Our Top Travel Destinations of the Year

Years come and go, but our travel experiences stay with us forever. No matter how many destination you visit, there's always new experiences sights and activities awaiting. We wrapped up our year's favourites and are counting down our best travel destinations and experiences.

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Our Top Travel Destinations of the Year

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It's hard to believe that we are already beginning a new year. It seems like 2018 has come and gone so quickly we barely had time to see it! We did however manage to pack a ton of travels in there, visiting a combined amount of over 14 countries! And as always, we do all of this on a modest budget.

Some destinations in this list are definitely more expensive than others, but we like to think that almost any travel can be done on a budget if you are creative!

So to inspire your next travels, here's our top destinations of the year!

Vang Vieng, Laos

Though this destination is recognized as a party town, we opted instead to explore the beauty of its surrounding nature, saving us money and headaches I'm sure! With all the walking, hiking, biking, cave exploring, bamboo ladders climbing, boating or river tubing, Vang Vieng easily earned its spot as one of our favourite destinations.

Don't miss: Do make sure to rent a bike and explore outside of the tourist filled center to nearby towns.

Arosa, Switzerland

Definitely not a budget location, but this popular vacation destination from the Swiss Alps left us in awe from the breathtaking scenery and so we just had to include it to this list. To make this work on a budget, get shared accommodations, avoid eating out and find some free activities to fill up your days. From the train ride up the mountains stopping in nearby villages to Arosa's quaint small town feel, you will see very quickly why we fell in love with it.
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Don't miss: Save money by getting yourself a free map of the hiking trails from the Information Center, and explore whatever hike meets your physical abilities. Our favourite was the Lakes filled one by far! 

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Known as "Halong Bay on Land", we were unexpectedly amazed by its gorgeous landscape. From hiking up mountains for the view of surrounding areas to rowing small boats through caves, Ninh Binhs is a must see for visitors in Vietnam!
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Don't miss: Trang An Grottoes were definitely a highlight for us in Ninh Binh, make sure you don't miss it!

Lucca, Italy

Situated in Italy's Tuscan area, this Italian city is most known for its old city walls surrounding the historic city center. As vehicles are prohibited in certain areas, most visitors opt to walk or bike on the cobblesonte streets, as well as the wide path located on the top of the walls. 

Don't miss: Make sure to check out the adorable Piazza Dell' Anfiteatro for a drink or meal at one of its many restaurants. For tighter budgets, try doing some people watching and wander off exploring the nearby street instead.

Kampot, Cambodia

We opted to spend most of our time in Cambodia in the smaller village of Kampot to try and avoid the tourist filled party zones. Located on a river with nearby mountains and salt and pepper farms, we much enjoyed the laid back nature of this town along with the friendly locals and helpful expats.
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Don't miss: Head out to a pepper farm and make sure to bring back some world famous Cambodian pepper home!

Cat Ba, Vietnam

The popular UNESCO site of Halong Bay is a beauty to be seen, but unfortunately, it doesn't always fit in the budget. That's why Cat Ba has made its way to our list. We came here for a budget version of the typical Halong Bay tours and were not disappointed with the lovely sea side village!

Don't Miss: Take a day-long tour of Halong Bay from Cat Ba to enjoy the best of the site. Try to book on a clear day to truly experience the blue tones of the bay!

Fussen, Germany

Just north of the Austria-Germany border, this town is renowned for its gothic cathedral, along with nearby Tegelberg mountain with its cable car and amazing views, Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle.
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Don't miss: You won't want to miss a fairytale visit of the Neuschwanstein Castle. If your budget doesn't allow for the price of the tickets, you can visit the grounds of the castle free of charge, and I assure you, that is where the best views are!

Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada

Located on Canada's East Coast, in the Nova Scotia Valley, this area boasts spectacularly high tidal ranges in the Bay of Fundy, beautiful beaches and picturesque towns. This areas also offers many outdoors adventures including hiking, various u-picks and campgrounds. An often forgotten side of Canada, the East Coast is a perfect option for budget travelers.

Don't miss: If you enjoy wine tastings, make sure to drop into some of the many vineyards some of which conveniently located within walking distance of each other. There are also a few locally made cider tastings available for those who prefer this option!

Nice, France

Sitting in southern France, this city offers a vibrant street life combined with old world charm from its seaside location. It's old town is perfect for getting lost exploring it's many cobblestone roads.
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Don't miss: Try to catch one of the open-air markets available in this city, you'll be enthralled by the scents and sights and you won't even have to spend a dime!

Budapest, Hungary

This Eastern European city offers tourists a great opportunity to explore the city by foot which makes it easy on the budget. You may opt to take a stroll along the river, venture onto Margaret Island, discover the Buda Castle or take advantage of the many other amazing options this city has to offer its visitors!
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Don't miss: Check out Great Market Hall for some fresh meats, delicious Goulash or perfect Hungarian paprika to take home.

Monaco

This small country is a great option for a day trip from nearby France or Italy. From the Monte Carlo Casino to it's expensive yatch filled waterfront, this destination is perfect for a day long exploration!
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Don't miss: If, like us, your budget doesn't allow for the more expensive options in this costly country, it's best to opt for a walk around the city, taking in the sights and perhaps enjoying a coffee while people watching. 

Koh Lanta, Thailand

Pristine white sand with turquoise clear waters for miles await on this Thai island. Late night meals in restaurants located on the beach accompanied by light shows and a truly relaxed island environment await - need we say more? 

Don't miss: Bring your bathing suit and an umbrella and head out to one of the many beautiful beaches for some swimming, snorkelling and perhaps even a nice nap!

Ban Dung, Thailand

Located in North East Thailand, approximately 2 hours east of the nearest city Udon Thani, this small Thai village has much to offer including welcoming locals, and an authentic experience. It's an amazing day trip opportunities without the usual crowd of western tourists which often overtakes many of Thailand's popular destinations. 
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Don't miss: Head out to the nearby salt fields which are within walking distance of the town, and enjoy a spa treatment with the fresh salt including delicious snacks.

Hoi An, Vietnam

This famous Vietnamese tourist destination came with such high recommendations that we were worried it might not live up to the hype. We were happily surprised with this town and quickly fell in love with it.  Between the nearby beaches, the great beach restaurants, an impressive variety of cuisine in the many restaurants in town, delicious street food, amazing custom made clothing options, there is something to love for every traveler! There are even nearby rice fields, endless streets to discover in the old town including the lantern displays at night, and multiple cooking schools where you can learn to make your own Pho.
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Don't miss: As Hoi An is recognized mostly as the spot to get good quality tailored clothing for less, make sure to visit the many tailoring shops that line the streets. Head outside of the Old Town for cheaper prices and better bargaining power.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Located in Northern Cambodia, this city has a strong tourist presence with a lively Pub Street and nearby Angkor Night Market. The many bars, restaurants and markets aimed for tourists is also balanced by nearby street food and local areas.

Don't miss: Though it is costly, make sure to check out the sunrise and various impressive relics at nearby Angkor Wat for a once in a lifetime mesmerizing experience. Worth every penny!

Zaanse Schans, Netherlands

A less expensive alternative to Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans is a popular day trip from the city but it also makes for a great home base while traveling the Netherlands. Windmills are lined along the canals and transportation to and from Amsterdam is easy and fast.  

Don't miss: Rent bicycles and ride along the Zaan river to see the best of the sceneries.

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