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<\/p>\nAs South Africans, we often have the misconception that travelling is heavy on the pocket which requires months if not years to save up for a short holiday.\u00a0 We\u2019re here to inform you that that\u2019s not entirely true. There are an array of destinations which are totally within your reach. Better than that a lot of them offer activities which are unique, and cheap and easy on the pocket and which might never have crossed your mind.<\/p>\n
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Sitting on one of the many rocky outcroppings of Budapest\u2019s<\/a> Gell\u00e9rt Hill is a rare chance to enjoy a spectacular view of one of Europe\u2019s great cities while enjoying a few beverages purchased at a local shop. Sitting along the Danube, this hill provides stunning views of the city and river at night, along with many places to sit and relax. Just be sure to get there early enough to find a good place!<\/p>\n Budapest proudly boasts the second-oldest metro in the world, an\u00a0UNESCO World Heritage site<\/a>. It\u2019s been running continuously since 1896! Of course, in those days, it hardly seemed necessary or feasible to buy a metro line deep underground, so you\u2019ll find the tracks hiding just below the street.<\/p>\n Lay in the grass under the line somewhere in the City Park and you\u2019ll feel the trains rumbling just below you.<\/p>\n As we already established in a previous blog, if you are travelling on a budget, Romania<\/a> is your best bet and by far one of the most reasonable destinations in Europe<\/a>. Whether you\u2019re chasing the slopes in winter or putting those hiking skills to good use over the summer, it won\u2019t leave you bankrupt on your return home.<\/p>\n Take a leisurely stroll on one of the most famous streets in the world. Dating back to 1692, shops, cafes, hotels, and restaurants hug this street making for a wonderful day out.<\/p>\n Before they were driven out due to World War two, this beautiful building was home to 800, 000 Jewish citizens. Visitors are able to get a better understanding of how the Jewish contributions have moulded the Romania we know today. All you need to gain access to this museum is your trusted passport.<\/p>\n While this may not be free, it also includes a walking tour of the city and allows you the flexibility to customise your itinerary to your own preferences.<\/p>\n Who doesn\u2019t enjoy sitting in the park and watching the world go by? Not only is it the largest park in Bucharest<\/a> but it also surrounds Herastrau Lake where many a romantic boat trip have been taken.<\/p>\n Looking for a night out on the town? With great food, easy drinks and the electric vibe, this old town makes for a fun adventure where one can get totally engrossed in the history of the town known for being the only part of Bucharest<\/a> left from pre-WWII.<\/p>\n Malaysia<\/a> has always held a special little place in our hearts. Between Kuala Lumpur\u2019s<\/a> buzzing nightlife, to hiking the spectacular hiking trails just on the edge of the city where you can witness an explosion of fauna and flora like no other. Borneo<\/a> is a different kind of beauty, with experiences you may never have thought of doing.<\/p>\n If you haven\u2019t heard of ecotourism, you\u2019re just about to get introduced to a new world.<\/p>\n Forget about your traditional artificial surroundings which animals are so often kept. Visit the Sepilok’s Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where orangutans run free in their natural habitat. These animals will provide hours of entertainment while you and your family marvel at the beauty of this natural jungle. Night treks are also an option providing a totally different experience while you spot nocturnal animals in their relaxed environment.<\/p>\n Visiting an Iban\u00a0(pronounced ee-barn) longhouse is guaranteed to be one of the most unique\u00a0experiences on offer in Malaysian Borneo.<\/p>\n Visiting the Iban community has become one of the most inspiring experiences one could ask for. This indigenous group still living in Borneo will give you insights into their ancient tribal traditions. While they are in complete harmony with their surroundings, they welcome tourists with open arms and hearts. You are never alone in the jungle when you are in the company of the Iban community.<\/p>\n Although you may feel as if you have been whisked off to the middle of nowhere, you can still enjoy basic amenities like shelter and electricity as you learn about this culture.<\/p>\n The cost will vary depending on the type of excursion\/tour<\/a> you decide to take.<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re into aquatics and all things water, The TAR Marine Park may just be the place for you. Although diving is always quite heavy on the pocket, can easily satisfy your appetite with snorkelling, kayaking, sunset cruises and so much more. Be sure get in early because the Sipadan Island is in such high demand the government has limited the visitor\u2019s permits to around 120.