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Jan

Aemin Tahir
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7 Best Places to Travel in December on a Budget.

 

Yes, it is December. As magical December approaches, the world prepares for the festival season. With the school holidays and breaks from work, you may be thinking of planning a vacation with your loved one. For those who have a passion for exploring new places on a tight budget, we have listed “7 Best Places to Travel in December on a Budget.”
In this article, you can uncover things to do, prices, Food, accommodation, transportation, and tips to enhance your journey. So why should we wait? Let’s jump in.

 

 

You can find in this Article.

 

01. Loas

02.Cambodia

03.Philippines.

04.Cape town

05.Costa Rica

06.Thailand

07.Jamaica

 

Best Cheap places to visit in December.

 

 

  • Laos

Rice filed in Loas

Do you know the cheapest destinations to travel in December? it is Laos. Also known as land of millions of elephants. Again, it is an agricultural land and the main religion is BuddhismLaos has no beautiful beaches like Thailand or historic temples like Sri Lanka. But it offers many beautiful scenes and ethnic villages. 

Moreover, there are also a lot of hidden gems and spectacular waterfalls in Laos. You can witness national monuments and traditional architecture in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos.

There’s a common thing between Laos and Thailand. Its language! They speak the same set of vocabulary. So, if you speak Thai, you can converse with people in Laos.  The perfect season to travel to Laos is December because the dry season starts in November and ends in March. 

Let’s check out a few significant facilities in Laos that will help you understand why Laos can be considered as best place to travel on a Budget in December

 

 

Accommodation 

You can easily find $12 per night in accommodations on a budget. If you wish for a more comfortable room, you can find a hotel room for $25 to $30.

 

 

Food 

Regarding food, you can expect to spend $1 to $5 per meal. But if you eat at a mid-range restaurant, it will cost you around $5 to $10. 

Moreover, prices range from $20 to $50, if you can afford high-end restaurants. Laos is a lot cheaper than other countries in Asia. 

 

 

Travelling

  • Laos is still an underdeveloped country. So, the transportation network needs to be developed compared to other countries. As a result, you may have to spend more money on moving places in Laos. 
  • Moreover, there are several transportation methods for tourists. For instance, long-distance buses, trains, TukTuk, and boats. 
  • Lastly, half of the Laos landscape is covered with rocks. Using a boat as a transport option would be an excellent choice. 

 

 

Several Things to Do in Laos

You have plenty of things to do with a limited budget in Laos. Besides, there are the least crowded places to visit in December. Let’s check out some of them below. 

 

  • Explore many places for free and with an entrance fee.
  • You will not believe your eyes at Kuang Si Falls. The entrance fee is $3 to see this breathtaking scenery.
  • Visit the magical villages of Laos. For example, in Vang Vieng and Non-Kiao villages, there is scenery and many outdoor activities. 
  • Enjoy hot air balloon rides. Its cost ranges from $30 to $60 for 30 minutes.
  • Get the experience with rescue elephants at the price of $50. 
  • It would help if you visited the Kong Lor cave. It is 4 miles long, and you can hire a boat to explore it.
  • Don’t forget to visit “Plane of Jars.” It’s a world heritage site in Laos. 

 

 

 

2. Cambodia

Angkor Wat in cambodia

Cambodia is a beautiful yet underrated tourist destination in Southeast Asia and, it is the cheapest locations to travel internationally. Therefore, many backpackers and budget travelers choose this destination for their long journeys.

 

The central city of Cambodia is Phnom Penh. Just like Laos, its main religion is Buddhism, and there are a lot of historic temples to visit during your stay. After a dark history of mass genocide happened from 1973 to 1975, Cambodia is now the safest and most peaceful place to travel.

 

Furthermore, the temperature remains between 30°C and 35°C throughout the year. So be prepared to get sweaty.

The good news is that dollars are accepted in most local transactions, and you may get Cambodian Riel as a balance of your money.  

 

 

 

Accommodation

On average, an excellent accommodation facility will cost you around $15. If you get a private hostel room, it ranges from$10-$15 per night. Lastly, you can get a hotel room for $15-$20.

