What's Your Best 'I Can't Believe This Was So Cheap' Travel Experience?
Posted by creativemea@reddit | Shoestring | View on Reddit | 119 comments
I've been thinking about traveling for a while, after hearing some coworkers bragging about their trips. I've got some money saved up, and I wanna spend at least 5 days somewhere cheap but great.
I'm thinking South East Asia, but please recommend any place. I'm looking for experiences that made you feel like you were getting away with something because the value was so incredible.
SheFingeredMe@reddit
Off the wall suggestion - Cambodia. I was in Phnom Penh the first week of October and it was really cool. It feels like a frontier, super genuine, even the normal tourist places don’t really have a touristy feel. Incredibly cheap.
I’m taking the wife back in January. Our flights are about $300 per person from Shanghai. I booked a top floor suite at a spa/hotel I’ve been to before in Phnom Penh for three nights at $175 total. And the best part, four days in a beachfront villa at a resort on Koh Rong Sanloem for $520 total. Food costs are almost negligible, less than $200. We’re going to have a good time.
Chris_in_Lijiang@reddit
Imagine what it was like when UNTAC was still here and KR controlled all these areas. Plenty of resort owners were executed in those early years.
SheFingeredMe@reddit
Yep. I went to the museums.
Chris_in_Lijiang@reddit
I thought that they had all been sold off to Chinese casinos and scam call centres.
SheFingeredMe@reddit
lol no. They’re public. It’s not like that. Actually…most of the people I talked to absolutely hated the Chinese. Over and over people asked where I came from, and I said I lived in Shanghai, but because I’m white they know I’m not Chinese, so they’d talk. The phrase dirty money came up a lot.
It’s consistent with the countries around China. They all hate them so so much.
MajoriTea@reddit
What an incredible username.
SheFingeredMe@reddit
🤫🫡
SheFingeredMe@reddit
And I forgot to mention how great customs and immigration is. Super efficient, friendly, and the airport is really nice.
Swimming_Grab4286@reddit
We visited Angkor Wat in 2010. Spent $7.50/nt on a hotel and the only reason we paid that much is because we wanted air conditioning and a pool. We had a personal driver for 3 days (12 hrs a day) for $60 total. So cheap and so amazing.
Inside-Bid-1889@reddit
Rented a scooter in Bali, it was $3 for the entire day.
Chris_in_Lijiang@reddit
Did they throw in a helmet and insurance? Or was it more like a wing and a prayer?
Inside-Bid-1889@reddit
It was a cash transaction with no paperwork so very doubtful of any insurance, but there was a helmet
Chris_in_Lijiang@reddit
Could have worked out extremely expensive in that case. Did you know that 60 people a day are killed in LOS due to RTAs?
Inside-Bid-1889@reddit
Not here for a lecture, just shared a story about what OP asked. I had a blast on my $3 rental and nothing happened.
Chris_in_Lijiang@reddit
Not lecturing. Just wondering if you were aware of the stats.
PastDepth9102@reddit
Any where on Java, Indonesia..
everything about it, the absolute cheapeast place I’ve ever traveled with general quality of transportation/accommodations exceeding country’s and islands that are much more expensive In south east Asia. Only things that I found that were absurdly expensive were unesco sites.
VegetableSquirrel@reddit
Why do you call Bali "Hell on Earth"? I thought it was full of yoga resort places.
expectobro@reddit
Because it's so saturated by tourists. You can barely feel the local vibes anymore especially in Canggu. Everything has doubled or tripled the price if you follow the crowd on where to visit or what to eat. And the traffic jam.... My goodness.... Avoid Canggu at all costs to have a good Bali experience. Trust me I'm a local.
Chris_in_Lijiang@reddit
Why does that phrase get my spidey senses tingling?
expectobro@reddit
Why would it?
Chris_in_Lijiang@reddit
Seriously?
expectobro@reddit
Yea man I'm local. Why does that make you tingle?
