20 of the Cheapest Places to Visit Post-Pandemic

Travel has stopped for well over a year. As things begin to reopen people are itching to travel again. That’s why these travel experts have come together from all over the world. They are here to bring you some of the cheapest places to visit post-pandemic.

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Recommended By Places of Juma

One of the cheapest places to visit post-pandemic is Mostar, the historic Balkan city in the south of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is beautifully situated on the banks of the Neretva River and is particularly known for its main attraction the Stari Most Bridge (the Old Bridge), a reconstructed medieval arch bridge. It is very important historically having been destroyed during the war and rebuilt as a sign of peace. Before that, the bridge and the river divided the city into a Christian and a Muslim part.

Also worth seeing are the nearby streets and the market alleys, with their many fantastic restaurants and cafes. Here is the place where you can do your shopping and meet other travellers. An amazing spot for authentic food is the restaurant Tima Irma, where you will get the best grilled Balkan specialties in town! Another place worth seeing is the photo exhibition in the museum just on the bridge, which shows the reality of the terrible war.

As a highlight, you should definitely visit the minaret of the Koski Mehmed Paša mosque. A narrow staircase leads up to the tower, where you will enjoy the most beautiful view of Mostar:  A panorama like out of a magazine!

Not only is Mostar interesting, but also the area around is worth putting on your post-covid bucket list! For example, there are many national parks and natural sights nearby. The Kravica waterfalls and the Blagaj Monastery with the picturesque river are especially beautiful. Another possibility is to make a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, a real insider tip of the country.

Author’s Bio: On Places of Juma, Martina & Jürgen write about their most beautiful journeys around the globe. The two love photography and sharing the most amazing places and locations

Republic of Georgia

By Emily from Wander-Lush

Famed for its wild open spaces and soul-nourishing hospitality, the Republic of Georgia might just be the perfect destination for one of the cheapest places to visit post-pandemic. Whether you’re looking to escape into nature or reconnect with culture, this is one of the best places on Earth to do it – and best of all, you’ll get serious bang for your buck.

Georgia is an all-around affordable travel destination for any travel style. Backpackers can easily get by on under 30 USD/day, while luxury travellers will find amazing deals on boutique accommodations and private tours. Car hire is affordable, making a road trip in Georgia a great option for those who want to travel off the beaten track. Otherwise, you can quite easily get around using marshrutka minivans and trains.

Even the capital city, Tbilisi, promises excellent value for money, particularly if you eat at local restaurants. Staple foods such as Khachapuri ‘cheese bread’ and Khinkali ‘soup dumplings’ are nourishing and affordable, while you can get more than your fill at a regional restaurant such as Mapshalia (Mingrelian food) or Ghebi (Rachan cuisine) for as little as 10 USD. This being the global birthplace of viniculture, wine (and beer) are extremely affordable too.

Tbilisi is a magnetic city of sulphur baths, winding old streets, heritage architecture and hilltop cafes. After a few days of visiting Tbilisi’s museums and wandering the Old Town, head east to Kakheti to explore the wine route, visiting small family cellars to learn about ancient Qvevri winemaking techniques.

Answer the call of the Greater Caucasus in Kazbegi (3 hours from Tbilisi) or further west in Racha or Svaneti (the latter known for its premier hiking trails and UNESCO-Listed stone tower houses) before travelling to the Black Sea Coast. Batumi is a natural choice, but for something different try the magnetic black-sand beaches further north around Ureki and Shekvetili.

If you want a permanent reminder of your time in Georgia, Indigo Cat can ink you a traditional folkloric symbol, your name in curling Georgian characters, or even a Khinkali tat!

Author’s Bio: Originally from Australia, Emily is a culture-obsessed traveller and full-time Content Creator at Wander-Lush. She currently lives in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Marrakech, Morocco 

Recommended by Nina of Nina Out and About

Known as one of the most budget-friendly countries in the world, Morocco is perfect as one of the cheapest places to visit post-pandemic. However, to have the best trip, visit Marrakech.

Marrakech is the cultural center of Morocco. Known for its colourful souk markets, where you can buy anything from fine leather bags to natural makeup to local seafood. This is a shopper’s paradise! The best part: even the finest goods aren’t insanely expensive.

One of the best things to do in Marrakech is to shop for authentic Berber carpets. These nomadic tribespeople are famous for their reversible wool carpets. One big enough to cover a living room won’t cost you more than $1,000 USD. For nomadic travellers or people hoping to keep their budget down, opt for a welcome mat for only $100 that you’ll be able to use for the rest of your life.

Marrakech is a city with a rich history. You can visit an authentic palace with many rooms full of beautiful mosaic tiles and rich gardens to wander through. Although it seems unassuming from the outside, when you arrive at Bahia Palace, you’ll be taken through a lush courtyard, where the true size of the palace will appear.

