Take the road less traveled
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We’re always looking for a great travel deal: One that allows us to see the most beautiful parts of the world, wash down exotic flavors with delicious local drinks, and enjoy local culture without lightening our wallet too much. Sometimes this seems a tall order to fill, but if you plan it right, you can have an amazing vacation without cleaning out your bank account.
Developing nations are often ignored by travelers for a number of reasons, though they shouldn’t be. Water is often safe to drink, and when it’s not, bottled water is readily available. Medical facilities have improved, often on par with those in the United States and Europe. And though they may not have the stunning architecture of more developed areas, their natural beauty is unparalleled and will leave you breathless.
Dominican Republic: Enjoying an ideal location not far from the U.S.’s southern coast, the Dominican Republic offers Latin flavors and rhythms, and unequalled beaches.
This Caribbean Island is blessed with roaring waterfalls, saltwater lakes, and rolling mountain ranges, all of which seemed designed to impress the occasional wanderer. Add to this rich natural landscape a people who are as kind as they are lively, and you have the recipe for a perfect vacation. What’s more, palatial, ocean-view homes can be rented for less than $2,000 a week. That price will give your group six or seven bedrooms, a cook, housecleaner, driver, and guard.
Now that’s hard to beat.
Brazil: Brazil’s first language isn’t the only thing that sets it apart from its Spanish-speaking South American neighbors. With miles and miles of coastline, it also stakes its claim as one of the best beach destinations on the continent.
Wiggle your hips to a samba beat, order a famous caipirinha, visit one of the most spectacular waterfalls you’ll ever see, relax in a beachside bodega, or take adventure by the horns and head out into the Amazon, arguably the most amazing rain forest in the world. To top it all off, Brazil’s prices are hard to beat, with beachside digs running as little as $25/night.
Thailand: The Kingdom of Thailand combines awe-inspiring natural beauty, hospitable people and exquisite temples. You’ll fall in love with its glorious ruins and famous spicy cuisine.
While Phuket and other famous destinations have changed due to the recent influx of tourism, out-of-the-way locales are still available, offering sparkling sand beaches, clear aquamarine waters, and romantic little huts for $10 a night. Groups will always find something to do, discovering local rhythms, taking a river ride, drinking in the beauty of a Buddhist temple, or simply stopping to appreciate the unique architecture and cultural environment of Thailand.
Fresh air, big mountains, incredible oceans, and perfect beaches await you in the world’s developing nations, so next time you’re planning a trip, give the beaten path the old heave-ho, and take a chance on the road less travelled.
The beaches of Brazil/(Photo via flickr cc)
The Dominican Republic/(Photo via flickr cc)
Bangkok/(Photo via flickr cc)
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