Traveling to Europe can be expensive and many Asian countries can be overcrowded and expensive. Fortunately there are other great and cheap European vacations out there, so you can travel to Europe on a budget and enjoy everything Asia has to offer.

Malaysia

Compared to the overwhelming nature of many other Asian countries, Malaysia is laidback, relaxing and cheaper. Gorgeous beaches, exotic jungles, colorful temples, delicious cuisine and snorkeling can be yours for as little as $15 to $30 per person per day. Malaysia is also more westernized than other countries and many people speak English, making communication easier. Plus there are tons of attractions in a small area. From the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur to the calming and beautiful Cameron Highlands Hill Station, there is everything from big city attractions to wild jungle adventures.

Morocco

Morocco is located in northern Africa in close proximity to Europe – but couldn’t be more different. Tangier, Casablanca and Marrakesh offer exotic marketplaces and bazaars, ancient and medieval buildings, delicious Moroccan food, camel rides and tons of excitement. Once you’ve had enough of the bustling cities, head for the uncrowded beaches, amazing mountains, cedar forests and old Saharan towns. There are plenty of outdoor activities like trekking, skiing, windsurfing and hiking to do on this cheap exotic vacation. Depending on how many creature comforts you seek, you can get by on anywhere from $30-$80 a day.

Turkey

Turkey is a great vacation in itself, but also a great way to travel Europe on a budget. This nation is located between Europe and Asia and is known world-wide for its amazing sightseeing opportunities and great values. Even though the prices have crept up over the years as tourism has expanded, the country still is a great deal. Turkey has a historic past, with amazing and ancient cities to visit, Roman ruins to explore, mosques and ancient churches to visit, Byzantine art to admire and more. Turkey is also surrounded by four seas, making it a beach paradise with plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy and resorts for comfort. Although a bit more expensive than the other counties, travelers can get by on about $50 to $100 a day. Hostels start at around $25 a night and hotels a little bit more at about $45.

Prague, Czech Republic

Once the capital of the Holy Roman Empire, Prague offers amazing Roman architecture and all night partying – at budget prices. During the day, visit the city’s beautiful buildings, many of which were build more than a millennium ago. For an ancient feel visit Prague Old Town or Prague Lesser Town, two older areas of the city that are less modernized. In the evening, pub hopping and beer drinking seems to be the choice of most. In fact, a half-liter mug of world-famous Czech beer starts at round $0.30, which is often cheaper than a cup of coffee or soda. For food, there is everything from local dishes like dumplings and goulash, to Thai and Russian food and at reasonable prices too. For evening accommodations, hostels will start around $23 a night and a nice hotel room will cost around $50 a night. Prague is a cheap European vacation and a great way to travel Europe on a budget.

Thailand

Thailand is an attractive budget vacation for everyone from families to honeymooners to retirees. With stunning beaches, snorkeling, diving, sailing, hiking, elephant rides, floating fruit markets, inspiring temples, delicious cuisine, ancient kingdoms and historic sites – you’ll have plenty to keep yourself entertained with. Don’t forget about the famous shopping as well – custom tailored handmade suits cost only around $100-$150. Thailand is a country where you can visit on a low budget, spending $20 on a beachfront bungalow or you can splurge on amazing luxury five-star hotels like the Oriental for $200, a budget price in comparison to other countries. Thailand is renowned for its hospitality – so why not splurge?

The place is tiny, just a long stretch of wooden deck with dive shops, seafood restaurants, and local housings on either side. It takes probably 5 minutes to walk fromroad end to sea end. There are limited and cheap accomodation for visitors. Since the place is mostly unknown, they don’t take reservation from travel agency. We stay in this place call Bang Bao Sea Hut, which is rather charming. It composed of 12 individual hut that erect from the nearby coast. Each hut is a octagon room, with a semi-opened shower. You can hear the waves coming in as you take shower. We spend 2 nights at this place, and get to know almost everyone in the area.

We went diving with one of the local dive schools at a nearby site. It is very convinient since the boarding deck is just one minute from our sea hut. And the dive sites are within a 30 minutes boat ride. We tried out a couple seafood restaurant at night, nothing outstanding, just your basic thai-style dishes. However, there are so local street food at the road side of Bang Bao. We bought a whole bunch of them (less than 100baht), and bring them back to our hut for a brunch by the ocean.

