The budget travel landscape is ever-changing, and a new year is a good excuse to look into the best wallet-friendly places to visit around the world. With tourism, flights, currency and major events affecting the cost of a trip to your dream destination, I advise doing plenty of research before you journey somewhere new. If you’re still on the hunt for a place to travel this year, why not try one of the following destinations:
Barcelona, Spain
The U.S. dollar is strong against the euro, which means that many European cities are more affordable than they have been in recent years. One of these is Barcelona, Spain. The city has plenty to offer in culture, delicious food and proximity to the coast. You can travel locally on the cheap by using the metro, and if you want to save on lodging check out one of many apartments for rent. Try visiting in May before the temperatures get too warm; there will be plenty of festivals to see yet you’ll still beat out the official tourist season.
Greece
Speaking of Europe, Greece is one country with plenty of budget-friendly areas to visit. You can even soak in the beauty of a tropical vacation while you learn about Greece’s fascinating history by traveling to the Aegean Islands. Crete is the largest, and offers unlimited activities and sights to see. You can dine at one of the many tavernas for a less expensive, but equally delicious meal. Consider visiting in early fall when it’s still warm enough to head to the beach, but rates are dropping after summer crowds head out.
Iceland
If you’re headed to Europe, you might want to take advantage of Icelandair’s offer of a free seven-night stopover on the way. You might use a bit more vacation time, but it will be worth it with Iceland’s incredible scenery and sights. See the Northern Lights, trek through waterfalls and lagoons, or walk through a city like Reykjavik. With this extra addition to your trip, just make sure you don’t go over your travel budget. Check out the area’s hostels and take advantage of the free sightseeing so your wallet doesn’t regret the detour.
New Mexico
Want to stay stateside but still travel somewhere with an exotic feel? New Mexico offers warm weather, tons of free outdoor activities and plenty of American, Native American and Mexican history. Santa Fe offers comfortable temperatures and plenty of festivals in the fall, including the famed Whole Enchilada Festival and the Native Treasures Indian Arts Festival. Make sure you go hungry, because there is plenty of delicious yet inexpensive food to go around.
Puerto Rico
Flights to this Caribbean island are wallet-friendly, and the currency is the U.S. dollar. There is much more to discover than the tourist-ridden walkways that serve those exploring the area on a day trip from their cruise. You can explore beaches and try the local food, and savvy travelers often suggest the West Coast for less crowds and more affordable lodging.
Vietnam
If you want to head out on a true adventure at little cost, consider Vietnam. It’s one of the more popular budget travel destinations for a reason. The landscape is beautiful, there is much to see and most everything is very inexpensive. Ho Chi Min City and Hanoi are two cities that cater often to tourists and backpackers, and have plenty of cheap lodging options and street food. Recent reports suggest you can get by for $20 or less per day! There are also many vacation packages available for multi-city tours.
I hope you’ll find one (or more) of these frugal destinations in line with your own travel plans for 2016!
More from U.S. News
10 Money Action Steps to Take Before 2016
50 Ways to Improve Your Finances in 2016
10 Creative Ways to Cut Costs This Winter
Top Frugal Travel Destinations for 2016 originally appeared on usnews.com
