Best Affordable Destinations for Budget Travelers
A world tour is not always about luxurious hotels or resorts. It is a fact that traveling does give you the best experience. But only when you make it light and keep it simple. You may find numerous incredible cheap travel destinations to explore. You can travel to places where you can have scrumptious food, a chance to meet the locals, and enjoy the breathtaking views without spending too much.
Table of Contents
We have a list of cheap and beautiful travel destinations proving the view that world travel doesn’t have to be expensive.
Vietnam – The Land of Timeless Charm
Being the most budget-friendly option on the list we have is Vietnam, yet a beautiful destination to visit. It has a mixture of adventure, culture, and history, which is at a very low cost.
Around $25 to $30 is the cost you’ll be spending in Vietnam on a typical day. It covers the expenses for your accommodation, meals, and transport when you plan your travel in a modest way. The food sold on the streets is not only hygienic and flavorful, but it’s also cheap.
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The cost of a banh mi sandwich or a bowl of pho is between $1 to $3. Whereas the accommodations will cost you around $8 to $20.
Best places to visit
The best places you can visit in Vietnam are Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Ha Long Bay, and Ninh Binh.
Travel tip
One travel tip for you is to eat from the stalls in the street where you can see the locals gathered. They will serve you with the freshest food.
Thailand – Tropical Bliss on a Budget
Thailand is one of the best cheap travel destinations where you can have a five-star experience for a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere. It has everything that comprises culture, agriculture, temples, nightlife, and beaches, without losing your savings.
As a budget traveler, you can easily manage from $25–$35 per day. It includes the meal, lodging, and local transport. You’ll find street food everywhere around you that’ll cost you less than a coffee cup in most Western countries. Something that is both affordable and delicious comprises the mango sticky rice and Thai curries.
The lowest hostel rate available for a single night is $10. Those hotels with budget-friendly prices are from $20 to $30. If you plan to enjoy an adventure, you can rent a scooter at cheaper prices.
Best places to visit
The best places in Thailand are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phuket, and Koh Samui.
Travel tip
Add temple visits and local night markets to your packing checklist. They are mostly free of cost or charge a very low fee for entry.
Nepal – Mountains, Culture, and Peaceful Vibes
Nepal serves as a perfect travel spot for lovers of adventure, culture, and nature. In Asia, you’ll find this as one of the cheap travel destinations to visit. You get through the ancient temples and monasteries by walking through the breathtaking Himalayan treks.
On average, you can comfortably make a living of $20–$40 per day. You can get local guesthouses in a budget of as low as $5–$15 per night. The dal bhat or momo dumplings are the meals that can cost you some dollars, while the local transport is not expensive at all.
Best places to visit
The best places to visit in the region of Nepal are Pokhara, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Chitwan, and the Annapurna region.
Travel tip
A tip that works for you is to carry carry with you. Because there are some places that might not facilitate you with ATMs, especially in the trekking zones.
Indonesia – Beyond Bali’s Beaches
Indonesia is filled with hidden gems and covers around 17,000 islands. The great thing is that it will not be heavily loaded on your wallets. The most famous place is Bali. But there are other cheap travel destinations that you can visit, giving you a magical feel despite being cheaper.
Hostels and guesthouses are available for under $15 a night. You can enjoy local Indonesian meals for $2 to $4, and even flights between islands are affordable if you book them earlier.
If you have a mind to make your travel in a carefully devised budget, then make up your mind to spend $25–$35 a day. The biggest advantage you can avail in Indonesia is the variety it gives you. You can surf its perfect waves, climb volcanoes, or just relax on its beaches, which will cost you modest prices.
Best places to visit
You can consider them worth visiting. These are Bali, Lombok, Yogyakarta, Nusa Penida, and Komodo Island.
Travel tip
Try to avoid touristy restaurants. The local warungs serve the best and cheapest meals as a travel tip for you.
Mexico – Colorful, Cultural, and Cheap
A destination that is rich in its flavors, history, and culture. The surprising fact is that all of it is in an affordable price range. Whatever activity you do, hear or enjoy their food delicacies, it will be great for the value of your money.
It’s typically around $30 to $40 daily, which you can spend as a budget traveler. For just $1–$2, you can enjoy the street tacos. The charges for the accommodation start from $15–$25 a single night. Traveling between cities by public buses is a convenient and affordable option for your budget.
