Category: Lifestyle

There’s something special about going to a food market where you can really feel like you’re a part of a community. It’s not like going to one of the large grocery store chains where everything comes with fluorescent lighting and over-the-top packaging with prices that have been predetermined by someone in an office that you’ll never meet.

At food markets, you get to pick from the freshest fruits, vegetables, meats, and much more. With that said, many of the major cities around the world have at least a small food market that brings in locals and tourists alike, but not all of them are built the same. Let’s take a look at 10 of the best food markets around the world and what makes them so special.

St. Lawrence Market (Toronto, Canada)

In 1845, Toronto built a city hall but abandoned it at the turn of the century, allowing for the establishment of the world-famous St. Lawrence Market. With two floors and a massive renovation in the 1970s, this market sort of gives off the feel of a shopping mall except everything is fresh food. There are dozens of options and more than 111,000 square feet.

Mercado De La Merced (Mexico City, Mexico)

While La Merced Market is still massive to the point where it’s the largest retail market in the city, it one time took up an entire neighborhood. This market is a great place to get some of the best spices in the world and some of the best street food that anyone could ask for. Tourists tend to flock to La Merced when they want cheap food options compared to some of the pricey resorts.

Borough Market (London, United Kingdom)

London has a long history of food markets, and Borough Market is among the oldest that you’ll find in all of Europe. The history of Borough Market goes back to the early 11th century and it became more and more of a hub as the centuries rolled on. Though there was a decline in visitors and sellers during the end of the 20th century, Borough Market has been revitalized to its former glory.

Kashgar Market (Kashgar, China)

The only drawback of this market is that you can only visit once per week. Every Sunday, Kashgar Market sees thousands of people both locally and from the surrounding area come to purchase silk, livestock, jewelry, and much more. Kashgar Market is a true hub and has been one of the most important economic factors for the city as a whole. 

Union Square Greenmarket (New York City, USA)

As the largest city in the United States, there are plenty of options to pick from when looking for a farmers’ market, but the Union Square Greenmarket takes the top spot. Founded in the mid-1970s, Union Square is open four days a week and the number of vendors can reach well into the 100s during the busiest parts of the year.

Mercado Central (Santiago, Chile)

Santiago was once home to the world-famous Plaza del Abasto during the mid-19th century, but a fire left a gaping hole for a market. With that, Mercado Central de Santiago was opened in 1872 and still looks gorgeous to this day. With two floors that are open year-round, it’s home to some of the best options in all of South America, and in fact, is the only market from the continent on the list.

Or Tor Kor Market (Bangkok, Thailand)

Bangkok, like New York City, has a seemingly endless amount of markets to choose from, with Or Tor Kor Market being the top choice. This wet market has some food that brings in people from all over the country, and you better come hungry. The massive food court has so many options that you’ll want to sample them all, so it can be hard to knock everything out in just one day.

Rue Mouffetard Market (Paris, France)

The Rue Mouffetard neighborhood of Paris is one of the busiest on a daily basis, and the market plays a huge role in that. Open every day of the week except Mondays, the fresh food you can find in this market is some of Europe’s best, especially if you’re a cheese fan. That’s because Rue Mouffetard has more than 200 different types while offering a unique experience for visitors.

Spice Bazaar (Istanbul, Turkey)

Istanbul’s most beautiful market is the Spice Bazaar located in the Eminonu quarter. Originally opened in 1660, the Spice Bazaar has undergone a lot of changes over the centuries, and now has more than 80 shops that are dedicated to spices while there are others that sell fruits, jewelry, and much more.

English Market (Cork, Ireland)

Open every day except Sunday, the English Market originally opened in 1788 and has been regarded by many to be the best in all of the United Kingdom. Known primarily for fresh fish and meat, there’s a lot to choose from at English Market including bakeries, fresh produce, and wine.

Brazil is one of the largest countries in the world and boasts the sixth-highest population while being the largest in all of South America. Brazil has some of the best natural beauty, but it doesn’t draw a massive tourism crowd compared to other large countries around the world. In the Americas, Brazil is the sixth most-visited country in the Americas with around 6.5 million yearly visitors.

One of the main reasons why tourism in Brazil is so much lower than its counterparts is that it’s still one of the more expensive countries to visit. If you’ve always wanted to visit Brazil but have been afraid to break the bank, there are plenty of ways that you can save big. Here are five essential tips for visiting Brazil on a budget.

