5 Potentially Risky Destinations In 2018

While some of these destinations might be beautiful or have a history worth learning more about, unfortunately, they’re fairly dangerous to visit as of this writing. Read up and decide for yourself if you think you can plan around the risks.

1. Colombia

Exotic culture, gorgeous cities, and some of the freshest coffee should make Colombia a desirable travel destination this year, except there are some highly dangerous elements at work in the country right now.

Historically associated with kidnappings, cartels, and corruption, Colombia has turned over somewhat of a new leaf in those respects. Unfortunately, there are some other factors that have made the country a risky choice for 2018.

Last year, the country had a massive landslide that killed hundreds, and since December through March is the rainiest season, it’s especially best to avoid travel during these times as that’s when landslides are more likely to happen.

Stay away from the areas bordering Venezuela as there’s a higher presence of illegal drug traffickers and weapons. Health authorities have also issued a Zika warning, and say that there’s a risk of virus transmission in Colombia.

Perhaps 2019 will be a safer year for visiting Colombia! If it is, you’ll have plenty of places to check out including the capital, Bogota, and the exquisite colonial city Cartagena.

2. Yemen

Sana’a is the largest city in Yemen, and it’s so historically significant that it’s been titled a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Landmarks like the Ghumdan Palace, National Museum of Yemen, and Archer Beach on Socotra Island are but a few reasons that some might be interested in traveling to the country.

Although Yemen was starting to gain some popularity in terms of travel, recent warnings of terrorist attacks and kidnappings have killed the buzz around the country. Not to mention the fact that Saudi Arabia is currently bombing Yemen with the assistance of the United States in an effort to destroy the Iran-backed Houthi rebel movement.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has actually issued a warning that anyone currently traveling in Yemen should leave immediately for their safety.

3. Dominican Republic

Ranked up there with Mexico, the DR (as it’s affectionately called) has become one of the top Caribbean destinations over the years. With the primarily good weather, fantastic resorts, and attractive prices, it’s no wonder why!

Besides being a great getaway island, there’s a lot of history and architectural beauty to be found in places like the capital city, Santo Domingo. The city is populated with magnificent colonial buildings and has over 500 years of history to learn about. There’s also a thriving nightlife with lots of bars and clubs to check out.

Sadly, Hurricane Maria recently hit the Dominican Republic and did some significant damage to large chunks of the island. The FCO warned against traveling to the Dominican around the time of the hurricane, and although the warning has since been removed, travelers will want to be cautious for a number of reasons.

First, the time of year for traveling to the DR is important. June through to November is hurricane season, and it goes without saying that you want to minimize your chances of being there through something like that.

Second, travelers do need to be aware of crime. Armed robberies, especially near the border, are frequent enough that travelers should be wary. Resorts certainly decrease the danger, but caution is still advised.

Dominican Republic beach — Dominican Republic. Pixabay / Einfach-Eve

4. India

Not only is India a wonderfully exotic country that offers a distinct, one-of-a-kind experience, there have also been a lot of great deals for travelers looking to tour the land. Phenomenal food, historically relevant landmarks like the Taj Mahal and the fact that English is spoken nearly universally in India are but a few reasons it’s attractive to many travelers.

Unfortunately, dangers can come in all shapes and sizes and there are some hidden ones in India that you might want to consider before booking a trip.

High population and other factors have caused severe pollution levels that can pose a threat to travelers. Air quality is quite poor, so anyone with a preexisting medical condition will want to be careful. This also extends to the elderly who might find that the air quality paired with the intense heat and enormous crowds is too overwhelming.

With a population of over 1.3 billion, there are bound to be some bad seeds, and India does have a high crime rate which is another concern for travelers looking for as safe a trip as possible. Women in particular need to be careful.

5. Myanmar

Whether it’s sampling the delicious cuisine, laying eyes on some of the world’s most beautiful pagodas, or the fact that Myanmar is one of the cheapest countries to travel to may cause some to seriously consider a Myanmar trip. The locals are said to be friendly, and there are a number of fun activities like hot air balloon rides over Bagan or artisanal markets at Mandalay.

