Budget adventure travel guide

Imagine trekking to a mountain refuge in Cuba’s Pico Turquino National Park or riding the rails from the tea estates of Darjeeling to the downtown streets of Delhi; that’s what budget adventures mean to us: really getting under the skin of a country, at ground level. Budget adventure holidays are ideal for travellers who are comfortable on public transport, happy with a homestay in a rural village and for those who understand the difference between street food and fast food. This style of travel lets families discover new cultures whilst choosing optional activities to match the mood of the brood. Solo travellers and couples can keep within saving plans and put a bit aside for something special, like a hand-carved souvenir, a cooking course or a guided safari. Our budget adventure holidays travel guide helps travellers find a country’s true identity at a price and pace that suits them, down to the ground.

Forget budget adventures equating to cheap-as-chips deals and corner cutting; that’s certainly not what we’d recommend. Budget adventures are a style, an authentic experience, a chance to get closer to the people who really matter: the local expert, the welcoming family or the curious language swappers on the public bus. This might mean you travel either side of peak summer season, or steer clear of city centre hotels, or travel as part of a small group and share costs on accommodation, food and activities. These holidays let you travel without the fear of things going wrong, and result in unexpected costs or time consuming processes. The money you save can go towards additional activities, cultural classes, or slap up seafood suppers in a local restaurant overlooking the ocean. Just make sure you know in advance exactly what's included in the overall tour price, and whether there might be hidden extras lurking around the corner.

There’s no disputing DIY travel can be an exciting adventure; however, sometimes, adding a back up team, detailed trip notes, a choice of tried and tested accommodation and an itinerary that’s tailored to your expectations, can actually be a more affordable option, especially on one- or two-week trips when you simply don’t have time to get lost or miss connections! Tailor made budget adventure holidays give you choices, ideas and freedom to make your own decisions. You’ll be able to take advantage of the safest activity companies, local tour guides and honest recommendations to take the hassle and time out of shopping around, as well as ensuring you’re embarking on an adventure with confidence rather than cost cutting and gambling on the outcome.

The Balkans, particularly Croatia and Montenegro, are fast becoming some of the best destinations for a budget adventure holiday with locally owned activity centres, close to lakes, rivers and forest-covered mountains, offering affordable options in exceptional settings.