Eleven fabulous countries where Americans can relax not for all the money in the world

It was once thought that a trip closer to home was always cheaper than a long trip. But the world is becoming increasingly interconnected, and the cost of traveling abroad may surprise you - in a good way. You only need to know when to get tickets, according to the publisher Travel and Leisure

If you're looking to fly outside of the US, we've put together a list of international destinations that won't break your bank. If you want to save money, you need to plan your holiday during the off-season. A bonus to low prices will be the absence of a huge number of tourists.

Toronto, Canada

It is a city with culture, food and plenty of entertainment. Often mistaken for the capital of Canada, Toronto is sometimes referred to as the Hollywood of the North because of its many celebrities. If you love food, head to Little Italy, one of several Chinatowns, or Little Portugal for a gastronomy walk around the world. Go to a hockey game, sample craft beer, and take a trip to the CN Tower for a bird's-eye view of Canada.

The cheapest month to visit Toronto is August. At this time, a round-trip flight from New York can cost as little as $124. Prices go up to $243 if you're flying from Los Angeles. Hotels are the cheapest in January. You can pay around $140 per night in a three star hotel. The most expensive prices here are in May, when the average cost of a hotel stay is $254 per night.

Alsace, France

The Alsace region is a cult destination among French travelers. It doesn't attract as many visitors as Paris or the Côte d'Azur, making it a favorite among compatriots. The French once chose Kaysersberg (located in this region) as their favorite local village. There are architectural monuments of the XIII century, world-famous wine caves and hearty Alsatian cuisine.

Fly to Strasbourg in March for the best price with $700 round trip flights. Hotels are at their cheapest in March, when one night in a three-star hotel will cost you just $94.

Armenia

Over the past few years, Armenia has experienced a renaissance thanks to a more liberal government. The country has one of the fastest growing economies in the post-Soviet space, which creates an atmosphere of luxury in the capital - in the city of Yerevan. There are theaters, shops, historical museums full of treasures. But no trip to Armenia is complete without visiting the magnificent countryside. Khor Virap is a monastery that is over 2500 years old. The view of the mountain slopes and ancient architecture create a breathtaking combination. Make a stop at Garni Gorge, a Roman temple perched atop a dangerous gorge.

Winter is the low season, great deals are available from January to March. A flight to Yerevan will cost about $864 in the low season. You can also find cheap hotels with an average cost of only $77 per night.

Brisbane, Australia

The capital of Queensland on the east coast of Australia is fast becoming the capital of design. Check out the Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Contemporary Art (QAGOMA) or the Institute of Contemporary Art (IMA) for an insight into Asia Pacific art. Go shopping in the Fortitude Valley area where you can pick up pieces from local (even international) designers. And since this is Australia, it's worth getting to know the local wildlife here. Visit the reserve Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, located just 20 minutes from the city to interact with over 130 species of animals.

The cheapest month to book flights to Brisbane is May. Round-trip flights from Los Angeles are available for around $700, and the average hotel price in the city is $147. If you wait until May, the prices will drop to $82 per night.

Madeira, Portugal

It's been 600 years since the discovery of Madeira, and the Portuguese archipelago continues to amaze visitors with its natural beauty. Walk along a mile of rugged coastline to see the Atlantic at its most heavenly. The capital city of Funchal is fast becoming home to a plethora of new hotels offering glamour, glitz and a good strong cocktail. Speaking of drinks, be sure to check out the famous XNUMXth-century fortified wine bar, named after the island, i.e. Madeira

As a rule, a round-trip flight to Funchal will cost you between $528 and $780, depending on where you are flying from (East Coast or West). But if you wait until February (low season), ticket prices can drop to $100. The hotel will most likely cost $101 per night.

Tunisia

If you're looking for a cheaper Mediterranean getaway, head south and explore Tunisia. The country boasts history, miles of beautiful sandy beaches and bazaars with carpets, ceramics, metal products. The best part is that exploring Tunisia won't make you bankrupt.

The cheapest month to travel to Tunisia is May. At this time round-trip airfare can be as low as $546 from Los Angeles or $670 from Boston. In April, hotel prices in the capital of Tunisia can drop to $53 per night.

Etek, Hungary

Budapest attracts most visitors to Hungary for a good reason. But if you want to dive deeper into Hungarian culture, drive 29 kilometers west of the capital and visit Etek, often referred to as the vineyard of Budapest. The area has grown grapes since the 2049th century and has been compared to Champagne for its excellent wines such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The city is also a place of pilgrimage for film lovers, where large-scale films and shows are filmed. Blade Runner XNUMX, The Martian and The Borgia were all filmed here.

Etek is about half an hour from Budapest. In October, you can buy a round trip ticket to the US for about $790. The average hotel costs only $69 per night.

Grenadines

The Grenadines were the last of the British colonies in the Caribbean, gaining independence only in 1979. Perhaps that is why the islands lag behind in attracting tourists. But that doesn't mean they're less great. In fact, you'll be grateful to be greeted with empty beaches and hiking on the slopes of dormant volcanoes without crowds of tourists. And with a small number of new hotels opening, now is the time to visit the Grenadines. A new airport with direct flights to and from New York opened on St. Vincent Island in 2019. And it's only a matter of time before everyone else finds out about it.

The best time to visit the Grenadines is in March or August. A roundtrip flight ticket from the US to the Grenadines can be bought for $598, while an average hotel will set you back $122 per night.

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Panama City, Panama

Panama may have become famous thanks to the Panama Canal. But now tourists have more reasons than ever to visit the capital. Stroll through the old colonial quarter, where Spanish-style houses line the cobbled streets. Sample Panamanian cuisine, including fine dining at Laboratories Madrigal by Michelin-starred chef Andrés Madrigal. The rainforest is easily accessible from Panama City if you want to go hiking in the real jungle after a long stay in the urban jungle.

Visit Panama City during the low season from September to November for the best deals. A flight will cost you an average of $590 round trip, and a hotel stay will be approximately $128 per night. In July, average hotel prices drop to $74 per night.

Guatemala

Guatemala is consistently among the favorites of many travelers for its combination of natural beauty and historical wonders. You can wander through the ancient Mayan ruins, walk through the mountains and the jungle. It will be interesting to explore the colonial streets of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guatemala boasts, among other things, a thriving arts, well-preserved Spanish architecture and unique cuisine.

Book your trip for August when a trip to Guatemala is the cheapest. The average airfare is $457, while the average hotel will cost you just $102 per night.

Hoi An, Vietnam

This is one of those charming cities that you didn't know about. In the ancient city, there are buildings built in the XNUMXth century. With pagodas, shrines and tea houses dotting just about every street. Be sure to chat with the friendly locals for heartfelt recommendations on where to buy the best silk clothing.

With more flights out of the US, you can buy a round trip ticket to Da Nang Airport for as little as $800 in November. A three-star hotel will cost about $72 per night.