I have a bucket list of places I'd love to visit at some point in my life. Most of them are in places that aren't so affordable for me to visit right now. Places include South Korea, Japan, India, Vietnam, and Thailand... but I would also love to be able to take my kids to see their father's homeland of South Africa. I did manage to cross off one place partially from my bucket list- the Alps- but I still want to see the Swiss Alps. Another bucket list place of mine is Venice, which I almost went to but Corona canceled it, but at least I was able to see "Venice of the North" when I went to Bruges. Yes, some bucket place items are expensive, but I've already managed to see one (or one and a half) on a budget. Here are some other bucket place destinations you might be able to visit affordably.
Bucket lists tend to be full of deluxe, desirable destinations. These are the ultimate vacation spots, the places you dream of packing up and visiting, at some point in your life. As a result, they are often the most expensive destinations to go to, which can make ticking them off the list a challenge.
But traveling to bucket list destinations doesn’t have to break the bank. The world is full of incredible places to explore, and for every Paris or Rome, there’s a Lisbon or Sofia. Stepping back and reevaluating your travel goals can take you to some truly spectacular alternatives, and give you the chance to explore dream locales on an affordable budget.
So before you worry about how much cruises from Tampa to the Caribbean will cost, or whether you can afford an overwater bungalow in the Maldives, have a look at a few alternative bucket list locations where you won’t have to max out your life savings!
Lisbon, Portugal
The picturesque capital of Portugal is an affordable European gem, a charming destination full of vibrant colors, historic architecture, beautiful cobbled streets…and a whole lot of hills! Its coastal location on the shores of the wild Atlantic Ocean adds a rough vitality to the exquisite palazzos and stunning neighborhoods of Alfama and Bairro Alto, not to mention the iconic Belem Tower. Enjoy fresh seafood and delicious custard tarts to the mournful strains of traditional fado music, for an inexpensive yet unbeatable city break.
Rayong, Thailand
For an affordable beach escape, head to Thailand and discover the gorgeous resort town of Rayong. Just a couple of hours from the bright lights and vibrant modernity of Bangkok, Rayong boasts all the amenities and attractions of the best luxury resort destinations but at a fraction of the price and with far smaller crowds. Street food throughout Thailand is delicious and inexpensive, and it is a fantastic place to combine rich history and amazing culture with some of the most amazing beaches in the world.
Budapest, Hungary
If you are looking for a vacation where you can pamper yourself to your heart’s content and focus on well-being and self-care, then consider Budapest, the capital of Hungary in Eastern Europe. This hidden gem is packed full of incredible thermal baths, usually in decadently beautiful historic surroundings. From the grand opulence of the Széchenyi Thermal Baths to the more boutique beauty of the Lukacs Baths, Budapest is an amazing place to relax, unwind, and enjoy naturally heated luxury at incredibly affordable prices. The rest of the city is something special too, from the eye-catching beauty of Buda Castle and the Fishermen’s Bastion to the edgy, cool ambiance of the ruin bars of Pest, and it is an amazing place to explore.
Mexico City, Mexico
If New York or Vancouver is too expensive, Mexico City is another North American metropolis with a rich history and a diverse and fascinating culture that is far more affordable. From its historic city center complete with cathedral, art galleries, and Aztec ruins, to the buzzing, trendy districts of Condesa and Roma, not to mention the gorgeous green expanse of Chapultepec Park, Mexico City is a wonderful place to visit. Don’t miss out on some of the best street food in the world, from tacos to tlayudas and everything in between.
Bucket list locations don’t have to cost the earth, and traveling to your dream destinations can be affordable if you explore beyond the mainstream options. By looking for interesting alternatives you can have an even more exciting experience without spending your life savings!
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| I really amuse myself with my choice of picture. Bucket list. Buckets. Destinations. A picture taken, maybe, in a place you'd be going to as your destination... for your bucket list... |
But traveling to bucket list destinations doesn’t have to break the bank. The world is full of incredible places to explore, and for every Paris or Rome, there’s a Lisbon or Sofia. Stepping back and reevaluating your travel goals can take you to some truly spectacular alternatives, and give you the chance to explore dream locales on an affordable budget.
So before you worry about how much cruises from Tampa to the Caribbean will cost, or whether you can afford an overwater bungalow in the Maldives, have a look at a few alternative bucket list locations where you won’t have to max out your life savings!
Lisbon, Portugal
The picturesque capital of Portugal is an affordable European gem, a charming destination full of vibrant colors, historic architecture, beautiful cobbled streets…and a whole lot of hills! Its coastal location on the shores of the wild Atlantic Ocean adds a rough vitality to the exquisite palazzos and stunning neighborhoods of Alfama and Bairro Alto, not to mention the iconic Belem Tower. Enjoy fresh seafood and delicious custard tarts to the mournful strains of traditional fado music, for an inexpensive yet unbeatable city break.
Rayong, Thailand
For an affordable beach escape, head to Thailand and discover the gorgeous resort town of Rayong. Just a couple of hours from the bright lights and vibrant modernity of Bangkok, Rayong boasts all the amenities and attractions of the best luxury resort destinations but at a fraction of the price and with far smaller crowds. Street food throughout Thailand is delicious and inexpensive, and it is a fantastic place to combine rich history and amazing culture with some of the most amazing beaches in the world.
Budapest, Hungary
If you are looking for a vacation where you can pamper yourself to your heart’s content and focus on well-being and self-care, then consider Budapest, the capital of Hungary in Eastern Europe. This hidden gem is packed full of incredible thermal baths, usually in decadently beautiful historic surroundings. From the grand opulence of the Széchenyi Thermal Baths to the more boutique beauty of the Lukacs Baths, Budapest is an amazing place to relax, unwind, and enjoy naturally heated luxury at incredibly affordable prices. The rest of the city is something special too, from the eye-catching beauty of Buda Castle and the Fishermen’s Bastion to the edgy, cool ambiance of the ruin bars of Pest, and it is an amazing place to explore.
Mexico City, Mexico
If New York or Vancouver is too expensive, Mexico City is another North American metropolis with a rich history and a diverse and fascinating culture that is far more affordable. From its historic city center complete with cathedral, art galleries, and Aztec ruins, to the buzzing, trendy districts of Condesa and Roma, not to mention the gorgeous green expanse of Chapultepec Park, Mexico City is a wonderful place to visit. Don’t miss out on some of the best street food in the world, from tacos to tlayudas and everything in between.
Bucket list locations don’t have to cost the earth, and traveling to your dream destinations can be affordable if you explore beyond the mainstream options. By looking for interesting alternatives you can have an even more exciting experience without spending your life savings!