Chiang Mai and its surroundings is any adventure enthusiast’s playground with a huge array of activities on offer- from outstanding mountain biking and trekking to rafting and elephant riding. You can even cycle all the way to Bangkok! If Chiang Mai and the north are associated with adventure and activity then the south is with beaches and sunshine. The islands are split on either side of Thailand’s peninsular, with, amongst others, Phuket, Koh Lanta off the Andaman coast to the west and Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan to the east in the Gulf of Thailand.

There is of course plenty in between as well, not least the ‘City of Angels’ ? Bangkok, surely one of the most vibrant city’s on the planet! So many visitors pass straight through, convinced that it offers nothing but pollution and noise. Take our advice; give it a couple of days and you’ll fall in love with the place.

In the heartland of Thailand you’ll have the opportunity to trek, explore lost kingdoms, ride elephants, walk with tigers, raft and visit, and even stay with, hill tribe people!

I spent a couple of days in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park located in the north of Phuket which is a triple canopy rainforest. It is the only remaining virgin rainforest on the island. It was a rare opportunity to watch a number of species of wild animal: langurs, barking deer, mouse deer, bears, wild boar, monkeys and gibbons. It was truly an amazing experience as the park conserves about one hundred species of birds which inhabit the forest vegetation, which consists of huge trees, creepers and climbers of every description. During rainy season hikes provide the best views of Ton Sai and Bang Pae waterfalls, with great sightings of resident wildlife such as flying foxes and slow Loris. The reserve has several forest trails for hiking and guides are easily available from the reserve office near Ton Sai waterfall.

For many years now, backpackers have flocked to Thailand. It?s tropical climate, gentle citizens, inviting beaches and ease of travel beckon youthful exuberance. Over time, many of us have matured to suitcases and still less-stylish travelers followed suit.

During these Golden Years of Thai travel visitors form 39 countries could enter the Kingdom of Thailand for thirty days without obtaining a visa before their arrival. Those staying on longer would simply make a border run, cross out of the country and return, often within minutes. Whish! Stamp! Boom! They had another thirty days.

Currently details of the new regulations are as clear as mud in an unlit cave. It appears starting October 1, 2006, travelers such as myself will be able to make a maximum of two border runs. We receive thirty days on arrival. Then, we receive thirty days each for the two reentries. After that we may not enter Thailand again for ninety days. In other words, after ninety days in, we must leave for ninety days. Whish! Stamp! Stamp! Out!

The tourism industry will suffer! From taxi drivers and guest houses, to massage schools and laundry services, the impact will be felt. I imagine a Tuk Tuk driver will look up this January and think, ?Hey, where?d everybody go?? I like to believe the cumulative economic loss will be more than the Kingdom fathoms and policies will loosen again over time. I also still hang a Christmas stocking up for myself.

Alongside Thais, how are long-term travelers being affected by the changes? If you think the inconvenience to individuals is negligible, consider the following. Here are some examples.

Donald Wood ? UK
?My sister and her family were to spend February in Thailand with me. They have canceled their trip. Why? Because, I?ll be out for ninety days by then.?

Kelly Laidlaw ? USA
?I paid for a one month TEFL Course and two months ?volunteer? teacher training on Samui next year. That?s three months total. I lose days from each 30 day allotment, because I have to do my visa border runs on weekend (to not miss class). This is what I?m left with. I leap into Thailand the day before class starts and sprint for Samui. Then, I fly out the day after I finish teaching/graduate. Perhaps a prospective school can interview me in the Tuk Tuk on the way to the airport.?

Claude DeVosjoli ? France
?I had many plans for my six months? sure to travel, but more. I?m always doing something. Mahout training, an expansive meditation experience, maybe I learn to cook Thai. And, there?s trekking, Muay Thai courses? There?s so much to do here. Now I can do only half. Half lose my francs. It?s so hard to choose.?

Barry Anderson ? Australia
?Funny thing is Burma (a.k.a. Myanmar) lost business because of the Thai regs. I wanted to hop over there bouts for a week mid-November. Can?t now. That would use up one of my precious two visa runs early. Don?t wanna torch thirteen days I figure.?

Kathy Taylor ? Canada
?I sold my home to come to SE Asia for a couple years. The thinking was I would maintain a small apartment in Chiang Mai, take some classes, travel around a bit and have a place to nest and write in between. Now when I travel to other countries it will go lock, stock and barrel, along with my tourism dollars for many months.?

