You don’t have to choose between financial stability and seeing the world. A little bit of research, creativity, and great timing can land you a bargain. If you’re after a deal on five star accommodation during peak tourist season, then you’re in the wrong place. But, if you’re on the hunt for affordable adventure, keep on scrolling.
The truth is, there are tons of awe-inspiring vacation locales just off the beaten path. It’s easy to snag a great price on a vacation package by booking at the last minute or traveling during the offseason.
For those that want to see more and save more, these are the best year-round bargain holiday destinations.
Valerija Polakovska/ShutterstockQuebec City, Canada
There’s a lot to be said for traveling to Canada’s largest province. The former French colony is teeming with culture. Better yet, there’s always something delicious waiting around every corner.
Quebec City can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Its cobbled streets are designed to be explored on foot, its countless museums are always offering admission discounts, and many of the area’s historical landmarks are free to behold.
Though most visitors stop by in the summer months, Quebec City is just as stunning in the winter. It’s also a lot less crowded and a lot more affordable.1
Portugal
The beaches of Portugal rival those of just about every other Western European destination. It’s a popular tourist destination to be sure, but the country’s low cost of living offers would-be visitors an incredible value. Walk the streets of Lisbon and soak in centuries of European cultural history and architectural landmarks for a fraction of what it would cost to visit nearby Spain or France.
You can explore the country’s nature reserves and parks for free, and save big by choosing to travel by bus or train. Savvy travelers often visit in the off-months and save even more. Though it can take some careful planning, it’s not unheard of to get by as a visitor in Portugal for only 50 euros a day.2
South Korea
The secret of South Korea is getting out. As such, the country’s cost of living is on the rise. However, there is a lot of value to be found here.
The country’s robust and easily accessible public transportation system makes it easy and economical to get around. Plus, South Korea is full of cheap activities to engage in and food to enjoy. While visiting in the wintertime offers the most bang for your buck, South Korea can be enjoyed on a budget year round.
Oh, one more thing: South Korea is a fascinating country to explore. From the breathtaking 15th century grand palaces, to the preserved Hanok villages, to the futuristic Seoul, there’s always something new, exciting, and affordable to explore.3
Turkey
One travel destination that a lot of people are still sleeping on is Turkey, which is great news for you. Travelers can expect to spend roughly 35-euros a day enjoying Turkey — and that’s during peak season. Those looking to visit in the winter are subject to saving even more.
So, why visit Turkey? More than just a bargain travel destination, Turkey is historically and culturally rich beyond measure. The country boasts some truly spectacular sights, including the:
- Ruins of the ancient Roman city of Ephesus;
- Picturesque Cappadocia, and;
- Breathtaking, ruin-lined Mediterranean coastline.4
Thailand
There’s a lot to like about Thailand. The country is decidedly backpacker friendly, and can be thoroughly enjoyed on a budget. From cheap eats to a wide variety of affordable accommodation options, Thailand has been on the radar of value-seeking travelers for a long while. In fact, Bangkok is one of the cheapest airfare destinations in all of Asia.
Opting for local buses and trains to traverse the landscape is ideal for those looking to get the most out of their money. Eating meals from the street stalls is a great way to save too. All told, expect to spend as little as 15 USD per day on accommodations and just over 1 USD for street-stall meal.5
Cambodia
Ancient temples, dazzling natural landscapes, and a kind and endearing local population mark Cambodia as one of the best up-and-coming tourist destinations in the world. In addition to its miles-long beaches and world-renowned cuisine, the country is home to the largest religious monument in the world, Angkor Wat.
Cambodia’s off-peak season is also impressively long. The exotic locale offers bargain rates on flights and accommodations from April to October, with homestay experiences available for as little as 4 USD per night.6
Conclusion
See? There’s no need to swear off vacations altogether. There really are several fascinating vacation destinations available to the bargain hunting traveler. You can still immerse yourself in a completely different culture, kick back, and soak up some sun or embrace the great outdoors for a fraction of the cost of what other people pay.
Our list of the best year-round bargain vacation destinations is far from comprehensive. There are even more affordable getaways out there for you to discover. So remain vigilant, keep searching online, and never miss out on another five-star destination bargain again.