1. Hat Yai, Thailand
Hat Yai was one of the breakthrough destinations in 2018 and 2019 - and for good reason! You don't even have to book a plane ticket to get there from Malaysia or Singapore as it's accessible by KTM train. ? The 4th-largest city in Thailand, Hat Yai's most famous attractions are its lively street and night markets, and beautiful sights at Samila Beach, Songkhla Old Town and more! This 3D2N Muslim-friendly Hat Yai itinerary will help you get started on your next adventure. Don't forget to tuck into some Hat Yai-style fried chicken to satisfy your foodie cravings! ? Budget Tips: Try to learn some local Thai words and phrases before haggling down prices in the street markets. You can sometimes get a cheaper price if the vendors think you're a local! Maybe it's time to make learning Thai a travel resolution for 2020? ? Or if you're not confident in your Thai, don't be afraid to haggle the price down!2. Nagoya, Japan
With Tokyo 2020 coming up it's the perfect time to get out of Tokyo and see a new side of Japan. ? Nagoya is located between Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto, making it a great place to go for a balance of countryside tranquillity and convenient day trips to the bigger cities. Its own citizens call it the 'most boring city in Japan' but it's actually the 4th-biggest city in the country with lots to see! Whether you're visiting Nagoya Castle or the Meiji Village for a step back into old Japan, or visiting the ultra-modern railway park, Nagoya is somewhere new that's worth a visit this year! Budget Tips: Get a regional JR pass if you're planning to add day trips into your itinerary. Inter-city shinkansen rides can be pretty expensive! Look out for the JR Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass (includes Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, and Kanazawa), and JR Osaka-Nagoya 'Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area Pass' (includes Nagoya, Osaka, Nara, and Mie) which are perfect for visiting Universal Studios Japan in Osaka and more. ?3. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
If you're looking for a new nature retreat in 2020, Kota Kinabalu might be the place for you! From climbing Mount Kinabalu to catching the breathtaking sunset at Segama Waterfront, KK is a place you can't miss if you're hoping to visit East Malaysia and Borneo! You can even take a day trip to Kundasang to visit the Desa Dairy Farm and Poring Hot Spring for a nature retreat away from the city. ?? Our 4D3N KK-Kundasang itinerary will help you experience the best that KK has to offer - time to start planning! Budget Tips: Visit during the off-season (Sept-Nov) to find cheaper accommodation rates. You might experience some intermittent showers here and there - but it won't be enough to put a damper on your day! ?4. Nusa Penida, Indonesia
Nusa Penida has been a popular day trip add-on to Bali for a while, but if you're looking for an island retreat that's not as crowded as Bali it's worth extending your stay here to 2 or 3 days! The island is full of breathtaking sights such as the Kelingking Beach limestone formations, and of course underwater marvels that you can see up close on diving or snorkelling tours. ? We've even included it on our best Muslim-friendly destinations of 2020 list - that's how much we think it's worth a visit! Budget Tips: There are many beaches and attractions to visit around the island, but do check with the locals if they're safe to visit before you go! Booking a tour for water activities is also worth it to have a local guide around. High tides and strong waves have led to unfortunate accidents at popular spots such as Angel's Billabong - remember that your health and safety are worth any savings out there. ?5. Macao SAR, China
6. Maafushi, Maldives
You don't have to give up overwater villas, stunning dive sites and more to have a budget-friendly trip to the Maldives. ? Maafushi is one of the Maldivian islands that's known for being more wallet-friendly, and you can find a whole range of activities including canoeing and fishing here for a low cost. With careful planning, you can even have a 4D3N getaway on Maafushi for less than RM2800! Budget Tips: Skip staying at a resort for the entire trip, and opt for a day pass instead. Many resorts issue day passes that will let you have all-access to their swimming pools, water sports equipment, restaurants and more - without the costly nightly rates attached! Check out even more Maldives cost-saving tips for a paradise getaway that won't break the bank. ?7. Yogyakarta, Indonesia
8. Seoul, South Korea
9. Balkans (Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina)
10. Langkawi, Malaysia
Langkawi was definitely making it onto our list - especially after its first-ever water theme park just opened in December 2019! The island is a classic and popular getaway if you're looking for a seaside escape, where you can expect delicious local food, scenic views, and exciting activities to keep you occupied. ? You can even find plenty of accommodations starting from below RM100 a night - time to plan your next weekend adventure. Budget Tips: Combine your Langkawi trip with a short visit to Koh Lipe in Thailand to make the most of your long weekend. Click here for a 4D3N Langkawi-Koh Lipe itinerary that'll make you wish you're relaxing on the beach right now. ? Consider visiting during the low season (May-October) to try and get a better rate on accommodations - it may be a little rainy, but with fewer crowds around you can have a more laidback, personal trip all to yourself!11. Taipei, Taiwan
12. Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang is the place to head to if you're looking for laidback European vibes without breaking the bank. The former colonial port is known for the Ba Na Hills French Village that overlooks the sandy beaches and is full of classical European architecture ?, as well as the Golden Bridge which appears to be propped by a gigantic set of hands. The temperature in Da Nang is also nice and cool throughout the year, so it's a great escape when the weather at home gets too hot! ? Budget Tips: Halal-certified food can be a bit difficult to find in Da Nang, so bring along your own ready-made meals or meals that can be heated up for extra convenience. You can also look out for accommodations with kitchen facilities so you can cook yourself simple meals using ingredients from major supermarkets such as Big C!Bonus: Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Umrah
A popular travel trend that emerged in 2019 was the concept of a DIY Umrah. While booking with a tour company is more convenient, they often cost in the thousands! The good news is there are now tips and guides out there to help you in your DIY planning. ☺️ Some companies such as Poto Travel (MY) and Shahidah Travel (SG) are even offering more flexible or free-and-easy options so you can plan a more flexible Umrah. Just make sure to start planning early so you can apply for your Umrah visa, and try to avoid peak seasons (school holidays, Ramadan, etc.) when prices will be sky-high. First-timers, make sure to check out these 12 useful tips on what to expect! Budget Tips: Many Umrah packages are also more expensive because you'll be booked into a 5-star hotel, so if you're DIY-ing it on your own, look out for more affordable options. If you're travelling with children or older relatives, make sure to weigh your options to balance comfort and price for a once-in-a-lifetime family experience. ? And that rounds up the destinations we think you can visit on a budget in 2020. ? Getting to travel is an incredible privilege, and it's truly amazing that you don't have to spend too much to see the world!Tags:2020balkansbudgetbudget-tipsbudget-travelbudget-friendlychinaeastern-europeindonesiairanjapankoreamalaysiamaldivessouth-koreataiwanthailandvietnam
