Budget holidays: Six destinations where it's cheap to stay

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This was published 8 years ago

Budget holidays: Six destinations where it's cheap to stay

Tourists pose for a selfie at the Nossa Senhora do Monte or 'Our Lady of the Hill' viewpoint overlooking Lisbon, Portugal. The hilly Portuguese capital has several viewpoints where locals and tourists enjoy the view from difference parts of the city.

Tourists pose for a selfie at the Nossa Senhora do Monte or 'Our Lady of the Hill' viewpoint overlooking Lisbon, Portugal. The hilly Portuguese capital has several viewpoints where locals and tourists enjoy the view from difference parts of the city. Credit: AP

If the resurgent Aussie dollar's anything to go by, now could be a good time for an overseas holiday.

The dollar has leapt back over $US0.80 on Wednesday for the first time since January. For tourists heading overseas, the news could get even better, with speculation the dollar could reach $US.085

Even with a stronger dollar, flying just about anywhere in the world will remain a costly affair.

Parishioners walk past a mural during a feast in honour of Saint Sebastian, patron saint of Diriamba, in Diriamba,  Nicaragua.

Parishioners walk past a mural during a feast in honour of Saint Sebastian, patron saint of Diriamba, in Diriamba, Nicaragua.Credit: Reuters

Here are six spots around the globe - from Europe to Asia, from the Caribbean, to Central America - that may be expensive to reach, but upon arrival, everything from food to activities to accommodation, is incredibly affordable.

THAILAND

Asia is close to Australia but getting there is still going to cost a fair amount. While some areas of the vast continent are extremely expensive (Hong Kong holds a top spot among the world's most expensive cities), others can be fairly cheap for tourists. Thailand is one such destination, particularly for those visiting the Chiang Mai region. Reached via an overnight train from Bangkok, this area is home to inexpensive guest houses, amazing cheap eats (like steaming Pad Thai for $1.25), and friendly locals who will gladly offer tours and treatments, like massages, for less than $25.

PANAMA

With beautiful coasts, and vacations that are overall just two-thirds the cost of similar ones to Costa Rica, Panama is a great cheap-once-you're-there getaway. Popular activities, aside from lying on the beach, include hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, scuba diving, zip lining and noshing down on the chocolate and coffee the country is known for - and all of this can be done on the cheap. Numerous budget-friendly hotels and family-run inns can be found throughout, and most meals won't cost more than $6 to $13.

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Another destination with delicious coffee! But please note, US tourists flock to the Caribbean islands, particularly during their spring break - which means high price tags on flights and hotels. But the Dominican Republic has maintained its place as one of the cheaper options if you have your sights set on the Caribbean Sea - as long as you stay in the right spot. In the Cabarete and Sosua area, you can find inexpensive, ecolodge-like hotels, as well as miles of gorgeous beaches that won't cost you a penny. The area is also known for its fun, laid-back and inexpensive nightlife scene.

NICARAGUA

Nicaragua is a great, inexpensive alternative to Costa Rica - and is one destination that is becoming increasingly popular travel spot for tourists from around the world. This diverse country is home to gorgeous cloud forests, beaches and nearly daily fiestas that not only give tourists are true sense of the local culture, but also are incredibly inexpensive. Considering that the main dish here is rice and beans, dining is also cheap - but you can even get lobster for a reasonable price!

GREECE

Greece's economic woes may be bad news for the country, but good news for travellers - and you don't have to feel so guilty, because your visit can only help strengthen the faltering economy! If you're beach-bound, skip the pricier Cyclades and opt for one of the Ionian Islands, like Corfu. Here, travellers can find numerous inexpensive all-inclusive resorts, beautiful beaches and cheap street eats - a delicious gyro will only set you back a few bucks. And a quick visit to Athens to take in the ancient city's rich history is also highly recommended - and highly affordable.

PORTUGAL

A recent Kayak study found that Lisbon is one of the five cheapest European cities for staying in a five-star property. So you can live large here, without dealing with a large bill at checkout. And when in Portugal, you must fill up on wine and seafood - not only is it delicious, it comes at lower prices than just about anywhere else in Europe. But the country has more to offer than what can be found in the capital city; the Madeira Islands and Algarve region boast beautiful beaches.

AAP, MCT

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