While it can be a wonderful destination, recent events have caused some doubt. Political and civil unrest has led to over 500,000 Rohingya refugees fleeing the country, and visitors are cautioned that they should do extensive research on the current climate before booking a trip. The FCO website also keeps the public updated as to the current safety status.

Though one or more of these exotic locales may have been on your travel bucket list, it may be safer and cross them off for 2018. Hopefully the prospects of safely vacationing in these countries improve next year.

Myanmar — Flickr / Jose Javier Martin Espartosa

10 Fascinating Foreign Traditions

If you’re traveling to any of these countries, here are some of the quirky local customs they observe in case you want to get in on the fun!

1. La Tomatina Festival In Spain

There are very few competing festivals, but as far as we know, La Tomatina in Spain is the biggest tomato fight in the entire world. Basically, everyone in the town of Bunol, plus roughly 50,000 visitors from all over the world,engage in the biggest food fight known to man.

This year the festival is on August 29, so bring a pair of goggles and get ready to get messy!

2. The Monkey Buffet Festival In Thailand

You’ll find some bizarre things (compared to North American culture) when you travel to Thailand, but perhaps the most bizarre is the annual Monkey Buffet Festival in Lopburi, Bangkok.

If you arrive around festival time (November 24, 2018), you might be surprised to find monkeys sitting on buffet tables while they stuff their faces with food.

This is an annual festivity that involves nearly 4,000 kg of food, mainly fruit and vegetables, and draws thousands of visitors. It makes for a hilarious and interesting event because it draws around 3,000 monkeys — and as we all know, monkeys are hilarious!

The Monkey Buffet Festival. The Weather Channel

3. Saluting Lone Magpies In The UK

If you’re walking down a street somewhere in the United Kingdom and you see someone salute a magpie, rest easy knowing that they’re not crazy, they’re just following an ancient tradition.

There’s an old Lincolnshire nursery rhyme about magpies that goes like this: “One for sorrow, two for mirth.” So meeting a single magpie is associated with extremely bad luck.

By greeting the magpie with a salute, people believe that they deter the bad luck. Feel like a local and try it yourself!

4. Welcome Drinks In Fiji

There are lots of good reasons to visit Fiji, and one of them is the special welcome that visitors get when entering villages.

Upon arriving in a Fiji community, visitors are greeted with a unique cocktail called Kava. It’s made from squeezing roots into a wooden bowl, and it has a rather… “special” flavor to it.

Let’s just say the bitterness is an acquired taste!

5. Camel Wrestling In Turkey

You might feel like interfering if you see two camels fighting, but in Turkey, feel free to jump right in! Similar to cockfighting or bull running in Spain, camel fighting is a common phenomenon in the local Turkish culture.

Fortunately, injuries rarely happen as two male camels fight. Caution is advised, though, as they can get quite rowdy and they also tend to work up quite a nasty smell to go along with the saliva discharge.

6. Pulling Fingers In Austria

There are a lot of strange sports out there, but competitive finger-pulling might top the list! Austrians, especially in Fingerhakeln, take finger-pulling very seriously and even have a set of rules to accompany it.

The point of the game is to drag your opponent across the table using just a finger, so if you’re feeling bold, challenge someone to a finger match if you’re in a Fingerhakeln pub. The same sport is practiced in Bavaria, Germany as well.

7. Throwing Cinnamon At Single People In Denmark

Being single late into a person’s 20s and even 30s is becoming much more common, but apparently, Denmark hasn’t gotten the message.

If you’ve turned 25 and have yet to marry, expect your friends to randomly ambush you with a shower of cinnamon at any time, in any place. It gets worse the longer you stay single with the 30s bringing on a full-out pepper shower.

8. Piercings In India

Religious traditions can be quite elaborate, but none are nearly as aesthetically obvious as the intricate piercings that Indians undergo as part of their Hindu beliefs.