Looking for more local experiences? Take a cooking class with local Moroccan women. There are baking and cooking classes around the city where local women teach visitors how to prepare traditional Moroccan food, like tajines, girhibas, and how to properly pour fresh mint tea. You’ll benefit the locals, learn a valuable skill, and not spend a lot to do it.

Get pampered without breaking the bank at a Moroccan hammam spa. These truly incredible beauty rituals will strip you down to your baby skin, leaving you so smooth you’ll feel like a new person.

Traditionally, Moroccan hammams were used for women to gather safely, get pampered, and gossip with their friends. To this day, the tradition remains. Now, you can join in on it.

Add on a massage, and you’ll still find this beauty experience as cheap as getting your nails done back home.

When you’re in Morocco, be sure to try some local restaurants. Avoid the Marrakech Medina, where most restaurants focus on tourists, advertising-free WIFI as their main draw. While the food will be good, it’s nowhere near as delicious as a homecooked delicacy.

For the best accommodation and food, stay at Riad Les Clos Des Artes. This stunning Riad boasts gorgeous rooms, a luxury courtyard, rooftop pool, morning yoga, and some of the best food you’ll find in Marrakech – but it’s reserved for guests.

While this accommodation would be “luxury” anywhere else in the world, in Marrakech, it costs under $100 USD per night – this varies based on exchange rates, but at certain times it falls to $50 USD.

Whether you’re looking for a cheap luxury vacation, a cultural adventure, the best food you’ve ever eaten, or to visit somewhere very different than your home, Marrakech is the ideal place for a post-pandemic trip.

Author’s Bio: Nina Clapperton is the founder of Nina Out and About, a solo female travel blog dedicated to empowering women to live their travel dreams today. Through her unique voice, personal experiences, and many, many travel fails, she makes the world more accessible for young women to explore. Check out Nina Out and About to get helpful tips and inspiration for your next trip.

Gdansk, Poland

Contributed by Linn Haglund of Brainy Backpackers

Gdansk is the perfect budget destination for families, solo travellers, or even couples. There are so many things to do in Gdansk for everyone with a deep and dark history dating back to the first shots that started World War Two. You can visit this exact spot, Westerplatte, and to make the trip there more unique, take a tall ship along the Motlawa River. Even the kids will love this pirate-themed cruise.

To get a sight of most of the tourist attractions in the old town, walk up the Royal Way. While most of the city was completely destroyed during the war, it is beautifully rebuilt to resemble what it once was. Some sights are original, though. Among them, Neptune’s Fountain, which was pulled apart in pieces and hidden during the war and once again placed where it belonged after the war was over. The fountain stands in front of Artus Court, a historical building that today houses Gdansk History Museum.

Another famous landmark in Gdansk is Zuraw, The Crane. Before it was destroyed during World War Two, it used to be one of the city gates and functioned as a defence. History buffs will also enjoy the Museum of the Second World War and a day trip to the Stutthof Concentration Camp only 50 kilometres from the city.

In summer, you should not miss out on some of Poland’s finest beaches, Sopot, not far from Gdansk. You can even walk the longest wooden pier in Europe (511,5 meters.) Don’t miss Gdansk when considering some of the cheapest places to visit post-pandemic.

Author’s Bio: Linn Haglund is an avid traveller currently based in Spain. After both living and slow travelling in different countries, she has experienced a lot of the negatives of tourism firsthand. That’s why she started Brainy Backpackers, a travel blog to help people travel more responsibly to make a better impact on people, wildlife, and nature.

Guatemala

Recommended by Daria of The Discovery Nut

If you are looking for a cheap place to visit post-pandemic with tons of culture and epic scenery, look no further than Guatemala. 

This Central American country boasts diverse landscapes. From the Pacific beaches to stunning volcanoes and lush jungles. A perfect combo for an adventurous trip in a destination that hasn’t yet suffered from mass tourism. 

One of the best places to visit in Guatemala is Lake Atitlan, the deepest lake in Central America where you can relax, learn about local culture in many villages around the lake and try something adventurous like hiking, diving or parasailing over the lake. 

Guatemala is commonly known by its nickname Corazón Del Mundo Maya (the heart of the Mayan world). This is because it has the largest population of people with the Mayan heritage of all Central American countries. 

The Mayan culture plays a big role in today’s Guatemala. You can learn about it in Mayan villages like San Juan La Laguna and Jaibalito. These are located on the shores of Lake Atitlan.

What’s great about this country is that you can travel it relatively cheaply. Try to explore Guatemala in the off-season from April through October when the country experiences the most rain. If you visit from around May through July you will love the fresh air in the mountains and the lush greenery that you will not see in the dry season when most tourists visit the country. 