<\/p>\n Once your day of water activities is complete, unwind your weary body on the Poring Hot Springs. The sulphuric minerals are said to be made up of healing agents dissolved in the water.<\/p>\n Includes:<\/strong><\/p>\n Most would make their way to Turkey<\/a> to visit Istanbul<\/a>, and for very good reason. Turkey, however, has a number of other gems which visitors may not have considered making the effort to visit.<\/p>\n You may not have known where it was but we\u2019ve all seen the iconic images of the hot air balloons drifting on the backdrop of a mesmerising sunrise. This heavenly experience takes place in Cappadocia, Turkey, in the main city Goreme. Many have travelled far and wide for this experience. It may not be the most reasonably priced of experiences but never a complaint has been uttered.<\/p>\n Be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment. This is an experience which\u00a0flies off the shelf in no time.<\/strong><\/p>\n If projecting yourself into the sky under a bellowing balloon is not your cup of tea, then take a quad bike tour around the valleys Goreme, a beautiful located between the\u00a0\u2018fairy chimney\u2019<\/a>\u00a0rock formations that make up this landscape. Visiting Goreme is quite unique and an experience that will be difficult to be rivalled.<\/p>\n Includes:<\/strong><\/p>\n Travelling by train is probably the most scenic way to travel through a destination, especially one as beautiful as Sri Lanka<\/a>.<\/p>\n The stretch from Ella \u2013 Kandy has become so popular it\u2019s virtually an attraction in itself. It\u2019s really no surprise.<\/p>\n Leaving 3 times a day the train ride is both a beautiful and affordable way to see the country and see the locals carrying out their day to day tasks.<\/p>\n The journey is 7 hours long, however you will find local vendors hopping on and off the cabins at each train station selling local snacks and refreshments. If local street food isn\u2019t your style, then be sure to pack some water and enough sustenance to tide over the 7-hour journey.<\/p>\n One can expect to pay +\/- 1700 Sri Lankan Rupee for your train ride which is the equivalent of about +\/- R140. Quite a steal for a 7-hour train ride.<\/p>\n Contact the Sri Lanka Government Railway Information<\/a>\u00a0website for more information about the train, timetables, and ticket prices.<\/p>\n If eating freshly caught fish day in and day out, renting a room from a local (as there are no hotels on the islands) and simply relaxing and enjoying the local company, then head over to the islands just off Sri Lanka\u2019s northernmost tip. It\u2019s definitely an adventure off the beaten track.<\/p>\n Home to just 3,819 people and herds of wild horses, is sleepy Neduntivu (named Delft by the Dutch), the biggest of these islands<\/p>\n While known for its cobblestone streets, medieval castles and golden beaches, Portugal<\/a> can be many things, but let\u2019s have a look at the lesser-known activities which are easy on the pocket and can provide hours of fun.<\/p>\n Get out of Lisbon for a micro adventure and escape to the picturesque Sintra Cascais. Take your tent and warm clothes and select your woodland spot of choice above the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Best time of year for camping would be May, and remember a woolly hat, head torch, raingear, sleeping bag and a mat.<\/p>\n Literally translated as \u201cthief fair\u201d,\u00a0this is the oldest\u00a0flea market\u00a0in Lisbon<\/a> and dates back\u00a0to the Middle Ages. Locals only have to ask for a license at City Hall to sell whatever they please so expect a very eclectic mix, from second-hand furniture to books, magazines, clothing, vinyl records, old black and white pictures,\u00a0vintage cameras, tiles and antiques. Hagglers welcome.<\/p>\n Looking for that \u201cClimb Every Mountain\u201d feeling? That\u2019s exactly what you\u2019ll get at the Cliffs of Moher. You\u2019ll feel as if you stepped onto the edge of the world – see the rugged cliffs facing the mighty ocean, taste the salt air, hear the birds cry, feel the ancient rocks beneath your feet, smell the wind. You\u2019ll be experiencing nature in a totally different way.<\/p>\n The most famous bathing spot is on the southern tip of Dublin<\/a> Bay at Sandycove, County Dublin, called the\u00a0Forty Foot<\/a>.<\/p>\n Not so long ago this was exclusively a gentlemen\u2019s bathing place and the gentlemen\u2019s swimming club was established to help conserve the area. In the 1970s, a group of female equal-rights activists plunged into the waters and now it is also open to women and children. It might be extremely cold water but it will make for a great conversation piece later.