There’s a ritual called Hindu Thaipusam Piercings, and it involves tongue piercings, nose piercings, etc. If you notice a lot of piercings during your travels to India, don’t stare too long since it’s likely due to the person’s commitment to their religious beliefs.

9. Wife Carrying In Finland

Sonkajarvi, Finland is apparently a little behind the times as they still have an annual “wife-carrying” competition. Every year, competitors from around the world gather for the championships, and the sport actually has a history dating back to the 19th century.

Who knows: maybe in the midst of the current feminist movement we’ll soon see a “husband-carrying” competition to level the playing field. Either way, at least now you know what you’re seeing when you see a flock of men run down the street with women on their backs!

10. Looking For Fern Blossoms In Estonia

If you’re doing some hiking in Estonia and stumble across a young couple “picking fern blossoms” in the woods, know that it’s actually a long-running excuse that couples will use to get some “alone” time.

Simply walk in the opposite direction and hope they’re the only ones!

If your travel goals follow a pretty basic itinerary, try carving out some room to observe (or participate in) some of these quirky local customs. You won’t regret it: diversity is the spice of life.

6 Countries With The Lowest Crime Rates

Although crime is bound to happen anywhere, there are many countries out there with substantially lower rates even than American cities. These six nations are not only some of the safest places in the world, they are also well worth paying a visit to.

1. Cyprus

Cyprus is an island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, known for being one of the most peaceful places in Europe. (These days, at least.) The climate is warm, the beaches are beautiful, and the culture is inviting. You can go horse riding at Eagle Mountain Range if you want to get away from the beach and experience Cyprus’ countryside. Enjoy a glass of wine (or two) at the Vouni Panayai Winery with wines produced from the indigenous grape varieties of the island. The country is also rich in history and you can visit places like the Tombs of the Kings or the amphitheater in Paphos to learn more about it during your visit.

2. Singapore

Singapore is the safest country to visit in all of Asia. The rate of crime there is around 0.3 murders for every 100,000 citizens. That is more impressive when you consider the fact that the city state is home to over five million people. If you are fan of Asian cuisine, you should try to visit Singapore in July to attend the Singapore Food Festival. This gastric extravaganza is the ideal chance to experience the best local foods all in one place. Despite being such a bustling city, Singapore is also home to many great parks and gardens. Gardens by the Bay is one of the city’s most popular destinations. There you can take tours, walk along various trails and even dine at different restaurants. You could spend an entire day there and still want to come back to see more. Singapore is also home to the Night Safari which is the world’s first nocturnal zoo.

3. Bahrain

Bahrain is the safest country in the Arabian gulf because they have one of the best law enforcement teams in the world. There are around 2,000 officers per 100,000 citizens. One of Bahrain’s most significant landmarks is the Tree of Life. It’s stood alone in the heart of Bahrain for over 400 years. One local legend states that Bahrain was the site of the biblical Garden of Eden and that the tree represents that location. The Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the Royal Camel Farm and the Bahrain International Museum are all great institutions to visit. And because of Bahrain’s relatively small size, you could visit all of the best landmarks they have to offer in around four days.

4. Norway

Norway is another one of the safest countries in the world and is also one of the most peaceful. It is especially safe and peaceful if you travel outside of the bigger cities. Norway has always been known as a prime location to view the Northern Lights, but it is also home to Hornindalsvatnet — the deepest lake in Europe. The lake is surrounded by mountains, which creates another amazing, but totally different, view. You can also go fishing and swimming there. And if you’re a history buff, Norway is your opportunity to set foot in the same place the Vikings once came from.

