Budget holiday at sea: the best options. Cheap holidays on the Black Sea. Where to go to the Black Sea cheaply Economical holiday at sea

This year, the issue of inexpensive holidays is more pressing than ever - the depreciating ruble exchange rate was caught up with the economic recession and the closure of traditionally cheap Egypt and Turkey. And now, when prices for everything have doubled on average, the desire of Russians to save money on vacation is quite understandable. Many, according to surveys by sociologists, decided not to rest at all, spending their legal vacation in the garden. For those who cannot imagine their summer without the sea, even in the most difficult economic situation, we are publishing a selection of destinations that claim to be popular this summer.

For price analysis, we used the service to take a tour for two in the very middle of summer - from July 10 to July 20 or dates close to these dates. We look for air tickets on the Aviasale s website; the price is indicated per person; in case of a serious difference between the capital and the resort town, we indicate both price options. In this case, of course, it is recommended to fly to the city with a cheaper flight (as a rule, such options are available in capitals or large economic centers with high traffic), arrange an excursion program and then move towards the sea by local transport.

Crimea

Of course, the closure of Turkey and Egypt is beneficial for Russian resorts, and Crimea has not disappeared from the news agenda for the last couple of years. The desire of Russians to look at the territory annexed to Russia, the absence of a language barrier, flights from many Russian cities, competition in the field of air travel and reasonable tariffs, the availability of train and bus services - these are the factors that explain the predicted popularity of Crimea this season.

The cheapness is explained not only by the possibility of ground transportation and not very expensive air transport - Russians are attracted by the opportunity to rent a house or apartment from private owners, the cost in this case will actually be significantly lower than when staying in a hotel. But the service is, accordingly, plus the “pig in a poke” factor. However, according to the assurances of Crimean hoteliers, they promise to keep prices at an affordable level.

There is some skepticism: many note that hotels of the same level as in Turkey will cost much more in Crimea than they did on the Mediterranean coast, and flights will not be comparable in cost to the price of charters in a tour package to Turkey. Now, due to the new dollar exchange rate and the inability to find out potential prices for a full package of tourist services in Turkey, it is difficult to say anything definite in this regard, so we can only compare Crimea with the Krasnodar Territory and European resorts.

• Flight Moscow - Simferopol for July 10 - 20, 2020: from RUB 13,780.
• Tour to Crimea

Sochi and Abkhazia

This, one might say, is a classic holiday in the south of Russia. Only this year it is even more in demand due to the closure of Turkey and Egypt. Plus all the same advantages listed above about Crimea, only getting there is even more convenient and cheaper. For example, if you travel by land, you don’t need to transfer from the train to the ferry, and then to the bus. Flights from different cities of Russia are operated by different airlines, which gives a wide choice of both dates and prices.

Sochi, Adler, Gelendzhik and other resorts in the Krasnodar Territory, in addition to the sea and beaches, also have a decent range of attractions that will appeal to history buffs. You can also go to neighboring Abkhazia, where there is a lot of interesting things, and the country is not deprived of good beaches. We did not describe Abkhazia separately precisely because you can only get there through the Sochi-Adler transport hub. Next - by train to Sukhum or by bus to other places in the country. Read more in this tip.

• Flight cost Moscow - Sochi for July 10 - 20, 2020: .
• Tour to Sochi from July 10 to July 20, 2020 on the Travelata website: from RUB 30,000. for two.
• Tour to Abkhazia from July 10 to July 20, 2020 on the Travelata website: from 29,000 for two.

Georgia

Speaking about the Black Sea, one cannot help but recall Georgia. A beautiful, inexpensive and close country, with an amazing history, and also very convenient in terms of logistics. You can either fly by plane from Moscow or take a “Komet” from Sochi by sea. You can also get there from Vladikavkaz by your own car. Prices within the country, as already mentioned, are quite reasonable, no visa is needed, and Georgian cuisine is a full-fledged attraction and cultural heritage of Georgia!

• Flight cost Moscow - Tbilisi for July 10 - 20, 2020: .
• Flight cost Moscow - Batumi for July 10 - 20, 2020: .
• Tour to Georgia from July 10 to July 20, 2020 on the Travelata website: from RUB 38,000. for two.

Bulgaria

The obvious advantages of a holiday in Bulgaria include the following: close and inexpensive flights, simpler (compared to Schengen) visa rules, domestic prices are lower, and the hotel base is cheaper than Western European countries. Here you can add a loyal attitude towards Russians, a good climate and a huge number of ancient attractions - in terms of the number of different monuments from Roman times, Bulgaria is in third place in Europe. Well, the beaches in Bulgaria are perhaps the best on the Black Sea.

• Flight cost Moscow - Varna for July 10 - 20, 2020: .
• Tour to Bulgaria

Greece

This country, even with “allowed” Turkey, encroached on a piece of the tourism pie, and not without success - increasing the volume of Russian tourists year after year. This was facilitated by the fastest issuance of visas in the Schengen area (in the summer it usually took 3 days) and low prices within the country compared to the rest of Europe. Well, there is no point in talking about the wealth of Greece - as the classic wrote, “there is everything” there. Against the backdrop of the absence of Turkey on the agenda, Greece’s position should strengthen even more, unless, of course, Crimea and Sochi pull the blanket over themselves. To the undoubted advantages of the country we add a large selection of islands and resorts, close flights and amazing local cuisine.

• Flight cost Moscow - Thessaloniki for July 10 - 20, 2020: .
• Tour to Greece from July 10 to July 20, 2020 on the Travelata website: RUB 38,000. for two.

Cyprus

This island, especially its southern part, is in many ways similar to Greece, but with one important difference - you do not need a visa. More precisely, it is electronic and is completed entirely via the Internet. An island with a centuries-old history and stunning white sand lagoons can be quite inexpensive if you take a tour package with a charter flight, or if you use our tips for planning your own trip. Northern Cyprus is also interesting, but this is Turkish territory and logistics will be more difficult, although you can always get there through the southern part. Tourists usually rent a car and go explore the north on their own, or use the services of guides.

• Flight cost Moscow - Larnaca for July 10 - 20, 2020: .
• Tour to Cyprus from July 10 to July 20, 2020 on the Travelata website: from RUB 43,000. for two.

Tunisia

The only “substitute” for Egypt at the moment offers everything the same as its “big brother”: a warm sea, resort-type hotels with everything you need, a lot of water activities, Arabian flavor, hot sun and an excursion program. True, it is poorer than the Egyptian one, but Carthage, the Sahara and the troglodyte caves will not leave you indifferent. The Mediterranean Sea here, although warm, is slightly cooler than the Red Sea, but the underwater world does not shine with such diversity as in the Land of the Pyramids. In any case, Tunisia has its trump cards at a fairly attractive price.

• Flight cost Moscow - Monastir for July 10 - 20, 2020: .
• Tour to Tunisia from July 10 to July 20, 2020 on the Travelata website: RUB 45,000. for two.

Italy

Among the beach destinations of Western Europe, Italy has long been No. 1 in terms of the number of tourists from Russia. Despite the huge selection of beaches (Italy is washed by seas on all sides except the Alps), tourists for the most part go to Rimini. But, in addition to the rest of the coastal territory, there are also the magnificent islands of Sicily and Sardinia. But interest in Rimini is often dictated by a simple calculation: there are a huge number of hotels, including budget ones, and tour operators place charters in this city with wide beaches. In addition, one of the largest amusement parks for children and the duty-free shopping state of San Marino for mothers are nearby.

If we take other parts of Italy, the price tag will no longer be so humane, but the country can boast of quite moderate prices for food and transport compared to other Western European countries. More expensive than in Greece, but clearly cheaper than in the Benelux countries and Scandinavia. In addition, in terms of attractions per square meter, Italy confidently leaves behind all other countries in the world, and you can even pay extra for this.

• Flight cost Moscow - Rimini for July 10 - 20, 2020: .
• Tour to Italy from July 10 to July 20, 2020 on the Travelata website: RUB 52,000. for two.

Spain

Spain can hardly be called a close destination - it takes longer to fly from Russia than to any other European country except Portugal. But the country has a large number of beaches and hotels, and the demand for tours to Spain has been consistently high for many years; many have even acquired real estate in this sunny and cheerful country, where some kind of holiday takes place every day.

The euro exchange rate, as in the case of Italy, is a fly in the ointment, but the price level in the country is quite humane, approximately the same as in Italy, or even lower. As a plus, let’s add the warmest sea among the European Mediterranean, the atmosphere of constant celebration and many festivals, and beautiful architecture. Reasonable prices for tour packages apply only to tours around Barcelona, ​​where flights arrive from Russian cities, but this is where a huge number of attractions are concentrated - Catalonia is very rich in them. The rest of Spain is no less interesting, but already goes beyond the scope of a budget tour, although you can design a trip very inexpensively, we even released

There are many cheap vacation spots in the world, and some even fully justify their “cheap price”, in the sense that you don’t want to vacation there at any cost. But in this huge list, there are also real pearls, interesting and pleasant places, travel to which will not burden your budget and will bring maximum pleasure from your trip. We've chosen the 10 best places in the world for a budget holiday, where you can have a great holiday and never cease to be amazed at how cheap it is.

