6 Budget Destinations to Experience in 2014

2014 is coming around the corner and travel enthusiasts everywhere are already chalking out their travel plans for the year. Here is a list of budget friendly travel destinations to consider in the coming year.

Nicaragua: - Not the place for the casual traveler, but for those who love a splash of adventure and even danger to their travel escapades, Nicaragua is sure to impress. When done right, Nicaragua is one of the most beautiful countries in Central America, also the cheapest. You can easily spend two weeks here for the price of what you would spend on a two days in a European city. Head to San Juan del Sur, the upcoming surf town where the parties stretches to noon the next day.

Cambodia: - For a country still nursing its wounds from a rough past, Cambodia is one of the friendliest country in South East Asia. An added bonus is that their language is one of the easiest to pick up for English speakers. Base your itinerary around the Siem Reap, Phenom Penh and Sihanoukville.  It is rare to find cheap air tickets directly to the country, best bet is to fly to Bangkok and then take a bus to cross the border.

India: - Probably the country that is most talked amongst travelers and not without a reason. Visiting India is akin to visiting 4-6 countries all at once. The country can be overwhelming but those ready to brave the challenge will be rewarded with a unique and unforgettable experience. Hotels in India tend to stretch across all budgets so you will find a place to stay regardless of your wallet power.  The best way to hotel booking India is through the official website of the property.

US Virgin Islands: - Long a favored haunt for Americans without passport and those who can't afford a European trip. The Virgin Islands give you that remote and exotic feeling that you have gotten away but can be gotten to in a bearable flight duration. The recommended islands are Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix. Most of the hotels in the island accept online booking which makes it easier to find an accommodation online.

Portugal: - Easily one of the best budget travel destination in Western Europe, despite its diminutive size, Portugal is home to a diverse range of landscapes. From the pristine beaches in the south, to the sprawling metropolis of Lisbon in the center to the rugged mountains in the north – Portugal has enough to keep you coming back.  Whats more? You can order a bottle of wine in most of the restaurants for fewer than 3 Euros!!

Lithuania: - Eastern Europe has been witnessing a steady upslope in tourism and Lithuania is one of the destinations leading the way. Most tourists to the country head to the capital city of Vilnius, home to some spectacular architecture in the form of churches, town halls a medieval towns. Lithuania was one of the last countries to adopt Christianity and has several interesting Pagan remnants apart from World War II sites.

Top budget hotels in Kerala

While luxury resorts in India are known for their opulence and majestic architecture,  the budget hotels in the country are often tagged  with less favorable adjectives like “dirty”, “filthy” and the likes. Well, a number of budget hotels in India are trying to change the scene by creating clean, comfortable and affordable lodging spaces.  

Bohemian Masala, Varkala Beach :- This place offers a twisty alternative to somewhat homogenised selection of guesthouses in Varkala Beach.  The  terracotta colored cottages maintained by Susan and Danesh offer  services like yoga, meditation and ayurvedic massage. A new organic restaurant is under construction within the premises. Prices for huts start as low as £12.50. 
 
Fort House, Cochin :- A charming little lodge by the water front that offers panoramic views of the harbour besides being 5 minutes walk from the Chinese fishing nets. The 16 rooms are set in a  rickety, Dutch colonial building with a tranquil garden in the courtyard.  You can indulge in a relaxing massage in the inhouse ayurvedic spa or gorge on some Malabar delicacies by the waterside restaurant.  With  prices starting from £35, it certainly is running for a spot as one of the cheapest budget hotels in India. 

Karikkathi Beach House, Kovalam  :- Run by the affable, informative Mr. Sajjad, these twin beach facing homestays are located south of the touristy Kovalam.  Each house has twin rooms which can also be booked together for family vacations. Home cooked food is served on the terrace. Prices start from £67 per night for 4.