5. Hong Kong

Hong Kong has only 0.2 murders per 100,000 people and crimes such as theft and robbery are almost nonexistent. Hong Kong is a fusion of eastern and western culture. Its cultural influences include all things Cantonese, Mandarin and British. Hong Kong is also known for being a great place to go shopping. Most items are tax-free on top of already being priced relatively modestly. There is also a daily light show called the Symphony of Lights at the Victoria Harbor that helps make one of the world’s greatest skylines look even more magical. Also, make sure to eat dim sum before you leave. Dim sum translated means “touch your heart” and is a family-style meal that consists of dumplings and other dishes served in steamer baskets or on small plates.

6. Switzerland

Switzerland is often regarded as the safest place in the world. Police are well-distributed around the country which is what helps to keep the crime rate so low. And when the odd crime is committed, it is usually perpetrated by a foreigner. The locals in Switzerland really believe in maintaining the nonviolent and calm atmosphere their country has created and become known for. Switzerland has four different national languages (German, French, Italian, and Romansh) presenting the perfect opportunity to be exposed to a variety of cultures all at once. The Matterhorn mountain, one of the country’s top attractions, draws in both tourists and locals every day, and is located close to the border of Switzerland and Italy.

We could easily add places like Canada, New Zealand, Austria, Germany, Portugal, and Ireland to this list, as they are also known for their low crime rates. However, it’s important to always be alert when traveling, no matter how welcoming a country is known to be, to ensure you have the safest and most enjoyable time possible.

Happy travels!

The 5 Cheapest Countries To Visit In 2018

You can visit paradise while being frugal! Booking a vacation usually involves a ton of preparation and money, but you don’t need a lot of cash to visit some of the most exotic and exciting places in the entire world.

(For an updated version of this list, be sure to check out The 11 Cheapest Countries To Visit In 2019.)

Here are the cheapest countries to travel to in 2018:

Wat Mahathat Temple in Thailand. — Wat Mahathat Temple / cowardlion / Shutterstock

1. Thailand

Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia that has been getting a lot of attention in the world of wellness, but you don’t have to be attending a yoga retreat to enjoy its scenic landscape. From heavenly beaches to lush jungles to explore, this location is the perfect spot for those looking to go outdoors and get active. Delicious cuisine is plentiful and accommodations are impressively affordable, sometimes only costing $4 USD per night in more remote areas.

Although some accommodations in Thailand are on the pricier side due to increased tourism, your chances of sticking to a budget are high with plenty of affordable guest rooms and hotels to choose from. Munch on a local delicacy — such as spicy locust or fried grasshopper — or enjoy some authentic and delicious Pad Thai. Visit some of the many ancient ruins or temples, watch a snake charmer in action within the King Cobra village, or take the perfect sunset picture while wading in the waters of Mayan beach. Affordable adventure is around every corner.

Interested in traveling to Thailand? Check out 12 Things To Discover In Thailand.

Tsarevets Fortress in Bulgaria. — Tsarevets Fortress / Valentin Valkov / Shutterstock

2. Bulgaria

Although a trip to France or England may be a bit out of the price range, there are other vacation-worthy countries in Europe that won’t have you going broke. Eastern Europe is renowned for being insanely affordable, especially the country of Bulgaria. Rich in history, culture, cuisine, and coastline, Bulgaria is bustling with affordable activities for the entire family. It has yet to catch on in the tourism realm, so you don’t have to worry about long lines or huge crowds. Bulgaria is filled with ridiculously cheap eateries, such as bakeries serving up fresh pastries and restaurants pouring liters of beer for only $1.50 each. The price for a reasonable room with free breakfast and Wi-Fi runs a little over $30 per night on average, which is literally a steal when it comes to affordable accommodations. Visit Roman ruins, lay out a towel at one of the Black Sea beaches, discover a museum or one of the country’s medieval cities. Bulgaria is the perfect place for an exciting getaway on the cheap.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple in Indonesia. — Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple / Zephyr_p / Shutterstock

3. Indonesia

Comprised of over 13,000 islands, the Southeast Asian country of Indonesia has plenty of beautiful enclaves to discover. It’s the largest island country in the entire world and that comes with white sand beaches, volcanoes, and a wide assortment of indigenous animals.