Flying Into Brazil

As it is with any country, there are certain airports and times of year that you’ll want to aim for to save the most on your vacation. The same rule also applies that the busier airports tend to be the cheapest ones, and Brazil is no exception. There are two airports in Sao Paolo, and they happen to be the two largest airports in the country. Guarulhos International is going to be the cheapest option, though Congonhas isn’t much pricier.

There are a few other popular airports in Brazil that are cheap to travel to, including Brasilia International and Viracopos International in Campinas. It costs a bit more to fly into Rio de Janeiro, but not significantly more. As for the cheapest time of year to visit Brazil, you’ll want to visit between May and September, with the northern part of the country experiencing warmer weather than the south. You’ll also want to avoid any major holidays including Labour Day which kicks off the winter.

Stick To Mid-Range Hotels

In a lot of major countries, you can get away with visiting on a shoestring budget by staying the night in hostels for around $10 to $15 per night without a problem. Unfortunately, Brazil does have one of the highest crime rates in the world, coming in at the ninth most dangerous. With that said, you’ll probably want to avoid hostels, but you also don’t want to break the bank on a luxury hotel.

Mid-range hotels are a great option for staying in Brazil for cheap, and the prices are actually far lower than you’d find from mid-range hotels in other developed nations. From modern hotels for less than $30 per night to resort hotels for $70, your safety does come first, and you’re more likely to find that in a hotel that costs just a bit extra.

Find The Street Food

Restaurants in Brazil tend to be around the same price or at least a little cheaper than you would find in the United States. The biggest difference that you’ll find comes from eating street food instead of sit-down restaurants. Brazil has some amazing food, and you can find it for under $5 per meal on the streets. Visitors who have said that they’ve splurged on street food have still spent no more than $10 on a full meal, so try to stick with those options.

If you plan on staying for a while, you can also load up on groceries to take back to your hotel room. The cost of living in Brazil is much lower than in places like the United States or the United Kingdom, and grocery prices reflect that. Produce that is native to Brazil will end up being your best bet, as mangoes and bananas are typically next to nothing cost-wise.

Don’t Be Afraid To Rent A Car

For budget travelers, the idea of renting a car instead of taking public transportation is almost unheard of. However, Brazil is an entirely different animal. The cost of renting a car in Brazil is insanely cheap compared to most countries, with an average price of around $20 per day, which is only a quarter of the cost in the United States.

Some budget rental car companies can even rent out a car for under $10 per day. Not only will you be able to get around the country easier and quicker, but it will also be the safer option. The roads may not be in the best condition in some places, but sticking to the highways will feel extremely similar to driving in the United States.

Get Away From The Cities

All of the most expensive options are naturally going to be in the larger cities throughout Brazil. Most people will want to see the sights of Sao Paulo, Rio, and Brasilia, but don’t be afraid to visit some of the smaller areas, as well. It can be difficult with much of Brazil packed into a handful of large areas without much in between, but there are some great cheaper cities.

Cities like Natal, Porto Alegre, and Belo Horizonte are amazing tourist locations that won’t break the bank. You can even explore the Amazon Rainforest, though that’s suggested more for expert travelers.

Egypt is one of those countries that a lot of people have on their bucket list. After all, Egypt has one of the deepest histories in all of humanity and has some of the oldest monuments known to mankind. From the Sphynx to the pyramids, Egypt is quite a wonder to behold, and the tourism industry is a big one for the country.

Egypt also happens to be one of the 15 largest countries in the world, boasting a population of over 100 million people. It’s also the most visited country in all of Africa with around 13 million international tourists each year, putting it slightly ahead of Morocco and far ahead of South Africa. If you’ve always dreamed about visiting Egypt but have been worried about the costs being too much, here are five essential tips for visiting Egypt on a budget.

Flying Into Egypt

No matter where you’re flying from, there’s going to be one airport that tends to be far cheaper than the others, and that’s Cairo International Airport. Because it’s by far the busiest airport, there are more planes coming in and out each day, which translates into cheaper prices. While Egypt does have several other international options including Luxor International and Aswan International, Cairo is going to be your best bet.