Hoi An, Vietnam

A person who has never planned an independent trip to Vietnam has most likely never heard of Hoi An, and if he did, he would confuse it with Hanoi. Leaving behind Hanoi the place of the cheapest city in Asia, the majority choose Hoi An, which is much more interesting and pleasant, but not much more expensive.
Arriving in Hoi An, one cannot help but note the fairly high quality of food and drinks in many restaurants with menus in English, aimed at tourists. By dining in establishments for locals, with plastic furniture, you can save a little, but given the general price level, most tourists prefer to visit places with a more comfortable and cozy atmosphere.
Hoi An overall looks lovely, and there are plenty of inexpensive excursions to keep lovers busy for a day or two, but it's the food that steals the show. There are many excellent Vietnamese restaurants in the city, and in most of them a main dish will cost from 70 to 150 rubles. Here you can also try the cheapest beer in the world, “bia hoi”, for about 5 rubles per glass. By the way, beer is especially cheap here, and the cheapest one is local La Rue, but you can also order Heineken brewed in Asia. Wine costs relatively a lot, but those who are not tempted by beer will be consoled by the moderate prices for cocktails. Vietnamese vodka is sold in bottles at incredibly low prices.
The old part of the city looks more like a Chinese fishing village from a revived museum, in which almost every second shop is a cheap sewing workshop. Tours to Michonne and other nearby towns are offered at every turn, including right at the counter in the hotel lobby and in many scattered travel agencies in the city center. In general, prices are about the same everywhere, but it can't hurt to haggle.

BUDGET

Taxi from Da Nang airport to Hoi An - 450-600 rubles
Bus from Da Nang railway station to Hoi An - 85 rubles
Taxi in Hoi An - 15 - 21 rubles per 1 km trip

WHERE TO LIVE. BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN HOIAN HOTELS
Delightful and charming, Hoi An is still a cheap city even by Vietnamese standards. Hotels have fairly high standards, and usually the default room of even a one-star establishment has air conditioning, cable TV, and sometimes Wi-Fi. If you want to go wild, you can find a place with manicured lawns and a swimming pool, at reasonable prices for any budget.

• CHOOSE THE MOST OPTIMAL HOTEL FOR YOURSELF AT PRICE-QUALITY IN HOI AN

WHEN TO GO. BEST TIME TO VISIT HOI AN
There are many hotels in Hoi An, the prices of which do not depend on the time of year. The low season is the rainy season, lasting from September to the end of November, and at this time the choice is especially large, and you can get a great discount, especially if you bargain yourself. If you are planning to come during the winter holidays, it would be a good idea to book your place as early as possible, because in many decent and most popular hotels all rooms are sold out many days or weeks in advance, so if you know where you want to go, it is better to book in advance.
Hoi An has a typically tropical climate, with distinct dry and rainy seasons, and temperatures fluctuate slightly throughout the year. From September to December, monsoons sweep over the city, bringing unexpected and heavy downpours. There are sunny hours and even days between storms, but it is almost impossible to predict them in advance.
The so-called dry season lasts from February to August, and during this time there is practically no rain, but the slightly humid air makes the warm weather noticeably hotter.

Goa, India

It's true that prices for holidays in Goa have been rising too quickly in recent years, but whoever gets there will be rewarded handsomely. The former Portuguese colony lacks the craziness that usually afflicts travelers to India, but instead has beauty and peace, plus amazing beaches.
Recently, more and more hotels with completely non-Goan prices have opened in Calangute and Baga in North Goa, but with this unfortunate exception, you can find cheap accommodation almost everywhere in Goa. The relaxed yet exciting hippie city of Anjuna still has plenty of hotels from around 350 rubles a night, with dinners around 70 rubles with a large bottle of Kingfisher beer for about the same price. Different parts of Goa cater to different types of travellers, so it's all about finding the one that suits you best.
The main entertainment here is to sit on the beach all day and go to bars, clubs and night parties on the beach. Beach restaurants keep prices for food and drinks at city levels, so dinner on the beach will be inexpensive, especially when compared to Europe.

BUDGET

Taxi from the airport to the nearest beaches - 300-450 rubles
Taxi in Goa - 7-22 rubles per 1 km trip
Bus travel in Goa - 3-10 rubles
Bike rental (for 1 day) - 110-165 rubles

WHERE TO LIVE. BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN GOA HOTELS
Goa is not a place, it is a state of mind. It is also an Indian state with several dozen small villages, most of which are located along the coast and attract many tourists from November to March. Compared to prices in other parts of India, Goa is a relatively expensive resort, but compared to other similar destinations, it is a very tempting choice.
During the peak holiday periods between Christmas and New Year, prices rise and hotels get so booked that if you can, try rescheduling your holiday or be prepared to pay more. But still, hotels in Goa are cheap and of good enough quality for a coastal resort. In addition, carefully choose the city where you will vacation. Some places are famous for their parties, while others are more family-friendly.
Hotel prices in Goa vary depending on the time of year. The high season, when crowds of Europeans and Israelis flock to the local beaches, lasts from November to March, with a particular surge in popularity observed in the week between Christmas and New Year. During this period, the cost of a hotel can double or even triple, but in most cases a room can be booked in advance, and the sooner the better. In April and May, mostly locals vacation in Goa, and from June to August there is almost no one here due to the beginning of the violent monsoon season.

• CHOOSE THE MOST OPTIMAL HOTEL FOR YOURSELF AT PRICE-QUALITY IN NORTH GOA

WHEN TO GO. BEST TIME TO VISIT GOA
Local weather forecasts are usually given for the main resort town of Panaji, located inland, so it may not be as hot on the coast. From December to April, during the main tourist season, the weather is very pleasant and dry, although there is humidity in the air even in the absence of rain. It gets really hot in April, and the monsoon season begins in June, bringing with it heavy downpours that stretch until mid-August. It is better not to come here at this time, unless your goal is to admire the rain and floods.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Bangkok may be a budget and undoubtedly captivating city in itself, but Chiang Mai, located in the north of Thailand, is even better. You want to stay in Bangkok for a few days, but leave time to visit Chiang Mai, where the weather is more stable, dozens of beautiful temples and many shops with much cheaper souvenirs and clothing than in the capital of the kingdom.
Chiang Mai is the second largest and most popular historical city in Thailand after Bangkok. And the prevailing atmosphere here is very different from what you may have already seen in Thailand, even if you ignore the picturesque mountain landscapes around. The city has excellent food, and any of the many small restaurants in the tourist area will serve you a multi-course lunch for 150 rubles. Most attractions here are either free or very cheap, so travelers can safely spend most of the remaining money on inexpensive souvenirs. Food and drink are available to suit all budgets, with the lowest prices found in the many street cafes and local restaurants.

BUDGET

Taxi from the airport to the city center - 130 rubles
Tuk-tuk from the airport to the city center - 65 - 95 rubles
Bus from the airport to the city - 16 rubles
Taxi in Chiang Mai - 15-20 rubles per 1 km trip
Bus fare in Chiang Mai - 22 rubles

WHERE TO LIVE. BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN CHIANG MAI HOTELS
The city is one of the best places to travel, offering a full range of hotels at low prices even by international standards, with hostels in Chiang Mai being, of course, even cheaper. A room in a quality 3-star hotel in Chiang Mai can be rented for about the same price as a bed in a hostel in Northern Europe. The price for a room in a private hotel right next to the walls of the central part of the city starts from 200 rubles per night. Pay a little more to get air conditioning, cable TV and a refrigerator in your room.
The high season runs from November to March, with prices rising further during Christmas and New Year. From April to October, you can stay at great prices even in the most popular places, while in cheap areas prices remain virtually unchanged throughout the year.

• CHOOSE THE MOST OPTIMAL HOTEL FOR YOURSELF AT PRICE-QUALITY IN CHIANG MAI

WHEN TO GO. BEST TIME TO VISIT CHIANG MAI
Despite the mountainous terrain, the weather in Chiang Mai is very similar to the weather in the coastal cities of Southeast Asia. The hottest month is April, and high humidity can make the heat simply unbearable. The city cools down slightly during the wet season from May to October, with rain falling in daily showers but rarely turning into a lingering drizzle. From November to February the weather is relatively moderate, so it is best to come on vacation during this period.

Cairo, Egypt

Definitely, Cairo today should be classified as “depending on the news”; in fact, the situation in the city is only encouraging lower prices for flights and good hotels in the tourist area. But even when things are quiet in Cairo, you can find plenty of amazingly cheap deals for budget travelers; suffice it to say that hotel prices start from 500 rubles.
Cairo is a great place for budget travelers. This is one of those places with one way or another parallel worlds that provide a wide choice for lovers of luxury holidays, while at the same time offering independent tourists good hotels with meals at very reasonable prices.
What you really need to be wary of in Egypt is intrusive street service, as tourists are usually surrounded by crowds of “helpful” locals whose relatives are selling the cheapest Nile cruises or the best tours to the Great Pyramids. The best thing is to resist their pressure, study the market a little and hire a car with a driver for the whole day for about 800 - 1000 rubles for three.
Prices for tours and excursions from Cairo can always be reduced by 50%, and if you're lucky, even 70%, so be prepared to haggle. You can hire a driver and car for the day for a shockingly low fee, but don't be surprised how often he'll stop at the souvenir displays and restaurants from which he takes his cut.
By European standards, food here costs very little, especially if you visit places that locals frequent rather than tourist establishments with menus in English. Alcohol is not served everywhere, but on every corner there is a small wine shop where you can choose from several types of cold beer, which is easy to take with you for lunch.

