Hoping to cure your case of wanderlust next year? You’re not alone, as global tourism is up 6% from 2017. More people are making plans to travel abroad, while still being budget-conscious.
This means taking advantage of affordable airfare. It means traveling to destinations with less expensive accommodations and living costs. You’ll get to explore new places and enjoy authentic cuisine without breaking the bank.
So, ready to plan an unforgettable and inexpensive trip? Here are the cheapest international vacations to book in 2020.
1. India
It’s proven that traveling abroad boosts your health and lowers stress levels. India even offers a culture steeped in the knowledge of natural healing powers.
This makes India a top destination on many travelers bucket list. Yet, it’s still one of the cheapest places to travel. Jaipur is an affordable city, filled with gorgeous pink architecture.
Be sure to visit The Palace of the Winds, the City Palace, and Jantar Mantar Observatory. You’ll find no shortage of culture at the city’s many museums and religious sites. Experience an elephant ride or take a hot air balloon safari ride while in India.
Chennai city is another less expensive place to visit. It’s located right next to the sea and is full of history.
Take a walking tour and visit the temples and British forts. You’ll also find plenty of authentic Indian cuisine from local street vendors.
2. China
China’s Guangzhou city is more of a best-kept secret among the travel world. It’s also one of the top cheap places to visit for experiencing Chinese culture.
It’s home to an Opera house, which features stunning architecture. You’ll also get to explore skyscrapers, museums, and a memorial hall. The Chinese medicine market is also worth a visit, located in the Old Quarter.
You’ll find a lovely tea house in Xiaogang Park. The city has a safari park and circus which are great attractions for families.
The city gets filled with dim sum and other Cantonese food dining options. There is also a Seafood market. Nature lovers will enjoy waterfalls, the Forest of 1,000 peaks, and Baiyun mountain.
In China, there are many other more in-demand places to see stunning landscapes and sights. You can experience the cheapest international vacations by backpacking or traveling with friends. Companies like gatsbytravel.com even offer curated group tours.
3. Portugal
Portugal offers another of the cheapest destinations in Europe. Lisbon is a top spot, offering delicious and affordable food and wine. It’s full of cafes, food markets, and antique markets.
Lisbon is also home to a monastery, tile museum, St. George’s castle, and an aquarium. You can visit the palace gardens or the Torre de Belem landmark tower. There are tons of other historical monuments, like old-world churches.
You’ll find other activities like surf lessons on the beach. To travel around, take the tram through the city’s cobblestone streets.
4. Vietnam
Vietnam is ideal if you’re looking for cheap places to fly abroad. Hi Chi Minh City offers stunning architecture, arts and culture, and rich history.
Top tourist spots include the Giac Lam Pagoda temple and the Reunification Palace. Tao Dan Park is a beautiful spot for nature lovers.
Binh Tay Market and Ben Thanh market are worth a visit for inexpensive cuisine options. You’ll find delicious authentic street food and fresh hot coffee. Don’t forget to try the traditional pho soup.
No trip to the city is complete without a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels. These run underground and play a big part in the history of the Vietnam war.
Ha Long city is another affordable option. You can cruise along the bay by boat and go island hopping. Most tourists enjoy laying on the beaches or going cave spelunking.
There’s also Bai Chay and Ca Bat Island Markets. Here you can find fresh and affordable produce and seafood.
5. Italy
Looking for a chance to experience Tuscany without breaking the bank? Located in Serchio Valley is the small town of Barga. The town offers Medieval architecture and a chance to explore the countryside.
You’ll find wineries, cafes, and trattorias run by families. There’s also plenty of art and culture at the Duomo di San Cristoforo cathedral. Plan a visit in the winter to get great hotel rates.
6. Jamaica
Jamaica offers an affordable tropical destination, including low-priced accommodations. Head to Kingston for culture, live reggae music, and exciting nightlife.
It’s home to Port Royal, where you can soak up some pirate culture. There are museums that honor musicians, Bob Marley, and Peter Tosh.
Head to Devon House landmark to see a real plantation-style home. Blue mountain is a great spot for a hiking trip.
7. Thailand
The city of Chiang Mai ranks as one of the least expensive cities to visit on the globe. It’s right near the mountains for exploring wildlife and nature.
It’s home to national parks, sacred sites, and Buddhist temples. Bua Tong Waterfall Park is another must-see. You may even get to see some elephant sightings.
You’ll find affordable lodging and dining options in the city. It’s also easy to travel around the city by moped.
Bangkok city is one of the cheapest places to fly to in the world. It’s a top travel destination for its wide variety of entertainment.
Visit the Buddhist temples and enjoy the nightlife. The Grand Palace is a top tourist spot in Bangkok.
8. Turkey
It’s quite inexpensive to get around Turkey and it has favorable exchange rates. This makes it a top destination for backpackers and younger travelers. These younger generations even make up 20% of the travel community.
The massive city of Istanbul remains to be a must-see for anyone traveling to Turkey. Visit the Galata Tower for panoramic views of the city. There’s the Grand Bazaar that’s filled with restaurants, shops, and fountains.
Tour the underground wonders of the Basilica Cistern. Head to Topkapi Palace and the Archeology museum for culture. The Hagia Sophia allows you to tour a church-mausoleum turned into a museum.
Booking the Cheapest International Vacations
This list of the cheapest international vacations offers you a way to see the world while on a budget. These destinations offer affordable accommodations and dining, with better airfare prices.
When planning an international trip, it’s always best to book well in advance. Yet, the more spontaneous traveler can take advantage of last-minute deals.
It’s also helpful to travel offseason for the best prices. Check out hostels and Airbnbs to compare pricing. Before you go, be sure to browse our online magazine for some more travel tips!