10 Budget-Friendly Destinations to Visit in 2017

Lonely Planet’s “Top 10 Destinations for 2017” was just that: a list of cities that, for a variety of reasons, deserved to be on travelers’ wish lists for next year. Notably absent was any consideration of how expensive visiting those destinations might be. Taking cost out of the equation makes for a provocative list, but maybe a less than practical one.

For the 99-percenters, who must reconcile our check books and credit card statements every month, Lonely Planet also compiled a list of the top-10 “value” destinations for 2017. It ranges widely, over cities, areas, and entire countries, and offers something for every travel style.

1. Nepal
2. Namibia
3. Porto, Portugal
4. Venice, Italy
5. Debrecen, Hungary
6. Belize
7. Morocco
8. Russia
9. Bellarine Peninsula, Australia
10. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, USA

As with its no-limits list, Lonely Planet’s budget list is annotated with comments that are both instructional and inspiring. Here, as an example, is the Debrecen, Hungary, story:

Hiding in plain sight beyond Budapest is Debrecen, the country’s second-largest city and the heart of low-cost Hungary. Now connected by Europe’s budget-airline network to seven countries, the city is opening up to international visitors. Debrecen is rich in history, but more modern influences have prompted a growing modern-art scene and streets that come alive with summer festivals. What really sets Debrecen apart is its location on the edge of Hungary’s puszta (eastern plains). The haunt of Hungarian cowboys and home to Hortobagy National Park, the region still dominates romantic visions of traditional Hungary.

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The local tourist board would be hard pressed to paint a more alluring picture.

Reader Reality Check

Where will you be spending your hard-earned dollars next year?

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After 20 years working in the travel industry, and 15 years writing about it, Tim Winship knows a thing or two about travel. Follow him on Twitter @twinship.