Travelling on a shoestring budget doesn’t always equate to limited holiday experiences. Truth be told, some of our memorable getaways are done without a pocketful of cash. Think a relaxing day by the beach, a historical excursion in a local museum, a street food dinner, and a retail therapy at a flea market. Don’t believe us? Here’s a round-up of our favourite budget destinations that you should visit this year.
1. Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Being the home of Borobudur and Prambanan sites, Yogyakarta is a magnetic destination for budget travellers who are looking for historical excursion. Nicknamed as Jogja, there are various inexpensive attractions to visit such as the Presidential Palace, Fort Vredeburg, and Taman Sari Water Castle.
Dining is a must! Look out for ice cream rojak, soto, bakmi jawa, and gudeg that are easily spotted in local restaurants and street stalls. Yes, please help yourself to their sweet treats and desserts as well.
2. Sofia, Bulgaria
Who knew that Sofia would be a lovely destination for budget travellers too? Known as the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia is well-loved for the snow-capped Vitosha mountain, scenic Boyana waterfall, and historical landmarks in the city.
There are plenty of free walking tours in Sofia that will take you to local food market, historical museum, and cathedrals. Since the city is reasonably small, take advantage of the affordable MRT services to commute from one attraction to another.
3. Istanbul, Turkey
Muslim travellers saunter through the arrival halls of TAV Istanbul Ataturk Airport for Istanbul’s local dining, lively street markets, and beautiful mosques.
With so much sightseeing to do, explore and admire the colours of the Spice Bazaar, visit the Istanbul Modern Museum (free admission on Thursdays), take snapshots of the gorgeous Blue Mosque, and stroll with the romantics on the Galata Bridge – all for free.
4. Bangkok, Thailand
‘Bangkok on a budget’ is a common theme among backpackers visiting the Land of Smiles. The capital city’s burst of energy and affordable travelling have become their main appeals for many years now.
Street food abound in this bustling destination, so feel free to savour them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They’re also known for their amazing shopping scenes such as Chatuchak Weekend Market, Talad Rod Fai Market, and Pratunam Market. Prepare to be overwhelmed!
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