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May 15, 2011 3:06:19 AM

Top 10 best value destinations for 2011

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Worried that the economy might put a crimp in your travel plans next year? Never fear: travel doesn’t have to break the bank. Your currency may be depressed, but that doesn’t mean you have to be; there are still many destinations around the world that can be enjoyed on the cheap. If you let the global economic ups-and-downs work to your advantage, adopt some personal austerity measures in pricier destinations, and head towards up-and-coming destinations, you can stay on the road longer for less.

Fresh from Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2011 (published in November 2010) we bring you this bargainous bounty of 10 budget-friendly destinations where you can get the most bang for your buck.

1.Bangladesh

This subcontinental treat might just be the cheapest place on earth to travel. Bangladesh offers marvellous meals for under US$1, a mid-range hotel room for less than 10 times that. This means that anyone who isn’t a masochist goes up a price bracket or two. You’ll pay a little more to get around the Sunderbans National Park on a tiger-spotting tour – US$150 or thereabouts – but it’s still peanuts, even compared to what you pay next door in India.

Bangladesh is almost disgracefully under-visited. Here, paddleboat is one of the main forms of transport and you can trek, canoe and even surf to your heart’s content with some of the world’s friendliest people for company. The Rocket is Bangladesh’s most famous ferry, running daily between the capital Dhaka and Khulna. First-class river cruising for 27 hours will cost US$15.

2. Nicaragua

As other Central American destinations inflate prices with an influx of travellers, there are still a few good value delights to be found in the region. Nicaragua is somewhere where the careful traveller can get by spending US$15 a day, and midrange comforts can be had for less than double that amount. What you get for your money is nothing short of spectacular: hammock-hanging opportunities on the mythically unspoilt Corn Islands, bar-hopping and live music in colonial León and Granada, and volcano trekking on the Isla de Ometepe. Paying departure tax when flying out of Nicaragua may be the single most expensive thing you do at US$32, and this is usually already included in the price of your ticket.

3. Washington, DC

Lincoln Memorial: free. National Air and Space Museum: free. Capitol: free. Library of Congress: free. White House and State Department: tough to get in, but free. Get the picture? Washington is a city packed with iconic things to do and very few of them ask for an entry fee. If you’re happy to walk and bring your own lunch bag, you can absorb centuries of American history, politics and culture without having to so much as touch a dollar bill all day. DC’s Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is the only national park in the USA devoted to water plants. It’s free.

4. Paris

The French capital is never going to win any awards for cheapness, but here’s a winning formula that anyone can afford. First, you need a Swiss Army knife. Then stroll into a boulangerie – every neighbourhood has several – and buy a freshly baked baguette for €1 (US$1.35) or thereabouts. Follow your nose to your next stop, a fromagerie, and grab a fist-sized hunk of cheese. Lastly, grab a bottle of wine, nothing fancy, and head for the banks of the Seine opposite Notre Dame or the garden adjacent to Pont Neuf on a sunny day, preferably with a friend or loved one. Zut alors – a Parisian dining experience for under €10 (US$13.50) per person that any local would declare formidable! You’ll find everything for a picnic on Rue Montorgueil in the 2nd arrondissement.

5. Namibia

Botswana wants big spenders only and South Africa’s not the deal it once was, so southern Africa bargain hunters should head for Namibia. Well set-up for backpackers, this is still a territory of US$50 or less a day if you’re careful, with an excellent network of local minibuses and tours aimed at budget travellers to go to places public transport won’t. And if you go up a price bracket you’ll eat and sleep well in excellent-value midrange options that bring South Africans flocking over the border year after year. Admission to the Cape Cross Seal Reserve on the Skeleton Coast costs a mere US$3 per person.

