17 Budget-Friendly Getaways You’ll Fall in Love With
You can have wonderful vacations without spending lots of money, with a little planning and creativity. Whether from charming small towns to vibrant cities, these destinations have affordable accommodations, inexpensive dining options, and lots of low cost activities.
If you’re a seasoned traveler or even a first time traveler, these places will leave their own impression in your heart. Here are 17 budget friendly getaways you’ll fall in love with.
Niagara Falls
A lot of Niagara Falls’ beauty can be enjoyed for free. Scenic walking paths and picnic areas in Niagara Falls State Park provides good spots for relaxation and pleasure that come free of charge.
The activities of interest include Maid of the Mist ($17.75 for children; $28.25 for adults), Cave of the Winds (starting at $14, to $21) and the Niagara Gorge Trail System, and the Niagara Falls Illumination (which is free).
Lisbon, Portugal
There are more than enough free or low cost activities to do in the city. You can walk through Alfama historic district, the beautiful streets and the well known Belém Tower.
The average local restaurant meal is about $8.90 – $13.30. Good accommodation includes cheap hostels, around $15 a night, to midrange hotel options around $60-$100 per night.
Penang, Malaysia
George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the island’s biggest draws in terms of the culinary scene, especially street food. Iconic dishes such as Char Kway Teow and Penang Laksa can be enjoyed for less than $3 a meal by visitors.
The Pinang Peranakan Mansion or the Khoo Kongsi temple complex usually charge from $5 to $10 for admission. Free hiking trails will take you to lush rainforest as well as pristine beaches throughout Penang National Park.
Newport, Rhode Island
Preserved architecture and landmarks here show the rich colonial history of the city at every turn. The Cliff Walk is a 3.5 mile public walkway along the rugged shoreline that visitors can explore.
This has breathtaking views of ocean and also picturesque looks of splendid mansions. Tours of the Touro Synagogue cost $12 or less for adults. You’ll find many seafood shacks and local eateries with delicious meals for under $20.
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
Surrounded by stunning beaches, rich biodiversity, and welcoming local culture, it is an excellent destination. In the tourist area, hostels and budget hotels usually begin from $30/night for a clean and comfy stay.
There’s the beautiful beaches such as Tamarindo famed for its surf breaks or Playa Hermosa with its perfect sands, all of which are open to exploration. Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve or Curu Wildlife Refuge charge $10-$20 entrance fees.
Paso Robles, California
Paso Robles, famous for its world class wineries, vibrant arts scene, and charming downtown, offers an affordable alternative for visitors. Paso Robles boasts more than 200 wineries that offer tastings from $15-$40.
At very little to no cost, there are hiking trails, such as at the Paso Robles City Park and the nearby Lake Nacimiento. The Paso Robles Pioneer Museum does not charge for admission.
Athens, Greece
Its famous for its ancient landmarks, good food, and lively culture. Athens is a fascinating mix between old and new that attracts budget travellers from all around the globe.
Entry to the Acropolis costs around $22, and the views there are brilliant. Pass through the enchanting streets of Plaka and enjoy fantastic, affordable Greek dining. Meals here range from $3 in the local tavernas.
Lille, France
Situated in this vibrant city are cultural influences of both French and Flemish history. Admission costs approximately $8 in the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille.
In addition, the La Piscine Museum in Roubaix costs as little as $10. At local bistros travelers can tuck into traditional Flemish dishes such as ‘carbonade flamande’ or ‘moules-frites’.
Santa Barbara
Beautiful beaches are one of the city’s main attractions, and they are freely open to the public. Lounge on East Beach or get the grand view at Arroyo Burro Beach.
Sanctioned tours of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse are free daily, and the grand building is known for its ornate Spanish-Moorish architecture and stunning murals. With hiking trails suited to all skill levels, the Santa Ynez Mountains are also open for visitors to explore.
Sri Lanka
There is a plethora of activities in Sri Lanka to please any interest of yours. For just $25, history enthusiasts can wander through the ancient city of Anuradhapura.
Touring the rock fortress of Sigiriya, called the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ will cost a fee of $20. The first two of which are famous Sri Lankan rice and curry and secondly street food lovers can check out kottu roti or hoppers.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is known for its picturesque beaches, rice terraces, warm and welcoming people. Tegallalang Rice Terraces has stunning views and costs around $0.70 – $3.50 to get in.
Uluwatu Temple is just $3.21, and it offers some dramatic ocean views and traditional Kecak dance performances at sunset. Walk along Seminyak or Kuta beaches-they’re free, and you can sunbathe, surf, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
Mexico City
There’s no shortage of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in this city. Remote Year says that Mexico’s cost of living is 45.7 percent less than in the USA.
It’s free to tour the historic Zócalo and surrounding colonial architecture. National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City charges $5-$56 for entrance. Additionally, Mexico City is a veritable food lovers’ paradise with its
Prague
Budget travelers will be quite happy to find such an enchanting combination of history and modernity while in Prague. It’s free to stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge or Old Town Square.
With costs from solely $8.53-$20, the Prague Castle provides amazing views of the city. Usually, the entry fee is relatively cheap – usually less than $10 – for the Czech National Gallery. Local pubs offer traditional Czech dishes such as gowash and schnitzel.
Krakow, Poland
There are plenty of attractions in Krakow without emptying your wallet. The historic Old Town hosts picturesque cobblestone streets and landmarks, including Wawel Castle and St. Mary’s Basilica.
The price point of mine guided tours is around $24 for Wieliczka Salt Mine, a mesmerizing underground labyrinth of tunnels and caverns. There are free walking tours in the lively, artsy Kazimierz district, which has its Jewish heritage.
Bermuda
It is famous for its stunning pink sand beaches and turquoise clear waters. You’re able to explore stunning beaches such as Horseshoe Bay and Tobacco Bay completely free of charge.
The Bermuda Tourism Authority reports Bermuda welcomed 61,619 leisure air visitors to Bermuda through the first six months of 2024, 11.4 percent up over the same period last year. Walking or cycling from Sandy’s Parish to St. George’s can be done along the picturesque Old Railway Trail. There is a Bermuda public transportation system, which you can travel by bus and ferry.
Palm Springs
It is known for having year-round sunny weather. Visitors are invited to relax and take in a host of attractions at an affordable price in this desert oasis.
The Indian Canyons are open to visitors for a hike, and the Palm Springs Art Museum has free admission on certain days of the month. VillageFest, the city’s lively weekly street fair, is open to you – it takes place every Thursday evening. It’s also a great opportunity to discover local art, culture, and cuisine for $0.
Belize
Belize provides a perfect balance of sun kissed beaches, lush jungles and an incredible cultural history, all for a small price. Budget Your Trip estimates that you’d be spending around $124 per day traveling in Belize.
The famous Barrier Reef offers a winning snorkeling and diving experience. Lamanai or Xunantunich are ancient Mayan ruins that cost $65 to $150 to go in.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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