Traveling does not necessarily have to be an expensive endeavor. While many people assume that exploring new destinations requires a hefty budget, there are numerous ways to make travel affordable and accessible to everyone. By adopting a resourceful mindset and implementing a few smart strategies, you can embark on exciting adventures without breaking the bank.
First things first, plan and budget. Set a realistic budget for your trip. This will determine how much you can afford to spend on transportation, accommodation, food and other activities. Plan ahead and be mindful of your expenses to avoid overspending.
So when it comes to accommodation, online travel platform Agoda gives us 11 properties that are unbeatable when it comes to combining character and comfort with affordability. The list is based on traveler's favorites, sourced from Agoda.com between 25-27 April 2023 for stays in May 2023. Prices may change based on availability and date of travel.
- Manila, Philippines:Seda Residences MakatiValue for Money rating: 9.2
Room rate: PHP 4,900
This four-star hotel radiates class and is a sure bet for anyone who wants a stress-free stay in the Philippines. With its comfy rooms, one would surely feel right at home. Admire the unparalleled views from the Sky Lobby on the 19th floor or the the roof deck bar on the 35th floor. Indeed, the Seda Residences located in Ayala Avenue deserves its top value badge.
- Singapore:Shipping Container Hotel @ Haw Par Villa
Value for Money rating: 9.0
Room rate: P9,200
Given the 9 out of 10 'Value for Money' rating, this hotel is a Singapore favorite! The Shipping Container Hotel @ Haw Par Villa is exactly what the name implies: A shipping container turned hotel room. Doesn’t sound that appealing? Think again! The interior is surprisingly cozy and comfy. It truly is ‘an experience’.
- Hanoi, Vietnam:Smarana Hanoi Heritage
Value for Money rating: 9.2
Room rate: P4,200
Smarana Hanoi Heritage hotel is a unique and reasonably priced 5-star in a prime Hanoi location. Adorned with vibrant colors, lively plants and charming French balconies, the hotel's distinct exterior will surely put a smile on your face. Once inside, odds are you’ll by now have fallen completely in love with this hotel: It’s authentic, stylish, and welcoming. - Bangkok, Thailand:Feel Good Bangkok Hostel
Value for Money rating: 9.8
Room rate: P1,400 with private bathroom
The Feel Good Hostel & Cafe is the only hostel in this list. Guest reviews mention comfy beds, clean rooms, great service, and the location isn’t bad either with backpacker’s favorite Kao San Road or the splendor of the Grand Palace just on the other side of the Chao Phraya river. Rooms with private bathrooms are also available, often for less than P1,400 per night!
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:KLoe Hotel
Value for Money rating: 9.2
Room rate: P4,900
Last year's top choice by Agoda travelers in Kuala Lumpur, KLoe Hotel positions itself as a hub for creative nomads. It has special rooms for reading, listening and drawing. A lot of care was given to its interior design, making sure the central courtyard and the open walkways unleash creativity within every guest.
- Perth, Australia:Nightcap at Belgian Beer CafeValue for Money rating: 9.0
Room rate: P5,500
The Nightcap at Belgian Beer Café is a beer lover's haven. It will be of no surprise that the vibrant, Flemish-style pub above which the hotel is located offers a wide selection of Belgian and international brews, and tasty pub food. The rooms are pretty good too, with king beds and modern bathrooms, making this the ideal value for money stay in Perth.
- Tokyo, Japan:Nohga Hotel AkihabaraValue for Money rating: 9.4
Room rate: P10,000
This urban retreat's location is within amazing restaurants and is at walking distance to a train station. Nohga Hotel Akihabara scores higher than 99% of other properties in Tokyo, not just in terms of value for money but also when it comes to cleanliness and service score.
- Seoul, South Korea:Union HotelValue for Money rating: 9.1
Room rate: P4,900
With room rates room rates that are available for as little as P4,900 per night, the hotel has a fitness center, a garden, a yoga room, an indoor golf center and an indoor tennis court! The newly renovated Union Hotel takes pride in the hotel’s exquisite modern design and sparklingly clean rooms and facilities.
- Bali, Indonesia: Desa Hay CangguValue for Money rating: 10
Room rate: P18,200
Splash some cash for an exceptional experience at Desa Hay Canggu resort. Rated 10/10 for ‘value for money’ by over a hundred verified guests, this resort features huge rooms with private pools. It is highly recommended for romantic getaways.
- Goa, India: Casa Severina
Value for Money rating: 9.1 Room rate: P2,600
Awarded ‘top choice’ in Goa last year in the 3-star hotel segment, Casa Severina's remarkable service level contributes greatly to the hotel's value for money rating. Located near the beach, it features lush grounds, a swimming pool and fitness facilities.
- Taipei, Taiwan:Cho Hotel 3Value for Money rating: 9.2
Room rate: P5,000
This little gem is located in the heart of Taipei.
Guests call it a home away from home, and for good reason: There’s a piano in the lobby, a wall full of drawings and messages from previous guests, and there’s a relaxing lounge with free mineral water and instant noodles. The friendly, multilingual staff at the reception solidifies Cho Hotel 3’s reputation as a travelers’ favorite.
So who says traveling is only for the affluent? The truth is anybody can create memorable travel experiences on a modest budget. All you need to be is resourceful, flexible and open-minded.
Find more great value travel deals on Agoda.com and the Agoda mobile app.