Tegucigalpa is the smoggy capital city of Honduras and is located in the south of the country. The city is home to plenty of nightlife and dining options, the trendy "la zona viva," and a collection of parks which cost nothing to stroll around in. Hotels in the city cost around $14 to $18, and hostels start at about $13. Street food is cheap and taxi rides around the city cost less than $1.
The country of Costa Rica is famed for its eco-tourism and large swathes of untouched rain forest. Deals can be had throughout the country as long as the major tourist locations are avoided. Highlights include the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Caribbean and Pacific beaches, volcanoes and national parks. Hostels start around $7 in the capital city of San Jose and $15 elsewhere.
Santiago is the capital of Chile and features an array of experiences including modern high-rises, colonial churches, street crafts, markets and the nightlife of the "bellavista" neighborhood. Excursions from the city include ski slopes and beaches. Hostels start around $6 per night and street food is cheap.
Margarita Island lies just off the northern coast of Venezuela. The tropical island has beaches and mountains and is a haven for snorkeling, fishing and horseback riding. Cheap activities include the daily markets, local crafts and several nightclubs. Hotels start around $14 per night and meals cost less than $7.
Ho Chi Minh City is the Vietnamese capital began as a French colonial city. Low cost activities include Ben Tanh Market, bike riding, plenty of shopping and nightlife options. If you like constant activity, Ho Chi Minh City may be for you. Hostels start around $14 and, if you stick to street foods and markets, you can eat well for very little.
Dubrovnik is a medieval port city and UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the Adriatic Sea and guarded by stone walls. Low-cost activities include public beaches, boat rentals and coastal exploration and annual summer festivals. Hostels start around $11 and a wide range of dining options are available.
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, a mid-size country amongst Austria, Slovenia, Germany and Poland in Eastern Europe. Prague is known as "the city of a thousand spires" for its many medieval structures and churches, its Prague Castle and its twisting, cobblestone medieval streets. Hostel start around $23 per night and supermarket food is very low cost.
Amsterdam is the canal-filled capital city of the Netherlands. The city is home to world class museums, centuries-old architecture and an unfortunate drug policy. Low cost activities include perusing the red light district, student rates at museums and canal rides. Hostels start around $17 per night and cheap food can be found at local immigrant restaurants.
Ios, Greece is a famous tourist destination and a hot spot for young Greeks, thanks to its combination of nightlife, beaches and many restaurants. The island also has classic white architecture and blue domes, and some traditional villages worth a look. Hostels start around $14 per night, and many low cost dining options are available.
Vancouver, British Columbia is located on Canada's Pacific coast and is well known as a nature lover's outdoor paradise. Low cost activity options include all forms of water and adventure sports, hiking, camping and fishing; there is a fair share of college-aged nightlife. Hostels start around $9 per night.
