Looking for a budget-friendly getaway this upcoming year? While vacationing may conjure visions of luxury hotels and 5-star dining, traveling doesnโt have to break the bank.
If youโre looking for a low-cost adventure, youโve come to the right place! Pack your passport and your belongings, and read on for these budget-friendly travel destinations!
1. Costa Rica
Costa Rica boasts amazing jungles, exotic animals, and beaches for miles. Best of all, itโs an extremely budget-friendly place to visit! Hereโs our advice:
What to Pack
One thingโs for sure: Costa Rica is wet, wet, wet! Be sure to pack with that in mind. Bring waterproof shoes, a durable backpack, and, of course, a bathing suit. Youโll be doing a lot of exploring in Costa Rica, so itโs good to bring shoes that will provide your feet with plenty of support.
Along with jungles come a whole lot of bugs, so pack bug repellant. If youโre planning on camping, bring a mosquito net, too. And donโt forget the sunscreen! Sunscreen is shockingly expensive in Costa Rica; youโllsave a pretty penny if you bring your own. Having a long day of excursions, youโre going to want to relax and unwind, so make sure to bring some CBDfx gummies along, too.
Where to Stay
Costa Rica is home to a ton of hostels and other low-cost lodging. Itโs easy to find a place to stay for under $20 a night. We recommend Hotel Casa Colon in San Jose for a taste of city life, or Blue Trailz Hostel & Surf Camp in Tamarindo, where you can enjoy surf and yoga camps.
What to Do
One of the most wonderful things about Costa Rica is that there are so many free things to do. Costa Rica contains miles upon miles of trails to explore. Walk amongst the treetops in Monteverde, Costa Ricaโs cloud forest, or explore the rainforest in Puerto Viejo.
For something a bit more guided, take a coffee tour of Costa Ricaโs coffee farms or participate in a surf class for the true Pura Vida experience.
2. Turkey
Looking for something a bit more metropolitan? Turkey is an amazing and inexpensive gateway into both Europe and Asia. You can vacation in turkey for as little as $21 per day. Itโs that cheap!
What to Pack
Turkey is a majority Muslim country; itโs important to keep that in mind when packing for your trip. If you want to blend in, air on the side of conservative. For women, plan to cover your shoulders and refrain from wearing anything above the knee. Itโs also good to pack a headscarf if you plan on visiting any of the countryโs mosques (which you definitely should!). There are less clothing restrictions for men, but remember to be modest whenever possible.
Where to Stay
Just like Costa Rica, Turkey has plenty of hostels for budget-conscious travelers. If youโre picturing a barrack of worn-out bunk beds, think again! Many of these hostels boast private rooms and some even offer ensuite bathrooms.
Stay at Sultan Hostel in Istanbul for under $20. Itโs revered for its location in the Sultanahmet district. If you plan on traveling to Goreme, check out The Dorm Cave. As its name suggests, this hostel is an unforgettable experience. It features hand-carved dorm rooms with stone walls and arched features.
What to Do
Just like in Costa Rica, Turkey offers an amazing variety of free sights to see. Explore the fairy chimneys in the rock valley of Cappadocia. These rock formations were originally formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Throughout history, it was home to religious refugees. Or, check out the salt travertines of Pamukkale. These thermal pools contain high levels of carbonate mineral which drips over the edge into long, icicle-like shapes. Youโll understand at once why they call this the โcotton castleโ.
For a more urban adventure, roam the streets of Istanbul! Dine in the local cafes and go shopping in the Grand Bazaar. Even if you arenโt a big shopper, its jewel-toned ceilings and colorful lanterns are a beautiful sight.
Whatever you do, be sure not to miss Istanbulโs mosques. The Hagia Sophia cathedral was constructed in 537 AD and still stands to this day. While it was once the religious center of Turkey, itโs now an amazing museum. It costs just under $10 USD to take a 2-hour tour.
