Laos in the top 10 best budget destinations worldwide !
10 Budget Destinations Worldwide With the euro reaching all-time highs against the U.S. dollar, sticker shock greets at every turn. Europe is now the land of the $15 sandwich.
Even Central and Eastern Europe are no longer the bargains they once were. Tourists have begun flocking to new hot spots such as Hungary and Croatia, and prices have risen accordingly. These days, to get the most bang for their bucks, budget travelers must venture farther afield, to places such as Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America. The flight will be costlier, but once at the destination, there’s no shortage of exotic adventures—as well as comfortable beds—at discount rates.
ASIA
Bali: Tropical splendor on a shoestring.
A world apart from the unrest that sometimes grips other parts of Indonesia, Bali seduces visitors with its magnificent beaches, volcanic peaks and impossibly green rice paddies. The island, dotted with thousands of Hindu shrines and temples, is the stuff of escapist fantasies... more info >>
few dollars buys a lot of luxury here. Ten dollars to $20 affords a bunk in a simple guesthouse or an entire beach bungalow. Even Bali's most lavish resorts cost a fraction of what you'd pay in other beach destinations.
Laos: Tranquility off the beaten track.
Laos is one of the best bargains in Southeast Asia—and that's saying something, since most countries there are relatively cheap for travelers. Because tourism is only beginning to make inroads in Laos, visitors are not seen as mere revenue streams; locals extend a warm and genuine welcome.
Life moves at a languid pace in the former royal capital of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. French colonial architecture coexists with dozens of graceful Buddhist temples, and monks in brilliant orange robes stroll the streets. An inexpensive guesthouse is less than $20 a night, and open-air cafes along the river offer absurdly cheap French and Lao specialties.
Vietnam: A new era.
After decades of turmoil, Vietnam has finally achieved peace and stability. Today its fledgling market economy is revving up, and the country is welcoming an increasing number of Western visitors.
In the colorful and chaotic cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can rough it for a few dollars a day or get a comfortable room with air conditioning and hot showers for $30 a night.
In Halong Bay, you can kayak amid towering limestone formations; the city of Hue offers a wealth of ancient imperial sites. For tropical seclusion, head for Phu Quoc Island, where a simple beachfront bungalow costs $17 to $25.
India: Rajasthan, the land of princes.
India can be a challenging place to travel, but no other nation on earth offers such a thrilling mix of cultures, landscapes and spiritual possibilities. Adventurous travelers can get by on less than $20 a day — but even $40 to $50 a day will land some creature comforts and more elaborate meals.
First-time visitors might consider flying into sprawling, bustling Delhi before making a side trip to Agra's wondrous Taj Mahal. Then go off to tour the vast province of Rajasthan, with its outrageously ornate forts and palaces and jungles. In dusty-pink Jaipur, chaotic bazaars offer unbelievable deals on jewelry, pottery, fabrics and crafts. Another key stop is the city of Jodhpur, where the rooftops sport an intense shade of cobalt blue.
AFRICA
Zambia: Walk on the wild side.
An African safari doesn't have to involve forking over thousands of dollars to a U.S.-based tour operator. It's possible to book your safari after you arrive—cutting out the middleman and saving a wad of cash. You can even travel to the game parks independently.
South Luangwa National Park is a magnificent preserve, with leopards, elephants, zebras, giraffes and hippos roaming free. Just outside the park, budget chalets charge less than $40 a day—or less if for those willing to camp. Zambia is also home to another of Africa’s most stunning spectacles: Victoria Falls.
Tunisia: Move over, Morocco.
Morocco used to be North Africa's hub for backpackers, but prices are now on the rise as wealthy Europeans snap up vacation properties. Today it's Tunisia that beckons. It's a modern and secular society, where travel is surprisingly convenient.
Tunisia is a land of ornate mosques and Lawrence-of-Arabia desert landscapes. Bustling markets tout rugs, pottery and colorful crafts. Archaeological wonders await, from the ancient city of Carthage to glorious Roman ruins. After exploring the culture, basic rooms on a Mediterranean beach go for less than $15. For $50 a day, you'll sleep comfortably and eat well.
CENTRAL and SOUTH AMERICA
Honduras: Ecotourism on the cheap.
Costa Rica, which used to be one of the best-kept secrets in budget travel, is now home to luxury developments and thousands of tourists. Farther north, however, Honduras is still flying under most people's radar.
Like Costa Rica, this laid-back Central American nation offers a pristine rain forest that's alive with howler monkeys and multicolored birds. There is hiking, river rafting and impressive Maya ruins. The Bay Islands are home to world-class scuba diving and snorkeling. In fact, this is one of the cheapest and best places in the world for diving instruction.
Guatemala: Window into Mayan culture.
Guatemala combines natural splendor with a fascinating glimpse into Mayan culture, history and traditions. Antigua, the former capital city, is a cobblestoned gem full of colorful colonial architecture with lush volcanoes looming in the distance. The highland city of Chichicastenango is a don’t-miss, with its vast and colorful open-air market and the pristine blue waters of Lake Atitlán. But the highlight for most travelers is Tikal: The ruins of a once-great Mayan city.
Wherever you go, lots of simple bungalows and family-run inns host budget travelers for as little as $20 to $30 per night. In low-key local joints, you can dine for about $5.
Peru: Bargains from the Andes to the Amazon.
Peru offers some of the most rugged and diverse scenery in South America. Real shoestring travelers can get by on $25 a day, while $50 a day will put you up in mid-range hotels with style and character.
Cusco, a captivating colonial city high in the Andes, is best known as the jumping-off point for Machu Picchu. The city also has easy access to the remarkable ruins of Sacsayhuamán. If you plan on trekking to Machu Picchu, along the demanding—and sadly overcrowded—Inca Trail, you're now required to hire a guide, but you can also reach these haunting and majestic ruins via one of the most spectacular train rides on the continent.
Argentina: Still the best deal in South America.
Argentina has one of the few currencies that is faring even worse than the dollar. The result? An incredible steal for U.S. travelers, who are downright giddy with all the luxury within their reach.
Begin your trip in Buenos Aires, a city of grand boulevards and tango salons. The garden city of Mendoza makes a great base for touring the wine country or taking on a whitewater rafting challenge. Or fly to the ends of the earth to see the towering peaks and glaciers of Patagonia and stroll among the friendly penguin colonies at Punta Tombo.
—MSN.com