6. Philippines

The Philippines may be just about to rudely shove Thailand off the ‘best cheap beaches’ perch it’s occupied for the best part of two decades. While travellers argue long and hard about which is cheaper, there’s no denying Thailand is more popular. For those who desire nothing more than to find great, undiscovered beaches, surf the odd wave and eat unique, distinctive food for under US$20 a day, the Philippines has the edge. Add in the possibility of beach camping along the Zambales Coast or in the Bacuit Archipelago and you’ve got the recipe for timeless island hopping that suits any budget. Ferries link many idyllic destinations in the Philippines. Expect to pay around US$5 for each hour you’re on the water.

7. Argentina

The Argentine peso is the currency that keeps on giving. In the middle of the last decade, incredulous visitors regularly queried bills for being too cheap after feasting on fine steak and red wine. While not quite the bargain it was during those years, Argentina still offers a terrific deal. Characterful mid-range hotels start at around AR$180 (US$46) per night in Buenos Aires and Patagonia, and half that in other places. Argentina’s gourmet eating houses usually won’t charge more than US$30 a head and you can enjoy wonderful meals on much less. Best of all, you get great quality food, wine, lodging and transport throughout Argentina for your money. Bounce up and down with some of Buenos Aires’ more raucous citizens at a fútbol (soccer) match. Terrace tickets for Boca Juniors, River Plate and others cost from AR$14 (US$3.60).

8. Naples

Italy: not cheap. Even a slice of pizza can seem like lousy value if you’ve come from a part of the world that uses a currency that’s slumped against the euro. Thank heavens then for Naples. Here’s one Italian city that prefers food that’s fresh, simple and good value. You can dine brilliantly on the city’s spectacular street food alone. Naples eschews budget-blasting frills in favour of small and simple B&Bs charging around €75 (US$100) per night. Best of all, Naples is a city full of life being lived for its own sake, with few of the tourist hordes who descend on other Italian classics further north. The ferry from Naples to the idyllic island of Capri, one of Italy’s classic journeys, costs a mere €10.50 (US$14) with Caremar.

9. Ukraine

Eastern Europe isn’t the US50c-a-beer haven for bargain hunters it once was, but good deals are still available. OK, mid-range hotels can be pricey, especially in the capital, Kyiv, but good budget options in Lviv and Odesa are available for less than US$50. Once on the ground you’ll find your funds go a long way. Public transport is fantastic value, with a train between Kyiv and the lovely city of Lviv costing less than US$10, and a tram ride from the station into town a hundredth of that. If you know where to look, food, beer and coffee can be really very cheap. One of Ukraine’s top sights is the immense and moving Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv; it includes the final resting place of national poet Ivan Franko and thousands of dramatic tombstones. You get hours of fascinating wandering for less than US$1.

10. Syria

(Travel advisory: Note that since March 2011, there’s been a surge in violence in Syria due to an uprising against the government and subsequent crackdowns. Many countries are advising their citizens against travel to the country. Check the latest news before heading to Syria.)

While some neighbouring countries up the entry costs to ancient sites, Syria remains an excellent-value place to travel. As you might expect, there are superb street shwarma (sandwiches), felafel and eye-tightening qahwa (coffee) available for small change. A ride between Aleppo and Damascus won’t touch US$5, and a daily budget of US$50 will get you well into the mid-range bracket. Best of all, the delights of the Old City of Damascus and the souq at Aleppo are free. If you get locked into a tussle with a carpet merchant in the latter, though, you’re on your own.

Also check out:

Get a whole year’s worth of travel ideas in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2011

Comments

  1. 15 November 2010 6:44AM frejarose Report this comment

    Great tips!

  2. 28 November 2010 12:25PM alvaroriverab Report this comment

    Nice, I'd love to be in Nicaragua or Paris for a Holiday.

  3. 16 December 2010 7:22AM thomaswamsteker Report this comment

    I've been to three of those destinations. - Washinton D.C. - Paris - Ukraine

    I've been to Tuscany, Firenze, Milan, Rome and many other places in Italy, but I've never been in Naples. I'd love to go to Argentina.