 

 

Food

Get a taste of street food for around $1 to $5. But a mid-range restaurant will cost you between $20 and $30. Furthermore, domestic beer costs $2, and a coconut shake is just $1. Isn’t it the best place to travel in December with limited budget?

 

Travel 

Transportation is so easy and budget-friendly. You can ride on a Tuktuk for $1 to $5. In addition, the price depends on the distance. Plus, you can also rent bicycles for $2 per day. 

 

Major Visiting Places in Cambodia

 

There are many least crowded places to visit in December .Let’s have a look at a few locations listed below.

 

  • Visit the Royal Palace of Cambodia. It consists of spectacular buildings. One of the buildings called the Silver Pagoda, is a unique attraction. It is covered with 5 tons of silver. The entry fee would be only $10 without a guide. 
  • Then you can visit the National Museum within walking distance from the Royal Palace. The entry fee would range from $5 to $10.
  • You can witness genocide happening in Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum for $5. Also, it is pretty graphic, so you can avoid it if you are highly sensitive.
  • Witness the breathtaking architecture of Angkor Wat. The entry fee is $37 per pass.

 

 

 

 

3. Philippines.

Rice field in Philippines.

Do you want the best affordable place to travel in December? A country comprising 7,000 islands? Get to the Philippines! Its capital city is Manila. The Philippines is a beautiful country with lovely beaches and waterfalls that may amaze you.

 

Traveling to the Philippines is affordable compared to a country like Thailand. It’s one of the most affordable countries for tourists.  March is the best time to travel there. During March, the temperature remains at 75F to 88F. It’s the best weather time in the Philippines for tourists.

 

The most important thing is that you should carry cash while traveling. In most places, people accept cash only. There are only a few ATM machines within the country. So a Debit or Credit card will not be so helpful to you.

 

Moreover, the locals are friendly. You may find it easier to communicate with them as they also speak English very well.

 

 

 

Food

One thing you can get a lot of in the Philippines is coconut. It is the largest coconut exporter in the world. 

There are delicious Cuisines available in the Philippines. The types of food vary based on location and your preference.

Plus, the cost is also variable. But on average, you may spend $16 for your meals. Lastly, the breakfast will cost you the least.

 

 

Travel 

  • You can use flights to travel from one island to another. It’s affordable. But make sure your luggage is balanced. Otherwise, you might have to pay extra charges at the airports. 
  • If you have decided not to use flights to roam around the Philippines, then transportation will cost you $30 on average.
  • You can use Ferri to travel to various islands in the Philippines. The cost would be on average, $6–$8. 
  • Besides, motorbikes, or tuk-tuks, are the most common vehicles in the Philippines. which cost you around $15–20. But the cost is dependent on the distance.
  • Furthermore, there are options to share rides in taxis because of the expensive cost of taxi rides. Again, you can travel on public buses. It’s called a jeepney. It will cost you around $2–$10.

 

 

Accommodation 

Usually, the hotels will charge you around $10 to $12. But a mid-range hotel with excellent facilities will charge you around $20 to $30.

 

 

Outdoor Activities to Do in the Philippines 

You can enjoy many outdoor activities on a budget. It’s also one of the reasons why the Philippines is the best choice among budget travelers.

Let’s look at some fantastic outdoor activities that will create beautiful memories to cherish.

 

  • For $6, you can enjoy riding a motorbike around the island.
  • Remember to visit the mesmerizing Buccana Beach.
  • Another exciting tourist spot is Nacpan Beach. It’s well known for its fantastic sunset views.
  • Hire a boat and visit Sohoton Cove. It will cost you anything between $45 and $60.
  • Enjoy the Siargao rope swing for less than $1 per person.
  • Witness wondering Inambakan Falls for a $0.90 entry fee.
  • Get three island tours in Siardao.

 

 

 

 

4. Cape town.

Mountain range in Cape town 

Cape town is the capital of South Africa. Especially if you are coming from the USA or Europe, it’s an affordable place to visit. Cape town is surrounded by a table of mountains and beautiful beaches. The jaw-dropping table mountain range, breathtaking scenery, and sunny beaches will win your heart. There are top restaurants where you can taste delicious food. 

You can visit Cape Town in December because it is the summer season. During this period weather is suitable to visit and enjoy Cape Town. 