Cairo is also the most conveniently located for all of the more touristy destinations that you’ll want to visit in Egypt. As for the time of year to travel which will save you the most money, it would be between May and September. The reason, of course, is that it gets very hot during the summer months in Egypt so not as many people want to travel. If you’re used to desert climates (think Phoenix or Las Vegas), it shouldn’t be hard for you to handle Egypt.

Eat Locally

Because Cairo is one of the most visited places in all of Africa, there are going to be some familiar international dining options. These will often be overpriced compared to what you’re used to, though, as they’re typically tourist traps. Instead, sticking to the local options will be much cheaper than you’re used to. For meals that you can grab on the go, you may be paying as little as $2 or $3 for an entire meal and as low as $5 for local sit-down restaurants.

There are going to be plenty of local Egyptian food options to pick from, too, so you won’t be forced into a higher-priced option. Fans of shawarma, kebabs, koshari, and more are going to be in heaven when they see all of the local restaurants and street vendors. You can also visit the local markets, which leads us to our next point.

Learn How To Bargain

There are certain countries in which the locals can get pretty pushy with tourists, and Egypt is perhaps at the top of that list. While marketplaces aren’t as bad and have the traditional type of haggling that you would see in countries like Mexico or China, there are people known as “touts” that are much more annoying to tourists. They’ll often attempt to get money from tourists by acting as middlemen for shopkeepers who guide you in a direction.

If you don’t speak the language and don’t look like you’re from Egypt, these touts will swarm to you faster than you can believe. You’ll have to learn to be assertive if you want to hold on to your money, and that can include telling them that you don’t have any money. Learning some common Egyptian so that you know how to say “No thank you” will take you a long way so you don’t get conned.

Getting Around

There are some countries where it’s actually cheaper to rent a car than to use public transportation, but Egypt is not one of those. The ride-sharing apps in Egypt are incredibly cheap compared to a lot of other countries, and there are options including buses and trains that will only cost you a few bucks. This includes a train ride that can take you all the way across the country for just $10.

Scooters are also a popular option and are much cheaper than a car if you plan on staying in the heart of Cairo. Most of the transportation options are inexpensive with the exception of taxi cabs and rental cars. If you can avoid these, your budget for getting around will be next to nothing.

Prepay For Passes

Naturally, most of us want to go to Egypt to see all of the historical sites like the Pyramids of Giza. With that said, you’ll want to plan ahead for your visit and prepay for the Cairo Pass or Luxor Pass which are $100, are good for five days, and get you into all of the popular sites. 

If you buy the two passes together, you can get them for $150, which is ideal for a five-day vacation. If you have a student ID, things get even better as you’ll get 50 percent off of admission. Some of the tombs will be restricted unless you get the premium pass, which is $200 combined without a student ID.

Though it might not rank as one of the most visited countries compared to the likes of France, China, or the United States, India does pull in around 18 million international tourists per year. There are plenty of great reasons to visit India, including taking in the country’s history, amazing landmarks, and top-tier hospitality.

One of the other amazing reasons to visit India is its affordability. India has been rated as one of the cheapest places to travel to, but you can still end up paying more than you expected. If you want to avoid doing that and save on your trip to India, here are five essential tips for visiting the country on a budget.

Picking The Right Airport and Time

India is a massive country, and there are more than two dozen international airports to pick from when heading there. With that said, the busiest ones are going to be the cheapest to fly into. Mumbai (BOM) and New Delhi (DEL) are the busiest airports by far, while Bengaluru and Hyderabad have slightly higher prices. Chennai and Kolkata are a bit more expensive but could be your only options.

As for the cheapest time of year to head to India, you’ll want to go when it’s considered monsoon season. In the northern part of the country, this typically starts in June, with the cheapest prices coming in September. As for the south, this will be all the way from May until November. Compared to other countries, there really is no wrong time to visit, but prices are a bit cheaper during these months.

Learn How to Haggle

There are certain countries around the world where whatever the price tag says, that’s the price you’re going to pay. If you tried to ask for a lower price at a Walmart in the United States, the cashier would give you a sideways look. In countries like India, though, you’re never expected to pay full price at a market in India, and much of India’s economy is based around marketplaces for goods.