  4. 22 December 2010 7:46AM aroundtheworldbook Report this comment

    After doing extensive research for my next round the world trip, I have to include Cambodia as a value destination. The average hotel costs, transportation et al are really very competitive, as compared to neighboring countries such as Thailand, though flights to Asia can add up.

    In Europe, Istanbul tops my list for value, three nights there cost less than one in Venice, food and transportation included, too!

    My last round the world trip included Hong Kong, Singapore, Cairo, Istanbul, Venice, Zurich, Bruges, London and Paris. Not all value destinations, but all well worth the trip! I just completed a book of my trip for iPad: Around The World In 18 Days, please check it out at http://www.AroundTheWorldBook.com Cheers!

  5. 22 December 2010 12:59PM takemetothebeach Report this comment

    It's a good thing the Philippines is a part of the list! There's such a lot of nice places that the country has to offer, from white sand beaches to scenic landscapes. And the Filipino hospitality is one-of-a-kind.

  6. 22 December 2010 3:17PM joolz2 Report this comment

    The Philippines also has some of the cheapest diving you'll find anywhere. Hoping to make a return trip sometime, but am also tempted by Argentina and Namibia.

    Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam ar also great value too, but the poster above who thinks Istanbul is a value destination is in for a pleasant surprise if they venture to some other European destinations such as Bulgaria.

  7. 23 December 2010 7:35AM philexpat Report this comment

    It is nive to see the Philippines on the list. Although less popular there are far more fantastic beaches here and the people are very friendly with better english skills so travel can be less difficult if you really want to see a few places that are off the beaten track.

    dbb http://www.Philippine.com

  8. 23 December 2010 7:35AM philexpat Report this comment

    Correct address for Philippine info is

    http://www.Philippine411.com

  9. 24 December 2010 6:25AM obrigado Report this comment

    I was in the center of Odessa, Ukraine two years ago and still found .5l of beer for $.50. Nearby Moldova is even cheaper.

  10. 29 December 2010 8:11PM hasibreza Report this comment

    Welcome to Bangladesh....

  11. 3 January 2011 6:14AM manonthelam Report this comment

    The Philippines is one of the best value destinations around. Cheap flights within the country, great beaches, and friendly people make it a great trip -- you won't be disappointed.

    www.manonthelam.blogspot.com

  12. 3 January 2011 7:19AM ivanhenares Report this comment

    Philippine beaches are the best! Check them out here http://www.ivanhenares.com

  13. 4 January 2011 4:33PM nikhilchandra Report this comment

    Can't believe you missed out on India while writing about the best value destinations around the world. You talked about economy then miss out on destination like Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ladakh,Puducherry Allapuzza, Munnar or Goa in India - not even one of them!! I am sure a traveler won't travel from, say United States to Europe for just a Parisian dining experience for under €10 (US$13.50) per person. :-) quite unbelievable your listing Paris as best value destinations of 2011. I may be wrong if you were trying to come up with local travel guide when you say that Paris or Naples are economical travel destinations.

  14. 4 January 2011 5:06PM nepalholidays Report this comment

    I am not agree with you. Because Nepal is also should be top 10 destination on 2011.

  15. 4 January 2011 5:49PM ricgrey Report this comment

    The Gambia, Under £1.50 a Day.. Rent's from £25 a Month

  16. 4 January 2011 8:14PM ilokano Report this comment

    I think it's great that the Philippines is listed here. We have lots more places to see than the beaches. I blogged a few suggestions here:

    http://www.jasperespejo.com/blog/philippines-ranked-6th-in-lonely-planets-top-10-best-value-destinations-for-2011/

  17. 4 January 2011 11:33PM dddeeva Report this comment

    Argentina might be great value for food and lodging, but transport prices are really high. We paid over 100 euros for a bus ticket through Patagonia - that's even more expensive than Scandinavia, where we live and which is considered one of the most expensive regions in the world...

