Travelling long distance is expensive, and not everyone can afford to dish out the cash for the most exotic and most luxurious holidays. What almost everyone can do, on the other hand, is to get an idea about the destinations that offer great experiences at a fraction of the cost of most of the better known places.
Budget Travel, a website dedicated to travelling on a limited amount of money, has come up with its annual list of ten special destinations to visit on a budget. This is a look at the ten destinations in a bit of detail.
1. Northern Italy
Highlights: Big-city culture and natural beauty
Why go there in 2015?
Expo Milano, a World’s Fair event, will be happening in the Northern Italian town of Milan, and more than 20 million visitors are expected from all over the world, so you can expect Milan to be a buzzing honeycomb of activity from May 1 to October 31.
What to do:
Milan has a lot to offer everyone, from shopping to its collection of historical sites, including its historic city centre. Get out of the big city and visit Lake Como and the hundreds of tiny towns waiting to be explored. It’s a journey you are unlikely to forget.
2. Bali, Indonesia
Highlights: Picturesque beaches and romance
Why go there in 2015?
Hotel prices are said to be down almost 12 per cent, so take this opportunity to go to Indonesia’s most popular tourist destination.
What to do:
Bali is the ultimate island paradise, so you will be spoilt for choice. Relax at one of the distinctive black sand beaches, go diving, surfing, or indulge in the many activities this wonderful island has to offer.
3. Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Highlights: Music and hip neighbourhoods
Why go there in 2015?
Here is a city that has experienced 48 straight months of growth, hitting a fever pitch in 2015. Go there this year before the crowds really start to pull in.
What to do:
Nashville is the sacred home of country music, and in no other city will you hear as much free live music. Visit the Country Music Hall of fame, and indulge in some Nashville style hot chicken in several joints throughout the city.
4. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Highlights: Diving with beautiful coral and tropical fish
Why go there in 2015?
The prices of flights to Cairns have dropped 30 per cent, and package deals are available now more than ever.
What to do:
Get up close and personal with the planet’s biggest coral reef system, teeming with thousands of rare and beautiful species of fish, dolphins, turtles, and more. Snorkelling, Scuba diving, sailing, and everything in between is available!
5. Istanbul, Turkey
Highlights: High style and world-class shopping
Why go there in 2015?
Although named the world’s top travel destination, hotel prices in the city have fallen amidst the unsettled nature of the Middle East.
What to do:
The former capital of Turkey is famous for its Grand Bazaar with its innumerable shops and winding streets. This bi-continental city is the original meeting point for eastern and western cultures. The sights and sounds are endless, and exploration is a must!
6. Barcelona, Spain
Highlights: Food and art
Why go there in 2015?
Barcelona is one of the most affordable big cities in Europe, and it is not expected to stay that way for too long!
What to do:
Barcelona has so much to offer art lovers – famous artists, musicians, and sculptors all called it home. Barcelona’s culinary delights – we recommend the tapas and sangria – are among the best in the country.
7. Cambodia
Highlights: Exotic, spiritual sites like nowhere else
Why go there in 2015?
According to sources, hotel prices are down across Cambodia this year, with Siem Reap, gateways to Angkor Wat, seeing price drops as much as 10 per cent.
What to do:
Visit Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, which shows off Cambodia’s Hindu and Buddhist heritage and history. The capital Phnom Penh also has some great sites to behold.
8. Denver, Colorado, USA
Highlights: Art, food, and a little something “special”
Why go there in 2015?
The legalisation of recreational cannabis in Colorado has resulted in a large influx of visitors to the city. The city’s brewery and food scenes are also booming.
What to do:
Denver is a city for the ardent art lover, and the Denver Art Museum holds masterpieces by Matisse, Picasso, and O’Keeffe. The Denver Zoo offers several free admission days in 2015 as well.
9. Colombia
Highlights: Adventure and colourful festivals
Why go there in 2015?
Increased security in most large Colombian cities, and low hotel prices in the capital Bogota are the main draws of Colombia this year.
What to do:
Although the country has had a bad reputation related to crime and drugs, the country has shown that it is more than that. Indulge in the rich culture in Colombia’s many colourful festivals and events, and have a sip of the best coffee in the world. Maybe even go on a tour of a plantation.
10. Egypt
Highlights: History and brag-worthy sights
Why go there in 2015?
Owing to the recovery from political unrest over the past few years, Egypt is seeking to gain more tourist numbers year-on-year. Hotel prices have hit their lowest prices. What more do you need?
What to do:
Take a “felucca” (a sailboat) along the River Nile for a once in a lifetime experience. Have a walk-about in Cairo, Luxor, or Aswan, or visit the ancient city of Alexandria. No visit to Egypt is complete without a visit to the Pyramids at Giza and the Valley of the Kings.
Let this be just a guide to your next budget holiday, but remember, book your flights with Travel Center UK for the best available rates. Contact our travel experts today!
