Although the world is shrinking thanks to globalization and the media, there are still a lot of hidden places that are beautiful and don’t get much attention from popular media outlets. These places go relatively unnoticed unless you know the right travel agent or if you know someone who’s been there. That’s unfortunate since there are great places to visit that few people around the world ever hear of. If you’re interested in traveling the world, then you’ll want to hear about these interesting and beautiful places.

Traveling to different places around the world can be a lot of fun, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. You can travel to any of the places on this list for a fun-filled vacation in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and do it on a budget. If you plan your trip well, you can experience much of what the world has to offer without spending all of your money. You can plan a relatively cheap vacation with great scenery and experiences by visiting the places on this list. If you are looking for beautiful and different travel destinations, here are 25 budget destinations that are hidden gems.

25. Kraków, Poland

Krakow is a historically significant city as it has been the center of major events in the area. Because of this, it still has many of the remnants of those times. If you are looking for a place to visit that feels out of time with the rest of the world, you can visit any of the historical buildings in the area. Because of its importance in WWII, Krakow has several popular tourist areas such as Schindler’s factory or a nearby concentration camp. There are also remnants of medieval society in the area. Krakow is a beautiful place to visit for historical beauty and aged architecture.

24. Yasawa Islands, Fiji

Fiji is known for its natural beauty, but the Yasawa Islands don’t receive as much attention as the rest of Fiji. This works out better for you because it is an untapped source of beauty that fewer people know about. The Yasawa Islands are on the west end of Fiji. Most of the islands are covered by lush greenery that extends nearly to the peak of each mountain. You can hike up these mountains if you wish, or you can enjoy one of the coastal beaches. The water is bright and clear with no sign of extensive development or traffic in sight. It’s a great place to get away from urban areas for a while and enjoy the natural surroundings.

23. Intramuros, Philippines

Intramuros in the Philippines is an all-around beautiful place. It is known for its ancient architecture and a rich cultural heritage from both native cultures and western influences. It has an eclectic mix of western influence and native cultures that blend well to create a new cultural experience unlike anywhere else. You can explore various western influenced architectural sites like the Manila Cathedral or Fort Santiago. For a more in-depth look at the various architectural influences, visit Casa Manila in the Plaza San Luis. It was developed by Imelda Marcos and every room exemplifies the different architectural stylings of the period.

22. Drakensberg, South Africa

In another part of the world, Drakensberg, South Africa has several World Heritage Sites that you can visit. The uKhalamba-Drakensberg Park is open to the public as a part of a project to protect the area and the heritage of its people. You can visit the Barrier of Spears, a mountain range the separates KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho. You can also visit the Drakensberg Boys Choir School which is one of the most famous choir schools in the world. Concerts are held at the school on a regular basis, so you may be just in time to catch the next one.

21. Pokhara, Nepal

If you like to visit snowy areas, the Pokhara Nepal is a good place to go. It is within sight of the Himalayan Mountains where you can get a great view when the weather is clear. Pokhara is a common place for hikers to stop or start long treks, so you may hear stories of their adventures in the local hangouts. While Pokhara is fully developed like you would expect from larger cities, it also preserves much of its ancient architecture which is open to the public. You could explore some of the ancient structures around Pokhara to learn more about its heritage.

20. Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia is a great place to visit for year-round natural beauty entertainment. The Cabot Trail will take you around the coastline for a variety of natural views that are hard to find in other places. The sunset on the coast is breathtaking and a can’t miss event. The combination of the rising and setting sun along with sprawling natural formations creates a scenic landscape. Cape Breton also has many water sports options like sailing and kayaking that you can try. One of the best features of Cape Breton is the chance to experience various cultural activities acquired from people from around the world.

19. Marrakech, Morocco

For a different adventure nearly half way around the world, try visiting Marrakech. It is a desert city filled with great architecture. Many people around the world have heard of Marrakech, but few know much about it. It has a rich history that still influences its development to this day. Start by visiting the Jardin Majorelle which is known for its impressive architecture. It’s surrounded by busy streets, but serves as a great place to get away from the city for a while. You can also get find tours of the city which will allow you to experience the different parts of the city and explore the desert-like environment.

18. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, one of the most beautiful cities around the world, is known for its luxurious design and impressive size. It is one of the biggest cities in Europe and has a rich history that can be seen in the architecture. One of the best features of Budapest is its baths. They are located all over the city. These baths offer a new experience if you’ve never tried one before. If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, Budapest’s baths are one of the best experiences to try. Budapest’s spas also offer a variety of other treatments that will help you relax.

17. Alentejo, Portugal

Many people around the world travel great distances to get to beautiful beaches. There are quite a few beaches that serve as hidden gems since they are secluded. If you like to experience beaches around the world, the beaches of Alentejo, Portugal are a must visit place. Alentejo’s clean and clear water along with the white sand and clear weather make for a great beach day experience. You can find beaches across most of Alentejo, so there are many to choose from. In between your beach excursions, you can also explore Alentejo National Park for a different nature adventure.

16. George Town, Malaysia

George Town has a strong combination of indigenous and colonial cultural influence. The architecture displays cultural influences from previous eras, some of which has been infused with more modern designs. Although parts of the city are developed into modern areas, there is still a strong historical influence throughout the city. The city promotes artistic expression in multiple ways. Street art displays are also prominent as there are many artists in the area. It is well known for cultivating artistic expression from all parts of society. George Town creates an immersive experience developed around the combination of art and everyday life.

15. Oaxaca, Mexico

Seasonal festivals are a staple in Oaxaca’s yearly calendar. There is a festival for every part of the year so you don’t need to plan too far in advance to enjoy one of the many exciting celebrations. You can participate in these festivals year-round with the locals that enjoy having visitors from around the world. Oaxaca is a UNESCO world heritage site thanks to several ancient civilization structures. They have been kept in good condition and they are open to the public for you to explore. You can visit the Macedonio Alcala Theater or Monte Alban where you can see these structures in their full glory.

14. Nong Khiaw, Laos

In your world travels, you’ll likely need a place to rest and recover. Nong Khiaw is a great place for a layover if you’ve been traveling non-stop. Because travelers pass through often, it is filled with travel amenities that make tourists very happy and relaxed. The local scenery is exceptional along the banks of the Nam Ou. Nong Khiaw has a strong tourist industry as well, so there are plenty of fun activities planned for you to participate in. If you’re interested in setting new travel plans for the next part of your vacation, you may want to start in Nong Khiaw. The travel agents there can help you set new arrangements.

13. Barcelona, Spain

Perhaps one of the most famous travel destinations on this list, Barcelona is a leading tourist destination for its amazing scenery and culture. You can experience the beauty of Barcelona on one of the city tours, or on your own. It’s a safe and friendly place to explore and meet new people. The city has a rich cultural heritage which can be seen in the architecture and the appreciation for good food and the arts. Music and other art forms are prevalent throughout the city, so there is always a new experience to be had. You may even find an interesting souvenir that you’ll want to bring back with you.

12. Shanghai, China

If you are interested in visiting China, Shanghai is a great place to pass through. As a major destination in China, Shanghai also has a rich cultural heritage. It is a major tourist destination when passing through that part of the world, and offers a range of different experiences that are unique to the city. It’s easy to find accommodations with a mix of an authentic Chinese architectural feel and modern conveniences. Shanghai has a well-developed blend of historical Chinese cultural influence, and modern developmental influences. As a result, you can experience the present and past of Chinese culture and beauty.

11. Istanbul, Turkey

For a more middle-eastern experience in a major city, you can visit Istanbul. Throughout history, Istanbul has been a major focus for people around the world. Istanbul has a prominent cultural and religious influence from years as the center of many developments throughout history. One of the best places to visit is the Blue Mosque which towers over much of the city. There are several other historic and religious places around the city worth visiting, and it could take a couple of days to fully explore all of them. You can also visit Istanbul’s famous Grand Bazaar, a massive outdoor marketplace where you can find all of the local goods that you would want.

10. Gokarna, India

India is rapidly developing into a major world influence as the country experiences rapid globalization and business development. Despite its huge development and modernization, there are plenty of places in India that offer the traditional Indian cultural feel alongside a modern development experience. Gokarna is a small tourist destination that has grown from a small pilgrimage place on many religious travelers’ pilgrimage tour to a thriving tourist destination. It is well known for its expansive beaches which are the best places to experience the sunset. It is a very relaxing place for you to visit the beaches and unwind.

9. Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

Rio Grande has always been a great tourist destination. It is a great place to visit because it offers a solid combination of beach life and nature exploration. You can have a range of experiences on the long beaches and in the tropical scenery. In Rio Grande, you can visit the clean sandy beaches or explore the lush forests that cover the island. You can take a guided tour, or explore on your own if you are an experienced adventurist. The food in Rio Grande is exceptional, and you can get a mix of Caribbean and Spanish foods made with authentic recipes.

8. Varna, Bulgaria

If you like to travel the world looking for creative stonework inspired by different influences throughout history, Varna, Bulgaria is a good place to start. The city is filled with creative works of stone that highlight different cultural influences. You can visit the multiple cathedrals dispersed across the city, including the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin. For a unique experience created by nature, you can also visit the Stone Forest, a collection of stone figures that make for interesting pictures. It is a natural mystery as many have not been able to determine how they were created.

7. Zagreb, Croatia

If you’d like to see firsthand what happens to medieval fortress cities as they enter the modern era, Zagreb was a great place to go. Zagreb is a city comprised of two interconnected fortress cities that unified during the Baroque Era. It maintains the original feel of being a stone city surrounding a central fortress that overlooks the whole area, while having the modern conveniences that any traveler would expect. If you have ever wanted to see what a fortress town looks like, Zagreb is a great place to look. Zagreb maintains much of its medieval architecture while promoting development in the arts.

6. Montevideo, Uruguay

Uruguay also has beautiful places to visit. In Uruguay, Montevideo is one of the most populated cities which makes it a major hub for cultural and historical influences. You can explore many of the arts in Montevideo as the city continues to develop new theatres while maintaining its older facilities. From an early age, artists are encouraged to create new works of art that explore the range of emotions and expressive talents that are available. Because of this, Montevideo is a great destination to explore the arts. There is a strong focus on the arts within the city, so you’ll have a range of experiences to choose from.

5. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is known for its relaxed atmosphere and tropical experiences. It is a great place to go on vacation for a few days, or stay for an extended period of time. The beaches in Punta Cana are long and picturesque. Punta Cana also has great golfing destinations that are close by. You can fully explore it within a few days, so it is a good place to extend your vacation. There are golf courses that were designed by professional golfers to offer added enjoyment and difficulties. If you’d rather explore nature, you can check out the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park that was established as a haven for the indigenous species.

4. Abruzzo, Italy

Abruzzo exemplifies life in the Italian countryside. It is far outside of heavily developed areas, so it is able to maintain its rural charm. It remains virtually untouched by modern developments, allowing you to look into the past and get away from modern life for a while. Escaping modern life is a great way to unwind or backpack across Europe. You can travel between the four provinces in Abruzzo to experience country living across the country. The scenery is expansive and there are always new areas to explore. The locals are also very friendly and many enjoy having visitors regardless of where you are from.

3. Taipei, Taiwan

If you are looking for a fun and inexpensive getaway in a modern city, try Taipei. While Taipei offers all of the modern developments of other cities, it is more affordable than most places. One of the best things about Taipei is the food. You can find a mix of traditional and contemporary foods from China, Taiwan, Indian, and Japan. There is an endless assortment of foods to try. Many people go to Taipei for an extended vacation. It is so affordable that you can stretch out your vacation for longer without running out of money. Try Taipei if you’re thinking about moving to Asia. It is an affordable and easy place to experiment with a new lifestyle in a different country.

2. County Donegal, Ireland

County Donegal is known for its contributions to the arts and sports. With some of Ireland’s highest cliffs, it is a great place for cliff diving. Some of the world’s best cliff divers go to County Donegal to develop their skills. The surfing conditions in County Donegal range from mild to intense unlike many other places around the world. Surfers of all skill levels can find an exciting challenge. County Donegal is also a great place to begin your tour of Ireland’s rich cultural history and the many contributions made by famous Irish writers like W.B. Yeats. County Donegal is a must visit place if you are passing through Ireland.

1. North Stradbroke Island, Australia

One of the best places to go for a relaxing vacation is North Stradbroke Island in Australia. It is known for being a relaxing, low-key, and friendly place where you can spend your time at the beach, exploring the country, or just generally taking it easy with the locals. Locals on the island encourage visitors to slow down and enjoy the sights. There is plenty to see on the island, including the vast array of sea creatures that can easily be found at the beach. Surfing is a daily activity and you can always find someone to surf with.