Looking for a budget-friendly getaway this upcoming year? While vacationing may conjure visions of luxury hotels and 5-star dining, traveling doesnβt have to break the bank.
If youβre looking for a low-cost adventure, youβve 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, itβs an extremely budget-friendly place to visit! Hereβs our advice:
What to Pack
One thingβs 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. Youβll be doing a lot of exploring in Costa Rica, so itβs 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 youβre planning on camping, bring a mosquito net, too. And donβt forget the sunscreen! Sunscreen is shockingly expensive in Costa Rica; youβllsave a pretty penny if you bring your own. Having a long day of excursions, youβre 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. Itβs 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 Ricaβs cloud forest, or explore the rainforest in Puerto Viejo.
For something a bit more guided, take a coffee tour of Costa Ricaβs 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. Itβs that cheap!
What to Pack
Turkey is a majority Muslim country; itβs 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. Itβs also good to pack a headscarf if you plan on visiting any of the countryβs 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 youβre 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. Itβs 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. Youβll understand at once why they call this the βcotton castleβ.
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 arenβt a big shopper, its jewel-toned ceilings and colorful lanterns are a beautiful sight.
Whatever you do, be sure not to miss Istanbulβs 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, itβs now an amazing museum. It costs just under $10 USD to take a 2-hour tour.
