Here’s the good news: summer’s right around the corner and COVID-19 restrictions are practically a thing of the past. The bad news: now it’s inflation putting a damper on those travel plans. Never fear: we’ve got ways to beat it with the best and cheapest summer adventures in this week’s Five For Friday.
#5: Vietnam
One of Asia’s fastest growing economies is also one of its cheapest, and because the dong is weak compared to the dollar, Americans in Vietnam have more purchasing power. For example, an amazing bowl of pho costs under two dollars and a highly rated villa in resort town Hoi An is a ridiculous $39 a night.
#4: Kyrgyzstan
Also shockingly cheap and super rugged, adventure travelers can use the inexpensive marshrutka bus system to access the country’s 88 mountain ranges and 40,000 rivers and streams. After accounting for the $1,200 Emirates flight, a backpacker could spend less than $600 over an entire summer month.
#3: Peru
YouTuber Fast Fred Ruddick claims his total spend for a 90-day stay cost him what one week at an all-inclusive resort would. Book a family-run guest house, hire a colectivo instead of a taxi, and consider skipping Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. I know, it’s on your bucket list but after the flight to Cusco, train to base town, Aguas Calientes, and all the “gotcha” fees, it’ll blow your budget.
#2: Tenerife
It sounds uber-fancy but the largest of the Canary Islands is now serviced by discount Icelandic airliner Play. Once there, skip the tunnel tours and cable cars for the beautiful free beaches and inexpensive cafes.
#1: India
If you can handle the summer heat, you’ll get by on three to six dollars daily for meals and eight dollars nightly for a local guest house stay. Getting there will be the priciest part. When fare surfing, use a private internet browser, as travel sites track you and jack up prices once they see your activity.