Motty's Homestay, Allepey :-  Motty has a deep passion for the history and culture of Allepey and also loves meeting new people. He managed to bring both of them together by creating setting up Motty's Homestay. Much of the cottage is furnished with antiques and artworks that Motty picked up and refurbished to fit into the décor of the place.  Borrow Motty's cycle and take a trip around this lovely town with charming canals and a dilapidated  pier. Or  you can laze around  and gorge on delicious home cooked food made by Motty's wife, Lalli. If you are looking for economy hotel in India or Kerala, make sure you check out Motty's Homestay.

Waves Beach Resort, Adikadalayi, Thottada :- Traveling on a budget but can't shake off that urge to relax on a private beach? Waves Beach Resort might just be the place for you. The brainchild  of Seema, this pleasant and unassuming resort is set on a hilltop with a cliff path that leads to a private beach.  Guests can opt for one for the four octagonal shaped cottage or the large bungalow. The home cooked meals and a sea breeze wafting in through the windows render this a perfect vacation spot.

Kannan Beach Resort, Nileshwar :- Venture north of Kannur, and you will soon encounter secluded beaches, quiet rivers and glorious estuaries that seem a world far away from the touristy spots down south.  Kanan beach resort is located amidst a complex of white cottages with wood tiled roofs that looks out to a massive stretch of golden sands that ends at the beach. The criss cross pathways that connects the beach is riddled with coconut palms and is the perfect spot to relax on a hammock. The resort's 10 rooms open into wide decks from where you can walk to the pool or take an ayurvedic massage at the spa.

Top 5 Affordable Island Hotels

Despite all the comforts and opulence that they offer, most island hotels are notoriously expensive that they end up in 'to-do when I win the lottery' lists.  However, there exists a few, relatively unknown affordable or budget hotels where you can relax without breaking the bank.

Lefkes Village Hotel, Paros, Greece :- Part of the Cyclades Islands, Paros offers all of the signature Greek island charms – whitewashed churches, bougainville ornated houses and stunning views of the ocean- sans the sky rocketing prices of Mykonos and Santorini. One night at the Lefkes Village Hotel - located in the mountain village of Lefkes, featuring a tavern, museum and a swimming pool is a mere $70.  If you do an online hotel reservation, the Lefkes Village Hotel is one of those rare cheap hotel booking that you can do.

La Veranda Resort, Phu Quoc, Vietnam :- Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam, and despite recent surge in popularity, it still retains a secluded, small town vibe.  The La Veranda Resort is an  2 storey propery that excudes an elegant French colonial charm – airy rooms with stunning views of the ocean, a restaurant that serves pan pacific cuisine on a relaxed verandah below sluggish ceiling fans, the icing on the cake is the classy lounge bar with scarlet walls. Prices per night starts from $140. You can even get a 5-10% discount if you make your hotel booking online. 

Fishers’ Loft, Newfoundland, Canada :- Fisher's Loft is located in an island that is fascinating, peculiar and charming all at once. This idyllic inn  is designed in the clapboard-and-shingles style of the late 1800s and overlooks the Trinity Bay and harbour of Ship Cove. As you relax in the cozy inn, peek out of the mullioned windows to catch the glimse of a whale surfacing or an iceberg floating past.

Auberge Seraphine, St. Lucia  :-  The slew of luxury resorts that line the island of St. Lucia can leave huge dent in your bank account . Probably the sole exception is this endering family run inn  near the northwest coast. While theres no beach, you can relax by the poolside with views of the sailboats on the nearby Vielle Bay. And when you are hungry, pull up a chair at the in house restaurant for some sumptious seafood risotto. Prices start from $125.

Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa, Puerto Rico :-  Copamarina is an oceanfront resort located on the less explored southern coast of Puerto Rico. The resort features  palm fringed beaches,  20 acres of lush gardens, an in-house spa, several pools and two seafood restaurants. If you manage to drag yourself away from this place,  the historic town of  Guánica is within walking distance.  Prices start from $145.

These hotels can by no means tagged  as cheap, but they are more accessible compared to other family hotels.