Alan McLawrie ? UK
?I?m currently taking classes to learn to speak Thai. I?ll miss the third level now. Of course, I?ll be off in Vietnam not able to practice what I just learned anyway. Also, I volunteer at a dog rescue and will miss the pups. I?m financially independent, yet too young to meet the 50 year old requirement for a Retirement Visa here. Officials actually said this new law will stop bad people and not hurt good people. Well, if financially successful, charitable volunteers who study their culture are bad guys, send me to the front of the line.?

Anita Kroll ? USA
?This change is a bit of a pickle for me. I have a three month course this spring. So, in December when my 90 is up, I have to leave Thailand for almost four months, not three. I?ll need the whole next lot of ninety days to cover my class time. The course starts in late April and I?m out in December. I wish there had been more notice before the government changed things, though in retrospect I did not have to pay in advance.?

As you see there are dozens of ways Thailand?s new policies will cause little inconveniences. But, how little are they? You see, I am Anita. I am Alan. I am Kathy, Barry, Kelly, Donald and even Claude DeVosjoli. All these issues occurred for just one peaceful gal who simply loves Thailand. What else do these issues have in common? That?s easy. They take money away (Whish!) from the Kingdom of Thailand and its citizens.

One night earlier I?d switched on the news to see civil unrest in Budapest, Hungary. My sister August was just there, I thought. Grand old buildings towered behind burning cars. As many do, I wondered: what is wrong with the world? Some of these countries?

At the time, there was no physical sensation caused by my foot being put in my mouth. I was oblivious to its presence. Fast forward 24 hours and enter my studio apartment in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

I pulled the towel from my wet hair as the newscaster spoke: ?Another country is in turmoil tonight.? Ho hum, here we go again. Now, where are my pajamas? As I stepped past the television, her words rang out: ?Tanks have entered Bangkok in a reported coup attempt.?

You know those moments in life when the space-time continuum warps around you? Everything freezes, yet your mind processes over three million random thoughts. That’s where I stood. Only then did I begin to notice my foot lodged deep in my mouth. In the .25 seconds it took to take one step backwards and wrench my head to the right, I had all the following thoughts.

Perched on the end of the bed, I watch three channels simultaneously for well over an hour. I resolved to take the coup in stride. But! Maybe I?d pack one bag. It would be a ?just in case? bag. The essentials a person would need if a quick exit should be close at hand. Of course, I?d sleep fully dressed in running shoes. Okay, I made that last part up. (My running shoes are in my gym locker.)

Then came slow motion. My eyes panned the room. Books, dishes, bedding, electronics, enough inventory for a small camera shop and clothes, lots of clothes?despite my vow, I had nested. How had this happened?

It was not the first time I had contemplated moving my small household. I had always planned on relocating to Southern Thailand in the spring. It wasn?t even the first time this week I realized extra stuff had to go. Just days before Thailand had suddenly tightened its tourism visa laws. Tens of thousands of other long-term travelers, such as myself, must be out of the country in ninety days. We can not reenter for three months. Now this.

The coup gave me a whole new perspective. I had been worried I needed to buy another suitcase to move my precious inane possessions. In my panic, I grabbed just important things. Money, my laptop, camera body & one lens, debit cards, IDs, a couple changes of clothes and three packs of dry noodles. My backpack was only ? full. I panned the room again.

Sleep prevailed. Perspective had returned. In the morning I had school and simply dumped my bag on the floor in a quest for missing underwear. After all, I?m in Chiang Mai, not Bangkok. But, my unpacked state was not to be.

At school, my teacher was visibly shaken. She?d seen soldiers on her way through town. They stood at the closed public schools, hospitals and local businesses. Tanks lined the Super Highway. They are in Chiang Mai.

Half the students had not shown up, others had no sleep. In my mind, I packed again. In my class, I absorbed nothing. None of us are any wiser for having been there. Strategies changed. I had time to organize. My ?just in case? bag was augmented.

On the way, home I stopped at the mall and purchased the most brilliantly blue suitcase ever seen from space. No doubt, right now, that female space tourist is looking toward Asia and reaching for sunglasses. Alas, it was half price.

Normally bustling, the mall ambiance was semi-dormant. Department store sales reps stood idle. And, I, their only customer, was buying a suitcase to leave. This was a likely sign of things to come for Thailands economy.

I walked away feeling as though I was carrying a scarlet letter? a big blue scarlet letter. It said, ?T? for traitor. It screamed ?C? for chicken. I?d have traded all my limited Thai vocabulary to know the phrase for ?just in case?. The glow from my suitcase could not be hidden. Shame set in. Stepping out into the rain, I resolved not to pack a single thing.

