6 Spring Vacations on a Budget
A lot of people are under the impression that travelling is expensive. Contrary to popular belief, however, you can travel to certain countries and stay there for as little as SG $15 per day! It’s all a matter of choosing the right country to visit, planning your trip in advance, and budgeting your finances the right way.
In this article, we’ll be exploring all the cheapest places for you to travel to this spring and share with you some budget-friendly travel tips! Read on to get some amazing travel experiences without breaking the bank.
Spring Vacations on a Budget
1) Bangladesh
Go off the beaten path and explore the offbeat but exotic country of Bangladesh. While not the most popular place to visit, it’s definitely one of the most affordable. Home to majestic historical sites such as the Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, Somapura Mahavihara, and Dhakeshwari Temple, Bangladesh offers its visitors an abundance of budget-friendly sightseeing activities.
Beach bums can also head to Cox’s Bazar Beach, Bangladesh’s most popular beach located on the southeast coast. While you’re there, you can take part in various activities like parasailing, sea biking, and even horseback riding. Get dirt-cheap street food along Agamasi Lane in Dhaka and stuff yourself with local treats like jhalmuri, sringara, pithe, and jallaby.
Best time to visit: March to April
Money-saving tips: Being friendly in Bangladesh will go a long way. The Bangladeshi are some of the most hospitable people on the planet and will go out of their way to help visitors feel at home in their country. Get a local to help you communicate, haggle, or even host your stay to help you save on your trip.
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2) Sri Lanka
Another country off the beaten path is Sri Lanka. Despite the ever-growing popularity of Asian countries, it’s surprising that Sri Lanka remains relatively crowd-free even on peak seasons. Unfortunately, Sri Lanka’s more popular attractions and tourist activities are notorious for their high prices. For example, visiting Yala National Park can set you back more than SG $50, while visiting Sigiriya, one of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, can cost you upwards of SG $38.
Fortunately, Sri Lanka makes up for it by offering incredibly affordable hotel accommodations, food, and public transportation. Instead of going for the more common tourist attractions, opt instead to visit Sri Lanka’s many beaches or roam its cultural cities for free. Sri Lanka offers temperate weather around February and March, making springtime ideal for outdoor activities. Don’t forget to sample some delicious Sri Lankan rice and curry and kottu roti which you can get at affordable prices.
Best time to visit: October to March
Money-saving tips: To simultaneously save on both hotel accommodations and food, try staying at one or two homestays in Sri Lanka during your stay. Homestays are typically family-run with only a few rooms for guests. Breakfasts are always included and the family may even offer to cook dinner for you for a few dollars. Don’t refuse!
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Where to stay: If you’re looking to explore the Ancient City of Sigiriya, we recommend staying at Sunshine Resort & Spa just an 11-minute walk away. Get a room for as little as SG $38 per night.
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3) Nepal
Nepal is a beautiful country, but it’s even more beautiful during spring when the weather is temperate and the views of the mountain ranges are unobscured. A lot of travellers visit Nepal to go hiking in the Himalayas or trek to the Everest base camp. Unfortunately, the costs for these activities can skyrocket, especially during peak season (spring)! Trekking trails can cost up to SG $27 to enter.
Luckily, everything else in Nepal is cheap. If you’re looking for the cheapest places to stay in Nepal, we recommend staying in Pokhara, the Annapurna region, Kathmandu, and the Everest region. These are the places most frequented by backpackers and hikers alike. You can get incredibly inexpensive (but filling) meals for as little as SG $2 and a dorm bed in Kathmandu for as little as SG $6.
Best Time to Visit: March to May
Money-saving tips: Because hiking and trekking are the two most popular activities in Nepal, naturally, they’re the most expensive. If you’re on a tight budget but still want to go trekking, consider trekking independently or bring along an experienced friend with you on your trip.
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Where to stay: If you’re looking to go trekking, we recommend staying in a hostel in Kathmandu such as Rest Up Kathmandu Hostel where you can secure a shared room with bunk beds for around SG $11 per night.