You’ll want to learn how to talk prices down, but you’ll want to be respectful when you do it. It can be easy to offend a shopkeeper when you say that they’re charging way too much, so simply say that it’s more than you want to spend. They’ll be willing to come down on the price, and you should try not to lowball them. Let the shopkeepers do most of the talking, and eventually they’ll talk themselves into their lowest acceptable price.

Take Advantage of Railways

If you get a little claustrophobic, then India might not be the country for you as the public transportation options can get crammed in a hurry. However, if you don’t mind sharing room with a lot of people, then you’re going to be saving a ton of money via the railways. You can travel for hundreds of miles on the train in India for the equivalent of $2 to $3, and that’s not an exaggeration.

This is the best way to see more of India than just one or two cities all while spending a couple of measly dollars. The only thing is that if you buy the cheapest ticket, it’s general admission and that means that a packed train might mean that you aren’t sitting down. Over the course of 100 miles, you could end up regretting that decision. Even an upgrade won’t cost you much more, so it could be worth it.

Stay Away From Tourist Restaurants

In the larger Indian cities, there are going to be plenty of restaurants that are catered to tourists, and many of them are pretty easy to spot. While they tend to not be expensive by many other countries’ standards, they are still much more than the local cuisine. Speaking in English to the locals should be able to get you pointed to some of the cheaper local options, but being able to speak Hindi will get you further.

Many Indian restaurants will offer vegetarian-only options, which is part of what makes them so much cheaper. If you don’t mind skipping out on meat throughout your Indian vacation, your food budget is going to be incredibly low. In fact, in some places, you can get a meal for less than a dollar that’s not only tasty but will be very filling.

Settling on Lodging

Assuming that you’ll want to go to several different cities in India while also saving money, there are going to be two great options. The first option is going through the hostel scene which can get you a space with other travelers for less than $10 per night in some cases. Even private rooms are cheap at under $20.

If you want something that’s a bit more secure, there’s a budget hotel chain throughout India called OYO Rooms. These tend to be around $30 per night and there are over 300 locations after establishing in 2012.

China is the third-largest country by area, has one of the largest economies, and has the highest population in the world. With all of that said it makes sense that China is one of the most-visited countries behind only Spain, the United States, and France. Still, it can cost a couple of thousand dollars for a couple to visit China, which may put off some people from making the trip.

There are plenty of reasons to visit China, from the people and food to the rich history and amazing architecture. If you’ve always wanted to experience China but don’t want to spend too much, here are five essential tips for visiting on a budget.

When and Where

One of the things that will save you the most money is finding the right flight to China. China, as you know, is a massive country, so there are going to be plenty of options to choose from. Like other large countries, you won’t get to see it all, but sticking to the region that’s closer to the cheaper airports can save you a lot of money. As for when you should go, the lowest prices are going to be from December to March.

This is, of course, with the exception of Chinese New Year in February. As for the airports that are easiest to fly to, Hong Kong is actually going to be your best bet. If you want to land on the mainland, then Beijing and Fuzhou are also cost-friendly. Shanghai and Guangzhou airports aren’t too expensive, but anything outside of those five can start to get into the $1,000 and up range if visiting from the United States.

See More By Train

There was once a time not long ago when traveling throughout China wasn’t very efficient or cost-friendly. These days, though, China has the busiest railways in the world and is always adding tracks. If you want to see as much of the country as possible, then riding the rails is a great option. Not only that, but China has invested heavily in high-speed rail, allowing people who are staying for longer to see more of the country.

Depending on where you want to go and how fast you want to get there. Booking a second-class ticket will save you a lot of money if you want to take the trip from, let’s say, Beijing to Shanghai. Prices vary but can cost as low as $36 and take around four hours. Don’t fall for the business class ticket, which can end up costing several hundred dollars.

Don’t Be Afraid of Taxis

When you’re in one of the larger cities in a foreign country, it’s easy to be apprehensive about taking a taxi service. Some of them tend to pick out people they perceive as tourists and can charge them an arm and a leg. This isn’t the case in major Chinese cities, and China has some of the cheapest (and most efficient) taxi cabs in the entire world.

If you’re only looking to go a mile or two, it will end up costing you a couple of bucks (try getting that in New York City). It’s not suggested to use taxis when coming to and from the airport if you’re trying to save money, but they’re a valuable commodity when in the city. Just make sure that you’re taking an official taxi cab, which is easy to identify. You’ll be able to tell when you see the official logo on top of the vehicle, with all of them being very colorful.