BUDGET

Taxi from the airport to the city center - 215-450 rubles
Bus from the airport to the city - 10-15 rubles
Taxi in Cairo - 10-15 rubles per 1 km trip
Subway fare: 5 rubles

WHERE TO LIVE. BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN CAIRO HOTELS
Hotel seasons in Cairo are closely related to the weather; prices usually reach their maximum values ​​from December to April, and their minimum values ​​from June to August. If you are planning to come for the winter holidays, we recommend booking your accommodation as early as possible.
In hotels of upscale international chains, prices vary significantly, but in the market for local and independent hotels and hotel chains everything is stable. Often, a 2-star hotel in downtown Cairo is located in what was once a much more expensive but worn-out establishment, allowing for significant savings if you're happy to stay in a room that has seen better days.
If you decide to book a hotel on the spot (we do not recommend it), then it is better not to rely on taxi drivers waiting at the airport, since you never know where you will end up if you cannot provide the driver with the address of the hotel where you have booked a room in advance. It is still preferable to book a room for at least the first night.

• CHOOSE THE MOST OPTIMAL HOTEL FOR YOURSELF AT PRICE-QUALITY IN CAIRO

WHEN TO GO. BEST TIME TO VISIT CAIRO
Despite its desert location, from November to April the temperature in Cairo is very comfortable, and at night it can even be a little cold. From May to October the daytime can be a bit uncomfortably hot, especially considering the humidity that descends on the Nile Valley at this time of year. Summer nights in the city are great, but daytime sightseeing can get expensive. It almost never rains in Cairo, so save space in your luggage by removing your umbrella and raincoat from your suitcase.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is another place where, when choosing hotels, you may get the impression that accommodation there has become quite expensive. In addition, Bali has recently suffered from its own popularity and the growing number of travelers, as evidenced by traffic jams that eat up a significant part of the time allotted for excursions. Yes, it is true, over the past 5 years a lot of things on the island have become more expensive, but you can still find hundreds of places that still offer lovely rooms starting from 700 rubles per night. So despite the disadvantages of popularity, Bali remains a fantastic travel destination, at least for those who don’t mind staying in trendy international chain hotels, in which case Kuta is the best place. The city is known as the island's surfing and nightlife capital, attracting independent and budget-conscious travelers from all over the world.
However, the surrounding landscapes and local way of life continue to astound those who come to enjoy one of the most unique and easily accessible cultures in the world. The food here is simply excellent, it’s not difficult to find a place where lunch will cost about 100 rubles, and something really tasty, and sometimes fashionable, will cost not much more. Local beer, made from the sap of palm inflorescences, is considered the cheapest drink in Bali, and it is really popular, although you can taste cheap cocktails at popular bars.
Sitting on the beach (watching the endless stream of trinket vendors and homegrown masseurs) is considered the main local entertainment, and, of course, it's free. For a small fee, you can rent a surfboard and even get some lessons for less than most other surf spots.

BUDGET

Taxi from the airport to Kuta - 100-170 rubles
Bemo from the airport to Kuta - 20-35 rubles
Taxi in Kuta - 13-17 rubles per 1 km trip

WHERE TO LIVE. BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN BALI HOTELS
Hotel prices start shockingly low, although the cheapest options have no air conditioning, cheap furnishings and obvious need for renovation. If you're a minimalist, you'll have plenty to choose from. If you prefer a split system to a fan, then the price of the room will increase, although there are still many great deals, unless you come during the winter holidays.
Like many other tropical islands, the tourist season in Bali reaches its peak during the Christmas and New Year holidays. The second peak in hotel prices in Bali occurs in August and September, when many Europeans go on vacation.
The transition season for Bali hotels can be considered the period from April to July, and the low season lasts from January to March and from mid-September to December.
Many cheap hotels and private inns do not change prices throughout the year, while in many 3-star and more expensive hotels prices fluctuate incredibly, and if you come out of season, you can stay very well. There are no hostels with dormitory rooms in Kuta, but the abundance of private and inexpensive rooms in private hotels is such that there is simply no need for dormitory rooms.

• CHOOSE THE MOST OPTIMAL HOTEL FOR YOURSELF AT PRICE-QUALITY IN BALI

WHEN TO GO. BEST TIME TO VISIT BALI
It is not surprising that the air temperature in Bali, located almost on the equator, remains almost unchanged throughout the year. As in other tropical countries, everything is determined by the alternation of wet and dry seasons. The wet season lasts from November to March, and during this time rain can be expected almost every day, and if it does come, it pours like buckets or even stands like a wall. If you get caught in the rain, you will definitely need shelter, although showers here rarely last more than 30 minutes, so the main thing is to wait out the rain, and then you can do whatever you want.
During the dry season from April to November, there is much less rainfall, but the air is still humid, so regardless of the time of your trip, we recommend bringing plenty of T-shirts from home if you do not want to spend money on them on the Indonesian island.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap serves as a gateway to the nearby Angkor Wat complex and is expected to be a terrible place to put up with in the hopes of getting to the amazing temples, but in reality it turns out to be a nice little town that is nice to relax in if you have some free time . Hotels in Siem Reap range from very cheap to world class, with the quality at the lower end generally being quite good. In Siem Reap you can also find the cheapest hostels in the world.
It's true that visiting the Angkor Wat temple complex, which lies north of the city, is probably the most expensive tourist attraction in the entire region, but once there you can see why it costs so much, and that it is truly worth it. Thrifty travelers can purchase a ticket for a one-day excursion, which gives the right to visit the complex in the evening of the previous day, which will allow you to explore the place without unnecessary haste. After purchasing a tour for one day, three days or a week, you can enjoy unfathomably low prices on everything else.
One might think that a city built as a stopover for trips to a world-famous landmark would be full of unscrupulous businessmen and stupid souvenir shops. There's a bit of both, but otherwise it's a nice, laid-back Cambodian town that would be lovely on its own, even without the Angkor Wat complex next to it. Food and drink in the city is quite cheap, with pleasantly high quality and a surprising variety of establishments on Pub Street and the adjacent alley. Particularly pleasing is the draft beer and the presence of “happy” hours in almost any cafe, but at reasonable prices you will also be offered wines, strong alcohol and exotic cocktails. In dozens of establishments that advertise special offers, the norm during happy hour is a meal for less than 100 rubles, washed down with a glass of Angkor beer for 20 rubles.

BUDGET

Taxi from the airport to the city center - 235 -335 rubles
Motodop (motorcycle with driver) from the airport to the city center - 170 - 200 rubles
Tuk-tuk for the whole day to Angkor Wat - 335-500 rubles
Taxi to Siem Reap - 35-70 rubles per 1 km trip

WHERE TO LIVE. BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN SIEM RIP HOTELS
The range of prices and quality of accommodation in Siem Reap is wider than anywhere else in Asia. A bed in the hostel courtyard costs 33 rubles, decent inexpensive hotels start from about 700 rubles, and just outside the city there are world-class resorts, some of which have five stars. Peak prices occur between November and February, although in inexpensive hotels prices increase, if at all, only slightly. If you are going here during high season, it is better to book a room in advance.

• CHOOSE THE MOST OPTIMAL HOTEL FOR YOURSELF AT PRICE-QUALITY IN SIEM RIP

WHEN TO GO. BEST TIME TO VISIT SIEM RIP
Siem Reap has an almost tropical climate, the heat lasts all year round, only alternating wet and dry seasons. The best weather occurs from mid-November to February, and this is when the city is most lively. From March to the end of May, daytime temperatures go through the roof.
The wet season brings heavy rain for about an hour every day, but if you are unlucky, the downpour can last for several hours at a time. The Angkor Wat temple complex is practically impossible to hide from the rain, so traveling during the height of the rainy season can be quite a risky undertaking.

Cusco, Peru

Cusco is the largest city in the vicinity of Machu Picchu in Peru, and is also an excellent launching pad for excursions to the famous hill. This makes Cusco practically the twin brother of Siem Reap described above. Regardless of how you get from Cusco to Machu Picchu, you will have to spend a lot; A package one-day excursion by train now costs about 5,000 rubles.
Where Cusco really resembles Siem Reap is that it is an absolutely wonderful city in its own right and a popular hangout spot for backpackers to spend weeks on end. The abundance of hostels and cheap hotels means that finding cheap accommodation won't be too difficult, and that's not even to mention the very good local food, cheap booze and nightlife. The place is worthy of a visit in itself, but visiting Cusco and not visiting Machu Picchu is blasphemy, so consider your expenses in advance.
Considering that most people only know Cusco as a stopover on the way to Machu Picchu, it's a little surprising how charming, gorgeous and interesting the city actually is. Some parts of traveling to Cusco and Machu Picchu can seem incredibly expensive, so it's a good thing that many other things are very cheap here.
A flight from Moscow to Cusco and even to Lima will be expensive (round-trip flight prices start at 60,000 rubles), and a train to Aguas Calientes (if you prefer a one-day excursion) or a tour along the Inca Trail (you have to walk) are much more expensive than you might expect, so prepare in advance.
Food and drink in Cusco is also cheap, with an endless string of restaurants and bars keeping prices competitive. Beer is especially popular here, and its price is quite reasonable compared to prices at home.