Although the island of Bali is one of the more popular tourist hotspots in Indonesia, it is only one piece of the awe-inspiring scenery. After relaxing on the breathtaking beaches of Bali, make your way to the Gill Islands for an unforgettable dive or snorkel into the crystal-clear waters. Admire the Bromo volcano or interact with a Komodo dragon up close and personal. (Well, maybe not that close.)

The country’s cuisine is also extremely affordable. You can find dinner at most restaurants for around $1 USD! Private hotel rooms can be found cheap as they come, for around $15 USD per night with free breakfast and Wi-Fi. Looking for variety right in the middle of paradise? Be sure to put the country of Indonesia on your next itinerary.

Want to know more about Indonesia? Read 6 Things Everyone Should Do In Bali.

Cape Town in South Africa. — Cape Town / Benjamin B / Shutterstock

4. South Africa

Looking to take a trip on the wild side without emptying your bank account in the process? South Africa is the place to be — especially if you are on the hunt for a captivating landscape, inspiring culture, and affordable activities and accommodations.

South Africa is the best place for nature-lovers on a budget to wander. Venture to the shoreline of KwaZulu-Natal, a province that contains the only formal form of conservation in the country. Take a guided walk through the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve to see elephants, lions, and rhino in their natural habitat.

Those looking for a more laid-back activity can visit the Cape Wine Routes and enjoy a glass of the finest wine from one of the numerous Fairtrade-certified wineries — with a view of the mountains or lush, green valleys.

Whether you plan to stay within the lively downtown of the South African capital of Capetown or by the water, you can find hotels for as low as $12 USD per night. Adventure, relaxation, and affordable accommodations await you in South Africa.

Thinking about a trip to South Africa? Take a look at Visiting South Africa: The Best Things To See And Do.

Busuanga Island in the Philippines. — Busuanga Island / Sean Hsu / Shutterstock

5. The Philippines

Another confederacy of Islands — 7,000 of them — this archipelago in Southeast Asia is anything but bland. Stunning beaches, exotic cuisine, and unforgettable geological sights await you in the Philippines. If spending some time in nature is your main goal, there is no shortage of outdoor adventure, no matter which islands you decide to visit.

The Philippines serves up a ton of authentic dishes, such as chicken adobo, oxtail stew, and a wide-array of cheap yet delicious seafood dishes.

Relax on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches in Palawan, or pay a visit to the Mayon Volcano on Luzon Island — the most active volcano in the Philippines. Your visit is not complete without a ride on one of the country’s famous Jeepneys, a quirky vehicle made from old military jeeps from WWII. A ride costs less than $1 USD, making it well worth the bumpy ride! You can find a single or double-bed hotel room for less than $30 per night, making the Philippines eminently affordable.

Also be sure to check out some of The Most Beautiful Places In The Philippines!

The 5 Most Expensive Destinations In 2018

If you’re planning a trip on a budget this year, you might want to exclude these destinations from consideration. But if you’d like to fantasize about the most extravagant, luxurious travel the world has to offer, or if you’re fortunate enough to be able to afford it yourself, you’ve come to the right place.

1. Bermuda

Bermuda has been described as being less like an island and more like an island-sized country club. It has some magnificent beaches, great restaurants, and friendly people, but it also comes with a big price tag.

While Bermuda is only a two-hour flight from New York City and you can get deals on the flight itself, it’s another story once you arrive on the island.

Accommodations can be very expensive due to lack of competition from hostels. The cheapest place you’ll find will likely still be higher than $100 per night, and that’s using sources like Airbnb, Bermuda Rentals, or HomeAway. There are a handful of Couchsurfing hosts who offer private rooms at a more competitive price, but since there are so few, you’ll want to book far in advance to secure a place.

Transportation can also be pricey with a short taxi ride costing $20 USD. Buses are a more affordable option, and visitors may also rent motorbikes to traverse the small island for a cheaper cost and on their own time.