Author’s Bio: Daria is a travel blogger behind the travel brand The Discovery Nut.  The Discovery Nut is a travel blog about all things adventure. It tries to encourage its audience to get outside their comfort zone and explore more. 

Bratislava, Slovakia

Recommended by Nina of Lemons and Luggage

The Slovak capital, Bratislava, is one of the cheapest places to visit post-pandemic in Europe and makes for a great trip. It’s quite an underrated city with many people only going there on a day trip from Vienna or Budapest. But because of its location, Bratislava is actually a great city to base yourself in.

Bratislava is perfect for travellers with a more laid-back travel style with fewer tourists than other cities in the region. There isn’t any overtourism in the city, no tourist traps, and instead, you get to see a city that hasn’t changed its character to cater to tourists.

Stroll through the compact old town and find affordable but high-quality souvenirs made by Slovak artisans. When you want to rest there are plenty of cafés, bars, and restaurants that are much cheaper than in many other European cities. Even vegan food in Bratislava doesn’t require an enormous budget.

Visit Bratislava Castle and enjoy the view of the city, then learn more about the city in its many museums, such as the Bratislava City Museum. Undoubtedly the prettiest sight in all of Bratislava is the Church of St. Elisabeth, also known as the Blue Church, but there are other beautiful examples of architecture as well, such as the Presidential Palace, the Primate’s Palace, and the Slovak National Theater.

If you’re looking for a completely free thing to do in Bratislava don’t miss out on a simple stroll along the beautiful Danube River, the second-longest river in Europe.

Author’s Bio: Nina Ahmedow is a travel content creator who was born and raised in Germany, has lived in Canada, and currently lives in Greece. She is the voice behind Lemons and Luggage, a travel blog dedicated to vegan and responsible travel.

Pondicherry, India

Recommended by Athul from Our Backpack Tales

Pondicherry is best known for its French colonial feel and its beautiful beaches. Ponidcherry is also one of the most popular places to visit from Bangalore. A trip to Pondicherry is perfect for lovers of beaches and history. With bougainvilleas spilling over colourful walls and cozy cafes lining the streets, Ponicherry has a lot to offer. The White Town with its French colonial buildings and the Rock beach is the most loved spot in Pondicherry. Many French families still reside here and it’s the best place to try some traditional French food. The rock beach offers amazing views of the sunrise and sunset.

If you are looking for a more spiritual experience, then Auroville is the place to visit. It is an international township located around 15 km from the town of Pondicherry. Meditating at the Matrimandir and joining the yoga sessions are some of the activities that one can participate in. Paradise Beach and Serenity Beach allow swimming and also offer activities such as surfing lessons. 

The Pondicherry Botanical Garden, Pondicherry Museum and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart are some of the other tourist sites to visit here. Some good places to eat in Pondicherry are Villa Shanti, Frites corner, Cafe Xtasi, Gelateria Montecatini Terme and Canteen 18. Traditional South Indian seafood and vegetarian food are also a must to try here in addition to French cuisine.

Pondicherry is the perfect destination to enjoy a peaceful vacation with your family and friends. The best time to visit is from November to February when the weather is relatively pleasant.

Author’s Bio: Athul is from Our Backpack Tales, a blog focusing on budget travel. He loves travelling to less explored places with his wife Neethu, and they always travel light with their trusty backpack. They are pet lovers and foodies and dream of living in the mountains one day.

Cairo, Egypt

Recommended by Nicole of Go Far Grow Close

One of the cheapest places that you can visit post-pandemic is Cairo, Egypt. Beyond the cost, it is simply one of the most chaotic, beautiful, fascinating and exhilarating places that you could ever visit. 

I would recommend against exploring Cairo on your own. This is a city that is overflowing with people. There is such a shortage of housing that hundreds of people have moved into the City of the Dead, a magnificent cemetery only 25 minutes from the airport.

 In addition, traffic is nuts with cars, buses, people, and animals weaving in and out of the road. In fact, it is best to sometimes keep your eyes closed as your driver makes his way through the city.

The good news is that tours can be exceptionally inexpensive if you do your research but are still led by licensed professional tour guides. On our first visit to Cairo, we only had a 10-hour layover. Instead of staying at the airport, we booked a Cairo layover tour and it was amazing!

We were picked up and dropped off from the airport for only $160 (a family of 5), had a licensed Egyptologist guide, and a driver. We went to the Pyramids, saw the Sphinx, and explored and shopped in Khan el-Khalili, a famous bazaar and souq in the historic center of Cairo. 

It was a truly amazing experience and I would have happily paid double for it.

For cheap quick food, try Felfela. This is a chain and the food was delicious and ridiculously cheap. You will also meet a ton of locals and end up having some lovely conversations.

Author’s Bio: Nicole is a mother of four teenagers/young adults. She has been to over 65 countries and her children to 45. They enjoy authentic travel, focusing on developing countries where local cultures are still very much alive.