BUDGET

Taxi from the airport to the city center - 135-200 rubles
Taxi in Cusco - 11-20 rubles per 1 km trip
Trip to Machu Picuchu and back by train - 4,750-26,000 rubles

WHERE TO LIVE. BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN CUSCO HOTELS
Hotels in Cusco are for the most part very cheap, although quite high quality. Several hostels catering to backpackers have recently opened, although saving on overnight accommodations is almost pointless given local prices.
Hotels in Cusco fill up during the high season, which runs from May to October. This is the dry season when Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail are most popular. During this period, it will not be a bad idea to book a room in advance, especially if you want to stay near the city center, in the vicinity of Plaza de Armas. Cusco continues to grow in all directions, so most of the new hotels are located quite far from the center of the main action.

• CHOOSE THE MOST OPTIMAL HOTEL FOR YOURSELF AT PRICE-QUALITY IN CUSCO

WHEN TO GO. BEST TIME TO VISIT CUSCO
If you visit during the low season, from November to April, you will have a fairly wide choice of hotels upon arrival, which will allow you to get a great discount. During the wet season, the city is not particularly popular, so competition between hotels reaches its peak of fury, and partly this is due to the fact that most of the income of such establishments comes from selling tours and excursions to guests, so even if they rent out a cheaper room, the owners do not lose money.
Due to the altitude of its geographical location (higher even than Machu Picchu itself) and proximity to the equator, the average air temperature in Cusco remains almost unchanged throughout the year. Summer (December to February) is somewhat warmer than the rest of the year, but it coincides with the wet season and heavy rains with flash floods will determine your enjoyment of the trip more than the temperature itself.
The best time of year to travel is from May to September, when the sun shines almost constantly in Cusco and the weather is dry. At any time of the year, in the evenings and nights in the city it becomes quite cool; frosts are possible during the dry period, but snow as such is very rare in these places.

Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena has become a very fashionable destination in recent years, thanks in part to the fact that decades before the country was generally considered unsafe to visit. A lot has changed today. Colombia in general, and Cartagena in particular, is inundated with tourists, primarily those with a limited travel budget. While the news of the revival of tourism in Colombia is causing a cautious reaction, the city of Cartagena should definitely become a desirable item on the list of holiday destinations. A beach town with a colonial historic center and a long chain of resort hotels along a very beautiful sandy shore, this is one of the best cultural holiday destinations in South America.
By international standards, Cartagena can be called a very cheap city in everything from hotels to food and entertainment. In this respect, in South America it is closer to Panama or San Jose than to Lima or Buenos Aires. But if things continue to improve in Colombia, it is likely that prices will quickly creep up. Underrated places like this can't stay cheap forever.
In the meantime, most attractions can be seen for free or very cheap, and food and drink can also be quite inexpensive if you stick to local establishments rather than buying food and drinks in fancy hotel restaurants.

BUDGET

Taxi from the airport to the city center - 165 rubles
Bus fare in Cartagena - 25 rubles
Taxi in Cartagena - 30-40 rubles per 1 km trip

WHERE TO LIVE. BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN CARTAGENA HOTELS
Hotels remain fairly cheap even in high season, making the destinations popular with many sunseekers from around the world.
Cartagena hotels are in greatest demand during the period from December to February, as well as from July to August. Prices peak during the carnival and film festival (February), so if you are going here during the festival, it is better to book a room in advance. The rest of the year is considered low season, and it is much easier to find a comfortable place to live.

• CHOOSE THE MOST OPTIMAL HOTEL FOR YOURSELF AT PRICE-QUALITY IN CARTAGENA

WHEN TO GO. BEST TIME TO VISIT CARTAGENA
The most pleasant months to travel to Cartagena are from November to March; the temperature and humidity drop slightly, and the rising wind makes the stay even more comfortable. There are two rainy seasons a year - from mid-March to May and October-November, but even then rainfall rarely becomes a serious problem.

Panama City, Panama

The capital of Panama is a bit like Cartagena, of course, if you forget about the periodic riots that occur on the city streets. In any case, Panama City attracts more and more travelers from all over the world every year. The Panama Canal is still a major attraction, but tourists are now more focused on the city itself, shopping, restaurants and nightlife. And not far from the city there are beautiful beaches and resort areas.
As Costa Rica and Belize become more expensive year after year, Panama is gaining a reputation as a cosmopolitan melting pot of delights with very attractive price tags. Yes, there are even cheaper places in South America, but none of them have such refinement. Boasting a rich historical and cultural past in addition to its tropical nature, Panama is gaining popularity among travelers as a cheaper alternative to Costa Rica. Indeed, prices here are generally lower than in Costa Rica, but be warned, this will not last long if this surge in interest from tourists continues.
Food and drinks are also pleasingly accessible, especially if you focus on street cafes and other establishments aimed at local residents. Restaurants aimed at tourists with menus in English may not seem cheap at all.

BUDGET

Taxi from the airport to the city center - 1000 rubles
Bus fare in Panama - 9-42 rubles
Taxi in Panama - 14-30 rubles per 1 km trip
Bus fare in Panama - 8.50 rubles
Trip from the city center to the Panama Canal - 200-350 rubles

WHERE TO LIVE. BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN PANAMA HOTELS
Hotels and hostels in Panama are quite good, especially those with minimal star ratings at the lower end of the price range. In 3-4 star hotels, which are a little more expensive, it is profitable to stay in the low season. But even all year round in Panama you can find a wonderful place at a good price, much cheaper than in most other cities in the world.

• CHOOSE THE MOST OPTIMAL HOTEL FOR YOURSELF AT PRICE-QUALITY IN PANAMA

WHEN TO GO. BEST TIME TO VISIT PANAMA
Hotels in Panama operate according to the same seasonal pattern as in the Caribbean, that is, the high season lasts from December to March, and in some places high prices remain high into April. The high season reaches its peak during the Christmas and New Year holidays, so if you are going here at this time, it is better to book a hotel as early as possible. The low season runs from June to November, and during this time you can find some great deals. Don't forget that the low season coincides with the rainy season; however, this only means that every few days in the afternoon the clouds pour down with rain.
Panama has a classic tropical climate, with temperatures almost constant throughout the year. During the dry season from December to May, it can be quite humid during the day, but the heat rarely exceeds reasonable limits, so the overall experience is pleasant. The rainy season lasts from June to November; It usually rains in afternoon showers and rarely lasts throughout the day.

Krakow, Poland

The only European city on our list will undoubtedly rise in price in the coming years as more tourists discover it. Undoubtedly, this is the most interesting tourist city in Poland, and it is quite easy to get to. It may not be as beautiful as Prague, but it usually has far fewer tourists and prices for everything are a little lower. And while the city is protected from the fate of overcrowded Prague by its location somewhat remote from the main tourist routes, a visit to it is definitely worth the effort. Indeed, Krakow is one of the optimal cities for tourism, although this situation may change in the coming years.
The historic city center is one of the most beautiful in the region, but the main thing is the infrastructure, aimed at travelers on a modest budget. Many hostels and hotels in the tourist area compete fiercely for customers, keeping prices unfathomably low for such a wonderful place. Now the city, thanks to its very low prices and constant festive atmosphere, is considered one of the most popular for bachelor and hen parties among Europeans.
The main attractions and public transport in Krakow are quite affordable, so even very budget travelers can afford to admire museums and palaces from the inside, and not just from the street.
Also, by European standards, food in the city is quite cheap, unless you like local cuisine. If you want something more exotic than “krupnyak” and “flakes”, then it will cost more, but it is also quite acceptable. Drinks, again by European standards, are also quite inexpensive.

BUDGET

Taxi from the airport to the city center - 500-700 rubles
Express from the airport to the center - 120 rubles
Taxi in Krakow - 50-80 rubles per 1 km trip
Bus from the airport to the city center - 30 rubles
Tram/bus around the city - 20-40 rubles
Public transport pass for the whole day - 120 rubles

WHERE TO LIVE. BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN HOTELS IN KRAKOW
By European standards, hotels in Krakow are very cheap, even 3-4 star hotels can offer excellent value for money, so resist the habit of going to a one-star hotel or hostel. Hotels located far from the historical center of the city are even cheaper, but the quality of service in them may be lower, and they are often very inconveniently located.

• CHOOSE THE MOST OPTIMAL HOTEL FOR YOURSELF AT PRICE-QUALITY IN KRAKOW

WHEN TO GO. BEST TIME TO VISIT KRAKOW
The high season in hotels and hostels in Krakow is in the summer, especially in July and August. As new, modern hotels open, prices have increased somewhat, but you can still find very tempting offers, especially if you arrive between November and March. Krakow has some very good hostels, most of which have private rooms, perfect for budget travelers.
The climate in Krakow is typical for the region, with warm but not sultry summers, which are also considered the wettest time of the year - rain is always possible here. Spring and autumn are also good in the city, usually with little rain, while winter is usually quite cool.