2. Switzerland

While Switzerland has been called one of the most expensive countries to visit in the world, it’s also known as one of the most beautiful. It has rolling green hills, snow-capped peaks, and a lake in nearly every city. The architecture, food, weather — we could go on forever!

The flip side of the coin is that the World Economic Forum ranks Switzerland as one of the most expensive countries for visitors and that tourists will, on average, spend roughly $1,882 per person.

Dinner out for two can easily cost 150 francs, a near-equal conversion to USD. Transportation can be expensive, so visitors might want to consider a metro pass in more built-up cities like Zurich. It’s also wise to shop ahead for deals as they can be found from time to time.

3. The Bahamas

With 700 islands spread over 180,000 square miles of ocean, 2,000 rocks and cays, and some of the most crystal clear water you’ll ever see, it’s no wonder that many travelers look to the Bahamas for their next beach vacation.

Expenses come thick and fast, though, with accommodations usually costing a minimum of $100 USD per night, and that’s just for a two or three-star hotel. Airbnb has better prices at times, but again, due to the high interest from other travelers, you’ll want to book early.

Nearly every activity that visitors will want to partake of (at least the guided ones) come with a price tag that starts around $150 USD, making excursions one of the fastest ways to burn through cash.

Taxis can be pricey, but transportation around Freeport or Nassau is relatively easy with minibus trips at minimal cost. Uber is another good option.

The Bahamas — Tha Bahamas. Unsplash / Ishan @seefromthesky

4. Norway

Norway won second place in the United Nations’ 2013 World Happiness Report, and it’s likely for reasons such as safety (Norway has a ridiculously low crime rate), ability to pitch a tent on any uncultivated land, lush scenery including epic mountains and fjords, and well-designed urban spaces.

The price of having some of the highest living standards in the world is high, and travelers will experience that with hotels easily charging north of $300+ per night, car rentals that can be as high as $500 per week, and taxi rides that are often expensive, especially from the airport.

The cheapest options are local ferries, trains booked well in advance, hotels in the summertime (although flight prices can go up around this time), and worst case scenario, you do have the option to tent anywhere as mentioned.

5. Iceland

Despite ranking as the third-most-expensive country in the world, Iceland has increased in popularity as a travel destination. It’s likely due to the natural beauty it encompasses, such as the massive Blue Lagoon outdoor spa, abundance of waterfalls, a mythical history including Vikings, elves, etc., and whale watching.

How expensive is it? Research shows that a hotel in Reykjavik, the capital, is 10-32% more expensive than staying in other Nordic capitals and that restaurant bills are about 44% higher than the EU average. Buying a drink is a whole other story as it also exceeds the average by about 123%.

As is the case with some other destinations, camping is actually the most affordable way to stay in Iceland and totally doable in the warmer summer months. Hitchhiking is extremely common in Iceland and known for being very safe, so if you’re really traveling on a budget, this might be another option at times.

Since eating out can be so pricey, it’s recommended for visitors to plan a couple special occasions out on the town, but eat primarily food that they buy at local grocery stores and cook themselves.

There you have it: the most expensive places to visit in 2018! Of course, the fact that they’re so beautiful might have you ignoring the cost altogether…

7 Countries With Cheap, Delicious Food

The first tip to having a great local dining experience is to embrace street food. On city streets and rural farm stands, you will find tasty and cheap food that you will remember for years. Here are some of the best places in the world to find cheap, authentic, delicious food!

1. Guatemala

Visitors to Guatemala can experience central American cuisine at bargain prices. The focus here is on fresh seafood, tropical fruits and vegetables, and traditional Mayan ingredients. Cheap beach eats include chili dusted mangoes, Guatemala’s take on classic ceviche with bracing citrus flavors, habaneros and fresh shrimp.

And a trip to Guatemala City is only complete when you taste elote loco, which is barbecued corn on the cob with spices for less than a dollar.

