Three cost-effective Travel destinations for 2013

One of the most common questions asked by travelers is - "where can I get the best vacation deals for my money?" There are great bargains on travel to be found; but it takes some time searching for what you’re looking for.

Here are three destinations that are 25-50 percent less than most similar locations. And best of all, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars for the ideal trip. Even with a limited budget, you'll still come back with lasting memories.

Quebec City

This charming Canadian city offers outstanding French food and wine and attractions for a lot less than Paris. With the U.S. dollar approximately equivalent to the Canadian dollar, makes it much more appealing for North Americans in comparison to the Euro. Inside the old walls in Québec City, visitors can still view glass-blowing factories, and visit shops like La Petite Cabane à Sucre de Québec that sell maple syrup. One of the best attractions in the old city is a ride on the funicular. For just $2.00, visitors can get a bird’s-eye view of the city. The Old Quebec Funicular is open all year and shuttles visitors between the Upper and Lower Town. It links the Haute-Ville in the Upper Town to the Basse-Ville in the Lower Town, including places like the historic Notre Dame des Victoires church, the historic Petit Champlain district, the port, and also the Musée de la civilisation (Museum of Civilization).

Lisbon, Portugal

With the exterior of many old buildings adorned with azulejos–tiles and painted in elaborate, and sophisticated blue designs, Lisbon matches the elegance of Europe's many other capitals. And the best part is, hotels in the city charge about 20 percent less compared to other cities in Europe. Despite the economy, the city provides a number of great attractions, including the restored colonial-era castle, Castelo de São Jorge; column-lined plazas, and a number of art galleries and museums. Lisbon is famous for its delicious pastries. For about $1.10, visitors can purchase one of its unique custard tarts. You can also purchase pasteis de Belém, a more expensive dessert at the city's renowned Antiga Confeitaria de Belém.

Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

Mexico has always been a bargain for tourists looking for a great vacation spot. Another reason to consider Mexico for a getaway destination is because the U.S. dollar’s exchange rate against the Mexican peso has improved by approximately 30 percent over the past 10 years. However, you might find the best deal for your money in the Riviera Nayarit region, a Pacific vacation spot with nearly 200 miles of coastline. This stretch of coastline has gone through a building boom within the past twenty years. Despite the building boom, the number of American tourists visiting is still down from the 2007 record breaking season. This has prompted local officials to offer money-saving discounts to bring in guests to their beachside resorts and whale-spotting boat tours.

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, Budget Travel Examiner

Tony Dezenzio is internationally recognized for capturing the magic world of travel as a writer and photographer. A world class professional for over 20 years, his extensive experience with location and outdoor assignments for Editorial, Fashion and Travel have earned him numerous awards. Tony's...

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