Mumbai, India

Recommended by Jes from Tourist to Travellers

Mumbai the financial capital of India is a city that is going to be on every traveller’s list. Not only due to being one of the cheapest places to travel post-pandemic either! From historical monuments to museums to local delicacies to adventure or luxury activities, you name it & Mumbai has it.

Be it a weekend getaway with family or a quick stop on your India tour, Mumbai has something for every type of traveller. Though Mumbai holds a place in the world as a business centre, it isn’t as expensive as the likes of New York and London. Yes, there are many cheap/free things to do in Mumbai.

Things to do in Mumbai for Free:

1.      Take a walk along the Queen’s Necklace aka the Marine Drive. Watch the waves crash on the rocks and enjoy the warm glow of the sunset.

2.      When in Mumbai one cannot miss the street shopping at Colaba Causeway. One can find some rare gems here if one has the patience to spend a few hours shopping. Clothes, hair accessories, artistic or modern jewellery, belts, shoes, bags and much more can be shopped here.

Tip – You can haggle with the shopkeepers and quote your price. You will be surprised that you can find items worth 1-2 dollars in this market.

3.      Cycling in SOBO – Explore the old historic buildings of Churchgate and VT by cycling through the town. One point to note is that the city is always bustling with traffic and people so the best time to cycle would be early morning or late at night.

4.      Pay your respects at Haji Ali Dargah located in the middle of the Arabian Sea. It is one of the most prominent landmarks of Mumbai.

5.      If you are a history buff then you will love to explore the ruins of Vasai Fort. Surrounded by the sea, the fort is often flocked by visitors admiring the surroundings.

Places to Eat in Mumbai:

Mumbai is a foodie’s paradise. The city offers a rich culinary experience by offering a variety of cuisines such as Gujarati, Marathi, South India, Muslim, Parsi food, etc.

Britannia & Company is one of the oldest eateries in Churchgate known for its mouth-watering Parsi food. Do not forget to try the Berry Pulao here.

B. Mervans & Company at Grant Road is also one of the oldest Iranian bakeries in Mumbai that offers delicious mawa cakes, mawa samosas, and pudding.

Tattoo Studio in Churchgate:

One can opt to get an amazing tattoo at Ace Tattooz & Art Studio located in Colaba, Churchgate.

Author’s Bio: Jes is a finance professional living in Mumbai, India. When she is not hustling in the finance field, you will see her planning a trip. An adventurous person at heart, her blog is an attempt to help people plan their trips on a budget.

Prague, Czech Republic

Recommended by David from Delve into Europe

Prague is one of the best cities to visit in Europe at any time, and as we can start to travel again, it’s also one of the best and cheapest places to visit post-pandemic.

Before the pandemic, Prague had become heavily over-touristed, with prices rising in many places to capitalize on this. Visitors from the US and some European countries have started to trickle back, but it’s nowhere near as crowded as it was when everything first shut down in March 2020. There also used to be an unofficial two-tier pricing system in some places with local and tourist rates. Now, as many of the tourists are locals themselves – or from elsewhere in the Czech Republic – many prices have dropped, so it’s a good time to visit Prague if you’re hoping to cut costs.

If you love architecture, art, beauty, history, literature, coffee – not to mention beer – you should seriously consider coming to Prague. Most of the main sights are in a small area on either side of the Vltava River, with the stunning Charles Bridge top of most people’s list. The 14th-century bridge links the Old Town (Stare Mesto) with the Lesser Quarter (Mala Strana). The bridge is lined with Baroque statues from the 17th and 18th centuries, and the view towards either end, with the skyline of domes, towers, and spires, is incredible.

The Old Town is best known for the Old Town Square, where you’ll find the famous Prague Astronomical Clock at the base of the Old Town Hall Tower, which you can climb for breathtaking views over the city. One of the most beautiful churches in Prague,  Our Lady Before Tyn,  is on the other side of the Square and looks like something out of a fairytale. It’s a few minutes walk from there to Josefov, the historic Jewish quarter, and you can visit several synagogues and the atmospheric Old Jewish Cemetery, where thousands of centuries-old wonky gravestones lie on top of several layers of earlier graves.

New Town Prague is close by, with Wenceslas Square, where huge crowds gathered during the Velvet Revolution in 1989 as the Communist government was finally overthrown. The New Town is also where you’ll find some of the best Prague nightlife – particularly along the riverbank (Naplavka) in the warmer months.  

Across the river, Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral dominate the city skyline. The Castle is supposedly the largest in the world, and it’s like a small town with several palaces, churches and the gorgeous Golden Lane, a row of former artisans’ cottages where, among others, the author Franz Kafka used to live. The area around it – Hradcany – has many wonderful quiet corners, especially around Novy Svet, one of the prettiest streets in Prague.