  18. 4 January 2011 11:59PM azadman Report this comment

    This list seems to be a joke. So let's yellow laughing. (Have "shitty lives" and travel as cheaply as possible in the most unfortunate than yourself countries seems a bit perverse...We want Great Great experiences only if they are Very Very Cheap!... Because nothing is more important than Human Contact and interactions based on equal respect. Hic, more one CHEAP beer , Dude ?

  19. 5 January 2011 2:00AM sab23 Report this comment

    Argentina is for sure a great destination - food, activities, hotels and transportation are cheap (with regards to a previous comment on the price of transport - going from Buenos Aires to the South of Patagonia is like going from Malmö to Istanbul (travelling 3000 km for 100euros - that's cheap!) I would definitely recommend lesser known cities like Rosario - which has everything that Buenos Aires has to offer for half the price and fewer tourists - a true Argentinian experience!

  20. 5 January 2011 3:18AM spainrico Report this comment

    On my way to Paris - so great advice - but - how do I get the Swiss army knife onto the plane?

  21. 5 January 2011 3:25AM voyageurfred Report this comment

    After living and working there for 6 months, agree that Bangladesh is a unique place off the beaten path. Crusing up the Karnafuli river and reservoir to remote Buddhist temples on small islands in Rangmatti, has to be one of the highlights of my stay. But this country is not for everyone - crowded with 105 million people, it has an antiquitated transport system, with tough weather and living conditions. Naples? Are you kidding? I would go to Morroco or Jordan before Naples. Inexpensive accomodation, superb transport and friendly people are what make these two countries sing. Washington is great too, especilly during the Independence week celebrations, with superb fireworks and a folk festival staged in The Mall, the green space between the Lincoln Memorial and the Congress buidlings! Cheers, Frederic in Montréal http://www.RemarkableImages.ca

  22. 5 January 2011 3:39AM islandsoft Report this comment

    Philippines definitely belongs on this list. Not only a bargain but a bargain where the people make you feel like family. Whether it is beach, mountain, historical, diving, shopping, etc. etc. it can be had for less, and with a smile.

  23. 5 January 2011 4:24AM yozhik_v_lesu Report this comment

    I had planned to go to Bangladesh in the Fall 2010 for conference on early childhood development. However, the price of the flight (I live in Vietnam. So, it's not like I was trying to fly from Europe or North America) and the visa for Americans made the entire trip unfeasible. Bangladesh maybe a 'Best Value Destination' but actually getting to the country is not. My favorite best value destinations are Indonesia and Myanmar.

  24. 7 January 2011 11:42AM celticrover Report this comment

    Paris is a ridiculous choice. It's a great city but it's neither cheap nor good value for money.

    Thailand offers better value for money than the Philippines in terms of food and lodgings.

  25. 14 January 2011 5:16PM nadj Report this comment

    hmmm i would love to go to Palestine this year or do a tour of the middle east...can anyone advise me on the cheap options etc?

  26. 22 January 2011 7:45AM worldsoutro Report this comment

    Paris should be nicknamed most unwelcoming city

  27. 30 January 2011 6:09AM bonita26 Report this comment

    Russia is a hard country to travel in unless you know the language but it is well worth it. As is Riga in Latvia. They are both pretty cheap if you can get around the language barrier. Check out the travel blog www.travellingassassin.wordpress.com

  28. 7 February 2011 4:27PM adittya Report this comment

    Green landscape, sunset, and Buddhist archaeology are amazing in Bangladesh. Hindu temples are not comparable with Hindu temples in India. Its Sundarbans Mangrove Forest seems like a hermit. People are hospitable.

