Christmas & New Year Travel Deals: 6 Best Places to Travel on a Budget

Does travelling during the holidays need to be expensive? Not always. The world is brimming with affordable places for budget travel—it’s just a matter of knowing where to look. Whether you’re looking to sample delicious Indonesian sate or marvel at breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Sites, there are ways to enjoy priceless travel experiences at surprisingly modest prices.

To make the most out of your budget holiday trip, make sure you book through Frasers Hospitality from 27 September to 31 October 2019 and get up to 30% off the best available rates at 90 participating properties—this includes locations we have featured on this list!

With that said, let’s dive into the 6 best places to travel on a budget during the holidays.

Dalian, China: An Alternative Beach Destination

When you think of China, Shanghai and Beijing often come to mind. However, located south of Liaoning Province is Dalian, China’s bustling modern port city. Best known for its beautiful lawns, gardens, and fountains, Dalian boasts temperate weather, noticeably fresher air, and modern 20^th-century architecture.

Where to go

With close proximity to the ocean, Dalian has a number of amazing swimmable beaches, with the most popular ones being Fujiazhuang Beach, Golden Pebble Beach, and Xinghai Beach. Once you’ve had your fill of beaches, you can spend the rest of the day sightseeing in areas like Xinghai Square, Russian Street, and Zhongshan Square. Those travelling with kids can enjoy a day trip to the Dalian Forest Zoo or Dalian Discovery Kingdom!

What to eat

With an exciting bar and food scene, Dalian is an excellent place to sample fresh seafood and unwind by seaside bars and restaurants. Oysters are a specialty here and you can get one for as little as US$1 apiece! Head on over to Golden Pebble Beach where you can enjoy a seafood feast paired with an ice-cold beer and take in the panoramic beach views.

Where to stay

For a luxurious stay, book a spacious serviced apartment at Fraser Suites Dalian located in the Donggang CBD. This busy lifestyle district is a great place to base yourself when visiting the port city as it offers convenient transport connections.

Jakarta, Indonesia: A Culinary Traveller’s Paradise

Indonesia’s massive capital, Jakarta, offers its visitors a unique mix of multicultural influences including Javanese, Chinese, Arab, Malay, and Indian. This diverse mix makes Jakarta an ideal place to visit for food, sightseeing, shopping, and more!

Where to go

Jakarta has no shortage of places to see and, if you’re a first-timer in Jakarta, you’re going to want to see the majestic National Monument. It stands at a towering 132 metres right in the middle of Merdeka Square. Entrance to Merdeka Square is free, but you’ll need to pay to get into the monument itself. Other sightseeing attractions in the city include the Old Town of Jakarta (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Jakarta Cathedral, and the National Museum of Indonesia.

What to eat

The best way to get a taste of Jakarta without breaking the bank is to head straight for the street food stalls. Indonesia is best known for its 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 in Jalan Kebon Sirih. For as little as US$2, you can enjoy a serving of nasi goreng kambing (mutton fried rice) which is a local favourite.

Where to stay

Retire for the night in the luxurious serviced apartments of Fraser Residence Menteng, Jakarta located in the heart of Central Jakarta. Enjoy a wide range of world-class amenities including a 24/7 gym, a spa, a pool, and more.

Berlin, Germany: The Capital of Europe’s Nightlife Scene

For travellers in Germany, the capital city of Berlin is an obvious must-visit. Characterised by centuries-old establishments, Berlin is a haven for history buffs looking to learn more about Germany’s turbulent past. Today, however, Berlin has become known for its trendy art scene and modern landmarks. There’s also an abundance of museums, parks, and places to eat and drink!

Where to go

Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to Berlin’s many museums. The Pergamon Museum is considered Berlin’s most popular cultural tourist attraction and houses an impressive collection of ancient artefacts. Other notable museums to visit include the Altes Museum, Neues Museum, and the Alte Nationalgalerie. Don’t forget to visit the Berlin Wall Memorial and the Brandenburg Gate as well!

What to eat

Budget travellers will be pleased to know that food and alcohol in Berlin comes incredibly cheap! If you’re looking for an affordable foodie experience in Berlin, head on over to Kreuzberg where you’ll find several cafes, bars, hip restaurants, and late-night food stalls. It’s also a great place to experience the nightlife that Berlin is so famous for.