And then there’s the beer. There are several brands known internationally. Most notably Pilsner Urquell, Budvar (which you rarely see in Prague) and Staropramen (brewed in Smichov, Prague). Some of the best Czech beers aren’t as well-known outside the country. They include Gambrinus, Radegast, Hubertus, Branik and Kozel.  If you have time to spare, catch the 22 tram up the hill past the Castle to Břevnov Monastery. It has its own superb microbrewery, and Klášterni Šenk, one of the best restaurants in Prague.

Boquete, Panama

Recommended by Jose of The Cultural Portrait

Boquete, Panama is a mountain town with a population of 19,000 in the westernmost part of the country of Panama. It is one of the top tourist destinations in the country. It’s also one of the cheapest places to visit post-pandemic. Its exuberant cloud forests, stunning scenery, hiking trails and year-round pleasant climate attract international visitors of all ages from all over the world. It’s home to the world-famous Geisha coffee, the resplendent quetzal and Panama’s only active volcano. 

Being among the best places to visit in Central America, Boquete‘s a place any outdoor enthusiast would love. The best activities that it offers are river rafting, horseback riding, ziplining, hiking, bird-watching and coffee farm tours. Popular hikes are the Pipeline trail, the Cascadas Perdidas trail (where you can see three different waterfalls), the Sendero de Los Quetzales trail and the Barú Volcano hike. At the summit of the Barú Volcano, you can see both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean at the same time. And at the Sendero de Los Quetzales trail, is a bird-watcher’s dream as one can spot the world-famous resplendent quetzal bird. 

Mainly due to American immigrants in the town, there are a lot of accommodation options for every budget, and cheap dining options as well. You could rent an apartment for around $350 per month, and a meal for two is around 8$ at El Sabrosón, the most authentically local place to eat in town.  

Panama earned second place in International Living’s 2021 list of top places to retire in the world. Of all the places in Panama, it’s Boquete that’s the most popular with retirees from abroad. They rave about the spectacular climate, natural surroundings and the money they save on medical bills. Overall, Boquete is lovely for both young and old, and it’s definitely worth visiting.

Author’s Bio: Jose is a travel blogger based in Panama City. He holds a B.A. from the University of Louisville and his biggest passion in life is loving Jesus above everything else.

Naxos, Greece

Recommended by Chrysoula of Greece Travel Ideas

The Greek island of Naxos is the biggest in the Cyclades islands and one of the most interesting with rugged mountains, sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, picturesque villages, and a lot of historical sites. 

Naxos is a great choice for families as there are a lot of family-friendly activities, couples who want to unwind for a couple of days, and a group of friends who want to spend some time together enjoying the sun and sea.

Chora, the island’s main town and port is a must-see with the Temple of Apollo, also known as Portara standing at the entrance of the port. the old castle with winding alleyways, the museums,  St. George beach, and the big variety of quality restaurants and bars.

 Naxos is also home to some of the best beaches in Greece. Including Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna Beach, Hawaii Beach, and Plaka Beach. As a mountainous island, Naxos also has some incredible villages like Apiranthos and Chalki and great hiking routes, including Mount Zas and the Zas Cave. 

Finally, on the island, there are many historical sites including the 14th-century BC  temple of Dionysos at Iria, the 3rd-century BC temple of Demeter, the big marble statues of Kouroi at Melanes, and Apollonas, several Venetian towers scattered around the island and the 6th-century paleochristian church of Panagia Drosiani.

 The food in Naxos is very tasty. One of the best restaurants to eat traditionally is Taverna O Vassilis in Melanes Village.  Getting to Naxos is easy, you can either take the plane from Athens (40 minutes) or the ferry (4 hours and 20 minutes). Naxos is also very well connected with the nearby islands of Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini. 

Author’s Bio: Chrysoula is a travel blogger born and raised in Athens, Greece. She has a professional background in Tourism and Marketing. Through the pages of Greece Travel Ideas, she wants to help visitors make the most of their trip to Greece and introduce them to Greek culture and traditions.

Southern Italy

Recommended by Dymphe of Dymabroad

One of the cheapest places to visit post-pandemic is Southern Italy. Compared to other parts of Italy and Europe, accommodation in this region is much more affordable.

 Furthermore, many different places are affordable and have something to offer. This makes Southern Italy great to visit for everyone! One of the most notable cities in this part of Italy is Naples. 

This is a great place if you want to have a very authentic experience of Italy. When you stay here, you can experience local life in Italy. Furthermore, there are many historic sights and museums. 

A great place to eat is the famous pizza place L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele. It only serves two types of delicious pizza and these are very affordable as well. Another great thing to do when you are in Naples is going to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. 

Pompeii was a city in the Roman Empire that was buried under ash from the volcano Vesuvius. Another place in Southern Italy that is worth visiting is Palermo, the capital of Sicily. You find here many historic buildings and other structures that are lovely to see.