There is a Penguin Colony on Boulders Beach. It’s the only place to witness African penguins. 

There’s no negative part of Capetown except that sometimes it gets a power cut problem. 

 

 

Accommodation

If you want to stay in a nice hotel with good facilities, you may spend $30-$50. It’s competitively low compared to hotels in Europe and the USA. 

 

 

Travel 

  • When you rent a vehicle, you need to deposit your ID  and The petrol and diesel prices are between $1 – $2.  
  • Hiring a car costs around $27 per day. Moreover, there are sightseen bus available to travel around with a cost of  $12 to $15 a day.
  • Again, cable cars facilities available to ride up the mountain for $17 to $21.

 

 

Food

You can dine in a nice restaurant with a price range of $3 to $20 per person, depending on your choice.

 

 

SIM

If you need a SIM card, you can get one quickly in Cape town. It will range from $9 to $50, depending on the data or GB you select. Lastly, the basics start with 2GB for $9.

 

 

Enjoyable Things to do in Capetown

There are many outdoor activities to do in Cape town with friends and family. In fact below activities would be cost you less that $3.

 

  • Walking Tours Of The City, 
  • Experience Green Point Park, 
  • Hiking, 
  • Enjoy a beach day, 
  • Swim in a Tidal pool, &
  • Visit Penguins at Boulder Beach.

Moreover, you can have fun at Kawasan Canyoneering. Its entrance and guided fee are $90. 

Lastly, there’s also Coron Island Hopping waiting for you to visit, which is cost you only $70. 

 

 

 

 

5. Costa Rica.

In waterfall in Costa Rica

Yes, Costa Rica is not the best cheap destination to travel in December. But it can be managed with a limited cost, if you plan well. With many astonishing landscapes, lush rainforests, beaches, and waterfalls, Costa Rica is renowned as the most bio-diverse (60%) country in the world. It is filled with natural beauty and tropical paradise. 

 

With the beginning of the dry season in December and March, Most tourists often visit Costa Rica. Plus, you will find delicious cuisine. If you visit the north side of Costa Rica, you can enjoy many outdoor activities. 

Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica. But locals use English widely.  Once, Costa Rica was known as one of the happiest countries in the world.

 

 

Travel

  • There is an internal transport facility for $37 per person. Plus Public buses are available to travel around. Usually, it goes for a 6-hour trip. It will cost $5 for every person. 
  • Moreover, you can also rent a car for $56. But if you fill the complete tank with gas, it will cost you $40. 

 

 

Accommodation

Hostels or mid-range hotels with comfortable facilities cost $16 to $29. The cost depends on the accommodation and location, which have hot water and wifi. 

Plus, hotels with no breakfast cost $40 to $50 per night. For a more extended stay, the hotels often reduce the price.   

 

 

Food

The cheapest but most delicious food is Casado. It costs $5 to $10 per person. But going to a fancy restaurant will cost you from $10 to $15 per head. 

 

 

Different Things to Do in Costa Rica

There is so much to do in Costa Rica, and prices also vary. You need to check them out and select the lowest-price activity. It will help to save your money and at the same time give a fulfillment.

Check out below low the activities list.

 

  • Enjoy the beach, national parks, and Irazu Volcano for a $20 entry fee per person. 
  • Watch La Paz waterfall. Its entry fee is $20 per person. 
  • You can also enjoy Mistico hanging bridges. It costs $26 per head. 
  • Visit Rinco De La Vieja for just $17 and enjoy the sights.
  • Explore Llanis De Cortes. Its entry fee is $8 per person.
  • You can also have a boat tour for $50.

 

 

 

 

6. Thailand

Thailand

Thailand is a famous tropical destination located on the Indochina Peninsula and It is also well known for its delicious cuisines around the world. Just like in Laos, Cambodia, and the Philippines, the main religion of Thailand is Buddhism. There are sandy white beaches, beautiful landscapes, nightlife, and many historic places and sights to enjoy. 

 

Thailand is expensive compared to other Asian countries. But yet, it’s cheaper if you compare it to Western countries. That’s why we put it on the list of affordable places to travel in December on a budget.

