One of the biggest misconceptions about international travel is that it will cost a fortune. The reality is that most people can travel on a relatively tight budget, often long-term.
When you dream of warm sunshine, blue seas, and a relaxing escape, but your credit cards aren’t ready for a splurge, plan a getaway that won’t break the bank. With some research and planning, you can find an affordable trip that will satisfy your craving.
Travel doesn’t have to be expensive! In years of traveling, you’ll find out that the cost of travel can make you feel constrained or can make you feel free.
Don’t believe me?
Here is my list of top money-saving travel destinations to suit any budget:
- Denmark
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Nepal
- Morocco
- Portugal
- Bolivia
- Uganda
- Dominican Republic
- Egypt
- Nicaragua
- Myanmar
- Mexico
- Laos
- Albania
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Indonesia
- Sri Lanka
- Malaysia
- Romania
- Georgia
- The Philippines
- Curaçao
- Jamaica
The 25 Cheap Destinations For Budget Travelers (Explained)
If you are a budget traveler looking for a way to travel without breaking the bank. Here are the top budget-friendly destinations to travel for cheap:
1. Denmark
Scandinavian countries are notorious for being the most expensive destinations in Europe – but if you have your heart set on visiting Northern Europe, there are ways to do it right without spending a fortune.
Denmark is the cheapest of all the Scandinavian countries – though still quite expensive compared to other areas of Europe. To save money on this trip, you’ll have to skip the busy summer season and probably spring, as the pleasantly warm weather means lots of tourists and higher prices.
Flights and accommodation prices, however, are as much as 40 percent cheaper between September and November, right after the summer crowds have gone home but before the windy, cold weather arrives.
Denmark also offers a great way to save money on food: bakeries. Forget paying for expensive meals at your hotel or a touristy restaurant. Instead, walk into a neighborhood bakery away from the central area. Bakeries offer a great cheap option for breakfast: Wienerbrod or Danish pastries – fluffy, flaky pastries filled with jams or custard cream.
Most bakeries also sell open-faced sandwiches known as Smørrebrød, popular local lunch options. Open-faced sandwiches are one slice of rye or pumpernickel bread covered with several toppings – marinated herring is a popular choice. Still, you can opt for lighter options such as cheese, sliced cucumbers, pickled red cabbage, boiled eggs, and some mayo or creamy paste.
In addition, many of Denmark’s most famous attractions are free or cheap. Watch the changing guard ceremony at Amalienborg castle, visit Hans Christian Andersen’s grave at Assistens Cemetery, or walk the gardens of Rosenberg Castle.
The second-oldest operating amusement park in the world, Tivoli Gardens, charges a flat entrance fee. Still, you’ll have free access to all kinds of rides and entertainment areas once you’re inside.
2. Bulgaria
For low prices in Europe, only a few places beat Bulgaria. This unassuming Eastern country remains very much off the beaten track.
In summer, tourists from neighboring countries arrive in Bulgaria to enjoy the Black Sea for low prices, but the country is quiet the rest of the year. That means no big crowds, no noise, and no crazy high prices for accommodation, food, and entry to attractions.
Bulgaria’s most interesting destinations won’t cost you a penny. Sofia, the country’s capital, is an old city where you can see the Turk and Byzantine influence – but the real charm of the country can’t be truly discovered until you step into the countryside.
Here, ancient little villages sit next to imposing castles atop mountains. In Bulgaria, you can get an all-day ski lift ticket for a tenth of what you would pay anywhere else in Europe, and the hiking trails will take you up mountains as high as the Alps for free.
To make the trip even cheaper, skip the summer months when the beaches are crowded, and hotels raise their prices to take advantage of the short tourist season.
Late spring and early fall are great times to visit instead, especially if you’re spending time outdoors – the weather is nice, the tourists are gone (or haven’t arrived yet), and prices are more than affordable.
If you’re a winter person, consider Bansko or Razlog. You can enjoy the snow on a tiny budget in these two great ski resort areas.
3. Cambodia
Cambodia is a great destination for budget-conscious travelers. This place is best known for being home to Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world.
Even this world-renowned destination is incredibly affordable to visit: you can hop on a tuk-tuk (open motorcycle taxi) to reach your destination, buy a temple ticket at the entrance of the first temple, and explore until your heart’s content for just pennies.
When you’re ready to move on, your tuk-tuk driver will take you to the next temple and wait for you. Hiring a tuk-tuk for the entire day will cost you the equivalent of a 15-minute taxi ride in New York City.
But Cambodia has much more to offer than stunning ancient temples. The capital, Phnom Penh, is filled with things to do, including beautiful French Colonial architecture, cheap French bakeries (perfect for picking up breakfast or snacks on the go), and lots of temples that are free to visit.
For the price of a Starbucks coffee, you can have a meal at a nice restaurant in Cambodia. A modern, comfortable room at a nice hotel will likely be cheaper than a shared hostel room in Europe. Don’t try to save money by drinking tap water, though – this is a no-no in Cambodia.
For even bigger savings, arrive outside the cool, dry season from November to February. This is the high tourist season and the month when prices and crowds increase. At any other time, you’ll find incredible deals everywhere you look.
