When it’s time to recharge, entrepreneurs know that they need a dose of fun and relaxation.
As an entrepreneur, you’re always on the go, pushing yourself to the limits and working hard to achieve your goals. While starting your own business can be incredibly rewarding, you need to take some time off from time to time. Not just for your mental health—though that’s important, too—taking a break from having to constantly juggle life, work and family obligations 24/7 also helps keep those creative juices flowing.
However, traveling can be expensive for some destinations, like New York City, London, Paris and Tokyo. If you are looking to go on a fantastic yet budget-friendly vacation, we’ve got you covered! Whether you want to relax on the beach or explore a plethora of beautiful tropical islands, Southeast Asia is the answer—there’s something for everyone in this part of the world!
So, if you’re feeling burnt out from your business and looking for a way to unwind without spending all your savings, take a look at these five amazing budget getaways:
1. Go on a beach holiday in Vietnam
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Owning the longest coastal line in Indochina, Vietnam is a beautiful country with many incredible beaches where you can sunbathe while lying on the golden sand and dip yourself in the crystal-clear seawater. If you are looking for exciting adventures, you can also enjoy all sorts of water sports there, such as snorkeling, diving and wakeboarding… you name it! Best still, you can find some of the cheapest beers in the world (e.g. Bia Hoi) in Vietnam as well!.
Some popular beaches in Vietnam:
- Long Beach, Phu Quoc Island—dubbed one of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in the world by ABC News in 2008.
- Mui Ne Beach—is located in the resort capital of the country, Mui Ne.
- Nha Trang Beach—nearby Phu Dong Water Park.
- Doc Let Beach, Hon Khoi Peninsula—nearby the largest salt fields in the central region of Vietnam.
- Jungle Beach, Ninh Phuoc—a spartan beach resort where you can go on a mountain adventure.
- An Bang Beach, Hoi An city—just next to Hoi An Ancient Town, a World Cultural Heritage recognized by UNESCO.
Budget: It will cost roughly US$40 or less per day for a backpacker. A comfortable trip will cost between US$60 and US$100 per day. A luxury trip should cost at least US$200 per day.
2. India—a mosaic of multicultural experiences
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The Indian subcontinent has been the center of commerce, learning and culture for millennia. The country offers so much more than its stunning natural beauty. Steeped in color, it is a land of ancient religious beliefs and rich history. Whether you are looking for spiritual experiences, world-class cuisine or just some time away from your busy life in order to relax—there will always be something new waiting around every corner!
Key attractions in India:
- Taj Mahal, Agra city—an Islamic white marble mausoleum built between 1631 and 1648 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to commemorate his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
- Gateway of India, Mumbai—an arch monument to remember the visit of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder to India in 1911.
- Harmandir Sahib (also known as the Golden Temple), Amritsar—a gurdwara (spiritual site of Sikhism) that is one of the most sacred pilgrim places for Sikhs and famous for its golden dome.
- Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad—one of the oldest and largest mosques in India.
- Goa, Konkan region—an ancient Portuguese colony where you can now enjoy a beach holiday, spot dolphins and participate in a fun carnival in February!
- Lajpat Nagar and Chandani Chowk, Delhi—busy marketplaces where you can shop and support local artisans
Budget: For a budget traveler who stays at backpackers’ hostels, it will cost around US$30-50 per day per person. While for mid-range travelers who want to stay at a boutique hotel, it will cost US$50-$90.
3. Go trekking in Nepal
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The Himalayas are a fascinating mountain range that hides secrets around every corner. From Mount Everest to breathtaking rice fields, this Asian country has it all! With how inexpensive it can be for backpackers looking to break into the scene these days, you’ll never run out of things to see or places to visit on your travels through Nepal.
Some popular trekking routes in Nepal:
- Everest Base Camp trek—get a once-in-a-lifetime experience by trekking to the camp at an altitude of 5,550 meters above sea level.
- Annapurna Circuit trek—experience the best of the Nepalese Himalayas between two of the highest mountains in the world, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
- Poon Hill trek—one of the easiest routes in the Annapurna Sanctuary that provides a spectacular panoramic view of the Himalayas and guesthouses and restaurants on the way.
Budget: Depending on the length of your trekking trip, it can cost as little as US$60 per person per day or as much as US$260.
4. Hopping islands in the Philippines
Source: unusualplaces.org
The Philippines is a land of mystery and intrigue. With 7,107 islands, 22,549 miles (36,289 km) of coastline and a tropical climate, it’s easy to see why the Philippines is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Asia. Whether you’re looking for an island-hopping vacation or a beach adventure, this Pearl of the Orient Seas is ideal for relaxing and unwinding from your hectic schedule.
Some breathtaking tourist attractions in the Philippines:
- Chocolate Hills, Bohol—over 1,000 symmetrical hills, which will remind you of Hershey’s Kisses.
- Hanging Coffins, Sagada—get a fascinating glimpse of around 200 hanging coffins that have survived 500 years.
- Coron Bay—be prepared to be impressed by 12 sunken wartime ships at the bottom of the ocean, which were the result of U.S. Navy aircraft attacking the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II in 1944.
- Mayon Volcano, Luzon islands—the world’s most perfect volcanic cone.
- White Beach, Boracay Island—one of the best beaches in the Philippines famous for its crystal clear water, pure white sand and magical sunshine.
Budget: On average, a decent cost for a week in the Philippines is roughly US$1,949 for a solo traveler.
5. Cambodia—explore some of the top ancient ruins
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Another beautiful country in Asia, Cambodia embodies a rich history of enduring difficult times when it was once colonized by France for 93 years and under political turmoil when ruled by the communist party in the 70s. Besides offering historical insights to modern travelers, Cambodia has something for everyone with an abundance of natural wonders, like temples, cliffs and waterfalls. Taking a trip to Cambodia is bound to be rewarding and inspiring.
Some famous attractions in Cambodia:
- Angkor Wat—a temple complex at Angkor, one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia with the remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 15th century.
- Battambang—see the magnificent landscape of rice fields and small villages by riding a lori or a bamboo train.
- Sambor Prei Kuk—the Angkorian temple site has over 100 brick temples dedicated to Hindu gods scattered across the forest, with several of them half-swallowed by massive tree roots.
- Banteay Chhmar—a massive temple complex built by the 12th-century Angkorian king Jayavarman VII and surrounded by jungle in Cambodia’s remote northwest.
Budget: The cost may be around US$45 for backpacking and US$90 for mid-range travelers per day per person. A luxury stay will cost around US$160 daily.
Entrepreneurs, now you have a list of places where you can take a short vacation without breaking the bank. So, what are you waiting for? Take a few days off, pack your bags, and recharge your batteries—you’ll be ready to face whatever comes your way when you return.
Also read:
- How Technology Has ‘Hacked’ the Travel Industry
- Managing Business Travel During COVID-19
- Amadeus Ventures to Aid Frictionless Travel
Header image courtesy of Pixabay