If you are a foodie, You can only enjoy delicious cuisine in Thailand and yet leave the country with an accomplishment. The locals are so friendly and they are also devoted to their king. So be mindful not to talk against anything against their king.

 

In December, the weather in Thailand remains lovely for travelling. It’s neither hot nor rainy. The average daily spending of the backpackers is between $20 and $30. But it’s suitable for a traveler to have a $50-$75 budget. 

 

Let’s check out some essential but common facilities in Thailand.

 

 

Accommodation 

You may spend $5 to $10 for a bed in a hostel dorm room. Again, you can spend the night in a private room in a hostel. It would cost you $10 to $20 per night. Moreover, staying at a mid-range hotel costs you for $20 to $40 per night. 

 

Food 

There are various crispy and yummy Thai street foods. For instance,

  • Satay costs $0.70.
  • Grasshoppers cost $1.
  • Fish $8. 
  • Snacks for $1.
  • Noodles for $3.
  • Fish and meat are $5.
  • A large bottle of beer costs $1 to $2.
  • A glass of wine costs $3 to $4.
  • Cocktails are $6 to $10.
  • Shrimp balls are $1 and more.

 

Thai cuisine is well-known and Every hour, Market is being filled with fresh foods. $30 is enough for a couple to eat all day. The mid-range restaurants cost $7 to $8 per person. But the price may increase or decrease as you eat in a popular tourist spot.

 

 

Travelling  

  • There are various travel options. For instance, TukTuk, taxis, and motorcycles. Taxi is an expensive ride. It costs around $3 to $8. 
  • But if you hire a taxi to ride around the city, it costs $20 per day. There’s also a train and bus transportation facility. 
  • The one-way tickets cost $0.50. Moreover, if you buy the all-day long pass, it costs $4.

 

 

Cities to visit in Thailand

 

  • Bangkok.
  • Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand
  • Grand palace
  • Flatting markets
  • Wat pho, 
  • WAT Arun,
  • Ko phi phi

 

 

 

 

7. Jamaica

Jamaica

Jamaica is the 3rd largest island in Carrabian and Kingston is the capital city of Jamaica. It is home to the most beautiful beaches and majestic waterfalls. Not only that, Jamaica is the birthplace of Reggae music.

 

The locals are so friendly. The one pro here is that dollars are accepted everywhere. Besides, if you want to exchange currencies, you can do it using an ATM Machine. So, we suggest, not changing money at the airport.

 

The dry season begins in December. So December is the perfect time to travel to Jamaica. The weather temperature stays around 30°C to 35°C. 

 

 

Accommodation

A hotel with all facilities will cost $50 per night. It’s competitively lower than other Western countries.

 

 

Food

Taking your meal at an expensive hotel will cost you $6 to $8. Moreover, midrange hotel costs range from $10 to $25 for three courses. 

 

 

Travel

  • There is something called Route taxis, which are more suitable for short distances. Route taxis are cars and the cheapest options for traveling. Moreover, it’s like private transportation, in which you can share rides with other passengers. It costs from $1 to $2 minimum. Since there is no specific route for Route taxis, prices may vary according to the distance. 
  • There are also mini busses like vans for long-distance journeys. It’s cheap and suitable for long trips. Also, will cost you $3 to $6. 
  • You can travel on express buses from north to south. It costs $15 to $20 per person. It does not stop in the middle of anywhere except the destination. 

 

Exciting Things to Do in Jamaica 

There are lots of exciting places to visit in Jamaica. Let’s see a list of things to do in Jamaica.

  • Visit Blue Lagoon.
  • Nine Mile.
  • Treasure beach.
  • Appleton Estate.
  • Spectacular Little Dunn’s River Beach. 
  • Barney’s Flowers.
  • Visit Hummingbird Garden. But you must book in advance because it only takes 6 people at a time. 
  • In YS Falls, you will enjoy fun activities like sipe lining, or you can relax.
  • You can also visit Turtle River Park. A travel guide might charge $10 to $15, but they will help you learn and enjoy the place at its best.    

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

So what do you think about our list of best places to travel in December on a Budget ? will it helps for your next vacation, please comment down below and stay in touch with our next article.

 

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