 For example, the Cattedrale di Palermo is worth visiting and the Norman Palace is amazing as well. 

Some other places in Southern Italy that are worth visiting post-pandemic are Catania, Bari, and Sorrento.

Author’s bio: Dymphe is the owner of Dymabroad. She is a content creator who wants to help you with all your travels.

Turkey

Recommended by Michelle Moyer of Moyer Memoirs

Turkey is an incredibly cheap travel destination to visit post-pandemic with many sites to see.  It is typically underrated by those who are not familiar with all of its treasures.  Travellers who love history, hiking, nature, geologic formations, or adventure will fall in love with this country. There is so much to enjoy.

The main tourist season in Turkey is July and August, the hottest time of the year.  Choosing to book a vacation right before or right after those peak months will not only result in smaller tourist crowds but cheaper rates for hotels and tours.

Most of Turkey is located in Asia, in particular, the Middle East, so Middle Eastern culture is popular throughout the country.  There are always several beautifully decorated mosques with minarets echoing the call to prayer throughout each Turkish city.  Turkish folk dance, belly dancing and Whirling Dervish shows are common entertainment put on each night for tourists to enjoy.

Shopping is something to put on your Turkey itinerary, while perhaps even buying an extra suitcase for all of your Turkish souvenirs!  Prices in the country are so low you won’t be able to resist.  Turkey produces leather goods and knock-offs so you will find them at shops in each town. If there isn’t one on the shelf that you fall in love with, the shop owner will take you into the back room to see a larger selection.  Other popular Turkish souvenirs are mosaic lamps, Turkish rugs, ceramics and pottery.

Istanbul is the typical starting point for a Turkey itinerary. Most international flights land there in the largest and most populated city.  The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar are just some of the sights you should see in Istanbul before you venture to the rest of Turkey.  It is easy to travel to different cities and towns around Turkey to sightsee because domestic airline tickets are so cheap.  A ticket from one city to the next ranges from $10 – $20 dollars. It is very convenient and can save you a 10-hour drive across the country.  

Cappadocia is a region in the Anatolia area of Turkey.  It is the hot air balloon capital of the world with hundreds of flights each day at sunrise.  This is the perfect way to start your vacation in Turkey as you glide over Cappadocia in the early morning.  Cappadocia is full of unique geologic formations due to a volcanic eruption centuries ago.  The formations called fairy chimneys shoot straight up from the barren ground, and are capped with black mushroom caps. 

Civilizations carved caves, churches, and even spectacular underground cities into the landscape left behind by the volcano.  Even today, there are cave hotels, restaurant caves, and even residents living in dwellings made from the cut-out rocks in Cappadocia.  The best place to stay in Cappadocia is a cave hotel right in the center of the town of Goreme. Here you can go to the rooftop at sunrise and watch the spectacle of the hot air balloon on the horizon each morning.

Author’s Bio: Michelle Moyer of Moyer Memoirs is a recent empty-nest traveller from Ohio. She loves helping others experience the world on trips they didn’t think were possible.  With her newfound freedom, she now has more time to write detailed hints and advice in her travel blog. This way others who will follow in her footsteps to destinations unknown and can reap the knowledge of someone who has been there.  Never Stop Exploring!

Quito, Ecuador

Recommended by Sydney Richardson of A World in Reach

One of the best and cheapest places to visit post-pandemic in the Americas is Quito, Ecuador. The city is full of historic sights, delicious food, and gorgeous scenery. All of which can be experienced on a budget. Ecuador’s official currency is the US Dollar. This makes it super easy to budget your expenses if you’re visiting from the States.

Many of the best things to do in Quito are either free or pretty cheap. Walking around the Historic Old Town is a must. The area is full of gorgeous churches and cathedrals, plazas, and museums. Many of the churches, including the Basílica del Voto Nacional and the La Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, can be toured for a nominal admission charge. Another thing you shouldn’t miss when visiting Quito is a trip on the TelefériQo, a gondola that takes you up to the Cruz Loma lookout on the side of Pichincha Volcano. With an admission price of $8.50 for foreigners, this is one of the more expensive attractions in Quito; however, it’s worth the price for the sweeping views of the city. Make sure to visit on a clear morning for the best views.

There are tons of local restaurants in Quito where you can find cheap, authentic meals. One of the best places to eat is Mercado Central. Here, you’ll find stalls selling all kinds of local specialties. You can easily get a multi-course meal here for around $3-4.

Several different hostels in Quito are perfect for budget travellers. One of the city’s best, Community Hostel, is located in Quito’s Historic Old Town. The hostel also offers several tours of Quito and the surrounding area. Including a free walking tour of the historic center and a cheap day trip to Mitad del Mundo. Getting around the city is also super affordable. Taxis around town are generally around $2-5 depending on the distance covered (make sure the driver turns on the meter). City bus fares are just 25 cents per person.