Chris_in_Lijiang@reddit
Perhaps you have not encountered fake locals on your travels yet.
expectobro@reddit
Ah and for anywhere in Java, Java is one of Indonesia's biggest island. Jakarta is also in Java and heck yes Jakarta is hecking expensive. Pretty much same with Singapore if you want to be comfortable. I'm sure the Java mentioned is around East Java, West Java, Central Java, especially Jogja. That city is heckin cheap I wonder how they make ends meet.
PrestigiousBrain7384@reddit
Camping in my backyard
leena615@reddit
My entire weekend in Krakow was like $100-$200 USD
ConsistentMove357@reddit
Any national park if you can use a tent even better
WanderingGirl5@reddit
USA National Parks that are popular (Yosemite, Yellowstone and some others) require reservations, even for camping, months in advance. Hotels inside the park are also very expensive ($200 plus per night) add need reservations several months ahead.
sharpiestories@reddit
Medication
WaitingToBeTriggered@reddit
THEY’RE OUTNUMBERED 15 TO ONE, AND THE BATTLE'S BEGUN
uhgulp@reddit
Budapest!!!
fzammetti@reddit
You and I remember Budapest veeeery differently.
sleepsucks@reddit
Bike tours around France. They have 6 cycle highways that cut across the country. You can stop at fancy cheese and bread shops for food. Renting the bike costs 1/5 what it would cost in the US. You can even get an electric if not feeling fit. Accommodation ranges from camping to chateau but tons of cheap options if you don't do a tour.
stay_positive_girl@reddit
!Remindme 13 hours
VegetableSquirrel@reddit
Can you recommend a local French bike touring company, or do you do a self-guided tour? Who do you rent bikes from?
seasidehippie@reddit
I’m also curious:)
Richienyc718@reddit
Krakow, Poland.
bkmerrim@reddit
We did a luxury 5 star hotel on Cat Ba island in Ha Long Bay for $97/night. I mean a literal 5-star hotel. Epic views, amazing pools, amazing service, great food, and the view from my balcony was enough to weep over. Can you find a $5 hostel there? Probably. But something like that in the USA would be over $300 a night easily, so I spent the whole time I was there going “I cannot believe this was so cheap?!”.
10/10
Excellent-Ad-2443@reddit
meals in Japan, everyone said it was going to be super expensive but breakfast for around $9, dinners and drinks for $20, wish i could go back just for the food
Eerie_moon27@reddit
For me the best "I can't believe this was so cheap" was... Japan!
You can find some very good flight deals, and this is the most expensive part for sure. But staying there was incredibly cheap, first of all the food (and sooo good and tasty too): you can eat a proper dinner with just 6euros more or less at the various kombini you find everywhere, or try late evening sale food at supermarkets, and also find some old and tiny restaurant (usually carried by elders).
Also the shopping is very cheap. There are plenty of really good second-hand shop or 100yen shops. Bookoff is really good, I bought there few things, including the first Harry Potter book in japanese for just 2 euros!)
The transport are not so cheap, but actually it depends on you - if you don't care to take normal trains instead of bullet trains, then you will be okay.
ZeusMusic@reddit
Agreed, everyone said they thought it was so expensive. But it’s not, also the JPY is at its lowest and that helped a lot, I went with Australia basic Aussie income, super affordable. For 7 - 10 AUD you got a really nice meal, hostels so cheap. It was cheaper to live in Tokyo than Australia. This was past March.
Goodnight_April@reddit
Japan has never been as expensive as Australia. Australia is one of the most expensive countries in the world lol
thebiggestandniggest@reddit
South Korea even more so, a Best Western right on Haeundae Beach was $60/CAD a night so I splurged the extra few bucks for a waterfront view.
Ok_Gas_1591@reddit
I did Japan way before the yen started dropping so much; but even then, it was way easier to do on the cheap than people made it sound. We had a tiny $40/night BnB for 3 of us (SUPER tiny - but we are family and were ok with it) right above a 7-11. I’d say more than half our meals were either from there, or ramen at home. It would work out to a couple dollars each for a meal. Most of our activities were just free things, and things like taking a train outside the city to the beach, etc. It was awesome.
