10大花钱最少的假期

Top 10: Cheap Vacations

While jet-setting in five-star luxury all the way can be great, it isn’t always practical. Sometimes we’ve got to tighten the purse strings a little and opt for a budget holiday if we’re to have a holiday at all. That’s not to say it can’t be fun, enjoyable, cultured, or exotic, however. In fact, budgeting means you’ll think more carefully about where you go and what you do once you’re there, making for a more coordinated trip in general.

So long as you’re realistic when selecting a destination (while staying in a cheap hostels in St. Tropez will make your trip cheaper, it won’t make it cheap) and you realize that while these destinations are only cheap upon arrival (the airfare could still set you back some), you’re guaranteed a good time without punishing the credit cards too much.

Although the price of accommodation is significant, think of the little costs too, such as a bottle of wine, a pint of beer and a 10-minute taxi journey. These are the true costs that can make or break your budget trip -- and, incidentally, your bank.

No.10 - Thailand

Recovering from the Asian tsunami that struck its shores in 2004, the tourism industry in Thailand is still very much catered toward luring tourists back -- meaning, it’s cheap, cheerful and lots of fun. Travel first to Bangkok, a smoky metropolis with a jam-packed cultural scene and a buzzing nightlife. Make sure you check out a couple of Buddhist temples, such as Wat Traimit, Wat Po and Wat Benchamabophit, all costing no more than 87 cents to get in, followed by the Damnoen Saduak floating market, where you’ll find canals fit to bursting with fresh produce and locally made crafts. If you’re not afraid to barter -- and you shouldn’t be in a place like Thailand, as it’s part of the culture -- you should be able to pick up real silver jewelry for around $7 and T-shirts for $1.50. Next, fly to the idyllic island of Phuket, which is busy but still retains an element of the tropical about it. Here, you’ll be able to order a main course in a fairly nice restaurant for as little as $15 per head and have a fantastic booze-soaked night out for no more than $20. Also make sure you go on a couple of cheap daytrips while you’re here, such as the one to Phi Phi Islands, where you’ll walk the sands of Maya Bay (made famous by The Beach) and spend the day cruising the Andaman Sea for just $30.

No.9 - Budapest

With all the architectural style of Paris and Prague but without the accompanying expense, Budapest is fast becoming a holiday hot spot. Ever since Hungary’s entrance into the European Union in 2004, the city has been progressing at the rate of knots -- but, thankfully, prices have remained low. Located in the city center, you can stay at the Best Western Grand Hungaria for $87 per night, or the equally central Buda Castle Apartment next to Chain Bridge for $48 per night, or the Marco Polo Youth Hostel for a mere $33 per night.

Hungary offers easily affordable restaurants and bars, making this the perfect place to go for a bachelor party or wild weekend away. Expect to pay around $13 for a meal out with drinks and $3.50 or so for a pint of beer. Do look out for restaurants without prices on the menu, however -- this is a known tourist trap and should be avoided at all costs. Budapest isn’t only great for night owls; as it also offers a great cultural scene -- most of it cheap or free, such as the Danube River, Buda Castle and Fishermen’s Bastion. Before you leave, make sure you pay a visit to the Szechenyi Turkish Baths, which you can get for $4 if you take less than two hours.

No.8 - Albania

In the past, suggesting Albania as a holiday destination would certainly have raised a few prim eyebrows. Known as the better best-forgotten part of Eastern Europe, Albania has had its fair share of problems. Nevertheless, this country has come on leaps and bounds in the last couple of years with a more secure democracy and a more accommodating tourism infrastructure in place. Because it’s still relatively new in terms of being a destination, it’s also as cheap as chips or, to be more precise, as cheap as $15 -- the price of a three-course meal in one of the finest restaurants in the capital, Tirana.

Jam-packed with history and culture, the southern city of Gjirokaster is also worth a visit; here you’ll be able to stay under a 200-year-old carved-wood ceiling for just $40 in the Hotel Kalemi. Finish your trip by heading to the 2,500-year-old must-see city of Butrint, where you’ll be able to tread cobbled streets and explore a Venetian fort-turned-museum by day, and party the night away with cheap beer and friendly locals by night.

No.7 - Morocco

Just because David and Victoria Beckham favor the Moroccan holiday hot spot of Marrakech, it doesn’t mean that you and your tight budget can’t too. By day, you’ll be able to indulge in a spot of haggling in one of the city’s souks, treating yourself to high-quality leather goods, ceramics, rugs, and paintings, with $60 being the biggest spend. At Atika you’ll be able to snap up a pair of shoes for under $50, while Place Vendome offers the best handbags and jackets $20 can buy.

When you need to recharge your batteries, you’ll find Moroccan fare more than affordable; a traditional meal of beef bib with shallots and mashed potato costs just under $20 at Grand Café de la Poste. And you couldn’t possibly say you’ve been to Morroco without indulging in a traditional hamman, costing just $20 at Les Bains de Marrakech.

When it’s time to catch some Zs, you’ll be able to rent an entire guesthouse, such as Essaouira, for as little as $100 per night for two people.

