For a passionate traveler to select a few exotic destinations around the globe would be like asking a parent to differentiate between her / his children. The world is full of unexplored destinations, but people would term only those destinations as being exotic that are on the top of the visitors' list. Our world today comprises of 195 countries, which is a gigantic number. I believe that every country, every state, every city, every town on this planet is exotic in their own special way. Every destination has its unique geographic and demographic features and, thus stands out amongst a bundle of places. You will never find snow-capped serenity in the Caribbean Islands and will never be spellbound by the crystal waters and white sands of the beaches in Switzerland. However, when it comes to chalking out a few 'cheap' but exotic travel destinations, we could draw some distinctions. The world is full of cheap and exotic travel destinations and all you need is your toothbrush and a free spirit to get to that dream destination. Even with the inflationary trends reaching peak levels across the globe (all credit to the oil price rise), the seeking traveler should have the heart to fight all diversities and emerge victorious.

As impossible as it seems, you can still see exotic locales, stay in extravagant hotels and eat all the area’s finest foods, provided you do all your homework and choose your destination carefully. It is always important to keep in mind that all exotic destinations around the world that started out cheap years ago have now been extensively visited and are high up there on the tourist demand chart. Be wise. Don't blindly follow the pack (after all you are not the rats that followed the pied piper). As I have mentioned already, you have 195 countries to choose form, so make a well-informed choice. As they say, 'beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder’; fit your destination into your definition of beauty.

For people who need a little guidance (especially the newbies), here goes. The United States offers you a lot of interesting places. From mountains to seas to deserts to plains, the US has it all. The West Coast promises to be a cheap and exotic option. The southern states still offer many bargains, as do the dusty plains of Arizona and New Mexico.  Those wishing to travel through the rich flora and fauna and witness the diverse cultures and people of South America will find a number of discount travel destinations waiting for them. Ecuador and Bolivia offer the most places for budget travelers looking for truly exotic destinations. Roatan Island, Buenos Aires, Margarita Island and Peru are all destinations that will fit your bill.  Moving to Europe, everybody is aware that all destinations in Western Europe have been tourist magnets for decades and thus will have to be instantly ruled out. However, one still has hope if we shift our attention to the eastern region of the continent. Equally exotic, there are still destinations in Eastern Europe, probably still clinging on to the long-cherished communist ideals that are very much affordable. These include, Bulgaria, Romania and the backwoods of Hungary and the Baltic states. Continuing southward lays the gigantic African continent, one that has options that you will easily get submerged in. This is a place that is at it's cheap, exotic and hospitable best.  Northern countries like exotic Morocco or laid-back Tunisia are the continent’s best options as far as discount travel destinations go. Turkey too must be on this list. Heading towards good old Asia, the continent offers a pool of destinations to choose from. The popularity of Southeast Asian countries, like Thailand, Cambodia, Bangkok (Phuket), Malaysia and Vietnam have been tourist hubs, but what sets these destinations apart is that even after several years of full-blown popularity, these destinations still remain both cheap and exotic.

You have now been furnished with an island of exotic destinations to choose from – destinations that will also fit your budget. However, the fascinatingly infinite world is out there, waiting to be explored and cherished. So, take your pick and head straight out.