During these cash-strapped times, everyone’s looking for an adventure that offers real bang-for-buck. And it is possible to find great-value options, if you’re savvy. Consider travelling off-season, taking a more concise trip to keep costs down or, conversely, a really, really long expedition, so per-day expenses are low. And look out for no single supplements or excursions and meals included. Here’s a few great adventures that will keep your wallet happy.
1. South America
Embark on a six-month quest
Oasis Overland’s 29-week Quito to Quito Trans South America trip is epic – and costs less than £38 a day. It takes in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela and Colombia, staying in lively bush camps and guesthouses en route. You’ll tramp the Inca Trail, take an Amazon cruise and party at Rio Carnival to name just a few of the amazing experiences. And there’s no single supplement either.
Who: Oasis Overland (01963 363400)
When: 31 Oct 2014
How long: 29 weeks
How much: from £5,550 (excl flights)
2. Cuba
Traverse the cultured Caribbean
Rickshaw Travel’s Taste of Cuba trip packs in stacks of cool cultural extras for the price of a bog-standard holiday. On this great first-timer’s tour, you’ll take a horseback ride through the lush tobacco fields of Viñales, walk along the hidden beaches and snorkel the turquoise waters at Cayo Levisa, and delve down the historical streets and side alleys of Havana. You’ll stay at small-scale characterful hotels too.
Who: Rickshaw Travel (01273 322399)
When: Tailormade departures
How long: 7 nights
How much: from £585 (excl flights)
3. Central America
See six countries in three weeks
If you want good value, Journey Latin America’s Alción Journey is it. Traverse Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala in three weeks, for under £3,000 – with no single supplement and most elements included. It’s a bargain profusion of wildlife, vibrant reefs, jungle-clad isles, colonial cities and offbeat adventures.
Who: Journey Latin America (020 8747 8315)
When: 26 Jul, 20 Sept, 25 Oct, 22 Nov & 20 Dec 2014
How long: 21 nights
How much: from £2,738 (incl flights)
4. Russia
Take a super solo city trip
Discover two great cities on Cox & Kings’ Majestic Russia single travellers group tour. Solos can see the world-class museums and architecture of Moscow and St Petersburg without paying any single supplements. Flights, four-star hotels and breakfasts are included too.
Who: Cox & Kings (020 7873 5000)
When: 29 Jul, 16 Sept & 14 Oct 2014
How long: 6 nights
How much: from £1,495 (incl flights)
5. Cambodia
Work with the weather
One money-saving trick is to exploit the seasons. Take Abercrombie & Kent’s A Taste of Cambodia tour during the rains and you’ll save at least £700 – enough for another trip! Also, sights such as Angkor Wat will be quieter, offering you the opportunity to see the country without the crowds.
Who: Abercrombie & Kent (0845 485 1656)
When: Tailormade, Apr-Oct 2014
How long: 7 nights
How much: from £1,575 (incl flights)
6. Tunisia
Get a quick intro to Africa
Voyages Jules Verne’s Highlights of Tunisia trip is a shorter – and therefore cheaper – version of its signature Tunisia tour, but still squeezes in all the best bits. You get to explore the Roman ruins at El Djem, tour Tunis, visit Carthage and discover the souks of Sousse. The trip also includes half-board hotels, and no single supplement (limited availability).
Who: Voyages Jules Verne (020 7616 1000)
When: 13 Sept, 11 Oct & 8 Nov 2014; 17 Jan, 7 Feb, 7 Mar & 18 Apr 2015
How long: 7 nights
How much: from £495 (incl flights)
7. Sri Lanka
Save money in marvellous South Asia
For the same price as a two-night stay at London's The Dorchester, Tucan Travel’s Jewels of Sri Lanka trip spends 15 days exploring the spectacular South Asian isle. Visit secret temples, cloud-cloaked highlands, climb Sigiriya rock fortress, visit Anuradhapura’s Unesco-listed ruins and safari in elephant-rich Yala NP.
Who: Tucan Travel (0800 804 8435)
When: Selected dates, year-round
How long: 14 nights
How much: from £899 (excl flights)
8. Baja, Mexico
Sail in luxury, for less
Mundy Adventures’ Sea of Cortez trip offers a once-in-a-lifetime voyage at a great price. Snorkel with sea lion pups and search for grey whales aboard a classy vessel – meals, premium drinks, massages, small-boat trips and kayaking excursions are all included.
Who: Mundy Adventures (020 7399 7630)
When: 27 Mar 2015
How long: 9 nights
How much: from £3,199 (incl flights)
9. Morocco
Scale North Africa – in a weekend
KE Adventure’s Toubkal Weekend – The Ultimate Morocco Short Break takes you into the Atlas Mountains to tackle the mighty-but-manageable slopes of 4,167m Mount Toubkal (North Africa’s highest peak), without wasting a second. This bargain hike includes kit, meals, transport and accommodation.
Who: KE Adventure Travel (017687 73966)
When: Selected dates, Jun-Oct 2014
How long: 3 nights
How much: from £295 (excl flights)
Want more budget-friendly travel ideas? The June 2014 issue of Wanderlust (out now) features advice on cheap airline routes, short breaks that won't break the budget, and top-value destination guides including Morocco and Croatia. Get your copy here!
