Want to go on an exotic holiday but think it's out of your price range? Think again, these cheap holidays are undoubtedly exotic, offering breathtaking landscapes along with a myriad of things to see and do. From the Caribbean to Europe, South America, Asia and beyond, these destinations offer some of the cheapest, yet incredibly rewarding holidays you can take.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Credit: bigstockphoto.com Playa Rincon, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (hotel prices and photos)
Since the Dominican Republic is home to many huge beach properties, the result is one of the most competitive rates in the entire Caribbean region. Punta Cana, on the country's east coast, is renowned for its beautiful beaches, golf course and variety of hotels, from budget to luxury. A stay here means easy access to water adventures that cost nothing - just grab your snorkelling equipment and swim among the colourful fish and coral reefs. Here it is easy to find the perfect environment for a dream holiday without bombing, arms and legs.
Thailand 
Credit: bigstock.com Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand (hotel prices and photos)
While the tourist beaches of Thailand's southern region such as Krabi and Phuket tend to be expensive, heading north on the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, you'll not only enjoy a more authentic experience, but cheap accommodation, another laid-back atmosphere, magnificent mountains and vibrant hill tribes. One of the best travel values around, comfortable, private rooms can be had for less than $10 per night. This historic former capital is also home to numerous temples and you can also enjoy cheap multi-trip trips to nearby forests and other temples.
Panama 
Credit: www.bigstock.com snorkelling in Panama
Panama (prices and hotel photos)
Panama is one of those less visited places where you can enjoy lots of warm weather, sun and beaches, but accommodation can only be had for around $40 a night. It will cost you a little more to get there because of the lower demand, but unlike exotic, high-traffic destinations like Cancun, once you're there, you'll save big, and you won't be caught by thick tourists crowds. Bocas del Toro, located on the northwest coast of the Caribbean, is an archipelago of nine tropical islands where you can find some of the best diving and surf breaks in the country. The orange-tiled roofs and Spanish colonial architecture of Panama's old town offer a striking contrast to the skyscraper skyline over the bay, and in Casco Viejo, dark music pours onto the street from every alley and corner.
Lago Atitlan, Guatemala 
Credit: www.bigstock.com Lago Atitlan, Guatemala
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala (hotel prices and photos)
Surrounded by three imposing volcanoes, the German explorer and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt called Lake Atitlan 'the most beautiful lake in the world'. Situated in the Guatemalan highlands of the Sierra Madre mountain range, it is defined by peace and tranquillity, offering a particularly inspiring setting for meditation, yoga and contemplation. Looking forward to admiring breathtaking landscapes while hiking, kayaking or cycling, and immersing yourself in the Mayan culture, residents still wear an exclusive style of clothing that reveals the city they live in.
Goa, India 
Credit: Bigstock.com Arambol beach Goa India
Goa, India (hotel prices and photos)
Popular for decades among hippies and others looking to party on the cheap, this picturesque coastal spot in India has grown a little out of direction, but has not lost its very low price tag. The most popular beach destination in all of India, it is a great place to relax and unwind on pristine white beaches bordering a sparkling blue expanse of the Arabian Sea. While the central regions tend to be crowded, venture further north or south and you will find some incredibly quiet gems, such as Agonda and Palolem in the south and Ashwem and Mandrem in the north. You'll also find an eclectic mix of nature, culture, history and adventurous activities.
Bahamas 
Credit: Wikimedia Commons Blue Hole Long Island, Bahamas
Bahamas (prices and hotel photos)
The Bahamas is easily accessible from Florida, offering cheap flights, especially when compared to more distant destinations in the Caribbean. A flight here runs as low as $300 roundtrip from major east coast airports, making it much easier to put together an inexpensive trip to an exotic island surrounded by warm, azure waters for snorkelling, sail fishing, windsurfing and more. In some places like Exuma, you can jump and swim with adorable pigs.
Montego Bay 
Credit: bigstock.com Montego Bay
Montego Bay (prices and hotel photos)
Montego Bay in Jamaica is one of the few destinations in the Caribbean that is accessible not only in the low season, but also during the high season, at least outside the holidays. Come anytime from mid-December to mid-January, and you can score accommodation from $40 per night. There are also multiple quality all-inclusive options that offer great value, but no matter where you are in Montego Bay, besides sun and sand, you will find plenty of water sports and other activities to keep you busy.
Riga, Latvia 
Credit: www.bigstock.com Riga, Latvia
Riga, Latvia (hotel prices and photos)
Often referred to as the 'Paris of the North' and the 'best-kept secret' of Europe, Riga is also one of the cheapest destinations for travellers in Europe. Undoubtedly exotic, it was named European Capital of Culture for 2014, yet hostels are still very cheap and so is almost everything else. You can survive on less than $25 a day in this regal city that is home to some of the largest and most impressive Art Nouveau buildings on the continent, including gargoyles and goddesses adorning more than 750 buildings found along the majestic boulevards. The winding cobbled streets of the old town are particularly charming with all that gingerbread, and at the Dome Cathedral, you can climb up to the spire of St Peter's Church to admire splendid views of the city.
Quito, Ecuador 
Credit: K.C. Dermody Church in Quito, Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador (prices and hotel photos)
If South America beckons, Quito, the high altitude capital of Ecuador is undeniably easy on the wallet and rather exotic, with the opportunity to walk the 'line'. While it is a tourist attraction, with the equator line marked in red, the city also offers stunning Gothic architecture to explore, with countless cathedrals, fascinating museums and particularly tasty cuisine. Sitting over 9000 feet above sea level in a valley framed by volcanic peaks, breathtaking scenery abounds. Be sure to watch the changing of the guards at Plaza Grande and stroll down Calle la Ronda, one of the city's oldest and most artistic streets.