Value Travel: 8 cheapest Christmas getaways

Holiday season is here. While Christmas is just round the corner, New Year is fast approaching. While backpackers, families and couples must be busy planning their vacation for the twelve days of holiday, there are about 2 million jobless Americans whose unemployment benefits will end this month. In fact, the whole world is still reeling under the effects of economic downturn.

When London, Paris, Switzerland or New York seems out of budget, cheap holiday spots come to the rescue. From the Jamaican beach in Caribbean to the Christian Holy Lands, there exist several exotic places available as choices for those looking for cheap vacations this holiday. Here’s a list of 8 most cheap destinations for your Christmas getaways.

Beach holiday in Negril, Jamaica

With a shoreline stretching over to seven miles, Negril is a beach resort town situated in the island nation of Jamaica in the Caribbean Sea. Cheap accommodation facilities, food, drink and shopping is why the place has gained popularity among students. The place abounds in holiday homes, which are actually houses rented for tourists, much cheaper than hotels. In fact, beaches in Negril have been ranked in top ten cheapest beach holiday spots by numerous travel magazines worldwide. Indulge in snorkeling, swimming, lounging by the beach and fun with the waves or simply enjoy your holiday evenings at a beach side restaurant with some beer and wine in Negril. Popular value hotels in Negril include White Sand and Rockhouse, with tariffs as low as $75 a night.

Red Sea holiday in Egypt

Beyond the pyramids of Giza, Egypt has many places to be unearthed. Spots such as Ain El Sokhna, Dahab, Madinat Makadi, Marsa Alam, Safaga, Taba, Sharm El Sheikh promise the travelers an unique experience of the beauty of Red Sea, mountains, coral reefs and the aquatic life – quite unusual to think of while planning a holiday in the land of sun, sand and Mummies. Egypt is fast becoming a choice among travelers for cheapest holiday spots. There are many cheap cruises along the Nile on offer for holiday seasons.

Hungary

A landlocked country in central Europe, Hungary offers one of the cheapest holidays in Europe. With cheapest trains, cheap goose compared to other parts of Europe and cheaper high quality wines, food and drink expenses definitely go down in a Hungarian holiday. Lake Balaton, the biggest lake in central Europe, near Siofok is a must-see spot in Hungary. If history interests you, discover the capital city of Budapest that abounds in heritage sites. Europe's one of best Christmas markets at Vorosmatry Square also happens to be in Budapest. If looking for some warmth in the winter, the cave bath, typical to Hungarian tourism experience, in the city of Miskolctapolca is recommended. Average spend per day in Hungary on a value holiday would cost about $60.

Morocco

Located at the edge of Western Sahara desert and the coastline of Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, Morocco in North Africa offers some of the cheapest budget hotels. Train transport is also very cheap compared to Europe. Morocco is one of the cheap destinations to take up a dessert safari in Sahara, discover North Africa’s highest peak Jebel Toubkal, and wander through some of the country’s ancient medinas (walled cities).

Romania

Sharing border with Hungary and a coastline with Black Sea, Romania offers historical holiday with monuments and castles. However, the country’s vast landscapes also make it a must-go spot for skiing, hiking and more adventurous trails. Valea Prahovei and Poiana Brasov are popular winter spots. Hotels are not so cheap but cheaper than rest of Europe. Traveling by bus or train is recommended as taxis are costlier here. Average spend per day in Romania on a value holiday would cost $100.

Czech Republic

Yet another landlocked coutry in Europe, Czech Republic’s most famous tourist center is its capital city, Prague. Besides this, there are spa towns, mountain retreats, many castles and more of spots known for bohemian culture. Museums, heritage sites, historical centers and ancient towns in Czech Republic have the best to offer in terms of budget travel. Group tickets in train and traveling by bus is cheaper. Enjoy the nightlife of Prague to the fullest as rates at the pubs are low. What's more? Beer is the national drink and is available at a cheaper price than water.

Thailand

One of the most affordable countries where you can spend a day on value travel at even $30, Thailand has numerous holiday experiences to offer ranging from beaches in Pattaya, shopping in Bangkok to elephant rides in Surin, golden temples, historic sites and more.

The Holy Land of Bethlehem

What could be the better Christmas getaway than the birthplace of Jesus? Bethlehem, a Palestinian city, is visited mostly during the holiday season when tourists throng the Church of Nativity where Christ was born, according to The New Testament of the Bible. Located about 10 kilometers from Jerusalem in Israel, Bethlehem offers cheap taxi services. With an average spend of $100 per day, Bethlehem is a good base to discover the Old City, a world heritage site, in Jerusalem as well. Recently, Israel and Palestine agreed to movement of tourists ahead of the holiday season, adding to the value travel factor.