2. Serbia

Cheap eats can be found all over Eastern Europe, especially in Croatia, Hungary (hungry?), and Serbia. Every country has its version of the street cart vendor — in the United States it’s the hot dog stand, Mexico has its taco trucks, and Japan is famous for yakitori. Similarly, in Serbia, street vendors hawk grilled cevapi, which is a casing-free sausage. Spread these sausages with spicy ajvar, a roasted red pepper condiment, and make sure to have lots of lepinja, or Serbian flatbread, as well. Prices are around $2-3 for a full meal at one of these stands.

cevapi and lepinja — Cevapi and lepinja. Flickr / Brenda Annerl

3. Vietnam

The cuisine of Vietnam is steeped in tradition, including an amalgamation of Chinese and French cooking techniques applied to local ingredients. Although world-class dining is available throughout the country (especially in major cities), Vietnam’s culinary spirit is found on its street food scene. Vietnam practically invented street food, its ubiquitous beef and chicken satays served with a peanut sauce redolent of coconut and lemongrass. A more filling snack is the Bahn Mi sandwich, a preparation that can include pate, pickled vegetables, cilantro and sriracha on a crisp rice-enriched baguette. Oh, and the cost for this tasty meal in Saigon is about 50 cents.

4. The Philippines

Filipino cuisine is experiencing a major moment globally right now. Restaurants in New York City and Los Angeles have capitalized on this trend, charging diners exorbitant fees for delicious, but straightforward, rustic food. In Manila, the Philippine capital, favorites including pancit, which is a type of fried noodle; sisig, a sizzling meet concoction; and lumpia, which is kind of like a Filipino egg roll. A simple meal of rice adobo will only set you back a dollar, and all over the Philippines, travelers can cover their entire food costs for a day for as little as $10.

5. Portugal

Europe is home to many overly expensive dining options. Not so with Portugal. While the street food scene is not as lively as in other countries, sit-down meals at bargain prices abound. Specialties include caldo verde, a kale/potato/sausage soup, and lots of fresh seafood. In Lisbon, two-course meals can be enjoyed for about $6, and multi-course meals with wine are easy to find for $10-15. The cuisine is homey and familiar. Some of the restaurants might look rough on the outside, but Portugal is not focused on pretence, but flavor and conviviality. Try the bacalao, too — the national dish of salted cod that you can find everywhere.

For a sweet ending to your meal, try pasteis de nata, a sweet egg custard pie that goes well with porto and coffee.

6. Egypt

If you are looking for super cheap food, you can grab a filling authentic meal for as little as a dollar in Egypt. In Cairo’s bustling city streets, vendors sell everything from bags of dates at bottom dollar prices, to mombar mahshy, a type of sausage stuffed with spiced rice, for $0.50. Substantial meals include ful, a bean stew with rice, and Egypt’s own version of shawarma, a hearty middle-eastern meat and pickle sandwich wrapped in Arabian bread. If you want to splurge, $3 will get you a whole roasted chicken with side dishes.

Egypt also has a surprising variety of sweets, from basbousa, a semolina cake, to the baklava-like kanoufa. A plate of these sweets can be bought for a dollar as well.

mombar mahshy — Mombar mahshy. Pinterest

7. Indonesia

If there’s any further need to cement southeast Asia as the cheap dining capital of the world, Indonesia’s Thousand Islands each have their own low-cost dining options. One of the world’s most magnificent breakfasts, second possibly only to the bacon egg and cheese sandwich of New York City bodegas, is nasi lemak. Technically this dish hails from nearby Malaysia, but Indonesian variants, which often include a rich rendang meat stew, pervade the islands. The dish starts with sweet coconut rice that has been cooked with the fragrant pandan leaves, pickled onion, chili mixture, sliced fresh cucumbers, and hard-boiled egg. Add a big piece of toasted bread with palm sugar and butter and a mug of Indonesian coffee and you have the best way to start your day!

Food is a big part of any vacation, so if you’re looking for an exotic place and don’t mind saving a few bucks filling yourself up, these options will be kind to both your appetite and your wallet.