Cheap Exotic Vacations for Budget Travelers

By: Jillian Scheeler
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:42:23
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Five Central and South American cheap vacation destinations

Why spend thousands upon thousands of dollars to travel abroad or visit a tourist ridden resort city? There are plenty of cheap exotic vacation destinations in Central and South America. Plus, the flights are shorter if you only have a week off (in comparison to European vacations) and the majority of the continent speaks Spanish, making communication easy. Here are some of the best and cheapest discount South American vacations.

Roatan Island, Honduras

Located thirty miles off the coast of Honduras, Roatan Island is an unspoiled Caribbean paradise. With blue skies, turquoise water, sandy beaches and year-round high temperatures in the 70's and 80's, Roatan Island offers everything a Caribbean vacation should. While Roatan Island is more expensive than mainland Honduras, it's a definite deal when compared to other Caribbean vacations. Plus the island has less street crime and violence than the rest of the country, making it safer.

Rooms run anywhere from $8 budget lodging to $175 resort hotels and a gourmet meal will set you back about $15. The island is also home to the second largest barrier reef, making it a popular dive location and scuba diving is a must. It also is one of the most reasonably priced places to get certified as a scuba diver and one of the best cheap exotic vacations.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Once the most expensive country in South America, the economic collapse of Argentina has consequently created travel bargains. Argentina offers amazing scenery, exciting nightlife options, world-class dining and wine - all at budget prices. Budget travelers can easily get by on less than $50 a day. The well-known Argentinean nightlife makes it the perfect vacation destination for young budget travelers looking for adventure. Dinner typically is served around 10 p.m., followed by all-night partying. Argentina is a perfect party and discount South America vacation spot.

Margarita Island, Venezuela

This tropical island paradise is located off the north shore of Venezuela and is home to beautiful beaches and has an average of 320 days of sun a year. Margarita's daytime activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, beach-lounging and horseback riding. For great bargains and local culture, head to El Mercado de los Conejeros on the outskirts of Porlamar where you'll find unique souvenirs crafted by Amazon Indians and locals.

Due to the country's steep economic decline and an amazing exchange rate, hostels can be found at as low as $13.50 a night, a delicious fish meal can go for around $7 and a cold beer will only cost a dollar. There are also plenty of bars, clubs and discos, offering an exciting nightlife.

Peru

For more family friendly cheap travel, visit the country of Peru. Adults enjoy the low prices and sightseeing options and the children love the animals and colorful country. The biggest tourist attraction is the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, but the country also has amazing Amazon rain forests, colonial cities, whitewater rafting and mountain trekking. Meals at local restaurants will cost from $2 to $5. Budget travelers will pay anywhere $20 to $50 a night for lodging in Peru cities like Lima or Cusco, but elsewhere the rates will be lower.

Santiago, Chile

Santiago, Chile is one of Latin America's most sophisticated metropolitan areas. Lying in a valley surrounded by the Andes Mountains, this capital city allows for a morning dip in the sea and world-renowned skiing in the afternoon. The country is cheap too. Nice hotels can be found for as low as $50 up to $150 and hostels cost from $10 to $25.

The country has unique museums and art galleries, bustling markets and unique colonial architecture. Restaurants can be found at reasonable prices, but some can be fairly expensive - so check them out before you sit down. The country also has decent wineries and wine tours are available. Chile is the perfect metropolitan discount South American vacation and a definite cheap vacation destination deal.

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