Used_Return9095@reddit
sf to tokyo is like $550-600 depending on time of year on zip air. It’s great
Traditional_Fan_2655@reddit
We bought the unlimited JR pass before leaving for $100 US. We had to buy it online at least one month prior to travelling and received it in the mail. It was not available to purchase in the country or for residents there.
It covered local buses, ferries, trains, the bullet train, and the ferry over to Miajima. We used it from Tokyo to all over Kyoto to Hiroshima, to Mt Fuji, across to Miajima and a few other cities. It was the best priced deal. It might be higher as this was 2009, but as far as I'm aware, it still exists. Unfortunately, we haven't made it back yet, but several friends have.
I'm not sure if it was an offer to US residents only,but that would be odd.
catsafrican@reddit
It’s gone up considerably but if you are there for a month it probably works out.
agitated_olivia@reddit
Love this! Japan is so underrated when it comes to budget travel, and the food is unbeatable. 🍜
Eerie_moon27@reddit
Oh yes, I miss kombini's onigiri everyday :(
camsean@reddit
Uzbekistan. There is a huge amount to see, there are almost no tourists, and it’s extremely cheap. And I’ve been to a lot of other cheap countries, like India, Iran, Thailand etc.
pm_me_wildflowers@reddit
Just want to flag Uzbekistan is likely not good for female travelers. I’ve seen multiple solo female travel influencers now say they felt more unsafe there than anywhere else they went.
SeaSexandSun@reddit
I went to Uzbekistan solo last year and genuinely felt like it was one of the safest counties I’d been to. I walked back to my hotel around midnight as well.
soil_nerd@reddit
Once there, how did you find the travel? Was getting between Citie’s simple? Was lodging sufficient? How was the food?
Ultimately, would you recommend it as a destination?
Have you been to Kyrgyzstan or Tajikistan?
camsean@reddit
Internal travel is very easy. They have a good train network including HSR. Hotels are pretty basic, but there are plenty. The food is a mix of everything from shish kebabs to more Eastern European style and then the usual pizza, pasta etc.
I have been to those three countries. I liked them all but Uzbekistan was my favourite. I’m more into history which is where Uzbekistan is fantastic. The other two offer more outdoorsy stuff, which isn’t my bag.
soil_nerd@reddit
Had no idea about HSR in that part of the world. Good to know. Thanks!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-speed_rail_in_Uzbekistan
dukemaskot@reddit
Also wondering
fhecla@reddit
The Balkans!
Mas-Montangya@reddit
India. Insanely cheap, I probably spent less than $200USD in 3 weeks
LizinDC@reddit
Unfortunately not a great place to visit right now because of terrible air pollution/smog.
Chance_Wolverine_69@reddit
500$ a week on Spetes.. Solo... Dream...
terrific_film@reddit
Thailand. I remember booking a 12 hour tour that was like $14 back in 2017. And thinking. Is this is a real tour? But had great and many reviews so decided to give it a try. And it was real. A regular, normal sized, fun tour. I couldn't believe it.
Nowrongbean@reddit
Myanmar, Guatemala, Vietnam, Laos, Honduras, Ecuador, Venezuela.
Wow, it seems I’ve got a pension for diving headlong, into countries with major political strife. Maybe that’s the X factor?
Chris_in_Lijiang@reddit
That sounds like a super expensive pension!
Nowrongbean@reddit
Thanks. I needed a kickstart into reality. My brain already took off for vacation
guitarpic69@reddit
$30 blowjobs in Thailand
CleanHarry13@reddit
Andheri to Dadar Fast Local 1st Class in the AC/EMU Train @ Rs.50 ... i.e. less than a dollar and basically half a quid
Chris_in_Lijiang@reddit
BKK to Hua Hin by train - 11 baht - about 35 cents for three hour ride with amazing scenery.
BTW what country is Dadar?
