Five Affordable World Travel Destinations

Locations That Offer More But Cost Less

So you want to travel the world but you have a tight budget? Are you tired of reading about everyone else’s exotic adventures and ready to have some of your own? Have you always wanted to take an international vacation but thought you couldn’t afford it? There are numerous travel destinations across the world that are both exciting and affordable. Five of them are described here to give you ideas and get you started planning your own getaway.

There are two ways to approach affordable vacations to distant destinations. Either you will save money getting there or the savings will occur once you arrive at your selected spot. If you want the trip there to be affordable, many travel consolidators recommend choosing well-known destinations that are served by numerous airlines and receive millions of travelers each year. The competition for customers usually drives costs down for everything from lodging to tour packages. Airfares between major hubs tend to be more affordable and there are often plenty of discounts and last minute travel deals.

London

In Europe, London is a top pick for affordable vacation destinations, for these exact reasons. Not only do you have more flights to choose from, they are cheaper than if you flew to a more remote location. On average, staying in London may be a bit more expensive than other European destinations, but the seemingly endless choices in hotels, restaurants, transportation, tours, and other travel essentials gives travels opportunities to mold their vacation to fit their budgets. And you can use London as your home base to set out on day trips to other more exotic locations or buy a Eurorail pass and see those more remote countries without the expense of flying there.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

This theory also works well for traveling in the Caribbean. Belize is an appealing destination, with wonderful Caribbean beaches and a lush tropic setting, but since it has only recently emerged as a popular travel destination, it is more expensive than Cancun, Jamaica or other well-traveled locations along the Mayan Riviera. With fewer flights, getting there is more expensive, and there are few moderate lodging options. Development of larger luxury resorts have begun to boom, but the only real alternative for those on a budget is staying in local facilities that may be hard to locate from home and may be more rustic than most travelers are willing to try.

Although there are many options for affordable vacations in the Caribbean, an excellent pick is Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Accessible via flights to Cancun, which are often some of the cheapest in the region, Playa is just a half hour away. It is filled with a multitude of lodging choices, from expansive luxury resorts on the ocean to quaint but clean hotels downtown. From Playa, travelers can branch out and visit Tulum and other locations on the Mayan Riviera or take the ferry across to the island of Cozumel where snorkeling is prime and the attractions are many.

For Asian destinations, travelers often do better to focus on saving money once they get to their destination. Depending on your country of origin, getting to just about any spot in Asia is going to be a sizable chunk of your travel budget. The difference will come from the cost of lodging, food, entertainment and other travel expenditures once you arrive. By choosing destinations where you get the most for your money, you can save a great deal on your international vacation. A drink or dinner in Tokyo will costs you many times more than what it would in Saigon. The key here is to go where you dollars buy you more and where the local cost of living is low.

Tioman Island

An affordable yet exotic choice for Asia is Malaysia and specifically Tioman Island, knows as the mythical ‘Bali Hai’ from the film ‘South Pacific.’ Tioman Island is located at the southern end of the east coast of Malaysia on the South China Sea. It’s sandy beaches, bordered by lush jungles and stunning mountains make it a relaxing yet intriguing destination, ideal for sun lovers, snorkelers and divers. The island also has many villages for exploring and shopping. English is widely spoken and the rates are amazingly affordable, with a two night lodging package for a suite at a lovely oceanside resort averaging around 100 U.S. dollars. Typically visitors reach the island via the speed ferry from the mainland. Although the trip can take over two hours, it is enjoyable and provides opportunities for dolphin watching along the way.

Buenos Aires

South American also has many destinations that are affordable because of the savings once you arrive. Locales like Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, the areas top destination, are coming down in price but are still more expensive than cities such as Buenos Aires in Argentina, where the rates are lower and the U.S. dollar goes further.

A huge metropolis that is more European than South American, the city has much to offer including cultural events, thriving nightlife, shopping, local sports, and a host of tours and excursions. La Boca, with its street performers, shops, and unique architecture is a big tourist draw. The large number of choices for lodging, restaurants, and activities provides opportunities for budget travel and savings. Airfare to the city is relatively reasonable for an international destination, with discount fares from the U.S. averaging around $500 round trip. Buenos Aires might not be one of the most exotic or inspiring destinations in South America, but it is a city that everyone should see at least once, and with some of the most affordable rates and fares around, it makes the list as a top South American destination.

Las Vegas

The list would not be complete without a North American destination, and the champ of all affordable locales is Las Vegas. It too is a city that should be seen at least once, and many world travelers return again and again for the gaming, art, shows and people watching that just can’t be found anywhere else. Close enough to other top U.S. attractions like the Grand Canyon, Vegas provides other options for those who have had their fill of casinos.