  29. 9 February 2011 7:51PM shafayet_jamil Report this comment

    Longest sea beach in the world.. http://www.frihost.com/forums/vt-68964.html http://www.tourtobangladesh.com/index.php http://www.discoverybangladesh.com/ http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/798

    jst check this......yap..we've many prbls bt we've enough resort to ovrcum our prblms... Cox's Bazaar- World's largest seabeach Kuakata Sea beach- u can see sun rise & sun set frm 1 place..

    http://www.espncricinfo.com/travel/content/site/travel/city_profile.html?city=dhaka

    http://www.espncricinfo.com/travel/content/site/travel/city_profile.html?city=chittagong

    jst check the links....

  30. 9 February 2011 7:52PM shafayet_jamil Report this comment

    http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/798

  31. 10 February 2011 8:40PM atishlives Report this comment

    Bangladesh is more than just ferry ride or paddle boat. It is definitely one of the cheapest place to visit and one of the most beautiful place to be. Like Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachari, Sreemangal, Sylhet, Sundarban, Chittagong, Cox's Bazaar and Saint Martin.

  32. 15 April 2011 6:09AM mrgumbo Report this comment

    Nicaragua...easily the top value for $ in Central America. First class accomodations in b+b's for >40$ a nite in Granada and Ometepe Island.We found it friendly and very safe.Good transit, great atmosphere.

  33. 19 April 2011 8:49AM mras995 Report this comment

    Forget about Bangladesh, I live here and I know where I live. Huge population, uncontrolled traffic jam most of the day, deterioration of law and order, in every aspect this is just a hell. Do not come here even for a week, maybe 2/3 days are ok if you have any urgent job. Absolutely there's nothing special to see in this country, you will feel boring here and your hard earned money will be wasted once you are here. Also it will be extremely difficult for you to move around the city, no subway/skytrain system, no good public buses, nothing. I love my country but I cannot recommend it for foreign travellers, absolutely NOT tourist friendly, period.

  34. 28 April 2011 8:01PM johnped521 Report this comment

    OPINION! OPINION! OPINION! BUT FOR ME THE FACT IS:

    Phils deserves to be in the list the reason the Thailand is famous because of its Tourism Concentrations and Lingking to the other cities by direct flights.

    I am not sure about Sex Tourist Destination there.

  35. 8 June 2011 4:18AM dddeeva Report this comment

    Namibia might be cheap if you don't go on safaris, don't participate in any activities and don't go on tours. Safari prices skyrocketed in the past several years - backpacker safari used to cost abt 50 USD pp pday, and now is at least 200 usd.

    Not that good value, really.

  36. 8 June 2011 4:19AM dddeeva Report this comment

    And you'd be crazy to come to Namibia and not go on a safari!

  37. 4 October 2011 2:14AM globalgourmand Report this comment

    Seems like a legit list! Been to Nica on the cheap and loved it. Also done Paris on the cheap and there's so much to do that is free there-- it is possible! Also ADORE Washington DC as far as the US is concerned (I'm American) and I'm looking at a trip to the Philippines right now as my next destination. Would certainly go to any of the others on the list too! But Philippines it is, hooray!

  38. 2 November 2011 7:32AM chrisnik Report this comment

    You definitely have to try nicaragua, we improve our serice, and you have it all: adventure, great beaches, surf, turtles, colonial churches, colonial cities, comfortable hotels, ok hostals, luxury and boutique hotels, and also, drinks and food is cheap, and it's all over the place.

    We are very friendly also, trust me, great place to travel and you'll feel like home :D

  39. 15 January 2012 6:42PM danielandedwin Report this comment

    You definitely need to try the Philippines if you're after something slightly off the beaten track. My partner and I visit a few years ago and what was going to be a 2 week trip turned into a 5 week adventure.

    We spent a lot of time in Boracay and even though some parts are really commercial (And Expensive) the other side of the island is quieter and accommodation is so much cheaper.

    The food is also amazing. There is an amazing place on the other side of the island near white beach which had the best Chicken Adobo and an Ube desert which to this day can't find.

    Word of advise though. Add another week to your travel itinerary and be adventerous with the food, its worth it!

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