What are some of the cheapest international destinations worth traveling to from the east coast of the US, when factoring in both airfare and lodging?
Posted by koshthethird@reddit | Shoestring | View on Reddit | 41 comments
I currently live in the DC area and am looking for good trip suggestions that are both cheap to fly to and cheap to stay in. I know Mexico City is a common recommendation but I don't know of many other places that fit the bill
migjackson@reddit
Belize! San Pedro, Caye Caulker or Placencia. All gorgeous locations and decent weather. Good luck in your search.
istilldontkno666@reddit
I’m flying there in the morning! Staying five nights around the areas you mentioned
migjackson@reddit
Awesome! Safe travels!
Witty_Translator7265@reddit
How was it? Currently looking up flights to Belize now. Any suggestions?
Independent-Award891@reddit
Turkey if you find a good deal
SexySassySooner@reddit
I hated Turkey
lucapal1@reddit
Mexico will be your cheapest option for sure...not just Mexico City, but most of the country.The most expensive part is the Yucatan, but even there you can travel pretty low budget,if you avoid resorts and islands.
Aside from Mexico... Guatemala? Very inexpensive.A bit more in flights maybe than going to Mexico, but cheaper on the ground.A great country too,loads to see and do.
TheAudioAstronaut@reddit
I was astounded by how expensive Mexico was. Taxi service (and driven tours) were more expensive than almost anywhere else I've been in the world (including most of Europe)
Ok-Measurement-7738@reddit
I went to Puerto Vallarta, and I was 1 block off the beach, in an entire apartment to myself with full kitchen, etc., for $55 a night after taxes; it was over the top of a cute coffee shop, with amazing restaurants all around, 1 block off the main downtown strip. the typical taxi ride (uber) was $3 after tip for going all the way across town. if I wanted to go further it was maybe $15 tops to drive 25 minutes away. I could go to a top star restaurant with gourmet dishes and after tips and everything was $25-30, but most of my meals were drastically cheaper. I think the key is to stay away from all inclusive resorts and that sort of thing. Puerto Vallarta has the cleanest drinking water in Mexico. I also rented an entire private boat that had endless alcohol, fresh guacamole and two hours of snorkeling (longer period of time than most non-private boats), for $120, which split 6 ways between everyone in our party was $20 a person---amazing experience. Other excursions were of fair price as well.
TheAudioAstronaut@reddit
When did you go?
Ninja_bambi@reddit
How long a trip? If it's just a weekend transport will weigh heavily, if you go for a long trip it's easy to 'earn back' the airfare. The Indian subcontinent is among the cheapest places on earth, so unless your trip is really short that's one of the top contenders.
Nocrackerzjustjello@reddit
Going to south India next month. Must see recommendations?
Extreme-Shake8051@reddit
KERALA!!! Sooo beautiful, developed, and easy to get around as an English tourist because the literacy rate is the highest (even higher literacy rate than America!). It's also the safest place to visit as a solo traveler. The nature is so beautiful and unique (backwater rivers with houseboats, rolling hills with tea plantations, etc), the cities are interesting and calm (they have "Jew Town" with the oldest synagogue in Asia), and the people are so nice :)
Apart-Heron7990@reddit
Does any one have countries they listed that would be good for a small wedding?? We want to cover the cost of flights for our family but want to do it in a unique spot. Love all of these recommendations
syrecmils@reddit
London will be very affordable for you now, with the weak pound. You can stay slightly outside the centre in the docklands cheaply and travel into the centre easily in about 20 minutes by tube.
baskaat@reddit
I was thinking of staying a bit outside the city center to safe some money. What other areas are interesting, safe , cheap and a shortish tube/light rail away from the center?
CHPThrowawayy@reddit
May be late to this post but what the hell is a tube..like underground train?
baskaat@reddit
Yes. Same as metro or subway.
Unicorn-nightmares@reddit
I'll throw out Panama and Costa Rica. If you can find a flight going to Boca del Toro you will arrive in a quiet tropical island paradise. Once you get a footing you can head back into Panama for the nice mountain towns and a great middle of no where jungle hostel. Or you can head into Costa Rica for more beach towns. The provincial park in Couhitta is amazing.
GiggityYay@reddit
Those are probably the two most expensive countries in Central America, expect American pricing in both.
Professional-Ad-9914@reddit
I didn’t think Costa Rica was that expensive. I just returned
AdRepresentative784@reddit
Compared to the rest of Central America, yes huh!
AdRepresentative784@reddit
Neither of those countries are cheap. Especially in Bocas. I took my inlaws for lunch when we arrived there and it cost me over $300.
