18 ways to explore England on a budget

Just an hour away from Rwanda’s famed gorilla trekking and nestled amongst inactive volcanoes lies a little-visited but spectacular sight: the country’s Twin Lakes. Early in the morning, small islands on Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo glow white against velvety blue water as fishermen begin their day. Then, when the afternoon sun burns away the mist, verdant green hills appear.

India is heaven for budget travelers. Few places on earth offer quite so many rewarding travel experiences for such a pocket friendly price, particularly if you travel in cheaper classes on buses and trains and stay in budget hotels or hostels.

Now that we’re collectively becoming more and more aware of how commuting by way of airplane is not exactly a sustainable travel option to be indulging in all the time, a trip via train is becoming much more appealing—and honestly, so many of us are quick to jump on an international flight to far-flung destinations, sometimes it’s nice to get to know our neighbors.

The drama and beauty of Luxembourg’s capital often comes as a surprise to the first-time visitor. The Grand Duchy – the world’s only sovereign nation whose head of state is a Grand Duke – emerged in 963 AD when Count Siegfried built a castle on top of the Bock cliffs. Today the Bock and Old Quarter – a UNESCO World Heritage site – perch on a sandstone plateau high above the Alzette and Pétrusse rivers, and wandering its upper and lower cities is like strolling through history.

Best for: learning about textiles

If there’s one thing Disney knows how to do, it’s build anticipation for a coming attraction. Whether it’s a Marvel movie trailer or the opening of a new theme park, the Mouse is no slouch at generating buzz. So maybe I shouldn’t have been surprised when an Adventures by Disney package arrived at my home a month before my family trip to Iceland with Disney’s high-end group vacation company.

Ever wish you could Amazon Prime yourself to an exciting new destination? You can’t ship yourself around the world for free (yet) but Amazon is betting that you’ll pay to travel virtually via their new Explore service.

Solo travel has the power to transform: Think of the memoirs “Eat Pray Love” or “Wild.” But you don’t have to circumnavigate the globe or hike 1,100 miles to see why some people choose to go it alone. The freedom to explore at your own pace, open to connecting with people you meet along the way, can feel as intoxicating as a tropical breeze. But solo travel can be daunting, too, especially when problems arise. And of course, solo travelers need to keep certain safety considerations in mind.

In the spring of 2022, my aunt and uncle began kicking around the idea of visiting Switzerland after a work trip to France. An avid traveler myself — who at that point hadn't been out of the country since before the pandemic — I happily and unabashedly invited myself along.

The Waikiki Hostel in Lima, Peru is situated in the heart of Miraflores, an upscale district known for its vibrant nightlife and trendy restaurants. This hostel offers a unique experience for travelers looking for a more social atmosphere than traditional hotels. The hostel common area consists of a variety of spaces such as a lounge, bar, kitchen, and terrace, providing ample opportunity to mingle with other guests. The hostel also boasts a beautiful rooftop terrace with seating and a small swimming pool, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.

One of the most exciting things you can do in India is to take the train – which is saying a lot, considering the large country offers everything from Bengal tiger safaris to trekking in the Himalayas to jungle-covered tropical islands. Rail lines crisscross the nation, carry millions of travelers every day. They’re an intrinsic part of the cultural flavor of India.

Summer has arrived in Paris, and the world with it. By day, international hordes pile into the Musée d’Orsay to catch the final month of the blockbuster “Manet / Degas” exhibition as throngs surround the closed, fire-damaged Notre Dame Cathedral to snap any possible selfies. By night, the available picnic space quickly disappears on the lawns of the Champ de Mars and its direct view of the Eiffel Tower.