1. Nepal
Nepal is bouncing back from earthquakes and a fuel strike that made getting round the country tough. It remains a fabulous choice for budget-conscious travellers, who can access the best of its world-famous trekking routes and underrated wildlife for well south of US$50 a day. Visitor numbers are slowly recovering and the time is ripe to get back to Nepal’s mighty mountains; wherever you go, you’ll receive a warm welcome, as your visit brings much-needed income to communities getting back on their feet.
2. Namibia
Namibia’s dollar, pegged to the South African rand, has been depreciating in value against many currencies for a few years, making now an opportune time to experience this amazing country. And what experiences are on offer: desert- wildlife spotting in Etosha National Park, the incredible wilderness hike through Fish River Canyon and sand surfing at the mighty Sossusvlei Dunes. Avoid South African and European school-holiday times, especially late December and January, for the best-priced flights, which generally connect through Johannesburg, or look for seasonal charter flights from Frankfurt (Germany) operated by Condor. The great blue sky, contrasted with the clear starry nights that remain the longest in the memories of many visitors to Namibia, won’t cost you a dime.
3. Porto, Portugal
Here’s a European city that still manages to fly under the radar. It hardly seems believable given Porto’s stunning setting on the Rio Douro and excellent, affordable eating and accommodation – not to mention the fleet of budget airlines from around Europe and the direct flights from New York that make getting here better value than ever. Portugal’s second city has a clutch of inexpensive museums, cheap vintage trams to delight the transport nerd in your party and a pebbly beach an hour’s walk along the riverbank. Atmospheric wine caves offer inexpensive tours and tastings, and day trips to vineyards are easy to arrange. The city’s signature sandwich, the heart-stopping Francesinha, will fill your stomach with steak, ham, sausage, melted cheese and a lively tomato sauce, and might be the only meal you need to eat all day. As a bonus, one is often more than enough for two.
4. Venice, Italy
Value and Venice: two things that don’t often go together – yet the Lagoon City is unmissable, and scores of travellers arrive every day hoping to see it without breaking the bank. Traditionally the advice was to stay in Mestre, or even Treviso, and take the train in for the day, but this didn’t allow for late-night strolls or evenings checking out the city’s osterie (bars). Now, with locals letting out rooms and apartments on Airbnb and sites like it, you can stay in Venice itself and save money at the same time. Billeted in an area of the city away from the tourist throngs and with a kitchen at your disposal, you can have some meals in, avoid transport costs in and out of the city, and make sure you’re first in the queue for Venice’s heavy hitters.
5. Debrecen, Hungary
Hiding in plain sight beyond Budapest is Debrecen, the country’s second-largest city and the heart of low-cost Hungary. Now connected by Europe’s budget-airline network to seven countries, the city is opening up to international visitors. Debrecen is rich in history, but more modern influences have prompted a growing modern-art scene and streets that come alive with summer festivals. What really sets Debrecen apart is its location on the edge of Hungary’s puszta (eastern plains). The haunt of Hungarian cowboys and home to Hortobágy National Park, the region still dominates romantic visions of traditional Hungary.
6. Belize
Belize is often thought of as one of Central America’s pricier options – but let’s take a fresh look. Here you can dive or snorkel as though you’re in the Caribbean and tour Mayan ruins such as Caraco, found deep in wildlife-packed jungle that could only be in Central America. And you won’t face long journeys: Belize is the same size as Wales or Massachusetts. Belize’s proximity to Mexico and the Caribbean has ensured a lively and exceptionally good-value street-food scene, making budget meals effortless. Yes, there are big-ticket resorts on Ambergris Caye, but head south to Placencia and Hopkins for laid- back beach culture that’s still making its way onto the map.
7. Morocco
Stable, accessible and kaleidoscopic Morocco offers a low-cost, intense hit of the exotic. There simply isn’t anywhere this close to (and easy to visit from) Western Europe that remains so thrillingly at odds with that continent. Marrakesh, still unmissable, has more accommodation choices than ever before, and despite the crowds retains its timeless mix of the frenetic and the friendly. Essaouira, once an add-on to a trip to Marrakesh, can now be reached by direct flights from London and Paris. The port city of Tangier is also enjoying a renaissance, with new hotels and renovations throughout the once-dilapidated old town.