And, the beat goes on. Arriving home, I turned on the tele and listened. The Northern Borders with Laos and Myanmar have been sealed. Borders! Sealed? Laos! That was my imagined escape route. The rollercoaster continues. As I write this, it’s been less than twenty-four hours since the first reports of tanks in Bangkok. I write and I ponder. Will the coup affect the airline’s baggage limits? How much can I pack?

Ao Nang Beach in Krabi is a buzzy little place – plenty budget guest houses and lots of restaurants. The beach road stretches in a U shape and takes about 15 minutes to walk down. If you stand facing the sea, the road that turns up to the left is where most of the budget guest houses are. The one that goes to the right is more resort material.

On the road to the left, apart from the fact that there is now a large McDonald’s, you’ll find cool eating houses and book shops amongst small market places selling all sorts of beach wear and sndals. Visit the Full Moon Bar for a welcoming atmosphere and a great selection of music. The owner, Tom. is a lovely Thai guy.

On the seafront, try out one of the many Italian restautants or, even better, Woodstock. This is a total gem. It’s a Mexican place run by a native Californian called Kim. The food is spectacular, prices reasonable and atmosphere excellent.

Grab a long tail boat from Ao Nang to Railay Beach. In West Railay, walk through to East railay and turn left to Ao Phra Nang cave down at the tip. Visit the cave with the princess at the end of the beach.

Ferry Boat to Phi Phi and nearby Islands
For a really enjoyable day out Island Hopper, one of the largest tour groups on Phuket, do a fantastic set of packages around the region. Phuket Guide tried the one to Phi Phi, Bamboo and Khai Islands and the Visitors were inpressed.

A mini van picked up visitors up at 7.45 am and set off for Koh Siray near Phuket town. There was coffee waiting for the visitors at the beach and, despite the fact that there were about 40 tuouists milling around, Island Hopper staff were well organized and spoke English well so the visitors all ended up in the correct group very quickly. The guide explained where the visitors would go and gave them all informative leaflets before leading them to speedboat. There were 11 passengers on board. The visitors sped out into the ocean and all started to relax as Ek, the lovely guide, served them some fresh fruit and told them stories of different sea creatures he had encountered on his travels.

Visitors stopped at Bamboo Island a protected resource and got off for some swimming and a walk around. Visitors were told not to remove anything from the island and to take care to respect the environment.

Next it was on to a beautiful cove for some excellent snorkelling and fishing feeding. Then off for a swim at Maya bay then a stop for lunch at a nice restaurant on Phi Phi Island. There was another snorkelling trip and a final stop on Khai island. There’s not much here except a few small stalls selling beer and snacks but it’s a good place to wind down after a day of activities.The companydrop visitors off at their hotel around 6 pm.

Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort
The beautiful islands od Phi Phi Ley and Phi Phi Don are out in the Andaman Sea about half way between Phuket and Krabi. Although some people complain the islands are too crowded in the high season, it really is essential to go and judge for yourself as there is a lot to do over there and the scenery is stunning. Most boats arrive on Tong Sai Bay which is usually buzzing with tourists and touts but if you wind your way through the narrow streets you’ll find yourself on the much more peaful Lon Dalum Bay. Here you can rent kayaks or just enjoy a walk with a gorgeous backdrop.

The streets of Phi Phi are awash with trendy bars and bakeries. There are many guest houses offering rooms for anything depending on in high season or in low season. The original Thai food market in the centre of the built up area is great for late night or early morning noodles and for fresh produce such as fruit. At night there are lots of bars to choose from and plenty of restaurants with budget prices.

Ferries leave Phuket at eight and ten in the morning from Rassada Pier and leave Phi Phi at various times – check in one of the many tittle tour shops on the island. Ticket prices vary depending on whether you organize the trip yourself or have an operator do it for you.Crossing time is just under two hours. From Krabi, ferries leave from the northern side of Ao Nang beach for Phi Phi at around 8.30 am .Crossing time is approximately 90 min.

Mini golf
Dino Park, between Karon and Kata, is a great venue for families. The mini golf course is complete with realistic-looking dinosaurs and a “live” volcano spewing steam. There’s also a bar and a restaurant serving some of the best hamburgers around.

Golfing
There are four international standard courses on Phuket. Five, counting Thai Muang, just a short trip off the island. All courses have their own special features and excellent standards of (female) caddying.Blue canyon, Laguna Golf Club, Phuket Country Club, Loch Palm.

