It used to be general knowledge that going near to home was always less expensive than traveling far away. However, as the globe grows more linked, the cost of a vacation overseas may surprise you – in a positive way.
All you have to do is know when to look. If you want to travel outside of the United States, we’ve produced a list of budget-friendly overseas places. If you know when to book, you might be able to squeeze a trip into your budget this year.
Typically, if you want to save money, you should plan your trip during a destination’s off-season. Although it may appear that you will not receive the entire experience, on many occasions the reverse is true. When you aren’t squeezing your way through packed tourist attractions, you may wind up enjoying a more real travel experience.
So, double-check the number of vacation days you have. You might be able to take more than you planned.
Paris, France
Paris, Europe’s most romantic city, has much more to offer than its famed Eiffel Tower. You’ll discover some of the world’s greatest boutiques offering clothes that are so trendy that they haven’t yet made it to the North American market. The eateries provide meals so delicious that you’ll want seconds (and sometimes thirds).
Famous Paris monuments such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Panthéon entice photographers, while museums such as the Musée du Louvre and Musée d’Orsay entice history aficionados to spend hours exploring their opulent halls.
Hold hands while strolling down the Seine’s banks, sip a café al fresco on the Champs-‘Elysées, and pause to ponder within the sacred walls of the Cathédral Notre Dame. You will not be bored in the least.
The Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
When you float along Brazil’s mysterious Amazon River, everything seems to fall into place. The spectacular Amazon Rainforest towers beside you, teeming with fauna that will take your breath away.
While monkeys dangle from adjacent vines and sloths gently climbs their way to a better perspective, a cacophony of birdsong encourages you forward. Snakes, turtles, and jaguars are also expected if you’re patient enough to locate them.
To witness the Amazon’s magnificence first-hand, take a boat from Manaus to the Encontro das Aguas (the point where the Rio Solimões joins the Rio Negro). From here, you may take a boat journey through the rain forest’s center.
It’s difficult not to sense nature’s pulse here, which provides life to the world through its vital ecology. The Amazon Rainforest, sometimes known as the “planet’s lungs,” produces 20% of the world’s oxygen.
Santorini, Greece
You’ll be hard pushed to find a more romantic sunset than the one in Santorini. Stepping foot on Santorini is like walking into a postcard, whether you visit the quaint capital of Firá or watch the sunset over the glittering lake in front of gorgeous Oia.
Colorful blossoms complement the characteristic pearly white, blue-domed structures. It’s as if an artist was assigned to each residence and only the most tasteful of colors were used. A bold teal door here and a vibrant yellow wall or red gate there offer just the necessary pop to an otherwise natural environment.
Santorini’s cities are surrounded by small, twisting alleyways and terraced residences that butt into one other at every angle, perched on rocky cliffs jutting out from the bluest of waters. While walking through the neighborhood, you may unintentionally step on someone’s roof.
Venice, Italy
Venice has a certain enchantment about it. With its extensive canal system, gorgeous stone bridges, and gondoliers’ harmonizing singing, this Italian city has a distinct atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else.
A boat journey down the Grand Canal provides tourists with an up-close glimpse at the highlights of Venetian architecture that line its banks, ranging from medieval churches to elegant palaces.
Piazza San Marco is one of Venice’s most popular attractions, serving as a gathering area for both locals and visitors. It is home to the iconic and intricate St. Mark’s Basilica, but it is so busy (and full of pigeons) that you won’t get a genuine sense of the city’s heart.
The greatest way to see Venice is to become lost, which is simple to accomplish. Only then will you come across some of the locals’ favorite hangouts, as well as the little, meandering passageways that are so charming.
The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
A sail along Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian Coast is a must-do for any visitor. Visitors may enjoy the most gorgeous views of the coast’s remarkable features from atop the Adriatic Sea’s transparent, turquoise water. There’s so much to see from the ocean, from jagged limestone cliffs to historic walled cities to hilltop palaces and stunning ports.
On land, there’s an infinite list of things to do, such as visiting picturesque island settlements, feasting on fresh food along the Stradun in Dubrovnik, or touring UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Split’s Diocletian’s Palace or the Stari Grad plain on beautiful Hvar.
The Taj Mahal, Agra, India
Shah Jahan created the Taj Mahal in the mid-1600s as a tribute to his third wife, who is claimed to have made him a dying pledge to build her the most magnificent of constructions. He unquestionably carried out his responsibilities! Over 20,000 workers completed this task for him, and it took them over 17 years to accomplish.
Today, this enchanted marble tomb is one of the world’s most iconic (and compelling) structures. The Taj Mahal is also one of India’s most iconic landmarks. This magnificent masterpiece, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, is set among nearly 17 acres of a breathtaking Mughal Garden on the banks of the Yamuna River.
An Exotic Vacation? Africa on a Safari
Who hasn’t put an African safari at the top of their list of dream vacations? It’s no surprise that so many people want to partake in this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. A safari is exciting, awe-inspiring, and gorgeous, especially when it takes place in one of the world’s most spectacular environments.
An African safari will not disappoint, whether you want to see the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos) in Kenya, bounce along in a vehicle through Kruger National Park, or soar through the skies in a hot air balloon over the Serengeti National Park.
With so many wonderful game reserves to pick from (including several in Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania), you’ll have lots of options when planning your vacation. Not a fan of camping on the streets? Increase the level of luxury at one of South Africa’s top safari resorts.
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