The World's Most Affordable Travel Destinations

Wherever you choose to travel, going to popular tourist attractions and major cities tends to add up to higher bills. And as we all know, the most expensive things aren't always the best, and cheaper things are sometimes infinitely more rewarding. Sure, expensive places like Paris and New York are always well worth the visit, but many popular tourists attractions are overcrowded and underwhelming. So why not save your money by going to a less pricy place? You'll probably find it less crowded and more culturally rewarding, which leads to a deeper experience and some great memories to take home with you.

Here are just a few of the best travel destinations that happen to be relatively cheap:

1. South America: There are several countries in South America that now rank among the greatest places in the world to visit, and they're also quite cheap. For example, Venezuela, Peru, and Ecuador all have beautiful coastlines, welcoming people, great food, and attractive natural landscapes for hikers.

2. Egypt: Egypt is a fascinating country with more than just Pyramids. Sure, the Pyramids are great, but there are also some fantastic cities and towns (including modern, cosmopolitan Alexandria and Cairo) in the country, and the majestic Nile River is something that everyone should see at least once.

3. Bulgaria: Bulgaria has become a little more expensive since joining the European Union in 2007, but the country is still relatively affordable. It's home to numerous beautiful small towns as well as an extensive Black Sea coastline that is full of sunny resorts and great beaches.

4. Mexico: Mexico has been plagued by drug-related crime in recent years, but this phenomenon is mainly confined to a few areas of the country, especially around the border regions. We must remember that Mexico is a large country and that the vast majority of its people have nothing to do with the drug trade. Mexican towns have a pleasantly relaxed pace that you just don't find north of the border. The beaches are among the best in the world, and the capital Mexico City is an exciting modern metropolis.

5. Poland: Although its economy has improved, Poland is still one of the cheapest places in Europe to visit. The country is full of picturesque towns and some of the prettiest countryside in the continent. Now is probably the best time to visit, as Poland is expected to adopt the Euro in the near future, which should raise many of its prices.

6. Laos: Laos has some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in southeast Asia, including lush forests dotted with historic temples, as well as some spectacular Mekong River waterfalls. The rest of Southeast Asia is also quite affordable and worth visiting.

7. India: It can cost a chunk of change to get to India, but once you're in the country everything is astoundingly cheap. Best of all, the country is full of cultural riches and an endless variety of incredible scenery and diverse culture. Start in any one of India's major travel hubs, and you can't go wrong.