Author’s Bio: After falling in love with travelling the world while studying abroad in college, Sydney started A World in Reach to inspire other students to see the world while minimizing their expenses and maximizing their experiences.

Vietnam

Recommended by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler

Vietnam is one of the cheapest countries you can visit post-pandemic and also one of the most culturally rich locales. The country boasts bustling cities, like Ho Chi Minh City to the south, Hanoi to the north, and Da Nang in the center of the country. With breathtakingly beautiful natural landscapes throughout. 

If it’s culinary delights you’re after, checking out Vietnamese city life is a must- the streets are buzzing with vendors peddling impossibly fresh fruits and tao pho (a sweet dessert made of silken tofu and ginger syrup) and street stalls dishing up steaming bowls of pho or overflowing banh mi. 

Best of all? Most of these delicious treats can be snagged for less than 1 USD apiece. If instead, you’re looking to get out in nature, Vietnam has endless options. From the turquoise waters of Ha Long Bay, the lush rice terraces of Sapa, or the rolling dunes of Mui Ne. There’s something to satisfy all of your outdoorsy cravings. And because the price point in the country is so affordable, you’ll likely be able to partake in nicer tours or participate in more guided activities to more deeply explore these places than you would in other destinations. Vietnam is a land of many dichotomies. Brimming with chaotic scooters zooming in every direction and, yet, also, serene unparalleled beauty; modern skyscrapers next to centuries-old temples. It’s the perfect place to reignite your wanderlust- all while keeping your savings account intact.

Author’s Bio: Jessica Schmit is a full-time corporate attorney by day and travel blogger by night. Focusing on adventure travel on a budget. She enjoys finding off-beat adventures, a good deal, and the best craft beer a city has to offer. Before COVID, she spent a lot of her time exploring international destinations. Recently she’s taken to exploring her home of the Pacific Northwest with her husband in their little teardrop travel trailer. 

Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Recommended by Victoria of Guide Your Travel

Yogyakarta is one of the most underrated cities in Indonesia and one of the cheapest places to visit post-pandemic. It’s a city known for its artists and incredible culture. Most tourists only spend one night here to see the famous Borobudur Temple but there is so much more to see and do in Yogyakarta.

 You’ll love the colonial architecture that can be seen in the heart of the city. The historic Fort Vredeburg is a great place to visit on a sunny afternoon. It includes a small museum and the entrance fee is only 2€ per person.

Yogyakarta is a very affordable city and you won’t have any trouble finding a meal for only around 1€. The street food is fantastic here. There are many local delicacies you need to try such as satay skewers or spring rolls. Visit the popular royal place or one of Yogyakrt’s night markets to get to know the local nightlife.

While alcohol is hard to come by in this predominantly Muslim city the streets are alive at night with university students enjoying the cool evenings. Street markets can go on for well past midnight. There are many fun activities such as driving neon light-up cars or exploring artists’ neighbourhoods. 

Author’s Bio: Victoria is a travel blogger and freelance writer for Guide your Travel. This blog focuses on South East Asia and European content for budget travellers. As well as advice on how to start your own travel blog.

Spain

Recommended by Sara of Mindful Travel by Sara

More than a year after the devastating waves of the pandemic, reports find that more than 225 million jobs were lost worldwide in 2020. After months of pandemic-induced strain, it’s finally time to heal.

Thinking about where to go on a budget? Look no more! Here are 5 top reasons why Spain is one of the cheapest places to visit post-pandemic.

1.   Live with a local family

Sometimes cheaper means more authentic. When in Spain, head to a Hostal or Casa Rural, family-run accommodations with shared bathrooms that allow you to live with a local family and soak up the authentic Spanish way of life.

2.   Eat well for less

What we love about Spain is that you can feast for less than 20 € per person. Spanish love for small plates, ponchos, and tapas is renowned all over the world. Ordering these delicacies will only cost you around 2-5 € a plate.

3.   Visit world-class museums for free

Spain is home to some of the most important history and art museums of the world. Many of them are free or offer special discounts during specific days of the week.

4.   Join free walking tours

Mother Nature is still in charge in Spain. You can enjoy a fun day at the beach in Barcelona or join one of the many free walking tours. These are organized throughout the country held by passionate locals.

5.   Transport is cheap and easy

Most Spanish cities have an excellent public transport network, and if you’re visiting for a few days, you can purchase a multi-ride ticket.

Author’s Bio: Sara is a passionate traveller with a mission: Help you plan your next trip easily and enjoy it to the fullest. On Mindful Travels by Sara, you will find everything you need to get inspired and organize your next adventure.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Recommended by Corritta of Itz a Family Thing

One of the cheapest places to visit post-pandemic is Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. This beach town is one of the best destinations for families, backpackers, or digital nomads. 

