5 Best Cities to Explore if You’re Travelling on a Budget

Vacationing during the holiday season doesn’t need to be expensive. After all, there’s no shortage of affordable destinations for budget travel – it’s just a matter of knowing where to look. Whether you’re hoping to admire breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Sites or sample delicious street food, there are many ways to enjoy priceless travel experiences without breaking the bank. To further stretch your dollar, book directly with Frasers Hospitality to enjoy great travel offers. Below, we dive into the six best places for travelling on a budget during the holiday season.

Travelling on a Budget in Asia

Jakarta, Indonesia: A Culinary Paradise

Indonesia’s sprawling capital is characterised by a unique mix of multicultural influences including Javanese, Chinese, Arabic, Malay and Indian. This colourful diversity makes Jakarta a fascinating place to visit for sightseeing, shopping and, of course, dining.

Where to go: If you’re a first-time visitor, you’ll want to see the majestic National Monument (also known as Monas or Monumen Nasional), which stands at a towering 132m in the middle of Merdeka Square. Entrance to Merdeka Square is free, but you’ll need to pay IDR5,000 (around US$0.32) to get into the monument itself. Other top sightseeing attractions include the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Jakarta (also known as Jakarta Kota Tua), the Jakarta Cathedral and the National Museum of Indonesia.
What to eat: The best way to get a taste of Jakarta is to head straight for its numerous street food stalls. Indonesia is known for dishes such as Sate (skewered and grilled meat) and Nasi Goreng (fried rice), both of which you can enjoy at Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih, an open-air food stall located south of Merdeka Square on Jalan Kebon Sirih. For as little as US$2, you can enjoy a hearty serving of Nasi Goreng Kambing (mutton fried rice), a local favourite.
Where to stay: Retire for the night in a luxurious serviced apartment at Fraser Residence Menteng, Jakarta, located in the heart of Central Jakarta. Guests can enjoy a wide range of recreational facilities including a 24/7 gym, a spa and a pool.

Dalian, China: An Alternative Beach Destination

When people think of China, major cities such as Shanghai and Beijing usually come to mind. However, travellers on a budget can also consider Dalian, a modern port city on the southern tip of Liaoning Province. Best known for its beautiful lawns, gardens and fountains, Dalian also offers visitors noticeably fresher air and elegant 20th-century architecture.

Where to go: Dalian has a number of swimmable beaches, the most popular ones being Bangchuidao Beach, Jinshitan (Golden Pebble Beach) and Xinghai Bathing Beach. Once you’ve had your fill of sun, sea and sand, you can spend the rest of the day sightseeing at places like Xinghai Square, Russian Street and Zhongshan Square. Those travelling with kids can take a day trip to the Dalian Forest Zoo or the Dalian Discovery Kingdom amusement park. 
What to eat: Dalian is an excellent place to sample fresh seafood and unwind at waterfront bars and restaurants. Oysters are a speciality here and you can enjoy them for as little as US$1 apiece. Head to Golden Pebble Beach, where you can enjoy a veritable seafood feast paired with ice-cold beer, while taking in panoramic ocean views. 
Where to stay: For a luxurious stay, book a sleek, spacious serviced apartment at Fraser Suites Dalian, located in the Donggang CBD. The property offers convenient transport connections, being only a 30-minute taxi ride from the airport and a few minutes’ walk from the metro station. 

Travelling on a Budget in Europe

Berlin, Germany: The Capital of Europe’s Nightlife

Berlin is a must-visit for history buffs hoping to learn more about Germany’s turbulent past. The capital is also home to thriving art, music and nightlife scenes, as well as an abundance of affordable places to eat and drink.

Where to go: The UNESCO-listed Museum Island is where you’ll find Berlin’s many museums. The Pergamon Museum (Pergamonmuseum) is among the city’s most popular cultural attractions and houses an impressive collection of ancient artefacts, including the Ishtar Gate – the eighth gate to the inner city of Babylon. Other notable venues to visit include the Altes Museum, the Neues Museum and the Alte Nationalgalerie. Of course, don’t forget to check out the Berlin Wall Memorial and the Brandenburg Gate to learn more about the division – and subsequent reunification – of the city.
Where to stay: Capri by Fraser, Berlin / Germany is a design-forward serviced apartment in the heart of the city. It’s just steps from Museum Island and a 20-minute bus ride from Kreuzberg.

Travelling on a Budget in the Middle East

Muscat, Oman: A Mesmerising Port City

Another oft-overlooked holiday destination is the Omani capital, Muscat. Surrounded by mountains and deserts, this elegant port city marries old-world charm with modern attractions, and is ideal for travellers seeking a memorable – and affordable – vacation.
Where to go: Being a predominantly Muslim city, Muscat is home to many mosques and religious sites. Be sure to visit the majestic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which is crowned with a 50m golden dome. The city is also known for its regal architecture, with prime examples being the Al Alam Palace and the Royal Opera House Muscat. Don’t forget to explore Mutrah Souq, where you can bargain for frankincense, silver, spices, fabrics, Bedouin handicrafts and jewellery.
What to eat: As with most port cities, Muscat specialises in delectable seafood dishes. For a modern seafood experience, head to Buckets & Buckets, which – as the name suggests – serves up buckets brimming with freshly boiled prawns, mussels, crabs and more.
Where to stay: Book a stay at Fraser Suites Muscat, where many of the one-, two- and three-bedroom suites offer stunning city views. The property features a spa, an outdoor garden and a play area for children – ideal for those travelling with little ones in tow. 

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Family-Friendly Destination

Saudi Arabia’s sprawling capital, Riyadh, may be one of the world’s most affluent cities, but it also makes for a wallet-friendly holiday destination. Despite having strict local laws and customs, it offers visitors a dizzying array of things to see and do – from ancient forts to modern malls.
Where to go: First-timers can soak up some history at the Al Masmak Fortress. Constructed from mud and brick, it’s where Riyadh was recaptured by King Abdulaziz in 1902. For those travelling with kids, a day trip to Riyadh Zoo will keep the young ones entertained. Don’t forget to drop by the National Museum of Saudi Arabia to learn more about Arabian culture and art, and King Abdullah Park to catch the dancing water fountain displays.
What to eat: If you’re looking to get a taste of traditional Saudi Arabian cuisine, visit Najd Village restaurant, which has four locations across Riyadh. Not only is it beautifully decorated, but it also offers Arabic-style seating for a more authentic experience. Adventurous diners can try the hashi kabsa (camel meat served with white or red rice).
Where to stay: Situated in downtown Olaya, Fraser Suites Riyadh offers guests easy access to major attractions, including Al Faisaliah Tower. It also features a suite of leisure and recreational facilities, including a 24-hour fitness centre, steam and sauna rooms, a pool and a spa.