From the editor
Smart Trip does not deny that a holiday on a river in Ryazan will cost much less than a trip to Colombian Cartagena. But for some reason you want to go to Cartagena a little more? By making lists of the best places in the world according to the “expensive-cheap” principle, we are on a slippery slope, if only because no one has ever been able to come up with a universal concept of “most expencive” and “cheap price,” and we are no exception. All these parameters depend solely on you, your desires and financial capabilities. If you are not ready to spend more than 7,000 rubles on a ticket, you should pay attention to Eastern Europe and try to fit your vacation into a budget of 20 - 25,000 rubles for two weeks in the low season. If you want to see distant countries of South America or Southeast Asia, be prepared for the fact that the cost of flights to these destinations starts from 15,000 rubles on charter flights to Southeast Asia and 35 – 50,000 rubles to South America. Cheap? Expensive? There is only one answer: to each his own. But it’s still better to visit Peru once than to Bulgaria 7 times. IMHO.
PS: Times change. Prices too. Smart Trip tries to provide the most up-to-date information, but we still have no control over exchange rates and other parameters of your vacation, alas. If you want to throw a tomato at the author of the article, do it with reason in the comments below. Yes, your opinion is important to us.

We studied guidebooks, forums, bloggers' reports, booking systems, sites with food prices and selected the most affordable countries for vacation. For each, we calculated a budget for two per day and converted it into dollars. This is the average amount for a couple of travelers who live in the same room, do not like to spend too much and stick to the golden mean in everything. After all, everyone understands differently by comfort: for some, a bed in a hostel is enough, for others, they will still choose among five-star hotels. Therefore, we did not take into account luxury hotels and restaurants, but found out how much it costs to have a meal in ordinary local cafes and stay in guesthouses, mini-hotels or Airbnb apartments.

In some countries, expenses can easily be cut by one and a half to two times if you use public transport, eat in non-tourist places and look for hotels according to the principle “we just need to spend the night.” For India and Indonesia, for example, we recommend a daily budget of $40–$50, but you can travel to these countries as a couple for $20 per day.

Faktrum publishes a very useful article from the Skyscanner blog that will help you plan your vacation profitably.

Cheap countries without visa

Armenia

Approximate prices:

You can have a hearty and cheap meal in Armenia at every step: khachapuri in Yerevan costs up to 500 drams ($1), lamaj (flatbread with spicy meat filling) costs up to $1.7, and crayfish kebab near Lake Sevan costs about $3. The average bill in a simple cafe is $3–4, and for dinner for two in a tourist restaurant you will pay $7–30.

Photo source: Skyscanner.ru

In the capital of Armenia there are inexpensive hotels with double rooms for $25–30. If you like the comfort of home on vacation, rent a nice studio in a quiet area for $20 or an apartment in the city center on Airbnb for $30–40 per night. Outside the capital, prices are slightly lower. In Armenia, as in Georgia, a stranger can invite you for coffee, dinner or even overnight. Agree: this is not fraud, but hospitality.

Standard route:

Yerevan and surroundings; Lake Sevan; Vanadzor and Lori Gorge; Khor Virap monastery with views of Ararat; Vorotan Valley and Tatev Monastery.

Visa:

You can enter Armenia without a visa for up to 180 days during the year. If you want more, find out how to apply for an Armenian visa.

Georgia

Approximate prices:

There is no street food as such in Georgia. The only thing you can grab on the go is fresh khachapuri or lobiani, which are sold on every corner for 2-3 lari ($1). Lunch at the cafe will cost $6, and for a generous dinner with wine you can pay from $8. An intermediate option is khinkali: you won’t have to look for them for long; one piece costs 60–70 tetri ($0.25–0.30). A dozen khinkali with salad and a glass of beer (for everything - $4) is enough to fill you up for the whole day.

A modest double room in Tbilisi and Batumi costs from $40 per night. It will cost $10 less to rent an apartment in a pleasant area near the center of the capital. In seaside Batumi, you can rent a small apartment in the private sector in 2016 for $20–25. Prices here are tightly tied to the season: an apartment by the sea with a fresh renovation and all amenities costs about $40 per day in mid-summer. In less touristy areas, you can easily find guesthouses with rooms for $15-$30.

Standard route:

Tbilisi; Mtskheta and the Georgian Military Road; cave city in Vardzia; Sighnaghi and Kakheti; Svaneti; Batumi and the Black Sea coast. If time permits, you can take a one-way ticket to Georgia, travel further overland to Armenia or Turkey, and fly home from there.

Visa:

Russian citizens can spend a whole year in Georgia without a visa.

Abkhazia

Daily budget for two: $65–75

Approximate prices:

A skewer of aromatic chicken kebab in Abkhazia costs about 200 rubles ($2.7), a cheburek with cheese and meat costs 70 rubles ($1). Lunch at a cafe by the sea will cost $5–12 for two, and a hearty dinner at an Apatskhe (national cuisine restaurant) will cost $9.5–13.5. For a one and a half liter bottle of homemade Abkhaz wine you will pay about $2.7.

On Airbnb, you can rent a room in a house by the sea in Sukhumi for $10 per day, and an apartment in the city center for $37 per day. If you dare to look for housing locally, it may turn out even cheaper: a room in a private house in Gagra can be rented for $9, and near Pitsunda there are options for $8 for two. A room in a good seaside hotel in Abkhazia costs $20–33 per night.

Standard route:

Botanical Garden, Kelasur Wall and the ruins of Bagrat Castle in Sukhumi; monastery and underground karst cave in New Athos; beaches of Gudauta, Pitsunda and Gagra; reserve near Lake Ritsa.

Visa:

To enter Abkhazia, Russians do not need either a visa or a foreign passport - an ordinary one is enough. Fly to Adler - from there it is only 10 km to the Abkhaz border, which runs along the Psou River.

Laos

Daily budget for two: $55–65

Approximate prices:

Lunch in street cafes costs from 12 to 50 thousand kip ($1.5–6), in a tourist cafe or restaurant - 50–100 thousand ($6–12). On average, a simple double room will cost about $12 per night. In the village of Vang Vieng, you can bargain on the spot and stay for that amount in a room with a wonderful view of the mountains. But in the capital, Vientiane, it is cheaper to book a hotel in advance: you can rent a cozy room for $15–17.

Almost all the attractions of Laos are paid, although they are very cheap: for example, entrance to the Paku caves will cost $2.5. These Buddhist caves can be reached by boat on the Mekong - you will pay $8 for a round trip and a stop at the “whiskey village”. Renting a motorbike with a manual transmission for the whole day in Laos costs about 70,000 kip - for $9 you are completely free to move around the country.

Standard route:

Vientiane; Luang Prabang; trekking in the Bocau National Park and/or rafting along the picturesque U River; Pakse and waterfalls of the Bolaven plateau; cruise along the Mekong south to Si Phan Don or to the 4000 Islands. You can continue your adventures in Cambodia or, if you go in the opposite direction, in Thailand.

Visa:

If you are traveling to Laos for less than 15 days, you do not need a visa. The only requirement is that the passport must be valid for 6 months from the date of entry.

Indonesia

Daily budget for two: $40–$50

Approximate prices:

Street food in Indonesia costs pennies: nasi goreng or mi goreng (fried rice or noodles) will cost no more than $1.5–2. You can have breakfast and lunch in local cafes for $2.5–4.5, and a hearty dinner costs $5–8 depending on the level of the establishment. You can rent a decent guesthouse room in Sumatra for $10, in Java for $10–15, and in Bali for $15–20. Traveling between the islands is also cheap - ferry travel costs about $3.

Standard route:

Since you have flown 9,000 km, spending your entire vacation in Bali, no matter how beautiful it may be, means depriving yourself of many impressions. There are 17,000 islands to choose from, from tiny paradises like Gili to Sumatra the size of Spain. Don't miss Borobudur and Mount Bromo in Java, visit Lake Toba or go on a jungle trek in Borneo.

Visa:

Citizens of the Russian Federation can enter Indonesia without a visa for 30 days through the international airports of Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, Denpasar, Batam Island, as well as through four seaports. At other border points, Russians can obtain a visa on arrival for a period of 30 days.

Vietnam

Daily budget for two: $45–$55

Approximate prices:

Banh mi sandwiches in Vietnam are sold at every turn for 10–15 thousand dong ($0.5–0.7), and juices cost the same in fruit shops. For a bowl of pho soup in a cafe, pay 1–2 $, and for 0.5 liters of homemade bia hoi beer - 1 $. In local eateries they offer food for pennies: two servings of fish or chicken fried in ginger sauce, with a plate of rice and a bowl of soup - $2. In a presentable restaurant these amounts are multiplied by 2–3. A hearty seafood dinner at a tourist establishment with Vietnamese cuisine will cost $12–20. If you miss European dishes, pizza for $5 will save you. You can eat a burger, fries and soda at fast food Lotteria for $3. Imported alcohol in Vietnamese stores is no more expensive than in duty-free, and a bottle of local rum can be bought for $3-4.

You can rent a double room in a Hanoi hotel for $11–15; in the village of Mui Ne, prices start at $10 for a bungalow with a shower and air conditioning right next to the sea, and in Nha Trang you can still rent a nice room with amenities for $6–10. Service in Vietnamese hotels is excellent, regardless of star rating. Breakfast is included in the price nine times out of ten.