The city has long been known for its cheap vacation packages with hotels and resorts that offer discount rates for rooms, meals and entertainment in hopes of attracting people to their gaming tables. Airfare rates into Vegas are some of the most reasonable in the United States, no matter the origination destination. And with more than 100,000 hotel rooms to choose from, there is sure to be a lodging choice that fits your budget.

The world provides hundreds of affordable travel destinations. With all the options available, there is no excuse to put off that life-long desire to travel to exotic places at the far ends of the earth. Destinations can be researched on the Internet or your travel consolidator can make recommendations and help with locating discount flights and hotel deals that fit your budget. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore the world.

By: C.J. Gustafson

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The east coast of the USA stretches for about 1800 miles from scenic Maine on the Canadian border to colorful Latino-influenced Miami, providing a host of experiences along the way. Whatever type of vacation you are looking for there are plenty of luxury hotels along this East Coast shoreline to provide it in style.

The northerly states of New England offer some of America’s oldest history and the fall foliage colors are legendary. Boston has a compact historic center which can be explored by following the red line of bricks around the main sights. The Eliot Hotel, a Condé Nast Gold List contender and one of the classiest luxury hotels in Boston’s elegant Back Bay district, makes a great base for discovering the city.

The Mid-Atlantic States of New Jersey and New York draw thousands of international visitors each year to see the sights of New York City. Luxury hotels in New York City can be found on every block and all are within easy walking distance of the Empire State Building, the shops of Fifth Avenue and the attractions in Central Park. The Pierre stands out above the rest – literally – as it looks down on Central Park and Museum Mile on Upper Eastside. Those wanting to cut costs but not standards should consider luxury hotels in New Jersey, just a short train ride from the Big Apple. The Robert Treat Hotel offers excellent luxury hotel accommodation in Newark’s Arts District at very accommodating prices.

Further south on the US East Coast is the capital city, Washington DC with its government buildings and attractions including the White House, the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. The Four Seasons Hotel is at the posh end of town in Georgetown and is ideal for business and leisure guests in search of centrally located luxury hotels with good amenities in the capital.

The Carolinas, Georgia and Florida are known for their sunshine and mild winters. Popular with vacationers, winter snowbirds and retirees all year round, the sandy beaches and natural wildlife are a big attraction. Families flock to Orlando’s theme parks before sinking down on the beaches around Canaveral or Tampa for a quiet reprieve in the sun and surf. For those staying in Orlando, the only place of note to stay is the Westin Grand Bohemian, one of the few luxury hotels in Orlando that treats guests as proper adults and dispenses service accordingly.

The last 100 miles or so are along the US1 Overseas Highway jumping from island to island via causeways and bridges to reach Key West, the end of the line. En route, Little Palm Island is a great resort to stay at, just 20 miles west of Marathon Key. From the private powder-soft sand beach of this luxury hotel in Florida’s Keys you are as close to a Caribbean island as you can get, without setting sail.

By: Alexander Brey

About the Author:

Many people look to apply for Visa of United States. They look to apply for different classes of US Visa such as student visa, tourist visa,Work visa, green card lottery visa. Several foreigners migrate to US in order to reside there for temporary or permanent basis. Millions of citizens fro different parts of the world apply for different forms of visa which are categorized to two forms i.e. immigrant visa or non immigrant visa.

US Visa is required under following circumstances:

- If the domicile is not known to be the permanent citizen of 27 republic countries that are under Visa waiver program.

- If they are not considered to be the enduring inhabitant of Canada or Bermuda.

- The concerned person is not allowed to travel to USA due to involvement criminal case or criminal record has been registered against the concerned person.

The classifications of US Visa are as follows:

- Immigrant visa- US Immigration visa is provided to those citizens of the country who have desire to reside permanently in United States. The visa applicant need to be sponsored by resident of America if he is looking to apply for US Immigrant visa. An affidavit need to be submitted in US Embassy regarding the financial capability of the person residing in USA who is ready to sponsor the visa applicant.

- Non Immigrant Visa- US non-immigrant visa is provided to those people who are inhabitating outside the domestic circle of United States of America but are looking to enter the territory of America for some specific purpose for education, medical treatment, commercial meeting etc.

How to apply for US Visa

- Appointment need to be taken by Visa consulate in order to visit US Embassy. Appointment can be taken through telephone, mail service, internet. Fees for US visa interview need to be confirmed before approaching the embassy. Don’t forget to ask the mode of payment through which fees will be accepted by US Visa consulate.

- Take all the necessary documents to the US Embassy such as valid passport, completely filed application form, documents to support the application form which contains details of employment, specific reason to travel USA,financial capability. Proof need to be submitted to the visa consulate regarding payment of visa fees.

