A heritage guide to Laos
May 13, 2024
10 affordable destinations for your summer vacation
|Planning a vacation without breaking the bank isn’t easy, but it is possible! Your best bet is usually to avoid traveling during the high season, and to opt for lesser-known areas – helping you both save money and avoid swarms of tourists as you uncover a world of fascinating hidden gems. In this guide, we deep-dive into destinations both closer to home and far away, where you can get around more cheaply without having to give up on exciting, authentic experiences.
Affordable destinations in Europe
Europe is home to plenty of charming places, each one more unique and entrancing than the next, and allows the ability to self-drive with ease – helping you get across one country, or combine several in one trip, without blowing your budget on travel costs. With so many affordable countries to choose from, where should be at the top of your list this year?
Spain, the birthplace of flamenco
The coastal stretches and islands of Spain, such as the Costa Brava and the Balearic Islands, are some of the country’s main tourist hubs, particularly in summer. After all, good weather is (almost) always guaranteed, the food attracts gourmets, sunshine-seekers can easily access numerous beaches, and those interested in culture will also find something to their taste.
Despite its popularity, Spain is a wonderfully affordable place to visit. We’d recommend a self-drive tour through Andalucia or northern Spain, enabling you to visit culturally-rich and off-the-beaten-track towns and villages that you are interested in – all at your own pace. Head north to explore the remote mountainous reaches of Picos de Europa, or the art-meets-industrial thrills of port city Bilbao; venture south, and you’ll find a seemingly endless clutch of picturesque villages brimming with medieval architecture and a well-preserved cultural heritage. Soak up the ethereal beauty of the White Villages across the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, and don’t miss a show in the cradle of flamenco!
Italy: more than just beach breaks
For many of us, Italy is a well-known destination. After all, great weather is virtually guaranteed, the beaches beckon with their sun-warmed waters, and big cities such as Rome and Florence are magnets for culture vultures. Venture off the typical tourist trails (especially during low season) and you’ll find a true, authentic Italy – your wallet will also thank you in the process.
Head to Chioggia if you’re yearning for the romance of Venice: in this small fishing hub, palaces and houses line quiet canals, but the key difference is that you’ll find few tourists, which is what has helped the town retain its charm. Over in Montalcino, the wine capital of Tuscany, oenophiles will find the best red in Italy: Brunello di Montalcino. Enjoy it against the backdrop of idyllic vineyards, or tucked away in a bar in the medieval old town.
Bulgaria, the land of roses
Did you know that Bulgaria boasts the most mineral springs after Iceland? Here you can experience a summer that’s as sunny as in Spain, only cheaper. Discover the draws of the capital Sofia (Bulgaria is an excellent destination for culture-packed city breaks), then get your fill of history by taking your pick from an impressive list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Of particular note are the Ancient Theater of Philippopolis from Roman antiquity in Plovdiv, where performances still take place to this day, and the fragrant Rose Valley, the origin of the rose oil that’s widely known beyond Bulgaria’s borders; at the end of May or the beginning of June, the Rose Festival is held here in many localities in honor of the Damask rose; you could visit one of the local plantations and production facilities to learn more about the secrets to making the sought-after oil.
Georgia, the bridge between Europe and Asia
Georgia is the ideal destination for a gourmet trip, since it’s home to great wine and a varied cuisine full of Armenian, Persian, and European influences. Georgian wine is fermented underground in clay vessels, a method that has been used for more than 6,000 years, and connoisseurs should not miss out on a very special tasting during their time here.
If you enjoy hiking and adrenaline-boosting experiences, Georgia’s unspoiled nature and mountain panoramas will easily tempt you. Trek your way across vivid green landscapes, glaciers, small mountain villages and monasteries; the hiking trails on offer are incredibly varied and cater for all skill levels, whether you’re strolling along the edge of Bezbog Lake, birdwatching down the Rila Mountain Trail, or seeking out the Boyana Waterfalls on a challenging tour.
Lithuania, the southernmost Baltic gem
The Balkans are amongst the lesser-visited regions in Europe, and Lithuania, its southernmost country, mainly attracts those in search of nature and history. The extensive forests of the Dzūkija National Park, the lakes and the dunes of the Curonian Spit, and the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque-style architecture all are sure to leave a lasting impression.