No.6 - Croatia

Tourism in Croatia has really taken off again, thanks to the restoration of its stunning coastline and Renaissance towns after the war. It is recommended that you visit the region of Istria first, as this is the most accommodating for tourists. Here, you’ll be able to visit historic Roman towns such as Poreč and Pula, as well as medieval castles and national parks. Hostels in most Croatian locations start at around $10; if you can afford a little more than that, travel to the island of Brac where you’ll be able to stay at the charming Villa Adriatica Hotel for around $65 per night. It’s worth every cent for those who like their creature comforts.

No.5 - Turkey

Despite forking out $20 on a visa fee upon arrival at the airport, visitors to Turkey don’t need to start bouncing checks to get the best out of the country. A fusion of East and West, you’ll be able to enjoy wonders you never knew existed this side of the world -- many of them for free. 140 stunning Blue Flag beaches by day and exotic belly-dancing in the street by night are just some of the money-free experiences you’ll be afforded here. Catch a dolmus -- the preferred method of public transport in Turkey, costing no more than your local bus fare -- and head into the city of Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. While in the country also make sure you check out the calcified waters of Pamukkale, the Lycian rock tombs, the Temple of Athena and Apollo close to Side, and the Archaeology Museum of Istanbul in the capital. As with most countries, the expense of meals varies, but if you choose wisely you shouldn’t be paying more than $20 per head. Yesil Ev -- a converted Ottoman mansion in the Sultanahmet part of town -- will put you up for a very reasonable $100 per night, while there are hundreds of bed and breakfasts that cost little over $15 per night.

No.4 - Argentina

Despite what many of us think, South America is relatively safe -- visitors simply need to have their wits about them and avoid the most dangerous neighborhoods, as is the case with most major cities. With all the charm and character of Brazil without the price tag, Argentina is fast becoming South America’s most happening location. A trip to the capital Buenos Aires -- although exotic and far-flung -- can be enjoyed by even the most frugal traveler. Argentinean steak dinners cost as little as $5 in the city center, while the best seats at the theater run little over $15.

With prices that cheap the evening doesn’t need to stop there; nightclub entrance costs only $2 in most places, and there are a lot of places. When the tango-dancing and mojito-drinking are done, rest your weary head at the Art Hotel in Recoleta -- just a 10-minute walk from where Evita is buried -- costing just $65 per night. Who can argue with that?

No.3 - Venezuela

Rather than mooch about on the mainland, head to Margarita Island off the north coast. Although the plane fare to Venezuela may have set you back some, once you’re here you won’t look back. With the sun shining 320 days a year, Margarita Island is ridiculously cheap due to the exchange rate. Stay in a hostel for as little as $15 per night, enjoy a delicious fresh seafood meal for $8 or less, and wash it down with a $1.20 beer -- it’s like your college days all over again. When you’re not strewn on the palm-fringed sands of Playa de Agua or indulging in practically free watersports, you can peruse the markets and snap up some cheap souvenirs and bottles of rum. During the evening, visit some of the island’s most happening hot spots, such as Mosquito Coast, and take pleasure in the fact that guys your age will be doing the same thing in Cancun for three times the price.

No.2 - Egypt

Although nobody likes armed conflict, the tourism industry does benefit from it -- take Egypt, for instance. Despite minding its own business, it is often caught in the crossfire between Afghanistan and Iraq -- meaning ticket prices plummet and tourists are able to snap up a good deal. What’s more, tourists have remained relatively safe during these periods, so there’s no reason to fear taking advantage.

Rather than head to the pricier city of Cairo, go to Luxor -- known as the world’s largest open-air museum for all the ancient statues and monuments that dot the city. Stay in one of city’s hostels for $45 per night at the Emilio Luxor and the similarly cheap St. Joseph Hotel, or upgrade to a five-star hotel such as the Sonesta St. George on the River Nile -- still only $58 per night, and we’re talking superstar luxury.

During the day, sail on the River Nile in a felucca for as little as $5 per hour and visit as many free attractions as you can -- and there are plenty to choose form. During the evening, places like Sofra Restaurant & Café offer you the chance to sample traditional Egyptian food without breaking the bank; at just under $2 for a traditional mezzé and $3.50 for a main course, you can afford to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner out for the entirety of your trip. Remember: Bargaining is an everyday part of life in Egypt -- and absolutely everything is open to negotiation. So, make the cheap cheaper.

No.1 - Dominican Republic

Known for its picturesque setting straight out of a Malibu ad -- with tropical forests, mountain ranges that look like the Evian logo, transparent waters, and silky beaches -- you could certainly do worse on a tight budget than a trip to the Dominican Republic. Go in February and November, when there’s less crowds and minimal chance of a hurricane.

Sprawl yourself on the beach during the day -- preferably, the super-chic ones that line Punta Cana -- and dance the night away to the seductive beat of the merengue and bachata at one of the weekly street parties.

Food prices on the island vary, but budget travelers can find mouthwatering Spanish-inspired dishes that cost between $2 and $10. In fact, meals in even the most expensive restaurant on the island cost little more than $50. Make sure you try the national dish of La Bandera while you’re there, which is a mixture of stewed meat, rice, red beans, fried plantains, and salad.

When it comes to accommodation, many of the hotels and resorts in the Dominican Republic are all-inclusive, meaning you have complete control of your expenditure. However, if you just want cheap ‘n’ cheerful pay-per-night accommodation, the $40 per night Natura Park Beach Eco Resort & Spa offers five-star quality at hostel prices.