Now 30 years ago you could have a room over the water in Bocas for $20 a night...
pro_year@reddit
Medellin, Colombia
manCool4ever@reddit
How safe is it to visit Colombia?
Signifi-gunt@reddit
in my experience (spent the winter in Colombia twice over the past couple years, 5+ months per trip), it's basically as safe or dangerous as you make it. Most, if not all, of the dead foreigner stories you hear about are dudes who met up with some random woman from an online dating app and was subsequently drugged and killed.
keep your wits about you -- avoid drugs and prostitution, don't wander around drunk alone at nighttime -- and you'll be in no more danger than you'd be in any other city in the world, really.
that said, it is quite thrilling to buy a few grams of quality cocaine for like $5/gram. just wouldn't recommend doing it alone. making friends with some locals will do you a lot of good.
god damn, now I wanna go back to Colombia.
manCool4ever@reddit
Thank you for the long response! Really appreciated the input. I know one of those guys who drinks hard and poops out early and wanders my drunk ass back to my hotel room, so that is something I'll watch out for :)
BessieHorton1@reddit
Check out kevinsflight.club for finding cheap flight and hotel deals, as well as flexible date and multi-month searches to help you save up to 90% on flights!
rodmika@reddit
go to lisbon portugal
Jambrokio@reddit
the rest of Portugal is better in my opinion, but Lisbon is great as well
themaniacsaid@reddit
I'd agree with that! If you go to Lisbon after visiting most other places you'll probably be disappointed. Lisbon is a must if it's your first time to Portugal bc it really is a great city but it doesn't stack up to the other places, imo. Portugal is an absolute wonderland!
PhilosophicWax@reddit
What are your favorite places in Portugal? I loved Lisbon but didn't explore beyond it.
themaniacsaid@reddit
Everything in the Azores. Porto. Beaches in the south.
Excellent-Taste7775@reddit
What are the best beaches in Portugal? I am planning our first trip there for the summertime but I'm clueless. We'd like to explore the cities/architecture/country as well. But also relaxing beach time. We usually like wild beaches backed by dunes or jungle, but I know Portugal beaches will be different. What kind of setting are they? Thank you!
Twitchvin@reddit
sarahcheapflights.com is a surprisingly good option for that. It offers affordable airfare and lodging deals, making it a great resource for finding cheap international destinations from the east coast of the US.
deleted_by_reddit@reddit
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Popular_Confidence42@reddit
Nepal, nestled in the Himalayas, offers breathtaking mountain vistas, spiritual experiences, and warm hospitality. It's an ideal destination for budget travelers. Explore the bustling streets of Kathmandu, trek through the Annapurna region, and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Pokhara's lakes.
A Neighboring Gems diverse landscapes, historic sites, and pristine beaches. With budget accommodations, affordable local food, and relatively low transportation costs, it's perfect for a budget-conscious traveller. Explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura, relax on the beaches of Mirissa, and take in the lush tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya.
Sri Lanka boastExploring the world doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. For Indian travellers looking to quench their wanderlust without draining their savings, there are several budget-friendly international destinations worth considering. Here are five of the cheapest places to visit outside of India:
Cambodia's Angkor Wat temples and rich cultural heritage make it an attractive destination. The country offers budget-friendly guesthouses, inexpensive street food, and affordable entry fees to major attractions. Explore the historic sites of Angkor, stroll through the bustling markets of Phnom Penh, and take in the tranquility of Kampot.
Bali's stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture make it a budget-friendly tropical escape. Accommodations, food, and transportation are all affordable, allowing travelers to explore rice terraces, traditional villages, and vibrant markets without overspending.
Thailand has long been a favorite for budget travelers. With its bustling cities, cultural sites, and stunning beaches, Thailand offers a range of budget accommodations, affordable street food, and wallet-friendly activities. Explore Bangkok's vibrant street life, wander through ancient temples, and relax on the islands of Phuket or Koh Phi Phi.
When planning your budget-friendly international adventure, consider traveling during the off-peak seasons for better deals and be sure to research and compare prices in advance. With a bit of careful planning, you can embark on memorable journeys to these affordable destinations, experiencing new cultures and making cherished memories without breaking the bank.
wasporchidlouixse@reddit
Iceland isn't cheap but you might be able to get a good deal
Cuba, Costa Rica, Uruguay
koshthethird@reddit (OP)
I thought recreational travel to Cuba was banned for US citizens?
Acceptable_War4993@reddit
Late to the party, but you apply for a cultural visa