Top 5 Cheapest Countries To Visit

As of February 2012, the top five cheapest countries to visit offer a variety of last minute deals. Destinations include:

1. Poland
An energized economy, coupled with hosting the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) in June 2012, has renewed public interest in Poland. As of February 2012, local five-star hotels rank among the cheapest in the world. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated an area within the capital city of Warsaw as a World Heritage Site. The month of September offers cheap hotel rates and the tail end of warm summer temperatures.

2. United States of America (USA)
In the Northeast section of the country, discount bus companies provide cheap and convenient sightseeing options. As of February 2012, last minute deals include one-way tickets from New York City to Washington D.C. for approximately $18.58 Australian dollars (AUD) per person. A number of Northeast cities are highly walkable, reducing the need for vehicle rentals. In San Diego, California, car rentals and hotel rates continue to plummet. According to travel agents, guests should visit San Diego quickly. A current construction boom could drive rates up in 2013. Free and discounted attractions are available throughout the country, with a variety of hotels that suit every budget.

3. Belize
Spanish is not required for a visit to the Latin American country of Belize, home to a number of ancient cultural artifacts and the second-largest barrier reef in the world. As of February 2012, currency exchange rates are approximately two Belize dollars (BZD) for every Australian dollar. Visitors enjoy cheap hotel rates and reduced tourist traffic during late-May. According to experts, travel deals should abound until December 2012. The month marks a celebratory period for the country. Most hotels will be expensive and overbooked.

4. Greece
A weakened local economy currently makes Greece an affordable getaway. Larger cities like Athens continue to see hotel prices plunge, allowing travelers to keep more money in their wallets. The country is gaining in popularity among Russians and the Chinese, but attractions remain relatively crowd-free. Improved public transportation offers an economic option for travel, with day passes costing approximately $5.01 AUD as of February 2012. Discounts are plentiful during the months of April and May, but Easter week festivities drive prices up for a short period. Airfare tends to be inconsistent, so guests should research their options carefully before booking.

5. Egypt
The country is doing everything within its power to reconnect with travelers after previous safety concerns kept guests at bay. Hotel prices fell considerably since 2010, with rooms near the Pyramid of Giza going for approximately $92.91 AUD per night as of February 2012. Prices are cheap during transitional seasons, between March and May or September and November. Travelers should monitor travel warnings and consider travel insurance for protection in the event of trip cancellation.

Economic options are available to travelers looking to explore history or lounge on the beach. Research is essential to snagging cheap last minute deals on trips from Australia.