MindofMeenam@reddit
Mine was batu in indonesia and then cambodia…beautiful and at the same time satisfies a frugal soul
Chris_in_Lijiang@reddit
Cambodia might be cheap but you have to go a long way before the beauty overtakes the poverty.
spiritanimalslug1@reddit
back in the 90's i was scum budget travelling round east africa and wanted to see how cheap i could live for. did a whole month on £1 per day / $1.30. just the basics accommodation breakfast and evening meal ( was hitchhiking everywhere so no travel costs ) . on fridays i'd treat myself to a beer £0.20 / 500ml bottle of tusker / white nile / primus. after the month i went back to living it large and was spending around £2 per day.
kenya uganda tanzania zaire ethiopia malawi all very cheap places to travel. and stunning aswell.
Chris_in_Lijiang@reddit
Ken Welsh, is that you?
grimpala@reddit
Compared to some other things in Southeast Asia it’s expensive, but doing the Ha Giang loop for around $200 for 4d3n of a top 3 experience of my life is such a steal
Chris_in_Lijiang@reddit
How about the 3 day Manifestation Retreat at Chiva Som. Only a quarter mil baht per person!
littleadventures@reddit
I paid $1.50 to ride an ostrich in Vietnam once
Chris_in_Lijiang@reddit
Slow train to Hanoi was fully booked again, was it?
travelenger@reddit
Hot air baloons by local companies in Luxor, Egypt
one tenth the price of Turkey
Chris_in_Lijiang@reddit
Why is this and how the hell did you find out?
mybrochoso@reddit
I'm currently in my last destination in SEA (Bali) and let me tell you, that "SEA is SO cheap" is not true, at least not anymore. If you want something cheap, it's gonna be shitty, and if you want something nice it's gonna coat you money, no matter where you are
Chris_in_Lijiang@reddit
Bali is def not cheap but I would be interested to hear your other locations.
MiltonScradley@reddit
It really depends. If you stay in the super touristy areas and do touristy things it is crazy expensive. If you go just off a side street or to a less touristy spit it's usually pretty cheap. Although I've heard Bali has gotten expensive. The rest of SOE is still pretty affordable. Like of you are in Thailand and you are down in Phuket/Ao Nang etc. there are cheaper options but if you don't watch yourself can be spending $15-20 a meal but just around the corner it could be $2-5 then go to Chiang Mai in the North (Awesome place to check out) it can be like $.50 for a better meal than down there. Also using apps and finding deals for accommodations can make a huge difference.
expectobro@reddit
Bali is extremely cheap if you don't go to tourist traps or western food / hype cafés. You can have breakfast as cheap as $0.30 that includes rice and shredded chicken. Entire day scooter rent is $4-6. You can find decent hotels or hostels as cheap as $10.
Everywhere you go there's always the low budget options. Maybe except for Switzerland.
jmes_c@reddit
Poland & Crete. Definitely not SEA prices but for a large European country and an island their prices were very reasonable
racoontosser@reddit
Poland was surprisingly affordable, and there is a lack of tourist compared to Germany, Czechia, etc. Everyone going out are locals.
Character_Top1019@reddit
Mexico is the Oh
Educational_Dust_932@reddit
Any good info? My wife are thinking of spending a week in mexico city
ijustwant2travel@reddit
What are you all into? You would have to be more specific about your likes, budget, dates of travel, #of people, etc.
There is an endless amount of places to visit and things to do in CDMX. It's beautiful, affordable, and the food is amazing.
Educational_Dust_932@reddit
Street food, art, history, shopping mostly? I like to just wander around places and explore stuff. Looking to go in April
Happy-Reflections@reddit
I’m in Morocco - been here 2 months. It’s soooooo cheap :)
catsafrican@reddit
Even the hotels?
Happy-Reflections@reddit
Hotels are cheap by American standards, but before I found the place I’m living in now, I was in hostels for 5€ a night in Marrakech, 9€ a night in Tangier, free room in Tagounite. And now I have an entire Riad in Fes Median with a rooftop garden for super cheap (300€ a month). I spend around 6€ a day on food (not including my Coke Zero habit).
-GenghisJohn-@reddit
My Coke Zero habit is better than your Coke Zero habit. Good intel on the apartment? Is that a flat? Prices. Thanks. I spent3 months in Morocco but hadn’t considered going back…but renting an apartment fora few months would be good.
