When you think of exotic places, you may think of the Maldives (which for your information, costs about $100-$200 a day). However, there are many places in the world where you can get by per day, for much much less.
With the weaker US dollar, you may think that your dollar doesn’t go that far, but you will be surprised.
There are many countries around the world that are still ridiculously cheap to travel in, even with a weaker US dollar.
Here are some of my favourites (with my personal photos! Don’t laugh at my photography please lol!):
India
A few years ago, I spent about two and a half months traveling across Northern India. Although the initial cost was high (the airfare is an arm and a leg- it cost me about $1700), I only spent $250 the entire time I was there. That’s like $100 a month!
I remember in Kolkata, I spent $2.50 a night at a Salvation Army Hostel… and a huuuuuge plate of fried rice was only $1. Those were good times, good times. I remember one of the overnight trains going across India (pretty much half way across the country) was only $20.
South East Asia
Although I haven’t been here (except for Thailand and Cambodia) I do know that in Vietnam a bowl of mouth water pho bo (beef noodles) costs $0.50 and a bottle of domestic beer is about $0.17. Again, the flight from North America is probably the largest expense.
You can rent a beautiful beachfront cabin in Thailand on one of their many secluded beaches for $5 a night.
Argentina
Beautiful country, beautiful people, beautiful things to see. It was relatively cheap to travel here, about $13-15 a night for a hostel. People are so stylish in Buenos Aires and people watching is fun. What was super cheap here is the wine (Mendoza) and steaks.
(vegetarian readers alert- don’t read the next sentence!) I had possibly the hugest and most delicious cut of steak I have ever seen (grass fed, organic, the works) with wine and dessert for $15. The Keg and Mortons Steak House, eat your heart out.
Morocco
Flights can be super cheap from the UK to Morocco (British Airways has a regular flight into Morocco). You can get by very well with $15-$20 a day. Renting a private land cruiser and driver is very economical, especially if you want to see more of the country in short amount of time. Freshly squeezed orange juice in the square at Marrakech for $1 and delicious breakfasts coupled with the best cafe au lait for $3.oo.
Readers, do you have any other exotic and inexpensive places you would like to add to this list?
I have nothing to add to the list. I’d just love to go to all the places you mentioned…
.-= Jackie´s last blog ..Handling Life’s Big Financial Changes =-.
Thanks for sharing these travel ideas. As much as I’d love to visit these exotic, far away places, I don’t think I’ll be able to convince my husband of sitting in an airplane for more than 5 hours (he’s horrible to travel with!) I guess I’ll have to wait until I have adult children to travel with, argh….
.-= Little House´s last blog ..Livable Living Expenses =-.
@LIttle House really? Or you could travel with young children! (talk about young and thrifty lol) I think that if a child is under 2, the child can travel free! AND if you have maternity leave for the first year… but it would be much more beneficial to travel with another parent during the first year. Guess that plan doesn’t work! =(
Just stumbled on your blog this morning – love what I’m reading so far! Thought I’d add a suggestion…
Most people don’t expect this, but many South Pacific islands are very affordable – at least once you get there. I’ve visited a few, and while not nearly as cheap as India or Asia, they offer a great exotic-to-cost ratio!
In Samoa (Western, not American), you can get a private beach fale (hut), incl. breakfast/dinner, for about $25 CAD per night. Beer is about $1.50-2. Was relatively non-touristy, though may not last long with the recent “Survivor”-hype. Excellent beaches, interesting culture and very relaxing!
Fiji is slightly more $$ but still very reasonable. Hostels are about $15-20/night, meals about half (or less) what they cost in Canada. Quite a bit to do here and well equipped – gorgeous beaches, amazing diving, surfing, etc. Very friendly people! A popular destination for long-term backpackers.
As I mentioned, it can be expensive to get to the South Pacific, but costs are pretty low once there. Very different atmosphere compared to the typical all-inclusive Caribbean islands. Should stay at least 2 weeks to justify the cost of flight, and to fully benefit from the relaxed pace of “island time”!
@T- Thank you!! I haven’t been to the South Pacific but would loooove to. The South Pacific is quintessential exotic to me, so I’m glad to hear that it’s not too bad on the budget too! The closest I have been to the south pacific, is at Honolulu’s Polynesian Cultural Centre lol. I personally would choose something like the South Pacific vs an all inclusive in lets say, mexico. I bet snorkelling is amazing there too. Thanks T- I’ll look into traveling here in the near future (hmm maybe for my honey moon or something like that). Right now, I’m all into the ‘adventurous’ type destinations (hiking etc) while my knees still work. =) Thanks for visiting and giving your great input.
I think you missed to mention Paris. It is the most wonderful place I have ever visited.
@Consumer mailing list- but Paris is expensive, no? =)
[...] is a very economical country to travel in. It’s definitely on my “exotic doesn’t always mean expensive” list. For example, a bowl of Pho (beef noodle soup) is $1.10 USD. A cup of Vietnamese Coffee [...]