6 Remote Corners of the World You Can Visit on a Student Budget
Do you still believe it’s going to cost you a small fortune to explore a new destination? Or think that the most popular tourist destinations are the best ones to visit?
In reality, you can travel on a backpacker budget for weeks, spending as much (or even less) as you would back home just living your daily life. And yes, places like Paris and Istanbul can quickly turn out to be a disappointment!
Here’s the best part about traveling as a student. You can take off for an adventure at virtually any time you want. Not even your homework can get in the way! You can always pay for essay at EssayPro to have those assignments taken care of. Once you do, you’re free to roam the mountains of Bolivia or explore Armenia for as long as you want!
You probably know all the hits for affordable travel destinations: countries like Mexico, Greece, and Nepal regularly make the list. But what about more off-the-beaten-path destinations? If that’s your jam, here are six of them that you should add to your bucket list!
1. Jamaica
Daily budget: $35-45 per person
If you’ve never been to the Caribbean, don’t waste your hard-earned money on Aruba or the Bahamas! Jamaica has sandy beaches, waterfalls, jungles, and lagoons that are no less astonishing. What’s more, Jamaica will sweep you off your feet with its music (it’s the birthplace of reggae, after all), arts scene, and cuisine!
Pro tip: if you fall in love with Caribbean life during the trip, you can always return here on one of the many student exchange programs available. Some are taught in English; others – in Spanish. Regardless, they are diverse enough for you to find the one that matches your aspirations.
5 must-do things in Jamaica:
- Go on a hike in the Portland parish;
- Dip in the fresh waters of the Blue Lagoon;
- Enjoy the Reach Falls waterfall;
- Take in the tropical scenery of the Frenchman’s Cove;
- Explore the history of Spanish Town.
2. Ecuador
Daily budget: $20-25 per person
Ecuador should be your next destination if you want to feel like an explorer in the wilderness. There, you’ll cross paths with animals, plants, and landscapes you’ve never seen before!
Ecuador is home to uncanny mountain valleys and rainforests to be experienced in person. But that’s not all. Ecuador is also a country of parades, the equator itself, and a warm climate. So, if you’re looking for a festive destination to spend a couple of weeks away from the cold weather, Ecuador is right there for you.
5 must-do things in Ecuador:
- Visit Isla de la Plata, also known as ‘Little Galápagos’ or ‘The Poor Man’s Galápagos’;
- Explore the highlands on a day trip from Cuenca, a city whose historic center is Unesco World Heritage Site;
- Stand on the equator next to the Museo Solar Inti Ñan;
- Hike the Avenue of Volcanoes and see lava coming out of a volcano at Baños;
- Spend an afternoon reveling under the sun on one of the country’s Pacific beaches.
3. Bolivia
Daily budget: $15-20 per person
If you’re the outdoorsy type, there’s no other place like Bolivia for you! From the Amazon rainforest to the high peaks of the Andes, this South American destination is where the adventurers thrive. And if you’re not the faintest of heart, Bolivia will win over your heart with what it has to offer the extreme sports lovers!
But the breathtaking nature and adrenalin aren’t the only things Bolivia has in stock for travelers. Strap in for parades, exquisite cuisine, and the exceptional lifestyle of mountain dwellers.
5 must-do things in Bolivia:
- Enjoy one of the dozens of parades taking place around the year;
- Explore the untouched beauty of the Amazon rainforests;
- Start on a hike in the Andes from La Paz;
- Take in the rich history of cities like Oruro, Sucre, and Potosi;
- Go for a walk on the Uyuni Salt Flats.
4. Armenia
Daily budget: $10-15 per person
This small country is tucked away in the Great Caucasus region, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. That makes for a unique mix of cultures, along with exhilarating mountain landscapes and the immense hospitality of locals. (Just don’t confuse it with the Colombian departmental capital of the same name!)
Like most other entries on this list, Armenia is still developing as an international touristic destination. That makes for the natural ambiance of the country: the streets aren’t as polished as in Paris or Rome, and the landscapes remain untouched, unlike the French Alps.
5 must-do things in Armenia:
- Explore the man-made Old Khndzoresk Cave Village;
- Walk in the Shikahogh State Reserve, many parts of which remain unexplored to this day;
- Stroll in the Hrazdan gorge in the country’s capital, Yerevan;
- Take in the view of Mount Aragats, a dormant volcano with sacred meaning for locals;
- Visit one of the countless medieval monasteries still standing in remote mountains.
5. Turkey
Daily budget: $10-15 per person
Alright, Turkey doesn’t usually qualify as a remote corner of the world; plenty of articles advise you to visit this country. But usually, they focus solely on Istanbul and neglect other parts of Turkey. Those remain hidden gems, so let’s make a case for visiting them.
Outside of Istanbul, this country has a lot to offer you. If you’ve never been to a Mediterranean beach, the whole south of Turkey is surrounded by its turquoise waters. If you’re more into sandy beaches, the country’s north is a gateway to the Black Sea. Finally, Turkey also has its fair share of stony mountain ranges.
5 must-do things in Turkey:
- Set your feet on the Lycian Way;
- Watch the sunset from the top of Mt. Nemrut;
- Explore the Neolithic sites and ponder the beginnings of the human civilization;
- Negotiate for a lower price at a Turkish bazaar;
- Take a walk around Ephesus, an ancient port town.
6. Indonesia
Daily budget: $15-20 per person
Indonesia is a country that spans more than 17,000 islands and brings together over 1,300 ethnic groups. That’s why you can go back to Indonesia time after time to immerse yourself into a radically new environment – and you’ll never run out of things to do.
If you feel like spending your time on a beach, Indonesia has you covered. If you’re into hiking, the islands have no shortage of mountain paths for you to explore. That’s not to mention all the temples, rice paddies, and rainforests waiting for you!
5 must-do things in Indonesia:
- Explore the island of volcanoes, Sumatra;
- Visit one of the massive Buddhist temples scattered around the country;
- Wander around the Lake Toba, which is located in the dormant volcano’s crater;
- Get to know the monkeys that populate the islands;
- Try surfing on the Kuta beach.
In Conclusion: 5 Things to Do Before Booking Your Flight
If you have your next destination figured out now, don’t be too quick to buy the first flight ticket you see online! A good (and affordable) trip is a well-prepared one. Here are five things you should do to make it so:
- Make sure you won’t be disturbed by your homework or classes abroad;
- Shop around for the best flight deals and be flexible about your departure and return dates;
- Book everything in advance (this goes for accommodation, any in-country transport tickets, etc.);
- Plan to stay abroad for as long as you can to make the most out of your flight ticket purchase;
- Check entry requirements; this goes both for the visa and current COVID-19 restrictions.
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