Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the sights and experiences of your trip. In fact, there are many budget-friendly destinations around the world that offer incredible sights and experiences without breaking the bank. In this article, we will explore some of the top budget-friendly sights that you can visit without draining your wallet.
Machu Picchu, Peru (Budget-friendly travel tips)
- Machu Picchu is a bucket list destination for many travelers, and it’s surprisingly affordable to visit.
- The best time to visit is during the shoulder season of April and May when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner.
- To save money, consider taking the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu instead of a guided tour, and bring your own snacks and water to avoid overpriced food vendors.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most incredible archaeological sites in the world. To save money, visit during the rainy season of May to October when the crowds are thinner and the prices are lower. Consider renting a bicycle or motorbike to explore the temples, and bring your own water and snacks to avoid overpriced vendors.
Chichen Itza, Mexico (Budget-friendly travel tips)
Chichen Itza is a fascinating archaeological site that was once a center of Mayan civilization. The best time to visit is during the shoulder season of September to November when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. To save money, consider taking a local bus instead of a tour, and bring your own water and snacks to avoid overpriced vendors.
The Grand Canyon, USA
The Grand Canyon is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world and a must-see destination for any traveler. To save money, consider visiting during the shoulder season of March to May when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. Avoid taking a guided tour and explore the park on your own, and bring your own snacks and water to avoid overpriced vendors.
Petra, Jordan
Petra is a fascinating archaeological site that was once the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom. The best time to visit is during the shoulder season of March to May or September to November when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. To save money, consider taking a local bus or taxi instead of a tour, and bring your own water and snacks to avoid overpriced vendors.
The Colosseum, Rome
- The Colosseum is one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome, and it’s surprisingly affordable to visit. To save money, consider purchasing a Roma Pass, which gives you access to several of the city’s top attractions, including the Colosseum, for a discounted rate.
- You can also opt to take a self-guided tour of the Colosseum instead of a guided tour, which can save you money. Additionally, consider visiting during the off-season when prices are typically lower and crowds are thinner.
The Palace of Versailles, France
The Palace of Versailles is a stunning example of French Baroque architecture. It’s a must-see destination for anyone visiting France. To save money, consider visiting during the off-season or on a weekday when prices are typically lower and crowds are thinner. You can also opt to take a self-guided tour of the palace instead of a guided tour, which can save you money. Additionally, consider visiting the gardens instead of the palace, which can be accessed for free.
The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most incredible natural wonders in the world. It’s surprisingly affordable to visit. To save money, consider visiting during the off-season when prices are typically lower and crowds are thinner. You can also opt to take a snorkeling or diving tour instead of a guided tour, which can save you money. Additionally, consider staying in a budget-friendly accommodation, such as a hostel or camping, instead of a luxury resort.
The Acropolis, Athens (Budget-friendly travel tips)
The Acropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see destination for anyone visiting Athens. To save money, consider purchasing a multi-site ticket, which gives you access to several of the city’s top attractions, including the Acropolis, for a discounted rate. You can also opt to take a self-guided tour of the Acropolis instead of a guided tour, which can save you money. Additionally, consider visiting during the off-season when prices are typically lower and crowds are thinner.
The Blue Lagoon, Iceland
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. To save money, consider visiting during the off-season when prices are typically lower and crowds are thinner. You can also opt to visit the Secret Lagoon or the Myvatn Nature Baths instead of the Blue Lagoon, which can be accessed for a lower price. Additionally, consider staying in budget-friendly accommodations, such as a guesthouse or hostel, instead of a luxury hotel.
The Grand Palace, Bangkok (Budget-friendly travel tips)
- The Grand Palace is a stunning example of Thai architecture and a must-see destination for anyone visiting Bangkok. To save money, consider visiting during the off-season when prices are typically lower and crowds are thinner.
- You can also opt to take a self-guided tour of the palace instead of a guided tour, which can save you money. Additionally, consider visiting nearby temples, such as Wat Pho, which can be accessed for a lower price.
The Great Wall of China, China (Budget-friendly travel tips)
The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and a must-see destination for any traveler. To save money, consider visiting during the shoulder season of September to November. When the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. Avoid taking a guided tour and explore the wall on your own. Bring your own snacks and water to avoid overpriced vendors.
Traveling can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it can also be expensive. However, with a little planning and some smart budget-friendly travel tips, you can save money and make your next trip more affordable. Here are some tips to help you stretch your travel budget further:
- Plan ahead: The earlier you start planning your trip, the more time you’ll have to find deals and discounts. Start by researching destinations, flights, hotels, and activities. Look for deals and sales on airline tickets and accommodations, and book them as early as possible.
Budget-friendly travel picture - Be flexible: Being flexible with your travel dates and destinations can help you save money. For example, traveling during the off-season or on weekdays can be cheaper than traveling during peak season or on weekends. Additionally, consider visiting destinations that are less popular or less expensive, such as smaller towns or less-developed countries.
- Use budget-friendly accommodations: Hotels and resorts can be expensive, but there are many other options that are more budget-friendly. For example, consider staying in hostels, vacation rentals, or camping. Additionally, you can save money by cooking your own meals or using public transportation instead of renting a car.
- Take advantage of loyalty programs: Many hotels, airlines, and credit card companies offer loyalty programs that can help you save money on your next trip. Sign up for these programs and take advantage of the rewards and discounts they offer.
- Be smart about transportation: Transportation can be one of the biggest expenses of a trip. To save money, consider taking public transportation instead of renting a car. You can also save money by booking flights early or looking for deals on budget airlines.
- Pack light: Packing light can save you money on baggage fees and make it easier to move around. Bring only the essentials and consider leaving expensive items at home.
- Be mindful of currency exchange rates: Currency exchange rates can vary greatly. So be mindful of the rates when you’re planning your trip. Consider using credit cards or ATMs to withdraw cash instead of exchanging currency at a bureau de change.
- Be prepared for unexpected expenses: Despite your best efforts, unexpected expenses can still occur. Be prepared by setting aside some money for emergencies or by purchasing travel insurance.
- Take advantage of free activities: Many destinations offer free activities, such as hiking trails, parks, and museums. Take advantage of these free activities to save money on your trip.
- Research local customs and etiquette: Researching local customs and etiquette can help you save money by avoiding costly mistakes. For example, in some cultures, it’s considered rude to haggle or to tip certain service workers.