Flying to Ireland has become more affordable over the last few years, making an exploration of Dublin way cheaper than you would have imagined. Try a hostel for accommodation and start with the free things to do in Dublin list. Visit the Chester Beatty Library and be dazzled by its huge collection of rare books and manuscripts, or take a walk with a herd of deer at Phoenix Park – which is incidentally the largest enclosed recreational space in a European capital.

You could budget shop over the weekend at Blackrock Market, which is the city’s oldest; or head to the Pavilion Bar at the cricket pitch in Trinity College for what is rumoured to be the cheapest pint in Dublin – at just INR 190. In the mood for some rural flavour? Head to Galway, where prices are about 20% lower than the capital, across the board. If it is action that you seek in the rural setting, then sample the city’s pulsating nightlife, thanks to the student population! You could spend the better part of your evenings pub hopping and listening to live music – all the time being partial to Guinness which is about 15% cheaper than in Dublin.

With politics playing an important role in bringing Greek holiday costs down, partying on islands like Santorini and Mykonos is still quite pricey. So head to quieter places like Paros or Skiathos for the same experience for about half the price, great weather and cheap drinks. If it is pool parties and shots that float your boat, then head to Ios – the place for young backpackers and all night raves.

If you haven’t got the time for a complete round of the islands, make sure you hop across from Athens to Hydra, the place for the best kebabs anywhere in the Aegean. You could also sail over to Kefalonia for some traditional meat pie. But if you have the time, then you must island hop and complete the whole circuit – visit each island for its specialty. Ferries run between all the islands, so it is a good idea to check on the ferry schedule and price updates.

There is a lot to see in Argentina, the eighth largest country in the world – from the central plains in La Pampa all the way to the Andes and its mountainous western border with Chile. The capital city of Buenos Aires, with its reputation of being one of the most exciting cities around the world, is all bright lights and thumping nightlife. Get a taste of flashy Buenos Aires without spending big bucks by staying away from the exclusive party places and you could get by on about INR 2,100 a day. Spend your days getting an eyeful of the bright and bold murals that are draped over various buildings around the capital, or explore the streets of San Telmo and enjoy the Bohemian vibe at the bars and eateries in the area.

This is much easier on the pocket than a night out at any of the hotspots in tourist magnet Recoleta. Head to the southern tip of Argentina to experience some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in the world. You can take a cheap though long bus trip – 24 to 36 hours – from Buenos Aires, to reach Patagonia and visit Tierra del Fuego. Internal flights will also take you to Tierra del Fuego, though they will be more expensive. This is the most southerly city in the world and a base camp for excursions to the Antarctic. Spend time checking out penguins, dolphins and whales in Península Valdés, which is a UNESCO protected nature reserve.

Descriptions of Sri Lanka are very often picture post card like – pretty sandy beaches, mountains hidden in clouds, waterfalls around every corner, tea plantations and lines of breezy palm trees. Very rightfully so. Tourism to this idyllic island in the south Indian Ocean has been a regular feature for a while, but somehow Sri Lanka has remained on the sidelines of the tourist map. Perfect for bargain hunters who like the idea of a little bit of jungle trekking punctuated by fish curry feasts – while staying in low cost 5 star luxury on the beach. Take for example the Cinnamon Lodge in Habarana, which is right in the centre of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy.

The suites here offer stunning views of the tropical Habarana Lake – you could turn the experience up a notch by seating yourself in your private jacuzzi as the on call butler serves you champagne. Competing for your attention outside of your affordable 5 star air conditioned luxury is the surrounding countryside – dotted with temples, monasteries and stupas – which give you an insight into Sri Lanka’s Buddhist culture. Don’t wish to leave the comfort of your low cost luxury deal? Step out to visit only two of the most famous places on the island – the Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura and the Sri Dhalada Maligawa in Kandy