I know you may think this is a touristy place, but there is so much to do for everyone, especially water lovers. The best time to visit is during the off-season, which runs from September to mid-November. 

Playa Del Carmen is centrally located to some of the best places to take short or long trips to places such as Bacalar, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Valladolid, Merida, and Tulum. You can take a bus nearly anywhere for a cheap price.

There is so much to do in Playa Del Carmen, especially if you like to forgo tours and explore independently. You can take a trip to Chichen Itza, explore Mayan villages, snorkel, scuba dive, and check out the numerous cenotes around the Yucatan Peninsula.

The best thing to do in Playa Del Carmen is to explore the cenotes. There are countless cenotes in the area, but the most popular cenotes are Cenote Azul, Cenote Ik Kil, Multum-Ha, and my favourite Tamchach-Ha. 

As if that wasn’t enough, the local food in Playa Del Carmen is phenomenal at a reasonable price. There are street vendors with tacos, tortas, smoothies, cocoa drinks, and so much more. You can eat for less than $7 a day in Playa Del Carmen. 

For all the natural beauty that Playa Del Carmen has to offer; the true crown jewel is the people. Take some time to get to know some of the locals in the area. The people are willing to talk to you as long as you take the time to interact and ask questions. 

The best way to save money in Playa Del Carmen is to avoid the tourist’ areas. Do not buy anything on 5th Ave. everything is marked up significantly. You can buy everything you need a Chedreui or local stores along Benito Juarez Ave. 

Also, be sure to take time to bike around Centro and see the street art. Street art is one of my favourite things about Playa Del Carmen.

Author’s Bio: Corritta is the founder of the family travel blog, Itz a Family Thing. This blog was inspired by their family gap year. They sold everything and jumped into full-time travel with a baby. Her blog helps families make travelling with their little ones easier and proves that travel isn’t just for backpackers.

Korcula, Croatia

Recommended by Jenson of Nomadic Inscriptions

As you can tell from the amazing recommendations made by all these travel experts there are a lot of countries that list among the cheapest places to visit post-pandemic. If I were only able to recommend one, my choice would be Croatia.

Although Croatia is one of the smaller countries that I have visited I was amazed by how much variety there was to the scenery and places you could encounter. One minute you might be driving through a luscious green forest, the next bare mountains reaching for the clouds, plains as far as the eye can see, or flourishing coastal towns and cities brought alive with the souls of both locals and travellers. The heartbeat of a country is found in the laughs of locals mingling with travellers, the crashing of the waves upon the shore, the squishing of grapes to make wine, and the clinking of glasses as people shout, “Živjeli”.

All over the country, you can find cheap places to stay with an incredible hostel, private apartments, and Airbnb scenes spread all across the country. Ranging from Chillout Hostel in Zagreb to Hurricane Hostel in Split, to Dragan’s Den in Korcula and so many others the options are almost endless. The average price per night for a bed, in most places, is around 15 to 25 euros. Sometimes with post-pandemic pricing dropping down to 9 euros a night in some places.

The island of Korcula is a gorgeous little island that boasts of being the birthplace of Marco Polo. Also as one of the places in the country with the best wines and vineyards.  Whether you’re directly in the old town Korcula or exploring the countryside and various villages, you can easily find a huge meal. Usually for less than 200 Kuna (26 Euro or 32 USD) including a few drinks. Depending on where exactly you are it could even be a lot cheaper.

Not only does Korcula have a lot of cheap activities, but it is also a fairly cheap launching point to be able to go to numerous other islands. Such as Hvar and the national park Mljet. Also some coastal cities and regions, such as Dubrovnik and Split. The largest price I saw with the catamaran was from the town of Korcula to Split at 150 Kuna (20 Euros or 24 USD). The ferry from Vela Luka to Split being only 60 Kuna (8 Euro or 9.5 USD).

If you are looking to get a tattoo to memorialize your trip go to Lobster Tattoo in Split. It has two amazing artists who specialize in the traditional style. The owner George is also well-versed in doing traditional Croatian tattoos. If these aren’t your style Tattoo Rroom in Zagreb specializes in gorgeous Micro-Realism.

The key to saving money in Croatia is the same as anywhere. Avoiding spending a lot in tourist areas, eat where the locals would, and staying in hostels will help you keep costs down. You do this and you can stay here even longer.

Author’s Bio: Jenson is a traveller, nomad, and tattoo enthusiast. He won’t rest until the lives of the nomadically inscribed are shown in their full glory. Where they come from, who they are and what makes their culture and art truly unique. Life’s too short not to see everything we can. That’s why here at Nomadic Inscriptions, we travel the world to bring you into the world of travel and delve into tattooing’s various traditions.