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4) The Philippines
Teeming with beaches, palm trees, and late-night parties, the Philippines is undoubtedly an amazing beach vacation just waiting to happen. While the beachside city of Boracay is undoubtedly one of the most popular (and expensive!) areas in the Philippines, there are several other cheaper areas to relax by the sea such as Palawan, El Nido, Guimaras, and Siargao.
Backpackers on a budget should steer clear of the major cities such as Manila and Cebu as prices in these areas tend to be significantly higher than those in the provinces. If you’re looking to do something unique during your stay, consider going off the grid and visit the enchanting and mysterious island of Siquijor where you can explore caves, forests, or go diving.
Best time to visit: November to April
Money-saving tips: If you’re looking to save money on food, we highly recommend eating at a carinderia which you’ll find easily throughout the provinces. Carinderias are local eateries with small seating areas that typically serve traditional home-cooked Filipino dishes for as little as $2 per meal.
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Where to stay: If you’re looking to stay on Siquijor Island, we recommend to stay in a safe – albeit slightly more expensive – hostel such as Lazy Lizard PH or Kamp Aninipot where you can get a bed for around SG $14 per night
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5) India
The diverse and exotic country of India has something to offer for every visitor that sets foot there. From stunning Hindu temples and beaches to deliciously spicy Indian food, India is undoubtedly a culturally rich (and luckily affordable) place to travel to.
If you’re looking to relax on the beach, head on to Goa where you’ll find stunning beaches like Arambol Beach or go bargain-hunting at the flea market at Anjuna Beach. Don’t miss out on seeing the majestic Golden Temple in Amritsar in person and appreciate local Indian art at Kolkata – both activities that are free of charge! Needless to say, India is a backpacker’s paradise. Expect to find dorm beds for as little as SG $8, cheap street eats galore, and affordable public transportation!
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Money-saving tips: When it comes to getting around, always take buses. If you feel like splurging a bit, treat yourself to a rented bike or a scooter. Either way, you get a better flavour of the country than if you take a taxi (which is also more expensive anyway).
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Where to stay: If you want to stay near Goa’s beaches, you can book a room in one of the many hostels there. We recommend Backpacker Panda Goa, a dormitory-style hostel with clean rooms and is only a stone’s throw away from the beaches.
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6) Vietnam
Vietnam is a favourite among budget backpackers and is home to the cheapest food and beer (bia hoi) in the world. Those on a budget will be able to find a cheap hostel room with ease and be able to scarf down a more-than-decent bowl of piping hot beef pho for around SG $2. Surprisingly, the most affordable cities in Vietnam are also the most popular: visiting the capital city of Hanoi as well as Ho Chi Minh and Hoi An won’t cost a fortune.
During spring, the best areas to visit in Vietnam are definitely Hanoi, Sapa, and Halong Bay located up north. The weather will be cool at around 18°C to 22°C, making it perfect for exploring everything Vietnam has to offer. If you can stretch your budget to up to SG $83 per day, then you’ll be able to eat nice restaurants and stay at decent a hostel. However, a lot of budget backpackers are will be able to do a lot on a budget of SG $55 per day!
Best Time to Visit: March to May
Money-saving tips: Learn the art of haggling and familiarise yourself with Vietnamese currency. Tourists are often charged higher rates in Vietnam and this isn’t something you should take personally – it’s just how it is. However, learn to haggle and you should be able to get better deals on your purchases. Make sure you know how to count your change, too, so you can avoid being shortchanged!
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Where to stay: Hanoi has an abundance of affordable hostels such as the Hanoi Massive Hostel which is conveniently located in the central area of Hoan Kiem surrounded by crafts shops, street food stalls, and close to a few tourist attractions.
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Travelling during spring doesn’t have to be expensive at all. As long as you choose the right time and places to visit, travelling can be as affordable as you want it to be. Luckily, Asia is filled with cheap (but wonderful!) places to visit during spring. Take your pick from any of the places listed above and make the most out of your spring vacation!