4. Nepal
Nepal is incredibly cheap unless you’re planning a full guided trek up Mount Everest – which is definitely not a cheap venture.
As the whole country is surrounded by the tall and mighty Himalayan Mountain range, Nepal is known for the best and most extreme mountain adventures globally. Nepal is a trekking enthusiast’s paradise, from beginner mountain hikes on the Annapurna base camp to the most infamous Mt. Everest expeditions.
Apart from the gigantic mountains, Nepal is known for its ancient Buddhist and Hindu traditions, temples, and welcoming and courageous Gurkhas. Nepal offers all this and much more without burning a hole in your pocket.
Nepal is hard to visit in the low season, as the months between mid-June and mid-September mean lots of rains, potential flooding, and sometimes dangerous landslides that block trails and make hiking impossible. In addition, the weather is misty and cloudy during these months, so you often get poor visibility and no mountain views.
If you’re not heading here for climbing, winter (from mid-December to mid-February) can be a pleasant time to visit, as temperatures often stay around 10 degrees Celsius in the city.
Trekking can be tricky in winter because of unexpected winter storms and snow. March to May and September to November are the best months to visit – you’ll get some of the best weather and prices that are still stunningly low.
Local affordable guided treks exist, but double-check that they offer safe trips —– you’ll get lower prices if you sign up for a trek once you arrive rather than booking in advance. If you’re not heading anywhere too technical, you can always explore independently and save even more money.
Nepal is a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lives to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and get lost in the calm and serenity of the Himalayas.
5. Morocco
Morocco is one of those countries that can cost you a lot of money or be incredibly cheap, depending on your choices.
For example, visiting Morocco’s famous Marrakesh bazaar can get pricey – especially if you’re after handwoven rugs or painted glass – but if you learn to haggle as your life depends on it, you’ll walk away with some budget treasures.
Inter-city first-class train rides in Morocco will cost you about the same as paying for a metro ride in the West. Even better, you don’t need to pay for a guide at any of Morocco’s major attractions – such as the royal Saadien’s Tombs or the 12th-century Menara Gardens – as they’re either easy to discover on your own, or an English-speaking guide is included in the price of the ticket.
For cheap eating, nothing beats the local specialties, such as kaab el ghazal, a crescent-shaped cookie stuffed with almond paste (great as a quick snack), the slow-cooked Moroccan stew tagine, or couscous served in many different forms.
Sitting down at a restaurant in Morocco often means a higher price, but eating street food or ordering something from a local tea or coffee house will give you a taste of the real Morocco and save you money at the same time.
You’ll also find lower-priced accommodations if you avoid peak season (November to March). And you can spend plenty of time walking through places like the white-and-blue Rabat’s Oudaias Kasbah neighborhood or the dusty trails on the Rif Mountains at no cost.
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6. Portugal
With good bus, tram, and train connections, traveling around Portugal without spending much is easy. While Lisbon can be slightly more expensive, eating and entertainment everywhere else in the country are very budget-friendly.
Even popular famous beach destinations such as Camilo Beach in the Algarve can be visited on a shoestring if you plan your trip well and don’t need to sleep right on the beach.
The true high season in Portugal is only two months long (June and July), so traveling outside those months will help you find good deals on transportation and accommodation to save even more.
Winter is also a great time to visit for amazing discounts, especially if you’re heading to cities – with temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius in January, Portugal is never truly cold.
Most of Portugal’s must-see attractions are in Lisbon and Sintra, where you’ll find things like the medieval defensive Belem Tower; the Gothic Jerónimos Monastery; and the public square Praça do Comércio, surrounded by shops and cafés.
These are either free to enter or cost very little. Sintra is home to several palaces and castles – including the breathtaking hilltop medieval Castle of the Moors – that do have entry fees, but skipping the tours and just spending time exploring the grounds is equally stunning and significantly cheaper.
In general, visiting Portugal is more about enjoying the local food, walking along the coastline, and discovering the sights, which will keep your costs low and allow you to see more of the country on a tight budget.
7. Bolivia
Bolivia is often passed on to more famous neighbors Peru and Brazil. Still, this country at the heart of the Andean mountain range has an impressive collection of sights to discover.
Bolivia is a multiethnic country with 36 official indigenous languages and an ecosystem ranging from the desert llanos (plains) to the polar mountains in the western Andes.
Many of Bolivia’s most famous sights are free to visit – including Lake Titicaca on the border of Bolivia and Peru (the largest lake in South America); several Pre-Columbian archaeological sites; salt lake Laguna Verde at the foot of a volcano; and Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat.
Trekking in the Valle de la Luna is an experience to remember, and the protected area charges no entry fee – walking through the tall stone spires and the colorful mountainsides in shades of reds, browns, and even dark violets beat almost any desert hike in the world.
Food, transportation, and accommodation in Bolivia cost a fraction of the prices you’ll find in other South American countries – and prices are even lower during April and May before the high season starts.
