I’d be happy to help plan a 30-day trip to Saudi Arabia on a budget! However, it is important to note that Saudi Arabia is a country that is not as open to tourism as other countries, and there are many restrictions on travel, dress code, and behavior, particularly for women. The country also has a strict visa process, which may require sponsorship from a Saudi national or an invitation from a Saudi government agency. Additionally, it is not easy to plan a trip to Saudi Arabia as a budget traveler as many places have high hotel prices, specially in the main cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.
That being said, here’s a sample itinerary for a 30-day trip to Saudi Arabia:
Day 1-3: Arrive in Riyadh, check into budget accommodation (cost: around $50-70 per night)
- Travel method: Fly into King Khalid International Airport, then take a taxi or bus to your hotel (cost: around $20-30 for a taxi)
- Activities: Visit the National Museum, Masmak Fortress, and explore the city.
Day 4-6: Take a bus or car to Jeddah
- Travel method: Take a bus or rent a car from Riyadh to Jeddah (cost: around $50-60 per person, or $70-80 for a car rental)
- Activities: Visit the Al-Balad, Jeddah Sea Corniche, and take a visit to the Jeddah Old Town.
Day 7-9: Take a bus or car to Mecca
- Travel method: Take a bus or car from Jeddah to Mecca (cost: around $50-60 per person, or $70-80 for a car rental)
- Activities: Visit the Kaaba, Masjid al-Haram, and take a visit to the Mina.
Day 10-12: Take a bus or car to Medina
- Travel method: Take a bus or car from Mecca to Medina (cost: around $50-60 per person, or $70-80 for a car rental)
- Activities: Visit the Prophet’s Mosque, Quba Mosque and take a visit to the Quba Mosque.
Day 13-15: Take a bus or car to Abha
- Travel method: Take a bus or car from Medina to Abha (cost: around $50-60 per person, or $70-80 for a car rental)
- Activities: Visit the Abha Palace, Al-Soudah, and take a visit to the Al-Soudah.
Day 16-18: Take a bus or car to Yanbu
- Travel method: Take a bus or car from Abha to Yanbu (cost: around $50-60 per person, or $70-80 for a car rental)
- Activities: Visit the Yanbu Old Town, Yanbu Corniche, and take a visit to the Yanbu Old Town.
Day 19-21: Take a bus or car to Al Khobar
- Travel method: Take a bus or car from Yanbu to Al Khobar (cost: around $50-60 per person, or $70-80 for a car rental)
- Activities: Visit the Al Danah Mall, Al Khobar Corniche, and take a visit to the Al Danah Mall.
Day 22-24: Take a bus or car to Dammam
- Travel method: Take a bus or car from Al Khobar to Dammam (cost: around $50-60 per person, or $70-80 for a car rental)
- Activities: Visit the Dammam Corniche, King Fahd Park, and take a visit to the Dammam Corniche.
Day 25-27: Take a bus or car to Al Hofuf
- Travel method: Take a bus or car from Dammam to Al Hofuf (cost: around $50-60 per person, or $70-80 for a car rental)
- Activities: Visit the Al Hofuf Old Town, Al Hofuf National Museum, and take a visit to the Al Hofuf Old Town.
Day 28-30: Return to Riyadh
- Travel method: Take a bus or car from Al Hofuf to Riyadh (cost: around $50-60 per person, or $70-80 for a car rental)
- Activities: Visit the Masmak Fortress, National Museum, and do some last-minute shopping.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and can be adjusted to your preferences. Prices and activities may vary depending on the season, please check the current situation before planning your trip. Also, please note that the cost of accommodation, food, and other personal expenses are not included in this budget. Some additional activities you could consider are visiting the Jeddah Season, the Al Ula or taking a cooking class. It’s important to book accommodations and transportation ahead of time as it can save you money and also make sure you have a place to stay. Also, It is important to note that getting around Saudi Arabia can be more expensive by using local transportation such as buses and cars instead of flying. Additionally, traveling to Saudi Arabia has many restrictions regarding dress code, behavior, and activities, and it is important to research and follow these guidelines during your trip.