Trends come and go, but if there’s one word in travel that will never lose its buzz, it’s “budget.” Here’s a round-up of some top spots where you’ve had a blast without blasting your budget—and a look at how you did it.
1. Rome
Going to, seeing, and conquering Rome could well be an expensive mission, but Scubabartek can claim “veni, vidi, vici” after 5 days and only $225, including airfare from Poland. He generously shares his secrets for experiencing the Eternal City on a shoestring with step-by-step instructions for seeing the most impressive sights. He also shows us the money with cold, hard numbers.
2. Los Angeles
Living in a notoriously expensive city has a way of making residents acutely aware of the best deals around, and LA gal onesundaymorning is no exception. She knows how to best get around (the subway), where to park if you ignore that suggestion, and which hole-in-the-wall serves up the best 65¢ pastry.
3. London
Esigodini’s idiosyncratic London itineraries, built around attractions he passes on his way to work, offer affordable, intriguing alternatives to Big London for any visitor. His neighborhood is home to everything from a clockmakers’ museum to a pancake race, and he has inside tips for every pick. His piece of advice for race day: arrive early, or you’ll miss the pancake-racing and catch only the pancake-eating.
4. Bangkok
More often than not, SeenThat’s budgets add up to a whole lot of bahts saved. His latest Bangkok recommendations include cruising the waters of this Venice of the East for mere cents and scouring markets for bargain finds. One of his budget tactics is to learn the words for Thai numbers in order to negotiate like a local.
5. Buenos Aires
Resident Argentina expert Robert Raymond Ingledew returns to his roots with his budget Buenos Aires journal, sharing wallet-friendly tips for the city he called home for 20 years. His picks come complete with confessions; one pizzeria he recommends is so good, he ate eight slices of pie the first time he dined there—for less than $10.
6. Tokyo
You’ve got to love Composthp’s candor. She lays it out for us right away, beginning her Tokyo journal with this fact: “To many, Japan=$$$.” She proceeds to dilute the pricey perception of Tokyo with tips both specific and general, such as eating at restaurants where people are waiting in line to find the best value and most delicious meal. We can all agree that would be worth the wait.