by Adrian Northrup & Julia Spiro

You’re going to see the world — as soon as your bank account will allow it. You stalk travel Web sites searching for great deals on flights that you wish you could afford. Your current read is a travel book to your next trip. You’re in a place in your life where you don’t have a ton of extra money to spend, but want to travel everywhere. Europe? Asia? South America? Anywhere sounds fabulous!

Your accommodations are affordable rather than glamorous. You use your money for longer vacation stays or activities rather than five-star resorts. Your luggage usually includes a backpack. You aren’t hostile to public transportation. You want to see the world — even if you have to do it on dimes and nickels. Here are some of Tango Diva’s picks for budget travel.

Lima, Peru: The Hotel Esperanza
This hotel, with rates as low as $40 a night, is the ideal base camp for visitors who don’t want to break the bank. The hotel is located in Miraflores, which is known for its beautiful Pacific Ocean beaches and lush, flower-filled parks (all free of charge, of course). On Sundays, check out the flea markets in the Parque Kennedy plaza. Bus and train rides within the region and outside are very cheap, but travelers must be cautioned to take the right route and be prepared for a tight, bumpy ride. Flying to other cities like Cusco makes more sense than a long bus ride, and daily flights from airlines like LAN can cost as little as $65. The hotel staff is knowledgeable about Peru’s sights and can help you arrange day trips and airport transportation.

For more information and to make a reservation, visit the Hotel Esperanza.

Bangkok, Thailand: Viengtai Hotel
You can still have some luxury even if you’re on a budget, especially when in Thailand. The Viengtai Hotel features spacious, modern, rooms with full amenities including cable television and mini-bars, for relatively low prices. In addition to the hotel’s several dining venues, there is also 24-hour room service available. This hotel is also convenient to those traveling the cheapest way possible- by foot. It is located right behind Khao San Road and is in walking distance to many of Bangkok’s main historic sights. It is the perfect step up from the nearby backpacker strip, but when taking a dip in the hotel’s pool, you will feel miles away. Besides accommodation in Bangkok, visitors can easily find most local food and souvenirs at very low prices.

For more information and to make a reservation, visit the Viengtai Hotel.

Nashville, Tennessee: The Holiday Inn Express Downtown
This recently renovated hotel offers low rates, free stays for kids, and modern rooms with full amenities. There is also an outdoor pool and a full workout facility. The location makes walking to most main downtown sights a breeze, such as the Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Sommet Center, which is home to the Nashville Predators, and the Wildhorse Saloon. For authentic, cheap eats, visitors should head to Arnold’s Country Kitchen for their $7 “meat and three” lunch, as well as Bobby’s Dairy Dip for classic burgers and shakes, and Alley Cat, for their famous fried avocado balls. The hotel offers free local area shuttle.

For more information and to make a reservation, visit the Holiday Inn Express Downtown Web site.

More Budget Travel Vacations

Italy: 24 Venetian Hours


Vietnam: The Tet Fest


Yellowstone, USA: Elderhostels Good Option for Mature Solos


Montenegro: Mountains and Sea

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