<\/p>\n When reading about The Church, don\u2019t be deceived. Originally known as the St Mary\u2019s Church which was closed in 1964 and then restored and converted into one of the most unique and beautiful bars and nightclubs in the city in 2007. Be entertained almost daily with traditional Irish music, and then with a resident DJ playing all the latest pop on a Saturday night. Clubbing may not be your thing but it\u2019ll definitely be something you haven\u2019t seen, and quite beautiful we would imagine<\/p>\n If you can dream it, you can do it. Don\u2019t let your finances get in the way of your travels. Subscribe<\/a> to the Travelstart newsletter<\/a> and be the first to know about the latest cheap flight deals. No more excuses!<\/p>\n Any one else been on a rand-friendly trip? Tell us all about it in the comments section below.<\/p>\nCost: Free<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Budapests-Gellert-Hill-800x450-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBudapest Metro, The World\u2019s Second-Oldest Metro Is Under Your Feet<\/h3>\n
Cost: Free<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Hungary_Budapest-Metro-900x450-800x450-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nRomania<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Romania-800x530-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCalea Victoriei<\/h3>\n
Cost: Free<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ROMANIA_-Calea.jpg\")
<\/p>\nJewish History Museum<\/h3>\n
Bucharest Jewish Heritage Tour<\/h3>\n
Cost: R365 (\u20ac 25) includes 1 (summer) cold or (winter) hot refreshment)<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Romania_Jewish_Museum_Bucharest_01-542x800-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nRelax At Herastrau<\/h3>\n
Cost: Free<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ROMANIA_-HERASTRAU-PARK_alex-blajan-487679-unsplash-800x533-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLipscani or Old Town<\/h3>\n
Cost: Free<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Romania_Lipscani_Bucharest-800x600-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBorneo<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Borneo-2000x1500-800x600-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSepilok’s Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre<\/h3>\n
Cost: R94 (RM30)<\/h3>\n
Bus Trip: R13 (RM4)<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Borneo_Urangutang-800x516-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nExperience Indigenous Sarawak<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Borneo_iban-longhouse-1200px-800x533-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Borneo_Sarawak_Inban-800x600-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCost: From R2,700 (RM860)<\/h3>\n
The TAR Marine Park<\/h3>\n
Cost: R780 (RM250)<\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nTurkey<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Sultanahmet-Meydani-Istanbul.jpg\")
<\/p>\nGo hot air ballooning in Turkey<\/h3>\n
Cost: from R2,000 (\u20ac140)<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Turkey_Hot-air-balooning-800X800.jpg\")
<\/p>\nQuad Bike through the valleys of Cappadocia<\/h3>\n
Cost: from R520<\/h3>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Cappadocia_atv1-800x535-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSri Lanka<\/h2>\n
The most beautiful train ride in the world in Sri Lanka<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/SRI-LANKA_-TRAIN_train-sri-lanka-adventuresofagoodman-min-800X494.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCost: from R140<\/h3>\n
The Untouched Islands<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/srilanka5-800X533.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Sri-Lanka_Neduntivu_524f16b86cdd4a87aab0be2c30db68f4.jpg\")
<\/p>\nPortugal<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Portugal-800x457-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSleep Under The Stars On The Cliffs Of Sintra Cascais<\/h3>\n
Cost:\u00a0Free in designated camping areas.<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Portugal_Sintra-Cascais-800x600-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\u00a0Admire The Eclectic Trinkets\u00a0at\u00a0the \u201cThief Fair\u201d<\/h3>\n
Cost: Window shopping is for free<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Portugal_Thief-Fair_NX-29191-800x533-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nDublin<\/h2>\n
The Cliffs of Moher<\/h3>\n
Cost:\u00a0Full Day Tour from Dublin<\/a>: from R 580 (A 12-hour tour from Dublin)<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Dublin_Cliffs-of-Moher-800x450-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nJump into Dublin\u2019s Biggest Swimming Pool<\/h3>\n
Cost: Free<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Dublin_Forty-Foot-800x600-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nDrink Inside a Restored Cathedral at The Church<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Dublin_the-church-dublin_travelandfilm.com-800x600-1.jpg\")
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