Greece

Don’t you wish to see where Mama Mia was filmed? The answer is Skiathos Island in Greece.

Given the current economic crisis in Greece, it’s one of the best cheap destinations in Europe that offers beautiful scenery, history, sandy beaches, islands hopping, hiking and above all delicious seafood.

Santorini Island by mariusz kluzniak

Must Sees & Dos

• Island of Corfu
• Oia Island
• The cities of Mystras & Mycenae
• Island hopping at Mykonos, Paros & volcanic Santorini
• Acropolis of Athens
• The Temple of Olympian (Zeus)
• Shipwreck Bay in Zakynthos
• Meteora Monasteries
• Climbing Mt. Olympus

 

Romania

Strategically located in the heart of Eastern Europe, birthplace of the real Dracula, famous for enchanting castles and palaces, beautifully painted monasteries well preserved since medieval times, different architectural styles, unspoiled nature, and most of all the best cycling routes in the world. Romania is an underrated European destination and a cheap one to go to.

Peleș Castle by Nico Trinkhaus

Must Sees & Dos

• Dracula’s Castle in Bran & Dracula sites in Romania
• Berca mud volcanoes
• The Painted Monasteries of Bucovina
• The Biertan Church
• Black Sea Coast
• The Greek/Byzantine Port of Constanta
• Ceausescu’s Palace of Parliament
• Cycling haven
• Wildlife on the Danube
• Maramures

Czech

Among the hottest destinations in Central Europe, one that is loved by art lovers, beauty appreciators and nightlife gurus. Europe is not cheap, however if you want to take it easy on your wallet a night in a hostel in Prague will cost you 10 to 15$.

Old Town Square in Prague by Pedro Szekely

Must Sees & Dos

• Old Town Square in Prague
• Vltava River Cruise and energetic nights in riverside cafes in Cesky Krumlov
• Prague Castle (known as Pražský hrad) and the whole Castle District
• Karlovy Vary (Spa town)
• Karlstjen Castle
• Sedlec Ossuary -insanely creepy, not for horror movies haters
• Spanish Synagogue in Prague
• Olomouc Festivals
• Cycling in scenic routes & discovering the countryside

Spain

Home to the Running of Bulls, and Flamenco, hosting one of the best Football Leagues, land-birth of Paella and Churros. If you are looking for a destination with a variety of things to do and see, from churches and mosques to beaches and flamenco live performances, Spain is definitely the place to be. A bed in a dorm won’t cost you more than 16 euros, if not less, and food is relatively cheap.

Placa de Espana in Sevilla by Big Max Power (BMP) 

Must Sees & Dos

• Alhambra in Granada
• Mezquita of Cordoba
• Flamenco show in its land-birth Sevilla
• Balearic Islands
• Festes de la Merce in Barcelona
• A Classico at Camp Nou or Santiago Bernabeu
• Gaudi’s masterpieces such as La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo and Park Guel in Barcelona
• La Tomatina Festival in Sevilla or Sanfermies (Running of the bulls) in Pamplona
• White water rafting & hiking in the Pyrenees

Turkey

You might say Turkey, everybody goes to Turkey, I have been to Istanbul a couple of times already, not again. How about spicing it up a bit, because Turkey is not just Istanbul. If you want to enjoy the bright sun and sea then head to Izmir, Boudroum, or Fethiye, in for hiking go to Capaddoccia, the options are unlimited and the sky is the limit.

Hot Air Balloons in Cappadoccia by Verity Cridland

Must Sees & Dos

• Hiking & hot air ballooning in Capaddoccia
• The ruins of Troy & Çanakkale
• Discovering the multi-leveled Underground City of Derinkuyu
• Pamukkale hot springs
• Fethiyye Province -paragliding is a very famous activity there
• Hagia Sophia
• Bosphorus cruise
• Rafting in Antalya

Cambodia

Filled with temples, tropical beaches, and delicious food. Accommodation and food in Cambodia are very cheap in addition to lots of things that could be done for free. Book your flight tickets early and you’ll be good to go.

 Angkor Wat in Cambodia by Dennis Jarvis

Must Sees & Dos

• Tropical Beaches -Sihanoukville is highly recommended
• Angkor Wat Temples -Cambodia’s landmark
• Angkor Thom walled city
• Apsara Dancing Show
• Elephant back-trek at Mondulkiri sanctuary
• Psar Toul Tom Poung Market
• Ta Prohm
• Floating Markets of Tonle Sap Lake
• Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

Vietnam

Another magical destination in Asia offering sandy beaches, adrenaline rushing activities and an ethnic diverse culture. Food & accommodation can’t really get any cheaper, you can have a nice suite in a bed and breakfast hotel for only 15$, and a filling meal could cost you around 1$.

Ha Long Bay by JR. Alvaro Gonzalez

Must Sees & Dos

• Ha Long Bay
• Ba Ca & Can Cau Ethnic Markets
• Tet Festival
• Trekking around Sa Pa
• Snorkeling at An Thoi Islands
• Chilling out on Phu Quoc
• Ride the Reunification Express to travel from Hi Chi Minh to Hanoi
• Kayaking, Mountain-Biking, Kite-Surfing & Rock Climbing

Sri Lanka

Nominated by Marco Polo as the finest island, featuring stunning beaches, misty mountains, landscapes and wildlife.

Photo by your local connection

Must Sees & Dos

• Yala National Park -home to the largest population of leopards among other species
• Arugam Bay
• Whale and Dophi Watching
• Kandyan Dancing & Drumming
• Polonnaruwa -holding the finest collection of ancient Sinhalese art & architecture
• Kandy Esala Perahera Festival
• Kandy City

Thailand

In recent years the trend became “going to Thailand to spend the honeymoon”, and that’s for several reasons; 1. it has luxurious accommodation that is relatively cheap, 2. beaches & islands are “the fairy tale” kind of places, 3. there are lots of activities and sightseeing that could be done in affordable prices, and 4. the food is very cheap.

Must Sees & Dos

• Floating Markets, the most famous is Damnoen Saduak in Bangkok.
• Hiking the way up to the seven waterfalls of Erawan, and taking a dip at Erawan Falls.
• Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Chang to explore Ko Ratanakosin’s temples, Wat Phra Kaew & Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun.
• Visiting the old monuments of Ayyuthaya.
• Ko Phangan Island for a full moon party.
• Eat lots of sushi, coconut pudding, and grilled bananas.
• Spend sometime on Thailand’s islands that have a unique view, and enjoy its sandy beaches.