Do Not Tip

Here in the United States, just about every service is expected to be rewarded with a tip. Whether it be a taxi, baggage handler, restaurant server, etc. That’s not the case in China, so you can already take tipping out of your budget when thinking about your vacation.

In fact, don’t even try to tip anyone in China. In many places throughout China, it’s completely illegal to try and tip a service worker. Even where it is legal, it can be seen as an embarrassing ordeal. Having that knowledge alone will end up saving you hundreds of dollars compared to some of the other major cities throughout the world where tipping almost feels like a requirement.

Finding The Right Food

Of course, one of the biggest reasons why people want to visit China is to try some of the local cuisine. We talk about “authentic” Chinese food a lot in Western countries, and you can get it for extremely cheap throughout China. However, you’ll have to know what to look for when you want to save money.

For starters, a lot of Chinese restaurants are catered to tourists, which is why their menus are often listed in English. If you want the authentic Chinese experience, find where the locals are going  You’ll be floored by how cheap the prices can be at an authentic Chinese fast food restaurant will be, with meals costing as little as $1.50 in USD.

Mexico is the 14th largest country in the world by area, and it’s one of the eight most-visited, as well, with an average of 35 million people visiting each year. Mexico has a lot to offer for tourists, whether it be vacationing in the resort cities, taking in the extensive culture, or even exploring Mexico’s vast history. There also happens to be another great reason for visiting Mexico, and that’s the cost.

Mexico has been heralded as one of the cheapest countries in the world to visit, which is why so many from the United States or overseas make their way there. Your money can get you pretty far in Mexico, but we can help it go even farther. Here are five essential tips for visiting Mexico on a budget.

Choosing The Right Airport

Mexico’s economy relies heavily on tourism, with some cities, in particular, basing almost their entire economy on it. With that in mind, some cities are ridiculously cheap to fly into. In the same way that Las Vegas and Orlando are the cheapest airports in the United States due to tourism, Cancun is going to be your best bet in Mexico. Most major airports around the world fly to the resort city, and high traffic means low prices.

The other best option is the nation’s largest airport: Mexico City International. At nearly 33 percent of the size of Cancun, Mexico City offers even more options and keeps prices low. Other airports with high traffic which offer lower prices include Guadalajara, Tijuana, and Monterrey. Much of it depends on what part of Mexico you want to visit, as it’s too large of a country to see it all.

Learn Haggling Skills

When people visit Mexico from countries like the United States or the United Kingdom, many of them are shocked to learn that in most cases, you don’t have to pay a price that’s on a sticker. In Mexico, salespeople can be extremely pushy in trying to get you to buy items, so you have to be firm if you don’t want to end up spending more than your budget allows. Because of this, it’s important to learn haggling skills.

If there’s an item that you want, don’t feel bad about asking for a lower price. Respectfully tell a storekeeper that their price is too expensive for you and that you don’t want to buy it. They’ll likely ask what you want to pay for it but don’t give them an extremely lowball offer. Just try to shrug it off and downplay how much you need the item, and the price will continue to drop down to their bottom offer. Again, be respectful but firm.

Go All-Inclusive?

Assuming that you’re going to one of the resort cities in Mexico, then going for one of the all-inclusive options is your best bet. With these packages, you’re not only going to be getting your lodging but also unlimited food and drink. If you go for the non-all-inclusive option at a resort, you’ll likely end up paying way more than those who did on their package deals if you don’t leave the resort very often.

With that in mind, you should come to a resort with a plan. If you know that you’re going to be getting away because you want to sample the local cuisine more often, then the non-all-inclusive option is going to be fine. If you want to save the most money, though, booking an all-inclusive package in Cancun can end up costing you less than $1,000 for an entire week (without the flight).

See More By Bus

If you want to take a seven or eight-hour bus ride here in the United States, you’ll probably have to fork over at least $80 depending on the location. That can make it difficult to see much of the country on a budget, but the prices are much lower in Mexico and many tourists have said even more efficient than the bus lines in the states.

ADO is the top bus service in Mexico, and a long trip will be less than half of the price you see in the US. Local buses are also efficient in Mexico’s largest cities, with trips only costing around $1 per trip.

