Is there such a place as a cheap travel destination?

Writer and seasoned traveler, Tim Leffel has written about a wide range of topics, from sailing on the Nile to hanging out with holy men, while he roamed three times around the world. Apparently, he has sampled everything from Kentucky bourbon to Korean soju while making his way around the globe.

Leffel’s slim guidebook, The World’s Cheapest Destinations, focuses on his belief that it is not how you go, but where. Traveling overseas may be expensive, but, as Leffel states, only to get there. The key “to really travel well without spending your life savings is to go to where your first world dollars are worth a fortune.”

Leffel concentrates on certain areas, where he believes that there is a great deal to experience, and not difficult to get around. For example, Romania and Poland are briefly discussed, as the author feels that their neighbors have much more to offer for the price.

Dividing up travel destinations into four sections, Asia, Africa & Middle East, Europe and the Americas, Leffel points out how in each of these geographical locations you can stretch your dollar to the maximum. You may compare this to the old adage, “it is not how much one earns, but how your money is managed, that is important.”

Each chapter begins with a general description of the country, accommodations, food & drink, transportation and general comments entitled “what else.” This last section concentrates on pointing out where the bargains are located such as, museums, snorkeling and diving, shopping, interesting transportation possibilities, and even what you can purchase for a buck or less.

Were you aware that you can take a camel safari through the desert in Rajasthan for $10-$20 per day including meals? You can enter the Egyptian Museum in Cairo-one of the world’s biggest and greatest- for $4, less with a student card. Have you ever heard of the town of Kutna Hora that is an hour from Prague? This town offers the same level of architectural splendor without having to fight crowds and inflated prices.

For the traveler who enjoys adventure traveling to some of the most exotic places in the world, trying new food and customs, learning about other religions and traditions, this slim book will prove to be a great tool.