Sea-Louse@reddit
Hole in the wall Turkish restaurant in Southern Spain. Shawarma wrap, fries and a beer. €5.50. (2017)
mongo2291@reddit
Quito, Ecuador. Accommodations were surprisingly cheap. Household items and groceries seemed to be about the same pricing as the states. But there were a ton of cheap restaurants and street food. Ubers to get where you are going are relatively inexpensive as well.
robsen89@reddit
$2000 for a week? That seems pretty expensive.
mongo2291@reddit
I will add there was about $200 of that spent in the United States that could have been skimped but hey it’s my vacation. I tracked all expenses using the Wanderlog app.
mongo2291@reddit
It seems cheap enough for my definition. Since I offered response to the question and not criticism to be contrarian. I’m sure that’s enough.
South-Bass-9536@reddit
Japan for sure! Just got back and I still can’t believe it.
IROAman@reddit
Thailand. I’d go back in a heartbeat.
Twoeleven1@reddit
Sure adds up though.
-GenghisJohn-@reddit
Heartbeattravel?
Wyatt821@reddit
Puerto Rico. A weekend there plus flights to and fro New York for like under $500. Great time!
goldenchild1992@reddit
The Czech Republic one of the few places in Europe the dollar actually was higher than their currency. Steak houses weee super cheap
thepumagirl@reddit
Bolivia. If you like wildlife and nature, volunteering with comunidad Inti Wara Yassi and see it and experience it all up close! Compared to tours in sth America or similar programs in Africa it was a steal. Well i dunno how much of a steal when your heart never leaves the place.
NorSaxOG@reddit
Vegas Sun-Thurs....Before the resort fees exploded to be more than the room rate!
blabber_jabber@reddit
Can confirm. I recently went to Vegas for the first time for a wedding. I felt nauseous at the amount of money we spent. Like I seriously couldn't have a good time because everything was so expensive.
deathorcharcoal@reddit
About an hour outside of El Nido, we stayed at this place, directly on the (private) beach. It’s not fancy, there are only a few cabins and a kitchen/dining outdoor space but you get your own cabin on this insanely beautiful beach for a very good deal. There’s also surfing here. It gets a bit “busy” during the day but by that I mean a few groups of surfers down the beach at the little rental huts. We stayed about 7-8 years ago and I’m really hoping it hasn’t changed much because it was paradise. Duli Beach Resort
expectobro@reddit
Where are you from? SEA's food and accommodation are cheap but the flights are pricey.
cant_have_nicethings@reddit
Which sea?
1006andrew@reddit
SEA = Southeast Asia
swizzledaddy@reddit
Colombia hands down.
VeryWackyIdeas@reddit
Albania - super economical- friendly folk- delicious food.
1961tracy@reddit
I was just came back from Montenegro. Lodging was very inexpensive. I want to go back and visit Albania because it’s cheap too.
1961tracy@reddit
I was just in M
jnsy617@reddit
Thailand is my suggestion. Once you get there it’s very cheap to fly in country and everything is inexpensive including food and lodging.
Jasonhikes@reddit
If you go to SEA go for a month it’s cheap
No_Dragonfruit_9082@reddit
I don't know where you are flying from but since you only have 5 days I wouldn't choose a destination 6+ hrs away. I would look at direct flights out of your closest large airport and see what's cheap!
Big-Parking9805@reddit
Having spent a year travelling on my own, and finally deciding to go somewhere with a friend - Marrakech for 4 nights cost me about £100 for flights and a room share in a riad. Food was reasonably priced, and we did a couple of trips that were cheap as well for an all day affair.
Only rip off was my mate wanted to ride a camel, and we spent quite a bit on food on our last night. All in all, I think the 5 days cost £250.
sailorgardenchick@reddit
I love things like WooFing or volunteering abroad. Cheap and also more authentic experiences!
lucapal1@reddit
'Cheap' is relative of course..it depends on you, what you are used to, your past experiences, what you are comparing with.
I'd say for SE Asia in general... street food.
You can eat amazingly well for very little money,in most countries in the region.
Just stay on the street food and avoid the more upscale restaurants aimed at tourists... where prices are much higher, but you are paying for the furnishings and the service, not for the quality of the actual food.