Explore the History

A lot of people want to head to Mexico so they can head to the beaches or resorts, kick back, and get their fill on tequila. That can be expensive, however, compared to a vacation where you see more of Mexico’s history. There are plenty of great options which allow you to explore Mexico’s rich history without spending a dime. From museums to ancient temples, Mexico has no shortage.

Places like the Bosque de Chapultepec and Tulum are zero-cost options while the Zona Arquelogica Palenque is only about $5. The Chichen Itza is perhaps the most famous of Mexico’s historical sites, though that one will cost money. Tickets to visit the site are around $35 while alternatives including El Castillo and Uxmal are free to the public.

Despite its small size, Ireland is an incredibly well-visited country with around 10 million people making their way each year to the Emerald Isle. However, that small size makes it so that things can get expensive in a hurry in such a small country. In fact, Ireland is one of the 20 most expensive countries to visit in the world.

Airline tickets and hotel accommodations aren’t too horrible for travelers, but the everyday spending that you’ll have to do can set you back quite a bit. This shouldn’t scare you off from wanting to see one of the most beautiful countries in the world, though. Here are five essential tips for visiting Ireland on a budget that could save you hundreds (if not thousands).

Admire the Natural Beauty

Ireland has some of the most breathtaking sights that you could ever imagine, and seeing them by yourself won’t cost a thing. Sites like the Cliffs of Moher are a great place to spend an entire day without breaking the bank, and there are also some free museums around the country that you and the entire family can enjoy.

Even seeing places like Blarney Castle can end up being affordable. A family of four costs €45 to visit the castle which contains the legendary Blarney Stone as long as they’re purchased in advance. Some of the other natural landmarks that you can see without spending money include the Giant’s Causeway, Cathedral Rocks, and Clew Bay. There’s no shortage in Ireland, and self-guided tours won’t set you back a penny.

Head at the Right Time

Ireland is one of the most ideal places in the world to visit during the summertime, but it also means that it can be very expensive. With that said, the cheapest month to visit is going to be in November. Once the holidays of Christmas and New Year’s pass by, though, the prices start to come back down to November’s levels until March hits. Of course, that’s when St. Patrick’s Day arrives and the weather gets nicer.

Of course, you’ll want to choose the right airport to use if you really want to maximize your savings. There are only five international airports in Ireland, and Dublin is by far the cheapest if you’re a foreign visitor. While still not cheap compared to some major international cities like London, it gives you the best bang for your buck.

Don’t Stay In The Cities Too Long, Though

While your Irish excursion is now likely to begin in Dublin, that doesn’t mean you should stay in the city for long if you’re looking to save. Dublin is one of the more expensive cities to visit in all of Europe, so make your way to the smaller cities and towns. If you still do want to be in a city, then Belfast is going to be a much cheaper option while Waterford is another great alternative that’s a bit smaller than either.

Other great budget cities in Ireland include Donegal, Kerry, and Mayo. You’ll be able to travel via Irish Rail to get between the more notable cities of the country, so make sure to book your trip in advance to save even more. There are also buses available, and in many cases can actually be cheaper than trains. Some people prefer the buses simply because it gives them a better view of the natural beauty of Ireland, too.

Shop Around For Lodging

Ireland doesn’t have a ton of hotel options compared to some of the other European countries as they tend to keep things at a smaller scale. With that in mind, you can still shop around for the best hotel prices, especially if it’s during the least-busy times of the year that we mentioned earlier. The best way to find lodging in Ireland is to use a home-rental option like Airbnb, which also gives you cheaper access to the smaller towns and cities. 

This will also give you cheaper options when it comes to dining. Restaurants in Ireland can be expensive, so renting through an Airbnb will allow you to stock up on groceries throughout your journey instead of spending upwards of €100 per day. While the groceries in Ireland aren’t the cheapest, it’s still a much more favorable option.

Don’t Stay Too Long in the Pubs

There’s a common misconception because of the pub culture in Ireland that it can be incredibly cheap to drink at one in the country. That’s not the case, however, as Ireland has one of the highest costs per pint for any country in Europe. Because of this, you’ll want to limit yourself when visiting these world-famous pubs.

Once again, it’s a better idea to go to the grocery store and get your fill before walking over to the pub. Don’t overdo it, stay safe, and save yourself a lot of money in the process!