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After grinding daily for weeks on end, you deserve time to unwind at an affordable holiday destination. There is a vast variety of exemplary destinations across the globe that won’t break the bank to visit and experience. 

These regions are filled with cultural, historical, and scenic splendours that are waiting to be explored. After securing affordable international flights, you’ll be ready to take on the world in style and on budget.

So, where are the cheapest destinations to travel to in the world? We’ll take you on a journey of these picturesque getaways to prepare you for a carefree and exhilarating adventure. 

Cheapest Places to Go on Holiday

Whether you’re looking for a beach vibe or prefer a getaway filled with activities, these budget holiday destinations will be sure to cater to every kind of traveller. Listed below are the top cost-effective countries to add to your travel inspiration board:

Indonesia

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Exchange rate: 1 Indonesian Rupiah = 0,0010 ZAR

A country filled with technicolour dreamscapes and a glimpse into the idyllic nature of island living – Indonesia is the perfect cost-effective beach holiday. This transcontinental paradise consists of thousands of islands and offers a kaleidoscope of adventures and activities.

As one of the most Instagrammable places in the world, you’ll have plenty of backdrops to take countless family holiday photos. From the spectacular sight of the Rainbow Village in Java to the beautiful beaches in Bali, you’ll be transfixed by Indonesia from start to finish.

Turkey

Exchange rate: 1 Turkish lira = 1,57 ZAR

Embedded with a vibrant culture and a sense of whimsy – this Middle Eastern gem is a place like no other. From the glittering sand dunes to the stoic brilliance of ancient mosques – a holiday in Turkey will be sure to leave an imprint in your heart.

You’ll be remiss if you don’t include the effervescence of Istanbul in your trip, which is the largest European city. Istanbul has a wide variety of activities and adventures. Some of its well-known attractions are also free to explore!

This includes walking through the aqua-hued mosaic splendour of the Blue Dome and exploring the crafted treasures in the Grand Bazaar. You’ll be able to embrace the essence of Turkey at these top Istanbul activities without spending a cent. 

Tip: If you find yourself eyeing an item at a Turkish market to commemorate your exciting travels, be sure to bargain your way to a discounted price.

Vietnam

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Exchange rate: 1 Vietnamese Dong = 0,00064 ZAR

Situated in Southeast Asia, this striking region has a stellar mix between traditional architectural buildings and modernist structures. A top contender for the cheapest place to go on holiday, you’ll have a blast in this diverse region.

One of the top places to visit in Vietnam is Hoi An. This ancient trading port is one of the cheapest cities to stay in the region. On average, it will cost you R770 per day for an all-inclusive experience.

Bespeckled with gorgeous mountain ranges and rice patties, Vietnam is a country that is overflowing with natural wonders. Top attractions include the Imperial tombs of the Hue’s Nguyen emperors and the uniquely Vietnamese water puppets in Hanoi.

Romania

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Exchange rate: 1 Romanian Leu = 3,41 ZAR

Looking for a cheap European holiday? Whether you wander in the “Paris of the East” namely Bucarest or find yourself admiring the medieval architecture in Transylvania, you’re in for an extraordinary experience.

This mountainous region, embellished with a rich history and wide variety of wildlife, is the perfect escape if you’re looking for a unique European holiday. 

Are you afraid of running into blood-sucking ghouls portrayed in folklore known to lurk in Eastern Europe? Be sure to check out this vampire killing kit, the ultimate weapon for any mythical occurrences.

Sri Lanka

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Exchange rate: 1 Sri Lankan Rupee = 0,072 ZAR

Offering a blissful slice of heaven at a low cost, Sri Lanka is a cornucopia of beautiful landscapes and epic activities ready to be discovered. 

An epic playground for nature-enthusiasts, this island country in South Asia will make you love a holiday in a new and profound way.

From the ever-green rolling hills of tea plantations to the scenic shores of the coast, it is the ultimate budget destination. Be sure to visit Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, to experience the religious and architectural splendours of this country’s rich heritage. 

Top Tips to Plan a Low-cost Travel Trip

While the cheapest place to go on holiday might be a well-costed investment, there are always hidden expenses involved in travelling. Take a look at these helpful guidelines to prepare you for your journey ahead:

• Book your tickets in advance – while you could potentially miss out on last-minute deals, price spikes closer to your trip time are just as likely. Book your accommodation and plane tickets in advance to avoid any disappointment.

• Travel in the off-season – enjoy a journey to one of these cheap holiday countries when it’s less crowded with tourists. This not only provides fewer queues to attractions but should be cost-effective as well.

• Plan a budget ahead of time – create a structured chart of how much you want to spend on food, accommodation, transport, and activities per day. While you might not stick to it completely, it’s good to have some kind of guideline.

• Try local food vendors or cook your own meals – constantly eating at restaurants can take a huge chunk out of your travel spending money. Be sure to talk to people from the area to find out the best local spots for a meal on a budget.

Final Thoughts on Best Cheap Holiday Destinations

While planning your dream holiday it’s really about looking at the right destinations to enjoy a budget-friendly trip. While cheap places to go on holiday are a great way to pinch pennies, this does not diminish these regions’ spectacular qualities. 

Whether you’re planning a family trip or taking a thrilling cheap holiday for one, you’ll be sure to create unforgettable memories in these magical overseas havens.

From vibrant cultures to thought-provoking historical sights, these destinations are filled with ample opportunities to capture the essence of wonderment.