In recent years, traveling has become more expensive in most of the world. But that doesn’t mean you need to keep your wanderlust on hold. With these amazing cheap vacation ideas, you’ll learn how to live amazing experiences without spending a fortune.
From the breathtaking national parks of the USA to the magnificent castles in Europe and the enchanting islands of Southeast Asia, the world is filled with countless cheap vacation destinations. Some of them may not be the typical tourist hotspots like Paris, Rome, or Tokyo, or all-inclusive resorts on a Caribbean island. But they are unique and affordable!
In many of these places, you can also engage in a work exchange to further reduce the costs of your vacation. Through this platform, you can work in exchange for your accommodation and other benefits, such as meals and tours. That way, you’ll save money and have an enriching experience. Work exchanges are perfect for those who want to learn, grow, meet new people, and explore off the beaten path during their holiday.
We’ve compiled a list of 10 amazing cheap vacation ideas for you to consider:
1. Go Hiking and Camping in a USA National Park
The USA is home to numerous stunning national parks, offering a wealth of natural beauty to explore. This is a great option for a cheap family vacation, as you can travel in an RV or campervan, or pack tents. There are also various official lodging options available. And if you do a work exchange, you can enjoy nature for free while learning new skills. Some volunteer opportunities near popular national parks include working as a gardener in a California camping site or helping maintain cabins and guesthouses in Maine.
2. Island-Hop in Southeast Asia
If you’re looking for cheap vacation ideas for couples, the islands of Southeast Asia are a paradise. In countries like Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, there are countless stunning islands to visit. And the good news is that everything is relatively inexpensive in this region, allowing you to save money. You can even book nice hotels and enjoy fancy meals at a fraction of the cost in many other countries. Consider volunteering to make your trip even more memorable and meet other like-minded travelers. Some volunteer opportunities in Southeast Asia include promoting parties in a hostel in Thailand, teaching English in Vietnam, and helping out in a home stay in Malaysia.
3. Visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco
The Sahara Desert is one of the most mysterious and alluring places on Earth, covering much of Northern Africa. Morocco, located on the western edge of the desert, is a popular tourist destination where you can easily visit the golden sand dunes of the Sahara. There are indeed work exchange opportunities in the Sahara Desert. If you’re looking to save money and get to know the Moroccan locals, you can volunteer at places like experiencing the charm of the desert in Mhamid or helping a family recover their house near the Sahara Desert.
4. Volunteer with Animals in Central or South America
For animal lovers who want to give back and have a heartwarming experience, volunteering at an animal shelter or sanctuary is a wonderful choice. There are numerous volunteer opportunities around the world to help animals, especially in Central and South America, where there is a diverse range of wildlife. Whether you visit Peru, Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, or Colombia, you can volunteer with animals and make a real difference. Some examples include learning Spanish while helping rescued dogs in Ecuador, assisting animals and learning about sustainable farm-living in Mexico, and volunteering at a zoo in Peru.
5. Have a Staycation in Your Home Country
Don’t overlook the fun that can be had right in your own home country. It’s common to desire to travel far for a vacation, but sometimes the best adventures are right at your doorstep. If you’re short on funds, a staycation can be a convenient and affordable option. You can find a nice Airbnb near your hometown, stay at a friend’s house in a different town, or explore a different area within your own country. A staycation is also a great choice for a cheap family vacation, as you don’t have to worry about the logistics of traveling with kids across the world.
6. Visit Machu Picchu in Peru
One of the best cheap vacation ideas is to visit Peru and explore Machu Picchu. This world-famous Incan village perched on a majestic mountain is not only fascinating but also surprisingly affordable to visit. You can choose to trek to the mountain or take the train. Peru is an affordable country overall, and you can combine a visit to Machu Picchu with a stay in Cusco and explore other nearby historic sights and mountains. To save even more money, consider doing a work exchange in Cusco or Machu Picchu, such as sharing your dev and WordPress skills with a tourist company in Cusco or helping out a hostel in Machu Picchu with light housekeeping.
7. Tour Castles in Transylvania, Romania
Another great cheap vacation idea is to visit Transylvania, a beautiful and historic region in Central Romania. Known for being the home of “Dracula’s Castle,” this region is full of charming villages and friendly locals. Romania is not a highly touristy European country like France or Italy, so locals are generally welcoming to travelers. You can explore the castles, enjoy hearty Romanian food, and have a unique cultural experience. And if you want to add some extra fun, consider volunteering in a hostel in Transylvanian towns like entertaining guests and helping with daily tasks in Brasov or supporting a children’s home in Cisnădie.
8. Volunteer with a Community Project in Africa
Africa is a continent full of diverse landscapes, amazing wildlife, and warm people. Visiting many countries in Africa can be budget-friendly, although airfare may be expensive. Large parts of Africa are still unexplored, so the tourism industry is not as expensive as in other parts of the world. If you’re interested in experiencing Africa beyond the stereotypes, a work exchange is a great way to do so. nfcvb can help you connect with locals who are willing to offer accommodation in exchange for volunteer work. You can read reviews from other travelers and ask your hosts questions. This is also an amazing budget vacation idea for couples, as you can expand your life experiences together. nfcvb has over 500 work exchanges in Africa in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Algeria, Benin, Egypt, Ethiopia, Rwanda, South Africa, Ghana, and more. Some examples include supporting public schools in Tanzania with school materials, diving into the Ghanaian culture while sharing your social media skills, and helping with maintenance at an NGO in Cape Verde.
9. Stay at an Eco Lodge in Costa Rica
One of the highlights of Costa Rica is its unique nature and wildlife. To get up close and personal with the natural world, many travelers choose to stay at eco-lodges. There are numerous local businesses in the country that combine tourism with sustainability. If you want to save money on your vacation, you can do a work exchange at one of these eco-lodges. You can work for your accommodation in Costa Rica and have a magical experience. Some volunteer opportunities include helping on an organic farm in Costa Rica and learning about greenhouse and cultivations at a beautiful eco lodge.
10. Visit Beaches and Surf in Southern California
The last on our list of cheap vacation ideas is to enjoy the beaches of Southern California. With iconic beach towns like Malibu, San Diego, Laguna Beach, and Santa Monica, you can find paradise without leaving the USA. This is also one of the best budget family vacation ideas if you live in the USA. You don’t have to travel internationally and can book budget motels for the whole family. Or, you can choose to volunteer in the area. nfcvb was actually founded in San Diego, so there are many great opportunities there, such as being a receptionist or housekeeper at an International Hostel in San Diego or assisting a hostel with painting and decorating in Los Angeles.
See how many cheap vacation ideas there are for all types of travelers? Don’t waste time, sign up to nfcvb and apply to as many hosts as you want!