Can we travel to exotic destinations without spending a fortune? And yet it's possible.
When we hear of exotic destinations, palm trees, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, our minds go straight to the Maldives, French Polynesia, the Caribbean. All that sounds very expensive and are destinations for those with a big budget. However, there are also exotic places that aren't as pricey as they seem. If you think about how much you need to spend to stay in summer at a good hotel by the sea on a popular Greek island, as well as how much money you'll need to eat at restaurants every day on holiday, then an overseas trip starts to sound tempting.
Of course, you'll need to have some money set aside for a trip to an exotic destination. However, there are some obvious options, and others that might surprise you with the cost of accommodation and food. In any case, the only big expense you'll have is the airfare. As for hotels and food, you can choose among many properties and restaurants depending on how much you want to spend. And the number of days you stay is up to you. We took a look at prices for 10 destinations you can visit in a period like October and November and found places worth putting on your list.
Vietnam
When someone talks about a trip to Vietnam, beaches with turquoise waters might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but in reality it's a destination that has it all. Vietnam is one of the most affordable exotic destinations in the world, with beaches, activities and excellent local cuisine. From the spectacular Halong Bay and lush rice paddies to romantic Hoi An and the tropical beaches of Phu Quoc, the country serves up scenes straight out of a postcard.
Airfares to Vietnam in autumn start from 790 euros per person round-trip and the low cost of accommodation and food offsets this price. For example, hotels on Ho Coc Beach in Ho Chi Minh cost from 25-35 for a double per night, while street-food and restaurant options are very affordable. Vietnam is an ideal choice for those dreaming of exotic holidays, combined with outdoor activities, without spending a fortune.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a destination full of contrasts and experiences. It blends tropical beaches, ancient temples, lush tea plantations and waterfalls. From tropical forests to golden shores, the country has a lot to offer.
Despite being a far-flung destination, Sri Lanka remains quite affordable. Flights in autumn start from 650 euros and accommodation can be from 25 euros for a double per night, with the luxury rooms starting from 70-80 euros respectively.
Okinawa, Japan
Japan isn't just Tokyo and Kyoto, as many imagine. Japan is a country that hides real treasures like Okinawa. With a tropical climate, white-sand beaches and crystalline waters, Okinawa feels more like the Caribbean. It stands out for its laid-back vibe, watersports and cuisine. After all, Japanese cuisine is considered one of the best in the world.
It may not be as cheap as other Asian destinations like Vietnam or Sri Lanka, but it's an alternative way to get to know this side of Japan too. Flights here involve 2 connections from Athens and start from 900 euros for autumn. There are all kinds of hotels, with budget options from 30- 60 euros per night for a double. Additionally, street food and dining are quite affordable and high quality.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a very popular destination for Greeks and many others, as it's a much more affordable option for tropical holidays. It's perhaps the most obvious pick on our list, but you really can plan this trip on a low budget. It dazzles with its laid-back lifestyle, temples, rice terraces, national parks and waterfalls.
A trip to Bali can be tailored to how much you want to spend. From villas with private pools to small guesthouses and traditional homes, Bali offers options that make exotic holidays more accessible than you'd expect. Flights for autumn start from 530 euros round-trip and double rooms from 20- 40 per night, even with a pool.
Phuket, Thailand
A little paradise in Thailand, Phuket sits on many travelers' bucket lists. With white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, dramatic limestone cliffs and palms that almost touch the sea, it matches what most imagine when they think of tropical holidays. It also makes an ideal base for day trips to the Phi Phi Islands, Phang Nga Bay and the famous 'James Bond' island.
While many believe a trip to Phuket costs a fortune, the reality is different. With early flight bookings and the right choice of lodging, you can find hotels for every budget, from affordable boutique stays to luxury resorts at very competitive rates. Thailand is quite affordable when it comes to accommodation and food. Airfares for autumn start from 600 euros round-trip and double rooms in hotels with a pool start from 30 euros per night.
Cambodia
Cambodia might not be the first place that comes to mind for such a list, but it can stand shoulder to shoulder with comparable destinations. Although it's widely known for the impressive Angkor Wat, Cambodia also hides gorgeous islands like Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem with the famed Saracen Bay.
Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia's most budget-friendly destinations and an excellent choice for those who want to combine culture, adventure and relaxation. Many even pair this trip with Vietnam. Flights for autumn start from 800 euros round-trip, while stays in places like Saracen Bay start from 25-45 euros per night for a double room.
Langkawi, Malaysia
Asia's serene exotic gem may be relatively unknown to the wider public, yet Langkawi hides gorgeous beaches, a jungle and a more relaxed atmosphere. It boasts emerald waters, lush nature, beaches like Pantai Cenang, the impressive Sky Bridge with breathtaking views and the Kilim Geoforest Park, blending relaxation with adventure.
Although it's not as well known as Bali or Thailand, Langkawi is an excellent choice for those seeking a destination that won't cost a fortune. Airfares start from 550 euros round-trip in autumn, while accommodation for a double starts from 35-50 euros.
Philippines
The Philippines is one of the world's most impressive countries, with more than 7,000 islands. It's the ideal trip for every sea lover, as it has some of the best beaches in all of Asia. Places like El Nido and Coron in Palawan, as well as Boracay, deliver scenes you won't soon forget.
Although the distance from Greece is long, the cost of accommodation and daily life there remains quite low. With smart planning, the Philippines can give you the holidays you're looking for without a huge price tag. For example, you can reach exotic Boracay in autumn with two connections, from 850 euros round-trip. Double accommodation per night starts from 25-45 euros.
Cuba
The moment we hear the word Caribbean, our minds fill with images of beaches that look like movie sets. Cuba doesn't register for many as an exotic trip, but in reality it offers that option too. Colorful buildings, vintage cars on Havana's streets and music on every corner come together with white-sand beaches and aquamarine waters.
Although it's in the Caribbean, a region many associate with expensive resorts and luxury holidays, Cuba can be explored at a much more accessible cost. Travelers can choose to stay in local casas particulares (locals' homes), savor authentic Cuban cuisine and get to know the country beyond the big all inclusive hotels. Stays in such homes by the beach in Varadero start from 30-50 euros for two people per night, while flights start from 880 euros in autumn round-trip.
Zanzibar
Africa hides a treasure trove of gorgeous landscapes. Zanzibar is one of the destinations that feel dreamlike. White sand, palms, crystal-clear waters and an exotic atmosphere reminiscent of the Maldives. It's an autonomous part of Tanzania and is famed for its palm-fringed beaches and for Stone Town, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
However, costs can be much lower than in other similar destinations. There are many accommodation options, from simple beachfront stays to more luxurious resorts, while food and activities remain at accessible prices. Flights for autumn start from 760 euros round-trip and stays in places like Nungwi start from 45-50 and in Jambiani from 60-90.
