With the holidays coming, everyone is looking to relax and unwind from the year’s long activities, and what better way to relax than with a vacation? And contrary to the common belief that you have to spend a fortune to afford a nice vacation, it doesn’t necessarily have to be so.

This post will explore some relatively affordable travel destinations you can visit this holiday season. But first, let’s go through a list of essential travel documents you should have for a smooth and stress-free experience:

1. An international passport: a valid passport is required for any foreign trip, and it should have a validity period of at least six months beyond your intended stay. It’s also advised that you make copies of your passport’s data page in case it gets lost or stolen and always have a copy on you during travel.
2. Visa: research the visa requirements of the destinations you intend to visit. Some countries require a visa before entry, while others are visa-free based on your nationality.
3. Health travel documents: having health travel documents, for example, the yellow fever vaccination certificate and the COVID-19 travel document entry, is a standard procedure for international travel. You should check your destination’s health requirements to ensure you have the requested health certificates before traveling.
4. Identification documents: You should always have a copy of an official identification document with you during your travel. It could be a driver’s license, passport, or national ID card.

Also read: 7 First-Time Travel Mistakes to Avoid When Flying out of Nigeria (2023)

Now let’s look at some budget-friendly vacation spots for this holiday:

Rwanda:

Rwanda, also known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, is a top tourist destination, especially with its recent announcement of visa-free entry for all Africans.

Rwanda is blessed with stunning scenery, unique wildlife experiences, and a vibrant showcase of culture, and it’s considered to be one of the safest African countries. To save costs during your trip, you can get accommodations in hostels and guesthouses, which cost around $20 per night, and eat at local restaurants and stalls, one of the best ways to fully experience the culture. Also, due to its good infrastructure and transportation, getting around the country is easy and affordable, ranging between $1 and $5.

Some places to visit and activities to try while in Rwanda include:

• Volcanoes National Park
• Helicopter tour
• Musanze caves
• Kimironko Market
• Lake Kivu
• The Congo Nile Trail

Tunisia:

If you’re looking to explore North Africa, then you should give Tunisia a try. This travel destination is a low-cost one that offers you good value for money spent on accommodation, transportation, food, and other activities. But unlike Rwanda, a visa is required before entry, which you can apply for through the embassy.

As with many African countries, Tunisia also offers a rich mix of nature, culture, and history, with it being home to one of the most preserved Roman ruins in the world and the largest historical amphitheater dating back to 238 AD.

Other historical sites you can visit are:

• The Medina of Tunis
• Carthage
• Dougga
• Sbeitla
• Bardo Museum

Comoros:

Comoros is a volcanic archipelago (a collection of islands) located off Africa’s East coast, and it’s one of the least visited countries in the world. But despite this, this destination is known for its splendid volcanic landscapes, pristine white sand beaches, and fragrant plant life, which has earned it the nickname “perfumed islands.”

Comoros offers a visa on arrival, valid for 45 days, and it’s a great travel choice, especially if you’re on a budget. You can get accommodations for as low as $20 per night and eat out at restaurants for $5-$15 a meal. Some activities you can try during your stay include:

• Climb the Karthala volcano
• Island hopping (Comoros is made up of four islands)
• Snorkeling
• Spice tour
• Visit the Moheli Marine Park

Turkey

Turkey is a very affordable country to visit due to its significantly low cost of living. Its location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia offers tourists a fascinating blend of both cultures.

Turkey is a popular tourist destination because there’s something for everyone, regardless of your budget. You can lodge in campsites and youth hostels or 5-star hotels. There are also numerous cuisine options for you, and navigating the country is relatively easy as English is widely spoken.

Some tourist destinations to visit in Turkey include:

• Cappadocia
• Ephesus
• Fethiye
• Konya
• Safranbolu

Benin Republic

This list wouldn’t be complete without including our neighboring country, the Benin Republic. This destination is a top travel choice if you’re on a budget and are part of ECOWAS. Nigerians can visit visa-free for 90 days.

Some of the best things to do while on your trip are;

• Visit the floating village of Ganvie
• Explore the ruins of the palaces and temples of the Abomey kingdom
• A trip to Bab's dock
• Tour Dantokpa Market

Wrapping up

With the right amount of research and preparation, you’ll be able to have the best travel experience without having to break your bank. But don’t forget to get a Grey virtual card to spend and live like a local wherever you are.