If you’re traveling through Lithuania, you can take a detour to Latvia, where dense forests and beaches invite you to hike as well as slow your pace. Experience its capital Riga, filled with Art Nouveau buildings, or journey to the port city of Liepāja, the so-called birthplace of the wind, before finding respite on the sands of Jūrmala – a tranquil coastal spot on the Baltic Riviera.
Our favorite mid- and long-haul destinations
The longing for foreign countries, wildly different cultures and new experiences lures us time and again to distant corners of the world. Although the journey can therefore be more expensive, the costs of accommodation, food and entertainment can help keep your trip pleasantly within budget. Read on for our top recommendations a little further afield.
Egypt: the Cradle of Civilization
Egypt is one of the more affordable vacation destinations. In addition to the classics such as the pyramids, the Sphinx and the Valley of the Pharaohs, the Nile and the Sahara are on hand for incredible outdoor experiences. Set off on a cruise to experience Egypt from a different vantage point, or ride a quad bike across tangerine dunes and spend a night under the stars in a desert camp.
Beyond the tourist trail, plan to witness the ethereal sandstone rocks of the Colored Canyon near Nuweibaa with your own eyes. The fascinating Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) is also worth a visit: this UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for housing the fossil remains of a long-extinct species of whale, testifying to the latter’s transition from terrestrial to aquatic life.
Thailand, a tropical vacation paradise
Whether you’re on a beach break, a jungle trekking adventure or a tour of iconic highlights, Thailand is so diverse that you will have a fantastic experience no matter your budget. The activities are cheap, as is the aromatic food, which is a real highlight for many who visit; embark on a street food tour or visit one of the bustling night markets to fully experience the true taste of Thailand.
Visit Thailand in September and October to avoid the heavy rain and heat. At this time of year, the prices for flights, accommodation and excursions are also much lower than during peak season. Your money will take you further if you avoid popular destinations such as Phuket and Koh Samui – our experts on the ground know where to find equally beautiful, often-unexplored landscapes without having to dig deep into your pocket.
Cambodia, the land of mysterious temples
Cambodia is one of the cheapest destinations in Southeast Asia, even more so than Thailand. Those interested in culture will be spoilt for choice between the ever-popular temples of Angkor and the rarely-visited ruins of Banteay Chhmar, some of which are covered with large trees and promise a veritable Indiana Jones experience.
As you save on the cost of flights, accommodation and food, you’ll have the means to get your hands on unique local souvenirs: Cambodia has a long history of silk production, whose traditional weaving and hand-dyeing processes are fascinating to learn about. Alternatively, bring home some Kampot pepper to add to your spice rack! Choose from black, green, red and white varieties with sharp, intense and unmistakable aromas, appreciated by chefs worldwide.
Vietnam: at the heart of multi-destination travel
Idyllic rice terraces, dense jungles and vibrant cities – Vietnam‘s wonderful landscapes, hospitable people and rich history invite travelers who want to experience a lot without overspending. As in Cambodia, accommodation and food here are cheaper than in Thailand, whether you’re venturing into rural areas or keeping to the big cities.
Due to Vietnam’s geographical location, a combined trip that includes Laos, Cambodia or Thailand is easily done. Instead of spending more on several long-haul flights to each destination, seek out the expertise of our local partners and plan a multi-destination escape that you won’t soon forget.
India, a land of contrasts
If you choose to avoid the main tourist hubs, you can experience the best of India cheaply. Venture into its northeastern regions to explore hill destinations clad with tea plantations, as well as to marvel at the mighty Mount Kanchenjunga – the third-highest mountain in the world. Find heaven on Earth in the form of Kashmir’s Himalayan landscapes, or visit the Spiti Valley to learn more about one of the holiest places in the country. From India, you could also easily reach the tea-producing towns, nature reserves, palaces and temples of neighboring Sri Lanka, where fantastic beaches await keen relaxation-seekers.
Make it happen
Traveling is a luxury that does not always have to be expensive. Our experts on the ground will be happy to tailor-make a trip according to your preferences and budget. Draw from their invaluable insider knowledge to make your trip a unique, individual and more affordable experience. Simply choose your next destination and start planning!