- Submit the visa application form along with passport and other documents supporting visa application at US Embassy or to Visa consulate. The visa is provided to the applicants after 4 weeks. There is no guarantee to get the visa as it is entirely dependant on the interview with Visa officer.

- The information submitted by the USA visa applicant are scrutinized thoroughly with the help of famous security database .If the name of the applicant is wrongly mentioned, the process will automatically be halted or delayed due to security concerns.

By: Rachel Myers

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Travel rules, regulations and restrictions have changed considerably in the last decade, particularly since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. US passports are in high demand since they are currently a requirement for certain types of travel. Other types of travel do not require a US passport, though the rules will be changing again in the coming months and years. If you are planning air travel in the near future, you’re probably wondering what rules apply to you.

The changes that have occurred in land, sea and air travel regulations have come about as the result of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. This program was launched in 2004 in response to the drafting of Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. It was enacted to strengthen the security of US borders without making it prohibitive for US citizens and legitimate foreign visitors to cross American borders. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is a joint effort between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean region. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative dictates a uniform standard of documentation which is required by every person wishing to enter and leave the areas which are covered by this agreement.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative has been implemented in several stages in order to give the public time to prepare for the changes. The first stage to affect air travel was enacted in January of 2007. The standard of required documentation for air travel has not changed since, though changes to land and sea travel have occurred in that time. According to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, all foreign air travel (i.e. airplanes leaving the United States) requires a US passport both to leave and re-enter the US.

It is important to note that travelers are not required to carry a US passport for domestic flights. There is no stipulation regarding domestic air travel in the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. However, there is speculation by travel experts and government groups that one day a US passport may be required even for domestic flights. This policy would fall into line with a number of other countries, particularly in Europe and the UK. These countries currently require locals and foreigners alike to present a passport for everything travel related, including domestic air travel and hotel stays.

It is also important to note that the documentation required for air travel is stricter than the rules for travel by land and sea. As of January 31, 2008 land and sea travel can be undertaken without a US passport. In lieu of a US passport, travelers must present a legal form of government photo identification AND a proof of citizenship document (birth certificate or naturalization certificate.) Air travelers have been caught in the confusion in the past few years and some have unfortunately found themselves stranded in airports because they were unaware that air travel requirements differ from other types of travel.

The final stage of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will take effect in June, 2009. In anticipation of this, travel agents and US government officials are urging that all American citizens apply for a US passport. A US passport is the only worldwide, universally-accepted form of travel identification. While Americans will still be able to cross land borders without one after June of 2009, a US passport will speed up the process considerably and make for fewer delays at border crossing stations.

By: Jenny Schweyer

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For the larger travel web sites; travel deals are generated when they purchase airfare seats, hotels and rental cars in bulk and then resale to the general public at reduced rates.

The same holds true for discounted cruise deals and hot vacation spots. He who has the cash flow to purchase travel in bulk do extremely well in the resale.

However, there is another travel deal that is generated consistently that the general public usually is not aware of. This is the travel deals created by the smaller resorts and off the beaten path travel spots.

With any purchase of sight unseen you run the risk of the vacation NOT being what you expected. You can be fairly sure that your accommodations will be as advertised when you purchase from the large travel web sites.

This leads us to why the “travel review” sites are so popular. You can go to any of these sites and read what other traveler’s have written about the destination you are interested in visiting.

This leads us to another concern for the independent traveler; unless you know exactly where it is you want to travel you may never know about the exciting, wonderful, beautiful, inexpensive, travel deals throughout the world that have been totally safe for Americans in the past.

Getting small private resorts, travel agents and travel suppliers to be consistent with their marketing efforts has not proven successful. In the pass their ad campaigns have been hit and miss, now and then. Unless a cash flow rich travel agency decides to promote one of these small and unique travel destinations in the San Francisco Chronicle or the New York Times; the general public may never know of the hidden travel spots.

Yes, this is a time when we must be extremely aware of our surroundings, regardless of what county we are in; but we don’t have to leave the US to find really nice exotic places alone the Eastern seaboard or the hidden islands and coast line off the southern states here in the US.

Travel Agents receive press releases and flyers on remolded, inexpensive, small, out of the way resorts, via their fax lines all the time. Its one thing for them to receive this information and another for them to promote them. And why should they? Good business persons promote that which will increase their income! And many of travelers go to the larger travel sites for vacation packages.

So for the independent traveler who wants more from his/her travel experience – research is the key. You don’t have to leave the US to find new and exciting places to travel — However, you do have to take the time to find them.

By: Sandy Ingram

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