Go-karting
Go pedal-to-the-metal on the eastern side of Patong hill at Kathu. Lots of fun and not as dangerous as some people imagine.

Traveling in traditional style
The longtail boat, or reua hang yao, is a ubiquitous sight in Thai seas. Originally based on the design of the Arabic dhow, the boats- as we see them these days- have been built here for the last fifty years, using skills handed down from father to son.
No plans, no drawing, yet the incredible seaworthiness of this vessel makes it indispensable for fishing and taxiing around these islands. The engine, generally big enough to power a large truck, is pivot-balanced to rotate almost 360 degres, affording a reverse manoeuve without having to use a gearbox.
It’s an art in itself to handle one, and most Thai fishermen are big strong chaps due to the exertion needed from the effort needed to keep the boat under control. Most boats can be hired to visit nearby islands and fares can be agreed on after bargaining with the owner. Considering the time and skills that went into building each og these fine craft, sailing in one should be a memorable experience for the visitor.

Elephant trekking
The wild elephant popilation of Phuket was wiped out last century but has been replaced in recent years by an influx of pachyderms brought here for the tourist trade. Since logging was banned in Thailand( officially, at least) about 10 years ago, hundreds of Thai elephants have been out of work and the tourist boom has been a blessing for this work-loving creature. Riding an elephant is an experience not to be missed. These lumbering monsters are incredibly agile for their size and can negotiate slippery slopes that even humans would falter and slip on- all this while carrying three people on their backs.
There are many elephant treks to choose from and most include a lunch package. Some trekking companies do deals where you get to canoe, ride buffaloes and see a monkey training show too.

Take a trip to Fantasea
For anyone a little bored with the nightlife and bars around the island, Phuket Fantasea is definitely the place to try next. This has got to be one of the biggest entertainment complexes in Asia.The drive up to the entrance will leave you in no doubt about what you are going to be offered at Fantasea. It’s all bright lights and big top type cabaret and there are so many staff you can’t possibly get lost.
The evening kicks off with a buffet dinner in the enormous Golden Kinaree Restaurant. Seating up to 4,000 people, this palatial pink and yellow eating house dishes up anything from sushi to fresh green salad. Dinner over, there is plenty of time to take a stroll through Festival Village. This is a purpose-built shopping area decked out with artificial lakes and cave entrances and plenty of glitter. Crafts are for sale from all over Thailand and those in the mood can play games like tombola or skittles. Heaven on earth for children.
Finally comes the big show. A little late for some, starting at 9 pm, but worth it all the same. All guests take their pre-allocated seats in the state-of-the-art theatre and settle down for a spell-binding performance set in ancient Sukhothai with all the feel of a Broadway spectacular. The next one and a half hours takes you through magical illusions, acrobatics, pyrotechnics, brilliant sound effects and of course, elephant antics. Fantasea has over 30 elephants on the team and they provide one of the most memorable parts of the evening.

For real antiques try Chan’s Antiques on the bypass road out towards the airport. Even if you’re not buying, the dazzing display of Buddhas and other statuary along with antique toys, boxes, inlaid cabinetry and pots is well-worth seeing. For those who love the look and aura of antiques but can’t afford the price, reproductions can be a solution.Modern Cultured Stone on Prabaramee Road in Kathu has a selection of reproductions of the finest Khmer and Thai sculptures.

Buddhist temples
All Buddhist monasteries are open to the public. But please do remember these grounds are holy, and there are a few simple rules to observe. Women, in particular, should be careful, for no monk should come into physical contact with any woman, and women should remember that in a place where monks are trying to leave physical desires behind, it is polite to cover their bodies well. Short pants are not acceptable wear in the monastery grounds. When entering temple buildings shoes must be removed.
One popular Buddhist site in Phuket is Wat Chalong, a sprawling temple in the middle of the island. But the island has numerous, equally interesting monasteries that can be visited freely.

Bungy jumping
The Jungle Bungy Jump in Kathu is a real test of guts. Fight the internal struggle that every jumper experiences when standing 54 metres above the ground. It’s well worth the rush in the end and most people manage to throw themselves off and live to tell the tale. Look out for the crane peeking out over the palm tops in Kathu.

Phuket Zoo
For those visitors with a taste for zoo, Phuket’s own zoo is in Soi Palai, a lovely drive off Chao Fa East Road on the way down to the Chalong circle.