Best Time to Go: Late October
Off-Season vs. High Season Airfare Averages: $550/$1,100
If you visit Bolivia during June or July, the country's peak tourism season, you'll be paying about twice the price of a plane ticket in late October or early November. Plus, the country is located in the Southern Hemisphere making June and July the middle of winter. While the off-season is wetter, wouldn't you rather experience the rainforest when things are actually in full bloom?
Best Time to Go: Early November
Off-Season vs. High Season Airfare Averages: $650/$1,300
Some travelers might balk at the price of a plane ticket to Thailand. Surely that can't be a "budget" vacation destination? Instead of traveling during the middle of summer, book your flight for late fall, and your tickets will be half the high season price average. Once you get to Thailand, you can bargain for the price of everything. Souvenirs, food, and clothing typical cost between $5 and $10. The most expensive aspects of the trip, excursions and cab rides, can also be bargained well below their "sticker price."
Best Time to Go: Early December
Off-Season vs. High Season Airfare Averages: $650/$1,300
If you're looking for a place to recharge, Vietnam is the perfect destination. Let your spontaneous side have free reign; nobody rushes around here, and even if you tried, you'd set yourself up for headaches since buses run on their own timetables. There's no need to book guesthouses ahead of time, so if you'd like to add on to your excursions, feel free. Like the other entries on this list from Southeast Asia, haggling is the name of the game here.
Best Time to Go: Mid September
Off-Season vs. High Season Airfare Averages: $400/$650
Costa Rica isn't just for retired expats. Twentysomethings can find great adventures at cheap prices if they know where to look. Even though flights to Costa Rica are relatively cheap, you can still save by traveling during the fall off-season. Once there, seek out "tico" (local) restaurants, like bakery chain Musmanni, for some cheap eats. The water in Costa Rica is also safe to drink; no need for expensive bottles. You might want to go easy on the partying, also. Even local beers are costly.
Best Time to Go: Early December
Off-Season vs. High Season Airfare Averages: $450/$800
There are many misconceptions about America's southern neighbor. Mexico isn't all tourist beach resorts or drug gang war zones. If you stick to the smaller cities, you'll not only experience a more authentic Mexico, but you'll also do your wallet some favors. Try heading to "off-the-beaten-path" areas like Sayulita on the Pacific coast or Tlaxcala City in the east-central part of the country.
Best Time to Go: Early November
Off-Season vs. High Season Airfare Averages: $900/$1,800
South Africa might seem far-flung for the price, but if you travel in late fall (the beginning of summer in the Southern Hemisphere), you can save half the cost of an average high season plane ticket. Once you're there, you'll be rewarded with cheap eats as far as the eye can see. Seek out fresh local produce—it's the cheapest and tastiest—and explore the many marketplaces where you can negotiate great bargains.
Best Time to Go: Early October
Off-Season vs. High Season Airfare Averages: $800/$1,800
Laos is the final Southeast Asian entry on the list. Sandwiched between Thailand and Vietnam, this landlocked country has it all. Travelers can travel around the country cheaply, plus food and accommodations are budget-friendly, as well. If you're wanting to meet fellow visitors (and have them share their travel tips), head to Vang Vieng. If you want to strike out on your own, try Salavan in the southern region of the country.
Best Time to Go: Late September
Off-Season vs. High Season Airfare Averages: $700/$1,200
Inflation is high in Argentina, but you can score some great deals if you travel during the off-season. Not only is airfare cheaper, accommodations and attractions are as well. With a great system of buses, you can explore the whole country, and by booking overnighters, that's one less night in a hotel or hostel to pay for. Seek out tenedor libre-style restaurants. These buffets offer great meals on the cheap.
Best Time to Go: Late January
Off-Season vs. High Season Airfare Averages: $550/$1,100
You can score this transatlantic for around the same price as a trip to Mexico or Central America. Spain also makes a great a jumping-off point to the rest of Europe. Before you leave, however, stick around and savor the flavorful (and cheap) tapas meals. City passes will also save you some cash if you're doing some extended exploring. While the trains are quick, the buses are much cheaper and just as reliable.
Best Time to Go: Mid November
Off-Season vs. High Season Airfare Averages: $600/$1,350
When you travel to Greece during the off-season, plane tickets are less than half of the cost of summer airfare. You may be wondering, "Can I Still Travel to Greece?" Rest assured that your experience won't be riot-filled, and there are plenty of good deals to be found. Athens can be expensive, but if you spend a good chunk of time in more intimate locations, like Lefkada, you can travel cheaply and create better connections with locals.
