BUDGET-BREAKERS.

Steer Clear OF THESE IF YOU'RE RUNNING LOW ON FUNDS.

CARIBBEAN.

Especially the French territories and the Bahamas which are usually the most offensive to a budget.

ASIA.

COUNTRIES THAT REQUIRE AN EXPENSIVE TOUR TO GAIN ENTRY.

Such as Bhutan & Turkmenistan 

BRUNEI.

CHINA.

The main east-coast cities and Hong Kong will eat up your budget, though the rest of the country is recommended.

EUROPE/MIDDLE EAST.

ISRAEL.

NORWAY.

ICELAND.

SOUTH AMERICA.

BRAZIL.

Especially during and after the World Cup.

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS.

Amazing, but shockingly expensive unless you are willing to play it by ear and arrange your own transport with local fishermen.

RUSSIA.

MOSCOW & ST. PETERSBURG.

Plus other large cities of fast developing nations where high inflation levels have pushed costs beyond what many budget travelers might expect (for example: Mumbai, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, etc.)

THE PACIFIC.

AUSTRALIA.

FRENCH POLYNESIA.

AFRICA.

BOTSWANA.

WEST AFRICAN NATIONS.

Only those that use the CFA should be avoided, but check ahead of time.

MOST ORGANIZED ACTIVITIES.

Gorilla viewing, the Kilimanjaro climb and everything but budget safaris are usually shockingly expensive.

HONORARY MENTION.

Not taking out medical insurance! Great way to blow your budget (and you friends', and your parents'... you get the idea).