Tunisia is the world's top value destination according to travel company Lonely Planet, which released its top 10 rankings for 2014/15 on Monday.
"Most travel warnings have been dropped and travellers are once again tuning in to North Africa's most compact package," writes Tom Hall. "This year, prices will remain tempting to lure travellers back, and lower crowds will mean that those who do come will get a more rewarding experience whether they stay in cosmopolitan Tunis, head for Star Wars sets or explore the Roman remains that dot the north of the country.
The North African country placed first overall for budget travel, coming ahead of its cross-continent competitor South Africa (second). Shanghai finished third, followed Samoa and Bali. Finishing the dime is Uruguay, Portugal, Taiwan, Romania, and Burkina Faso from sixth to 10th.
Both Shanghai and Taiwan garnered credit for being cheaper options than many expensive options in Asia – like the infamously pricey Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
"For all the upscale new openings in China's most famous coastal city, Shanghai remains reassuringly affordable for budget travellers," writes Hall. "No-nonsense dorms start at less than US$10, and the pleasing pricing continues through budget and midrange hotels until you hit the less-than-friendly international big names and trendy boutique accommodation. It's a similar story when eating out: characterful street-treats for a dollar, and big portions in popular restaurants for little more."
On Taiwan: "Taipei is significantly cheaper than Hong Kong, Seoul or Tokyo, and while hotels are a bit expense, dorm beds and homestays abound in Taiwan and camping is common in a lot of the island's national parks and forests."
In all, Lonely Planet released several Top 10 pieces in its annual rankings, listing findings from 'world's best bathrooms' to 'most gay-friendly places on the planet' to the most 'unforgettable family experiences' for 2015.
