Lonely Planet's Top 10 Best Value Travel Destinations for 2012
Feeling the budget squeeze this summer? Discover these top budget-friendly destinations, expertly selected from Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2012.
1. Northeastern USA
The vibrant cities of the American Northeast—New York, Boston, and Washington DC—offer smart savings through the boom in budget bus services. Routes connect Philadelphia, Toronto, Pittsburgh, and even Charlotte for as little as US$1–5 one-way. Pedestrian-friendly with excellent public transit and walkable centers, explore car-free. Enjoy comfortable rides, free Wi-Fi, punctual service, and plenty of space.
2. Japan
After 2011's earthquake and tourism dip, Japan rewards visitors with value and goodwill. Attractions and lodging beat prices in London, Paris, or New York. Tokyo's traditional minshuku guesthouses start at ¥3000 (US$37). Temples and gardens are free; Tokyo National Museum costs a fraction of London's Tower. Nagano ski passes and Disney tickets undercut Alps or Anaheim prices.
4. Porto, Portugal
Porto, birthplace of port wine, delivers exceptional value. Budget flights link it across Europe; wander atmospheric lanes, plazas, and azulejo-tiled buildings. River-view inns from €25 (US$37.75), historic trams €1 (US$1.40), beach ferries €1. Nearby Alto Douro offers €20 (US$28.50) boat cruises and €60 (US$86) stays in 200-year-old homes. Don't miss the port!
5. Lesotho
Lesotho's 'Kingdom in the Sky' boasts mountains, cannibal caves, dinosaur footprints, and pony treks. Surrounded by South Africa but more affordable, head to Malealea (60km southeast of Maseru) for multi-day rides into musk-and-orange landscapes from US$50/day, including pony, meals, and guide.
6. Iquitos, Peru
Avoid US$3500 pre-booked Amazon cruises; book in roadless Iquitos to halve costs. Local operators customize trips: piranha fishing, pink dolphins in Allpahuayo-Mishana Reserve, village visits, or Otorongo Lodge. Iquitos features Eiffel-designed rubber mansions. Visit October–November for dry weather pre-crowds.
7. San Francisco, USA
San Francisco's high living costs don't extend to visitors. Union Square boutiques under US$100—far below New York or London. Affordable streetcars (cheaper than cable cars), BART to airport skips US$60 taxis. Mission burritos US$5. Free fun: Golden Gate walks, beaches, Musée Mécanique arcade, art galleries.
8. Ohrid, Macedonia
Image by MoEaFaTi
Macedonia's budget gem features mountains, vineyards, lakes, and Byzantine churches. Ohrid, 3 hours west of Skopje, charms with its medieval castle, church-lined hills, and Lake Ohrid shores. Private rooms from €10; historic B&Bs under €50 (US$71.50). Buses reach Galičica National Park for hiking, boating, swimming.
9. Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Vietnam's value shines in the Delta—ditch HCMC packages for DIY adventures to Ben Tre, Chau Doc, Vinh Long markets, Ha Tien, Tra Vinh. Air-con buses or moto-taxis handle unmapped ferries. Boat trips US$5–10; guesthouses US$10–25.
10. Mérida, Mexico
Experience authentic Yucatán in lively Mérida, beyond beaches. Colonial inns beat Cancún resorts. Plaza Grande's 16th-century cathedral and free museums buzz weekends with dance, food, parties. Ruta Puuc bus to 5 Mayan sites ~US$40; Celestún boat for flamingos US$17/person.
Ready to go?
These tours maximize our value picks:
- Whale watching in Boston.
- Mt. Fuji day trip from Tokyo.
- Douro Valley port wine from Porto.
Read all about it
For expert travel inspiration from Lonely Planet, grab Best in Travel 2012 now! Also on iBookstore.
