As you fly across the seas and visit a brand new place, an exciting travel experience bodes well for the soul. It broadens your perspective, it challenges you, and most importantly, it helps you learn about who you are.

Even better, there’s an undeniable sense of excitement when you pack your bags for a vacation with a loved one. Be it with family, friends or a special someone, travelling is a great way to build meaningful connections with the people you travel with. The amazing experience of a wonderful new city is only made better by sharing it with the right people.

Best of all, you can do ALL that without having to break the bank.

From stylish cities to nature trails, we’ve rounded up 6 amazing and affordable destinations to visit as you plan your holidays with those who you hold dear!

The streets of Krakow are permeated by a magical and mysterious atmosphere. A small but lively city, Krakow is best known for its sprawling pub culture, impressive modern and contemporary art, an ever flourishing literary scene as well as the classical Rynek Glowny, Europe’s largest market square. A walk along the Jewish Quarter with a zapiekanka (a traditional open-face sandwich with cheese, mushrooms and meat) in hand is mesmerising, with its old but decorated buildings towering over you, harmoniously blending the past and the present.

Currency exchange: RM 1 = 0.94 zł

An average meal costs RM 21 or 20 zł

A cappuccino costs RM 7.58 or 7.11 zł

Things to do for free: Wander the streets of Kazimierz, climb Kopiec Kraka for a stunning view of the city and visit the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCAK) every Tuesday.

Surabaya remains a sleepy Indonesian city, but adventure junkies will fall in love with Mount Bromo and Mount Ijen, situated about 3 hours away from the city centre. Take a jeep along the highlands and pitch a tent for a stay overnight at the peak of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Here, catch a glimpse of the spectacular milky way alongside the crackling of a campfire and a cup of hot coffee. Then, head over to nearby Mount Ijen, one of the many clusters of active volcanoes of Indonesia which has a one-kilometre-wide turquoise-coloured crater lake— an unforgettable view for the budding backpacker.

Currency exchange: RM 1 = IDR 2998

An average meal costs RM 10 or IDR 30,000

A cappuccino costs RM 7.82 or IDR 23,500

Things to do for free: Check out the Bull Races of Madura and visit the Surabaya National Monument.

Once known as the ‘Pearl of Asia’, Phnom Penh is a city full of history— both ornate and war-ridden, that has risen into a bustling enclave filled with alluring cafes, jam-packed bars and a world-class food scene. Dotted with wats (temples), the city is perfect for those looking for a a spiritual journey while soaking up the Khmer history. Don’t miss the Tuol Seng Museum of Genocidal Crimes, which was once the largest detention and torture centre during the Pol Pot regime. It is an eye-opening experience on how a country can be torn apart by the brutalities of war, but it also sheds light on the persistent hope that is inherent in humankind.

Currency exchange: RM 1 = USD 0.22

An average meal costs RM 12.90 or USD 2.88

A cappuccino costs RM 10.54 or USD 2.35

Things to do for free: Visit the Independence Monument, have a picnic at the Royal Palace Parks and go Wat-hopping.

Skopje is an amalgamation of different styles and culture. Here, nothing is ever understated— towering monuments might make you feel small, while gargantuan marble-clad museums will have you revelling in the vast ingenuity of human creativity and intellect. The city itself is surreal, garish but never boring. Alongside its historical icons, the streets of Carsija (old Turkish Bazaar) at the east of the Sardar River is the largest and oldest marketplaces in the Balkans and is teemed with vendors selling baklavas, trileche, coffee and more.

Currency exchange: RM 1 = MKD 13.19

An average meal costs RM 19 or MKD 250

A cappuccino costs RM 5.90 or MKD 77

Things to do for free: Revel at the Millennium Cross, wander the streets of Carsija, say hello to Alexander the Great (statue) at Plostad Makedonija.

The colonial city of Lima is the perfect gastronomical haven for food lovers, with over 400 years of culinary history and revolution. Begin your journey at a chevicheria for the freshest ceviches— fresh raw fish cured in citrus. For lunch, don’t miss out on the sanguche, a roll stuffed with hot meat stew or grilled meat that’s perfect for a grab-and-go. Plus, indulge in a couple of pisco sours, a tantalising grape brandy that will keep you warm through the chilly nights.

Currency exchange: RM 1 = PEN 0.76

An average meal costs RM 16 or PEN 12

A cappuccino costs RM 10.50 or PEN 7.90

Things to do for free: Check out the Spanish Inquisition Museum, take a free walking tour around the city and visit the Palacio de Gobierno.

Chiang Rai is Thailand’s northernmost region, and an understated one. If you’re looking for something slow and easy, Chiang Rai offers a more down-to-earth experience as you meander along the rolling hills while slurping noodles from a hot bowl of soup. Perched on a rugged, mist-shrouded cluster of mountains, Chiang Rai is evocative, charming, and is perfect for trekking, temple-hopping, and refreshing experiences to get reacquainted with your inner-self again.

Currency exchange: RM 1 = THB 8

An average meal costs RM 5 or THB 40

A cappuccino costs RM 7.10 or THB 56.67

Things to do for free: Visit Wanna Farm with its ostriches and old carnival games, head out to Phucheefah for the best sunrise view and have a picnic at Chiang Rai beach.

Travelling should be a stress-free experience for you and your loved ones; you definitely don’t want any tension on your happy getaway! Before you set off, make sure that you have a solid insurance package that will take care of your needs when on holiday. Allianz Travel Care provides coverage for the unforeseen such as:

• Accidents and medical expenses
• Travel or luggage delay
• Emergency medical evacuations

Now that you’re all set, enjoy your holidays with love and here’s to sharing the journey with those who make it all better, every step of the way. Bon voyage!