Standard route:

Hanoi; Ha Long Bay; Museum of Cham Sculpture in Da Nang; Nha Trang; Mui Ne village; Dalat; Hoi An Museum City; Phu Quoc Island off the coast of Cambodia.

Visa:

Citizens of the Russian Federation can vacation in Vietnam without a visa for up to 15 days.

Serbia

Daily budget for two: $70–80

Approximate prices:

Serbian analogues of fast food - cheese pie gibanica, spicy sausages cevapcici, pljeskavica (cutlets with a side dish or in a bun) - cost no more than 200 dinars ($2). Moreover, to fill up, one splash of water is enough. You can have lunch for two in a decent restaurant for $7–9.

A simple double room in Belgrade hotels costs about $30 per day. For $16 you can rent a room in a hostel, and for $25–35 you can rent an apartment in the center.

Standard route:

Belgrade; Novi Sad; Smederevo; national parks Tara or Fruska Gora; Bajina Basta or other towns along the picturesque Drina River; Drvengrad is an ethnic village from the films of Kusturica. You can go to even cheaper Macedonia.

Visa:

To travel to Serbia, Russian citizens do not need a visa if the trip is within 30 days.

Montenegro

Daily budget for two: $80–90

Approximate prices:

Montenegrins' favorite national fast food is burek (a round pie or tubes filled with vegetables, cheese or meat) - sold for $1 in bakeries and on the beaches. A generous portion of cevapchichi with potatoes and pita bread costs $5–9 and is enough for two. It's even cheaper to have a meal at Mesar. These butcher shops sell semi-finished products, but you can ask for the same cevapchici to be fried on the spot - this is called “made on Rostile”. You can have a thorough breakfast in a Montenegrin cafe for two for $7–10, and a three-course restaurant dinner will cost $25–30. If you move literally 500 meters away from coastal establishments, you can save up to 50%.

The most expensive city in terms of housing is Budva: during peak season, simple one-room apartments by the sea are rented for $35–45 per day. But even in Budva, even in summer, you can rent a neat guesthouse room or a small studio for $20 if you book in advance. In winter in Montenegro, prices for hotels and apartments fall by almost half.

Standard route:

Podgorica; resorts of the Bay of Kotor (Kotor, Perast, Risan, Koštanica, Tivat, Herceg Novi); resorts of the Adriatic coast (Budva, Becici, Rafailovici, Sveti Stefan, Petrovac, Bar); Ostrog Monastery; national parks Lovcen and Durmitor with the Tara River canyon.

Visa:

Citizens of the Russian Federation can stay in Montenegro without a visa for 30 consecutive days.

Cheap countries with visa on arrival or online

India

Daily budget for two: $40–$45

Approximate prices:

Street food in India costs practically nothing: a serving of vegetarian thali (rice, stewed vegetables, lentils and flatbread) will cost 50 rupees ($0.8), and you can have a hearty lunch at a local eatery for 150 rupees ($2.3). The average bill in tourist restaurants is $3–6.

The situation with housing is similar: almost everywhere for 5–8 $ you will get a set of a bed, walls and roof, for 10–15 $ you will get a decent room with air conditioning. In Mumbai, Goa and Kerala, prices during the peak season - from December to February - increase 2-3 times. You can rent a scooter for a day for 200–250 rupees ($3–4). If you are traveling for a long time, it is better to rent a scooter for a week or a month - it will be even cheaper, about 150 rupees per day, and you will also be able to see neighboring states.

Standard route:

Delhi; Agra; a circle through the cities and villages of Rajasthan or a trip through the foothills of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand; and further - according to interests: either to Varanasi and Nepal, or to the south, to Mumbai and Goa or to Kerala. If time permits, visit Punjab (Amritsar), Kashmir and Ladakh.

Visa:

If you are entering India through Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Cochin, Hyderabad and Trivandrum airports, you can apply for your visa online.

Nepal

Daily budget for two: on a track in the mountains - about $40; in the rest of the country - $45–50.

Approximate prices:

In Nepal, you can have a hearty lunch for two at a street eatery for 400–500 rupees ($4–5). In tourist cafes prices are 2-3 times higher; lunch for two will cost closer to $15.

You can rent a double room in a cheap guesthouse with a shower and toilet on the floor for $5–8 per day. For $15–20 you can stay in a decent hotel in Kathmandu. The average cost of a small comfortable room for two in Nagarkot is from $15 per night, and in Pokhara - from $10.

Standard route:

Kathmandu and surrounding areas (Bhaktapur, Nagarkot); several days in the Chitwan Nature Reserve; Lumbini; Pokhara and mountain trekking - to Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, etc.

Visa:

A Nepalese visa can be obtained both at the Embassy in Moscow and at the airport upon arrival. Simply fill out the online form 15 days before your trip and present it at the border.

Cambodia

Daily budget for two: $70–80

Approximate prices:

You can buy a fried spider, a kilogram of mango or a bunch of bananas for $1 in Cambodia. Two servings of baked mussels with salad will cost $6. A hearty dinner with pork steak, potatoes and vegetables costs the same, and for a huge pizza for two in a regular cafe you will pay about $5. A glass of local beer in seaside bars costs $0.5, a jug will cost $2. You will spend more on spiritual food in Cambodia than on regular food: a ticket to Angkor for 1 day - $20, for 3 days - $40, for a week - $60. To rise above Angkor Wat in a yellow hot air balloon, pay $20.

A room with a double bed, air conditioning and shower in a guesthouse in the resort of Sihanoukville can be rented for $12–15 per day, and comfortable hotel rooms in Phnom Penh cost $15–20 per night. Khmers do not like to bargain; it is better to book accommodation in advance.

Standard route:

Siem Reap and Angkor temple complex; Lake Toplesap with floating villages, beaches of Sihanoukville (Ochuteal-Serendipity, Otres); Koh Rong island; Phnom Bokor National Park; Phnom Penh.

Visa:

You can obtain a visa to Cambodia immediately upon arrival or in advance via the Internet.

Sri Lanka

Daily budget for two: $60–70

Approximate prices:

Food in Sri Lanka is similar to South Indian food in both taste and prices. Roti (spring rolls) cost from 40 Sri Lankan rupees ($0.28) for a vegetarian option to 120 rupees ($0.8) for a triangle with chicken and cheese. For a bunch of bananas you will pay $0.14, for a drinking coconut - $0.25, for a kilogram of papaya - $0.42. King prawns at the Hikkaduwa market sell for $7/kg, and buy a 0.75-liter bottle of red rum for $10. Kottu (something like a shredded hamburger) costs $1.5–2 in non-tourist cafes. Two servings of seafood dinner, rice with curry, salad and beer in a restaurant will cost $7–10.

The average price for a room with hot water and a fan in a guesthouse is $14–20 per night. In party places like Mirissa and Unawatuna on the south coast, prices are higher - on New Year's Eve and until March, locals rent out housing for $28–$55 per night. Prices for double rooms in Colombo hotels start from $25, and you can spend the night in a hostel for $16. If you plan to stay in Sri Lanka for a long time, it is wiser to rent a house or apartment for $330 per month (including utilities) on the spot.

Standard route:

Colombo; Pinnawela Elephant Nursery; Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, Lion Rock in Sigiriya, other Buddhist sites in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa; tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya; national reserve in the Sinharaja forest.

Visa:

There are three ways to obtain a visa to Sri Lanka - at the Embassy in Moscow, upon arrival at the airport or online.

Cheap visa countries

Romania

Daily budget for two: $80–90

Approximate prices:

You won't find street food in the Asian sense of the term in Romania. You can have lunch in a cheap cafe or fast food for about 10–30 lei ($2.5–7). A hearty lunch in restaurants in Brasov and Sighisoara will cost $12–14. Dinner at a highly advertised establishment in Bucharest will cost 100 lei ($24).

On average across the country, a simple double room in a guesthouse or two-star hotel costs $20–30. You can rent an apartment in the heart of Bucharest for $30–40 per day; in Brasov, aim for $35–45.

Standard route:

Bucharest; Danube Delta; Mamaia and other Black Sea resorts; Peles and Bran castles (“Dracula’s castle”); medieval Brasov; Transylvanian towns of Sighisoara and Sibiu. If you travel by car, do not miss the beautiful Transfagarasan mountain road.

Visa:

Romania is a member of the European Union, but has not signed the Schengen Agreement. With a national visa you can not only travel around the country, but also go to Bulgaria, Croatia and Cyprus. If you already have a long-term entry permit for these countries or a multiple-entry Schengen visa, you will not need to obtain a separate visa for Romania. In other cases, you need to apply for a Romanian visa.

Hungary

Daily budget for two: $85–95

Approximate prices:

The famous Hungarian goulash costs from 950 forints ($3.3). You can have a snack for two in an inexpensive cafe for $10, and a thorough dinner in a restaurant for $28. An impressive pizza will cost $5, and a cup of coffee with a delicate cake in Hungarian csukrázdy (pastry shops) is priced at only $2.5.

Cozy apartments in the very center of Budapest on Airbnb cost from $35–45 per night; in guesthouses on the outskirts you can live in comfortable rooms for $25. Apartments near Lake Balaton will cost another $5 less.

Standard route:

Budapest with its baths; Medveotthon Bear Park in Véresegyháza; open-air ethno-museum Skansen near the town of Szentendre; ancient Székesfehérvár; Pannonhalma Abbey; Lake Balaton and 10 more ideas for short trips from Budapest.

