Places for cheap travel.

One thing that I have realized from coming back from a trip around the world is that I now have the currency converter widget and when I try to bring it up in conversation I am looked at like I might be from another planet. While I might not be from another planet, I still am pretty rare I guess. So as I daily run thorugh my converter to see how the dollar is doing against other currency, not for financial investments like most people, but for cheap travel investments. Where can I go, and how much will it cost, two main concerns for me and everyone else traveling that doesn't have a trust fund.
Over time, with a lot of passionate research and questioning all my friends who have had great travel experiences I have come up with some places that I would recommend for cheap travel.

Eastern Europe- Some may not know but not all European countries currently operate on the Euro. Some Eastern European countries have maintained their old currency and have a lot of the same old world charm, as you would get in the northern,more expensive areas of Europe. The further east you go, the cheaper it is too. Prague, Budapest, Sofia have plenty of old world charm. In most of these places, you’ll be able to spend less than $30 a day. For a medium range budget, you can expect to pay $50-60 per day if you stay at a hotel and eat fancy meals. Countries in the Baltic, the Ukraine, and Romania are cheaper. Its a poor boys way to see Europe. The REAL Europe without going broke


Vietnam- Vietnam is becoming more and more a popular tourist destination each year. It’s not very developed and compared to other countries in the region, it’s cheap. Moreover, people are interested in learning more about a place American spent so much time fighting in.  I had a friend visit a few years ago and only spent $8 dollars a day while she was there. That included  guest houses,  food, transportation, and some partying. However, Im sure if you allowed yourself $20 a day you might feel like you have a trust fund. I also have a friend returning soon so hopefully I can get as much info out of her as well.



Central America- Most years this area is fairly cheap, however with year long celebrations of the ending of the Mayan calendar, most countries are trying to get their piece of the pie as well, and have seen their flight prices skyrocket as well as what are normally cheap hostels.. Countries like Nicaragua and Honduras are just opening themselves up to tourism and let you experience undeveloped countries.  Guatemala has ancient wonders like Tikal and beautiful beaches, while Honduras has great diving and surfing.You can get by in all of these countries for less than $30  per day and they are a good alternative to Mexico, or Costa Rica. 


Argentina- Another country whose currency has lost ground to the dollar. Argentina is an amazing place filled with history, football, and nature. The food here is excellent and the country is famous for its wine and steak. Buenos Aires is considered one of liveliest cities in the world and most people here speak English. It’s very cosmopolitan and you can get around for less than $40 per day. 


Greece- The falling Euro has made Europe cheaper than even when I was there 10 months ago. However, the Euro is falling because of problems with Greece. Greece was a place I could not afford last year, but with them possibly even leaving the Euro, it has become within reach of even this poor boys pocketbook. With 10 Euro hostels, 20 Euro hotels, and3 Euro Gyros this country is a steal. You’ll get to enjoy beautiful islands, beaches, and delicious food at a fraction of the price of other European countries

India- While India has always been a cheap country, the Indian Rupee used to ride high at 39 Rupee to the dollar. Now, you get 53 Rupee to the dollar. In an already cheap country like India, that money will go along way. Even if you go for luxury, you’ll be hard pressed to spend a lot of money here per day.

Hungary- Hungary is a country with a rich history. , Budapest is marvelous example of old Europe and is on my list for my return this year. During the booming economic times of the earlier decade, Hungary was flying high with a growing economy and a strong currency. Now, one dollar gets you 249 Hungarian Forint, up from 150 in 2008. You can get huge meals in markets for $5, trains for $1 and hotels for $20. It’s a great bargain destination. And the women their are gorgeous!!!

Cambodia- An incredibly cheap country where rooms can cost as little as $2 dollars a night. The currency of choice here is dollars too. ATMs give them out, things are priced in dollars, you get change in dollars, everything is 1 dollar- it makes converting pretty easy. A dollar everywhere can add up but, on the whole, I found the country to be cheap, friendly, and safe. Out of all the countries I visited, I expected the least from it and got the most. Plus, Angkor Wat is there and it’s one of the most amazing historical sites in the world. All of these countries can provide a different and cheap alternative to European countries. . There is still cheap destination. It just requires thinking of alternative destinations. And do you really want to be where the crowds are? Europe’s churches will be there 10 years from now but the jungles of Central America? The rice fields of Asia? The old world of Eastern Europe? Probably not. With a weak dollar, it is time to think and travel different.