices are gradually growing, as more and more tourists visit the country, there is still a chance to find a room in the hostels in Lvov and Kiev for as little as US$ 10 to US$15. Of course hotel prices are much higher, ranging between US$ 100 and US$ 150 in Kiev. The food is inexpensive - pizza in a restaurant in around 40UAH (the Ukrainian hryvnia), which is US$ 5; local beer in a bar will cost you 8UAH (around US$ 1). The best way to travel long distances in Ukraine is by trains - A kupe (2nd-class) train ride across the entire country will cost you not more than 150UAH ($19). Also local public transport is super cheap - around US$ 0.05 to US$ 0.4 per ticket.
6. Iceland
Snaefellsness. Iceland. If you wonder why Iceland, one of the most expensive countries in the world, is on that list, here is the explanation. According to Lonely Planet, this magical land of glaciers, volcanoes and hot springs is one of the best-value destinations for 2010 due to the collapse of Iceland's currency - krona- against the US dollar, British pound and other currencies.
As a result Iceland has become much more affordable. Even super expensive Reykjavik is now comparable with most European capital cities. Since the beginning of 2009 the number of travelers has increased significantly as many come more for the exchange rate than the nature.
7. Bulgaria
Bulgaria. Bulgaria is much more than the sandy beaches of the Black Sea Coast. The country encapsulates lush landscapes of mountainous and forested areas, abundant wildlife, ancient monasteries, and vibrant cities such as the capital Sofia, with a great selection of bars, cafes and clubs.
Bulgaria is a superb and cheaper alternative to nearby Western European countries. Since it became a member of the EU the prices have increased, but it is still a bargain in comparison to Italy, France, Austria or Spain.
The cheapest accommodation option is of course camping which costs around 10 lv (US$ 7) per person, while a room in a private house or in a hostel is between 12 lv (US$ 8) and 30 lv (US$ 20). Food and drinks in local restaurants are also inexpensive: you will pay around 0.5 lv (US$ 0.50) for a cup of coffee and around 1 lv (US$ 0.80) for a beer. Most of the museums and galleries offer free entry on one day of the week, and entrance fees are between 1 lv and 5 lv.
8. Margarita Island, Venezuela
Margarita Island. Venezuela. 320 days of sunshine a year, white beaches, turquoise waters, beer for only US $1 and rum drinks for US$ 2... Welcome to Margarita Island, one of the cheapest Caribbean destinations, situated in the Caribbean Sea off the northeastern coast of Venezuela. Hostel accommodation can be found for as little as between US$ 10 and US$ 15 and a fine local meal is only US$ 7.
The bargain prices will not last for long, though. More and more foreign tourists are heading for this paradise, new hotels and resort are emerging and prices go up. Still, the island is cheaper than mainland as it has a status of a duty-free port so such goods as whiskey, chocolate, or electrical appliances can be purchased cheaper than in other parts of the country.