Visa:

To enter Hungary you need a Schengen visa.

Bulgaria

Daily budget for two: $80–90

Approximate prices:

A cup of coffee in Bulgaria costs from 0.8 to 1.5 levs ($0.5–0.8), a plate of soup (pileshka - chicken or trampota - with meatballs) - about 1 $, and Shopska salad - 2-3 $ . You can have breakfast in the Sofia cafe for $10 for two. A three-course dinner with drinks in a good metropolitan restaurant will cost about $20–22.

A double room in guesthouses in the city center costs from $16 per night. For $18 you can rent a room with a shower, air conditioning and a refrigerator in Kosharitsa and Ravda. A studio room in a three-star apart-hotel in the Sunny Beach resort costs about $26. Through Airbnb you can rent an excellent apartment by the sea with a pool in the yard for $25–35.

Standard route:

The most striking places in Bulgaria: Sofia and Mount Vitosha; Koprivshtitsa; Plovdiv and Perperikon; Valley of Roses; Rila Monastery and the Seven Lakes; Nessebar; tiny Melnik; beaches of Sunny Beach.

Visa:

Bulgaria is not part of the Schengen zone, but you can enter this country with a double or multiple-entry Schengen visa. You can also visit Bulgaria if your passport contains valid multiple-entry visas from Romania, Croatia or Cyprus. In other cases, you need to obtain a Bulgarian visa.

Rest is necessary for all people, without exception, but, unfortunately, not everyone can afford expensive resorts. If you want to relax, but there is no opportunity to visit premium places, you should pay attention to cheaper vacation options.

Greece is a country with an amazing history. This Republic is famous for its warm climate and clean beaches. Even despite the economic crisis, tourists did not stop vacationing.

Inexpensive resorts in Greece:

1. Kos. One of the most popular islands in Greece. It attracts tourists with its unique attractions: the plane tree of Hippocrates, the Knight's Castle and Polemi Beach.
2. Jos. The Greek island of Ios is located in the south of the Aegean Sea. There are magnificent sandy beaches here. You can relax on the island both in summer and winter, because the swimming season at this resort is year-round. In summer, the air temperature reaches 30 degrees Celsius, and in winter it does not drop below +23 degrees. Ios has a large number of vineyards, fields planted with olive trees and many other plants that mesmerize with their beauty.
3. Crete is the largest island in Greece. The main advantage of this island is that it is washed by 3 seas at once: Cretan, Libyan and Ionian. The most famous sights of Crete are: the Samaria Gorge, the Palace of Knossos and the ancient city of Gortyna.

On average, a trip to the above resorts for 10 days will cost from 300 USD per person. Prices in local restaurants are also considered very low compared to other resorts in Europe.

Prices for meals in local restaurants (indicated in EUR):

1. Greek salad – 4.
2. Vegetable stew – 8.
3. Moussaka – 4.
4. Pastitsio – 6.
5. Grilled carp – 7.
6. Grilled mussels – 6.

For an entrance ticket to the museum you will have to pay from 5 EUR, and scuba diving costs from 40 EUR.

Table: food prices in Greece

Product	Price (expressed in EUR)
White bread	0.70
Chicken eggs (12 pieces)	2
Olive oil	6
Chicken breast	5
Beef	8
Pork meat	6
Fresh fish	6
Rice	2
Watermelon	1
Bananas	1.5
Blueberry	10
Potato	0.70

Holidays in Turkey

Türkiye is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Russians can visit this country without first obtaining a visa at the embassy. . This permit allows you to stay in Turkey for 60 days.

The cheapest resort in Turkey is Alanya.

It is famous for its quiet bays and mirror-clear waters in the sea. The city is located at the foot of the Taurus Mountains. The resort is characterized by an abundance of green spaces; palm trees attract special attention.

Alanya has many historical attractions, the main place among which, according to tourists, is Incekum. According to legend, this place was the favorite refuge of the great Egyptian Empress Cleopatra.

One of the disadvantages of this resort is that it takes a very long time to get from the airport to the city.

On average, for 7 days of vacation you will have to pay about 350 USD.

Cheap resorts in Turkey:

1. Antalya is a resort on the Mediterranean Sea. This city has a well-developed infrastructure; all conditions for a comfortable stay are created for guests.
2. Side is a city on the Mediterranean coast of Antalya. Side attracts tourists due to its large number of historical attractions.
3. Fethiye. The resort always has a comfortable climate. Thanks to the high mountains, the city rarely experiences strong winds. In winter, the temperature does not drop below 14 degrees Celsius. This resort is perfect for those who do not like extreme heat. The average air temperature in Fethiye in summer is +25 degrees Celsius. The beach season here opens in May and lasts until October. The resort is rich in attractions: the Knight's Castle, the ancient ancient theater, the Lycian Tombs and the Historical Museum.

For a holiday in Turkey, it is better to take US dollars with you. Turkey has very inexpensive prices for food in restaurants and cafes. So, for example, lunch for 1 person will cost about 4 USD, and for dinner you will have to pay from 20 USD. In a fast food cafe, lunch or dinner costs no more than 6 USD.

Food prices at the above resorts in the Republic of Turkey (prices are in USD):

1. Milk – 0.80.
2. Bread – 0.50.
3. Chicken fillet – 4.20.
4. Tomatoes – 1.
5. Potatoes – 0.65.
6. Apples – 1.
7. Oranges – 0.65.

For a trip on public transport you will have to pay at least 0.70 USD, and a liter of gasoline costs 1.60 USD. You can rent a car in Turkey from 47 USD per day.

Cost of entertainment in inexpensive resorts in Turkey:

1. Yacht trip – from 20 USD.
2. Safari – from 21 USD.
3. Visit to the Turkish bath – from 20 USD.
4. Quad biking – from 42 USD.
5. Visit to the dolphinarium – from 35 USD.

In this video you can see what prices are in Istanbul.

Holidays in Spain

Cheap resorts in Spain:

1. Costa Brava is an amazing place that combines beautiful nature, high service and a large number of historical attractions. Particularly impressive is the medieval fortress called “Vila Vella”.
   The average air temperature in this paradise in summer ranges from 18 to 28 degrees Celsius. The Mediterranean Sea warms up to 23 degrees Celsius in the summer months. There is a lot of entertainment on the Costa Brava. In addition to swimming in the sea, tourists are invited to visit the marine zoo called “Marineland” and a huge water amusement park.
2. Costa Dorada. The name of this resort literally translates as “Gold Coast”. It received this name thanks to its endless golden beaches. Every year this resort attracts thousands of tourists due to its unique nature. The Costa Dorada has an interesting nature reserve, which contains unique and rare plants.

Resorts in Spain are very popular due to the national cuisine of this country. In the Kingdom of Spain, such dishes as paella (rice dish with seafood), gazpacho (cold tomato soup) and tortilla (Spanish omelette) are in demand among holidaymakers.

Prices at cheap resorts in Spain cannot be called too low. So, you can have lunch at a local cafe for 12 EUR, and for dinner you will have to pay from 20 EUR.

Food prices are also reasonable. The bulk of vacationers' budget goes to renting housing or renting a hotel during their vacation. In Spain it is very expensive to stay in hotels, but in some cities and resorts in this country hotel services are quite inexpensive.

Table: average cost of living in hotels in different cities of Spain

In these videos you can see the prices of food in Mallorca and Barcelona in cafes and large supermarkets.

Inexpensive resorts in Bulgaria:

1. Tsarevo.
2. Sozopol.
3. Nessebar
4. Balchik.

Nessebar is the most expensive Bulgarian resort of the above. Nessebar is one of the oldest cities in Europe. This city is suitable for holidays in the summer and spring. The holiday season here opens in May and lasts until October. It is not recommended to visit the city in winter. Although the city is warm in summer, winter is accompanied by heavy snowfalls and strong cold winds.

Tsarevo is a quiet and very calm resort. It is most suitable for families with children. Elderly people love to visit this village.

On average, a trip to Bulgaria for a week will cost 280 USD. According to reviews from tourists, 100 USD per person is enough for a week, so Bulgaria can be called one of the cheapest resorts in the world.

The cost of the excursion varies from 50 to 70 USD.

Cost of food in resort towns of Bulgaria (indicated in rubles):

1. Soft cheese – from 350.
2. Cottage cheese – from 70.
3. Drinking yoghurt – from 90.
4. Ayran – from 30.
5. Milk – from 30.
6. Butter – from 300 per kilogram.
7. Pork meat – from 260.
8. Bacon – from 320.
9. Chicken eggs - from 60 for 10 pieces.
10. Sugar – from 45.
11. Cucumbers – from 50.
12. Tomatoes – from 60.
13. Apples – from 50.

Doc Let Beach (Zoklet) Nha Trang

Nha Trang has many beautiful beaches and bays. On the beaches you can rent sun loungers and sun loungers for $25 per day. It is better to go to Nha Trang on vacation in winter, namely in early January. In summer, the rainy season begins here, which ends only closer to October.

In winter, the sea water temperature ranges from 22 to 28 degrees Celsius.

