
Who says you need to spend a fortune to visit the world's most famous destinations? There are plenty of hidden gems with breathtaking landscapes, lively streets, and incredible sights, all without the sky-high price tags. These less-explored places, or you can say not-so-popular places, give you the exact magic as their expensive counterparts. With a similar level of beauty, charm, and atmosphere, it is like discovering beauty frequently with significantly less chaos and more character. Suppose you agree with the fact that traveling is about experiencing a place, not about checking boxes. In that case, you can definitely settle for a cheaper destination (only in money, not the adventure). And occasionally, the most unforgettable experiences take place in unexpected places.
So, if you are low on budget but craving an exotic vacation, here are some look-alike destinations you can plan for the upcoming adventure.
Paris over Los Angeles
We all know that Paris is generally more affordable than Los Angeles, and it has its reasons. For those seeking a walkable, culturally diverse, budget-friendly experience, Paris is the place for you. Many people find Paris a more appealing location because of its small size, public transit system, and wealth of cultural organizations. Paris offers a more pleasant daily commute to its neighborhoods and an effective metro system, whereas Los Angeles's sprawl and reliance on cars can be difficult. The city has countless beautiful cafes and restaurants serving delicious traditional cuisines at surprisingly low prices. The healthcare system of France is far more affordable and accessible for the ordinary person than that of the United States.
Rio de Janeiro over Miami
Rio de Janeiro is a popular choice for a nice budget holiday these days, over Miami. Though both cities showcase impeccable urban beauty and fascinating cultural heritage, Miami often has a higher cost when it comes to travel or exploring. Local markets and street food provide reasonably priced dining options, and many activities, such as exploring neighborhoods, are free. In general, Rio's public transit is less expensive than Miami's. Trains, buses, and the metro are affordable ways to get around the city. Even though living expenses have increased recently, Rio still provides a more cost-effective experience than Miami, particularly when it comes to accommodation and food.
Cartagena over New Orleans
For budget-conscious travelers, Cartagena, Colombia, can be an excellent place to experience something similar to New Orleans. Although New Orleans has charm and attractions, many tourists find it less affordable due to its expensive hotels and tours. Cartagena has a comparable degree of historical relevance and cultural diversity, but at far lower costs. From hostels and low-cost hotels to Airbnb homes, Cartagena has a lot of reasonably priced lodging alternatives that are frequently less expensive than comparable ones in New Orleans. In Cartagena, local restaurants and street cuisine are accessible and far less costly than dining in New Orleans. The city is reasonably priced to get around, with local bus services and taxis providing reasonably priced options.
Bali over San Diego
People who want a fun holiday and do not want to spend a fortune can choose Bali over San Diego. You can find plenty of accommodation options in Bali, from $10-$20 per night, dorm beds, and hostels. There are many cafes and restaurants around the city where you can enjoy authentic Indonesian food and spend quality time with family and friends. Bali also offers a variety of free or inexpensive activities, such as touring beaches, temples, and natural landmarks. Although many temples charge admission, these costs are frequently reasonable compared to other attractions.
Savannah over Edinburgh
History buffs will find Savannah a cheaper alternative to the historic city of Edinburgh. Savannah provides a wide range of free sights and activities, such as touring its landmark area, strolling down River Street, going to city squares, and enjoying the local cuisine and nightlife. The city also has a wide variety of affordable dining alternatives and pubs, some of which do not have open container restrictions, allowing people to walk and consume alcohol, even if it has several high-end dining establishments. According to USA Today, Savannah offers a range of affordable lodging choices, such as hotels, guesthouses, and hostels, particularly in the off-season. Because Savannah is a small city, it's simple to get around on foot or by bicycle.