Where to stay

Treat yourself to a relaxing stay right in the heart of Berlin at Capri by Fraser. The 4-star hotel residence is strategically located near all the key museums in Berlin’s historical centre.

Muscat, Oman: A Mesmerising Port City

Another oft-overlooked holiday travel destination is Muscat, Oman’s port capital. Sitting among mountains and deserts, Muscat beautifully marries old-world charm with modern high-rises. Best known for the contemporary Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat is a wonderful, off-the-beaten-path destination that offers its visitors an intoxicating travel experience.

Where to go

Being a predominantly Muslim city, Muscat is filled with mosques and religious sites for tourists to visit. The most popular one is undoubtedly the majestic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque which features four minarets and a single 50-metre tall golden dome. Muscat is also known for its regal architectural styles, with prime examples being Al Alam Palace and the Royal Opera House. Don’t forget to drop by the Muttrah Souk and get some great bargains on ceramics, jewellery, and more.

What to eat

As with most port cities, Muscat specialises in delectable seafood dishes. Head on over to the Blue Marlin Restaurant where you can enjoy freshly-caught seafood paired with amazing views of yachts sailing along the marina.

Where to stay

Spend the night at Fraser Suites Muscat located in the Landmark complex. It features luxurious serviced apartments with stunning views of the surrounding city. Decked with modern décor, Fraser Suites Muscat boasts a spa, an outdoor garden, and a play area for children, making it the ideal accommodation for families travelling to Muscat.

Budapest, Hungary: Artsy Off-Beat City for Young Travellers

Budapest is one of Europe’s most picturesque cities and is aptly dubbed as the Paris of the East. Despite its fancy moniker, Budapest remains a relatively affordable travel destination. Those on a budget can expect to spend as little as US$20-45 per day during your stay. Budapest boasts a lively nightlife, stunning modern architecture, and historical buildings that are sure to keep visitors busy for days.

Where to go

Danube Promenade, one of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is the Danube Promenade which is lined with iron footwear to commemorate the thousands who were executed during World War II. Make sure you get to visit the Great Market Hall too, a massive indoor market where you can buy fruits, vegetables, prepared food, and random trinkets. For those interested in learning about Budapest’s time under Nazi rule, the House of Terror is a must-visit.

What to eat

Budapest has an impressive and diverse food scene. There’s a restaurant on every corner and you’re sure to find something that suits your fancy. For those looking to sample some traditional Hungarian treats, Kispiac Biztro, a local favourite, is a restaurant that serves classics like Hungarian Bean Soup.

Where to stay

Fraser Residence Budapest is located right in the city centre, affording you easy access to numerous restaurants and bars as well as the Corvin Shopping Mall. The location is also well-connected with a lot of public transport choices just a stone’s throw away.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Unique, Family-Friendly Destination

Riyadh is the sprawling capital city of Saudi Arabia and is considered the financial and administrative centre of the country. Today, Riyadh is one of the world’s busiest and most modern cities. Despite having strict entertainment laws, Riyadh still offers its visitors a dizzying array of things to do.

Where to go

For starters, first-timers can soak up some history at the Masmak Fortress, a fort made out of mud and brick. The building played a significant role in Riyadh’s history as it’s where Riyadh was recaptured by Ibn Saud in 1902. For those travelling with kids, a day trip to Riyadh Zoo and Salam Park should be enough to keep the young ones busy! Don’t forget to drop by the National Museum of Riyadh, too. At night, head to 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 located in the Al Bujairi district of Ad’Diriyah. The restaurant is not only beautifully-decorated but also offers Arabic-style seating for a more authentic experience. Adventurous foodies can opt to try the hashi (camel) meat cooked in tomato sauce, but those with more conservative tastes can go for the classic lamb kabsa (mixed rice dish).

Where to stay

Located in downtown Olaya, Fraser Suites Riyadh offers guests a convenient location as it’s close to a number of business and entertainment establishments. Enjoy free WiFi, a relaxing sauna treatment, and other amenities.

Planning for a trip during the holidays calls for some serious budgeting, but if you choose one of the places on this list, that shouldn’t be a problem!

Make sure you take advantage of our Holiday Extravaganza Promo and book from 27 September – 31 October 2019. You can enjoy up to 30% off the best available rates at 90 of our participating properties. Stay period is from 1 Nov 2019 – 10 Feb 2020. Terms & conditions apply.