Attractions:

You can have lunch in an inexpensive restaurant in Nha Trang for 2.30 USD, and lunch in a more prestigious food establishment will cost over 13 USD. Lunch at a McDonald's fast food restaurant costs from 4 USD. A cup of cappuccino will cost a tourist from 1.10 USD, and a bottle of water from 0.20 USD.

Particularly popular among the above resorts in 2020 is island of Sicily. It hosts various festivals all year round, which will be a real discovery for tourists and will allow them to look at the country with different eyes.

The warmest month in Sicily is August. The air temperature does not drop below 33 degrees, and the water stays at 30–31 degrees Celsius. But if a person does not like such heat, then it is better to go on vacation to Sicily in early October.

Food prices on the island are very high. So, for example, you can buy a kilogram of pears for 0.80 EUR, and a head of cauliflower costs from 1 EUR. A liter of milk can be bought for 1.70 EUR, and a kilogram of Parmesan cheese costs from 10 EUR. The price for peaches is from 2.5 EUR, and a watermelon can be purchased for 0.80 EUR.

Lunch at a restaurant will cost from 10 to 15 EUR per person. When coming to Sicily on vacation, it is better not to stay in hotels, but to rent a house by the sea or rent an apartment. It will work out much cheaper. So, for example, renting a villa will cost a maximum of 350 EUR per week, while a night in a hotel will cost from 40 EUR.

Italian is also considered popular, but very inexpensive. Capri resort. Daytime temperatures in summer rarely rise above 20 degrees Celsius, and the nights in Capri are very cool, which encourages night walking.

If a person wants to relax in the open spaces, then it is better to go to Albufeira. This is a small town that fascinates with its picturesqueness. The best time to visit this Portuguese city is in the summer, when the air temperature of the Atlantic Ocean warms up to 23 degrees Celsius.

This vacation spot is very welcome by windsurfers due to the presence of constant waves.

Albufeira is a city with unique architectural buildings made in the Moorish style. Tourists are recommended to visit a park called “Zoomarine”. This park combines a zoo, a dolphinarium and a various amusement park.

What to see and do so that your trip doesn't put a big dent in your wallet. You need to decide in advance what your priorities and budget are, whether you want to go on excursions, engage in outdoor activities or visit cultural attractions.

If you want to go on a cheap vacation to the Black Sea in 2019, then you immediately need to cross out the most popular and popular resorts of Sochi, Adler, Gelendzhik, Anapa, Yalta, Alushta and the entire Southern Coast of Crimea. The exception is the winter months, when prices are low, but there is no holiday season.

Unfortunately, in the summer the prices there are such that you can go to the Maldives. The words “cheap” and these resorts are not compatible. “It’s cheap to go to the Black Sea in summer” - these are villages and towns far from civilization and away from cool modern resorts, with minimal infrastructure and not the most beautiful beaches.

According to statistics, most Russians spend their summer vacation Houses, because they don’t know that you can have a cheap holiday on the Black Sea. And according to statistics, most of our compatriots do not have a foreign passport. That's why Russian resorts are so popular.

The cheapest holiday on the Black Sea: camping

Where is the cheapest holiday on the Black Sea? At the campsite. If you are ready to live in a tent, then it will cost you a symbolic amount for a place in a tent camp, or even free. There is a whole crowd of people at sea who like to relax in campsites.

In the Krasnodar Territory you can stay at the camping sites “Lesnik” in Divnomorskoye, “Sosnovy Rai” and “Nazarova Dacha” in Arkhipo-Osipovka, “Be Healthy” in “Lermontovo”, “Pear Garden” in Krinitsa, “Blue Abyss” between Dzhankhot and Divnomorsky

Where is the cheapest holiday on the Black Sea at a campsite in Crimea: “Cape Verde” in Alupka, “Kapsel” in Sudak, “Shepherd Kale” beyond Morskoye, “Sosnovy Bor” in Peschanoye, camping in Rybachye, autocamping and tent camp in Koktebel, “Coronelli” in Beregovoe, “Bolshoy Kastel” in Chernomorskoye, “Visiting the Joker” in Malorechenskoye. You can simply put up a tent by the sea, but there is a limitation - no closer than 500 meters from the water's edge, or on a hard surface.

If you are not ready to live in a tent, wash in the river and cook over a fire, then there are cheap Black Sea resorts where you can rent a room in the private sector.

Cheap holidays on the Black Sea: tours

If you are going on vacation to the Black Sea, cheap tours can be found online. The lowest prices for holidays by the sea in winter. At this time, a week-long tour for two from Moscow to a hotel can be purchased from 13,000 rubles. In the summer, for this amount you can only book air tickets from Moscow to Krasnodar or Sochi for two. Among the inexpensive hotels on the Black Sea, you can also highlight. You can buy a tour to these hotels from 14,000 rubles. in winter and from 25,000 rubles. in summer. The price of the tour includes flights, airport transfers and accommodation. Of course, there are luxury 5* hotels, prices starting from 120,000 rubles. But we won’t consider them now, because... The topic of this article is where is the cheapest holiday on the Black Sea.

Cheap travel to the Black Sea: Mountain Air

Where is cheaper on the Black Sea: Shepsi and Dederkoy

, - cheap Black Sea resorts located east of Tuapse. They can be reached quickly and inexpensively by bus from Krasnodar, Dzhubga and Tuapse and by electric train from Tuapse. In the villages there is a choice of budget accommodation in guest houses in the middle and lower price segments and in the private sector. The villages of Dederkoy and Shepsi have a well-developed infrastructure and entertainment. Guest houses can accommodate from 500-600 rubles. per day, for example, in “Tsatur”, “Natali”, “Mary”, “Primorye”, which makes this place one of the cheapest resorts on the Black Sea. All attractions of Tuapse are 15 km away. Active tourists can go on walking and car tours to the mountains, to dolmens, waterfalls and mountain gorges.

Ozereevka and Shirokaya Balka

If you are deciding where it is cheaper to relax on the Black Sea, then Shirokaya Balka is one of the most inexpensive resorts on the Black Sea, which are located near Novorossiysk. There is minimal infrastructure here, and you can get to the villages quite inexpensively. It is enough to take a direct train to Novorossiysk, and then travel 10 km by bus or minibus.

The cost of living in guest houses starts from 600 rubles, but there are not many of them in Ozereevka and Shirokaya Balka. So if you want to spend a cheap holiday on the Black Sea in mid-price segment establishments, book your seats in advance. These are the recreation centers “Sadko”, “Blue Torch”, “House of Comfort and Coziness”. You can also inexpensively stay in a private sector on the Black Sea. Active tourists can visit the sights of Novorossiysk, entertainment in Kabardinka and Gelendzhik.

Where is it cheaper to relax on the Black Sea: Blagoveshchenskaya and Veselovka

And they are located on the Taman Peninsula. You can get to them from Anapa by bus or minibus. In the villages you can relax cheaply on the Black Sea in Russia and stay in the private sector. The cost of living starts from 400-600 rubles. per day. These are the guest houses “Natali”, “Privetlivy”, “Chernomorsky” and “Yantarny”. For those who like to save money, you can stay in a tent and not pay anything at all. The villages have minimal infrastructure and entertainment. You can learn to windsurf, kite or paraglid. There is a salt lake in Veselovka, which is rich in healing mud. You can take mud baths for free. It is only better to carry out these procedures under the supervision of a doctor, because there are contraindications. Active tourists can visit the sights and entertainment of Anapa and the village of Golubitskaya.

Cheap holidays on the Black Sea in Crimea

In the eastern part of Crimea on the Black Sea, you can relax inexpensively in the resort villages of Ordzhonikidze, Kurortnoye, Solnechnaya Dolina and Pribrezhnoye. All of them are located in the Koktebel area. You can get to the villages quickly and inexpensively by bus from Kerch, and you can also stay in the private sector from 250 rubles. per day per person or guest houses from 500 rub.

The infrastructure of Ordzhonikidze, Kurortny, Solnechnaya Dolina and Pribrezhny is well developed. Active tourists can visit attractions and entertainment, such as the Koktebel water park, dinoteria and bird park, Surb Khach monastery, dolphinarium, various temples and museums.

There are also other villages in Crimea where you can have an inexpensive holiday on the Black Sea. Among them are Kacha, Mikhailovka, Frunze, Andreevka, Osipenko and others, but getting to them is much longer and more expensive.

A new embankment has recently been built in Malorechenskoye, there are several beaches, and most of the housing is in the private sector. You can rent a room from 450 rubles. Active tourists can see the lighthouse temple and cheese rock.

There is also a lot of private housing in Rybachye, and there is a large campsite right on the beach. Here you can rent a bungalow on the beach.

Now you know where it is cheaper at sea. In the Krasnodar Territory and Crimea there are places where you can relax cheaply on the Black Sea in Russia in 2019. Almost everywhere, recreation is not limited to swimming in the sea and sunbathing on the beach. Entertainment and attractions at these resorts are within walking distance and do not cost a lot of money to visit. So a cheap holiday on the Black Sea in 2019 is still possible. Here you can spend the amount of 300-1000 rubles. per day per person, including food and accommodation, and often including sightseeing and walking tours. If you search, you can find where it’s cheaper to relax on the Black Sea. The most important thing is to decide on a vacation spot, book tickets and accommodation in advance, and also gather a group, since accommodation and cooking for several people is always cheaper.