Best places to visit
Mexico City, Oaxaca, Cancun, and Tulum.
Travel tip
We would suggest you not go for tourist traps. The local taquerias and markets provide you with their authentic tastes and affordable food.
Morocco – Easy on the Pocket
Morocco is a fascinating destination. The reason why it is termed to be a fascinating spot is due to its colorful souks, desert dunes, and the ancient medinas it has. You know what’s the best part? It comes under the cheapest countries found in Africa.
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Keep in mind that you can spend almost $25 to $40, which covers the expenses for local guesthouse stays (riads), food, and transportation. You will find the street food at affordable prices. The famous Moroccan bread, mint tea, and tagine are delicious and usually cost under $5.
Best places to visit
Marrakech, Chefchaouen, Fes, the Sahara Desert, and Casablanca.
Travel tip
Before you go for any tours or taxis, always agree on prices. Bargaining is part of the culture here.
Philippines – Island Paradise on a Budget
Where are you all beach lovers? The good news we have for you. Because now, the Philippines can be your dream destination. It has over 7,000 islands, turquoise waters, and warm locals. It is perfect if any of you crave a tropical getaway on a budget.
You can travel comfortably for $25–$40 a day. Street food is tasty and costs under $3, while local inns and beach cottages are available from $15 to $25 per night. The domestic flights are cheaper which are between islands, especially when you book them in advance.
Best places to visit
The Boracay, Cebu, Palawan, and Siargo are the places you can visit.
Travel tip
For cheaper flight rates, traveling in the off-peak seasons (June to October) is the best tip to give you. It includes the accommodations as well. Thus, you can enjoy accommodation and flights at cheaper rates.
Turkey – A Blend of East and West
Turkey has a specialty in terms of the best value for money in the world— making it a top budget travel destination. You have the chance to explore the ancient cities, mesmerizing coastlines. And, you can also enjoy the Turkish hospitality without spending much.
As a traveler, you can spend between $30 to $45 per day. Turkish tea, pide, and kebabs are the local foods of Turkey. They are delicious in taste and affordable, too. For budget-friendly hotels and hostels, it will cost around $15–$25 for a single night.
Best places to visit
Istanbul, Antalya, Cappadocia, and Pamukkale are a must-visit when you’re in Turkey.
Travel tip
Instead of flights, take local buses due to their cheap prices and comfort.
Why These Countries Are Great for Budget Travelers?
All these cheap travel destinations share common features. This includes the affordable accommodations, cheap local delicacies, and public transportation. The Southeast Asian countries offer very low daily costs with a mixture of adventure, nature, and street markets without excessive spending.
This is the reason why it’s a great idea to consider these countries, which are cheaper, along that gives you a rich feel without any extra fancy expenses.
Tips for Traveling Cheaply Anywhere
The following travel hacks are beneficial for you and help you save money during your trips:
Travel during the off-season
Try planning your trips in the off-season, because prices for hotels and flights drop a lot at this time of the year. During this season, you’ll get to deal with fewer crowds, cheaper accommodation, and better deals on tours.
Eat where locals eat
The options that are often cheaper and more authentic are the ones that locals eat. It’s their street food that you can try their local dishes instead of going for international chains. This will not just save your pocket but also give you the authentic taste of their culture.
Use public transportation
Choose public transport means like trains, shared rides, or buses, other than taxis. It is a cheaper option. Even though there, you may find cities that have travel passes or cards that help to cut your daily transport cost and let you save money.
Book early
Make your bookings earlier as it increases your chances of getting lower prices on buses, flights, and hotels, too. By the time you reach your travel date, it makes things reach towards a more expensive side.
Pack light
Keep only those things in your baggage that you need. Some of the budget airline charges you for nearly everything, which includes extra luggage.
Final Thoughts
Budget traveling does not mean limiting yourself. It means to discover the amount of joy we can find even in the simplest moments. Cheap traveling will let you see the world with a broad horizon and open your eyes to a real, more human, and far richer world. It gives you a feel of a five-star hotel but in a budget-friendly way.
Be prepared for the next time you plan it. Always keep in mind that adventure does not require a big bank balance. It’s all about how you take things mindfully.