8. Uganda
Kenya and Tanzania are known worldwide as big-photo African safari destinations. The Serengeti and Maasai Mara reserves have the world’s largest population of elephants, lions, and giraffes.
But safari camps aren’t cheap, and both countries suffer from some civil unrest that often means tourists must join guided tours to see anything outside the city – and this means added expenses that end up making the countries less than affordable.
On the other hand, Uganda is a safe and stable country with plenty of big animals to spot, plus one very special extra – this is the ultimate destination for gorilla trekking and the last place in the world to see large populations of mountain gorillas living free.
There are very strict when it comes to gorilla trekking. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park can only be explored in small groups by obtaining a trekking permit and then joining a guided tour into the jungle.
Gorilla trekking permits are costly and easy to obtain (the wait time can be as long as 24 months since only a limited number of permits are available yearly). However, a trip here is still very affordable for the wildlife-viewing experience of a lifetime.
To get even better prices, visit between March and May or October and November. These are the wettest months, so the treks are harder and more slippery, but the trekking packages and permits are much cheaper.
9. Dominican Republic
The Caribbean is one of those destinations where using travel packages and all-inclusive stays can sometimes be cheaper than budgeting on your own – and this is also true for the Dominican Republic.
If you’re heading to Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, or other major beach destinations, restaurants and accommodations will be your major expenses, as prices are hiked up considerably during high season, which runs from mid-December to mid-April.
For sun-worshippers who don’t mind temperatures in the 30s, it might pay off to visit in summer, which is considered low season and considerably cheaper.
Many things to see and do in the Dominican Republic are free. This includes walking around to see the colonial architecture and visiting quirky museums like the free Museum of Chocolate in Santo Domingo.
Punta Cana’s Playa Blanca (White Beach) is a great place to visit for snorkeling, and I suggest you bring your mask to keep it free.
10. Egypt
Plenty of countries worldwide are more than just affordable for those interested in ancient civilizations. You could head to India to discover the luxury of the Taj Mahal, go to Jordan to see ancient tombs and temples, or fly to Peru to hike through the ruins of the lost city of Machu Picchu.
But Egypt – with its pyramids, Valley of the Kings, Great Sphinx of Giza, and 13th-century BC Abu Simbel Temples – takes a prominent spot at the top of the list.
Even a tight budget will go a long way in Egypt, where for the price of a movie ticket, you can enter the ancient Abu Simbel Temples, get a full guided tour from the city of Luxor to the Valley of the Kings, or spend several hours tasting amazing local hot drinks and sweets at one of Cairo’s many teahouses.
While you can find budget accommodations everywhere in Egypt, you can keep your trip even cheaper by hopping on a three-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor.
For the same price as a couple of movie tickets, you get a place to sleep, some of the best views over temples and monuments on the coast, and often a chance to snorkel or swim in the Nile along the way.
11. Nicaragua
Nicaragua’s reputation as “the land of lakes and volcanoes” means outdoor lovers will have plenty to explore here: trails, jungles, and mangrove swamps.
National parks like Miraflores offer plenty of hikes on well-marked trails, some of which can be organized to include stays with local families overnight. This is not only cheaper than Nicaragua’s resorts – which are already very affordable – but also a unique experience.
Most of Nicaragua’s volcanoes can also be hiked with or without a guide, depending on your budget and how intense you want the route to be.
Local eateries known as Comedor offer plenty of great food – Gallo pinto (fried rice and beans) is a popular breakfast and main meal – for just pennies.
And while flights are more expensive during high season, from November to January, you’ll still be paying a fraction of what neighboring countries would cost you.
12. Myanmar
Although Myanmar is not without its challenges, it offers enchanting destinations at a fraction of the cost of other southeast Asian countries. Bagan – considered one of the world’s top heritage sites – is the number one attraction in Myanmar.
Over 2,000 stupas are best admired when you catch a very affordable hot air balloon ride over the countryside. You can make exploring Bagan even cheaper by renting a bike or an electric scooter and just riding from temple to temple on your own.
Street food – mainly consisting of curries and noodles – is safe and affordable. You can grab snacks at a local supermarket for just pennies.
The biggest expense in Myanmar will be accommodation, as the supply is limited, and cheap places fill up fast. Make sure you book well in advance to get a better deal.
13. Mexico
Suppose you live in the US or Canada. In that case, Mexico is your closest destination for a cheap beach getaway, simply because flying there will cost you much less than flying across the world to other budget destinations.
Plus, while some destinations in Mexico, like Cancun, attract many tourists (which often means higher prices), Cozumel and other smaller beaches are less busy and offer more discounts year-round.
You’ll get even better prices in July and August if you’re willing to deal with some cloudy skies; otherwise, March to June are still cheap, but the weather is nicer.
Street food is very cheap, but if you’re concerned about digestive troubles (usually not an issue on or near the beach, but more of a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas), local eateries offer cleaner setups and equally affordable food.
14. Laos
Laos is a quiet, unassuming destination with stunning countryside and some of the lowest prices in Southeast Asia.
The cheapest time to visit is between May and October, but this is the rainy season, which makes travel difficult, especially in the mountains or forests.
Luckily, Laos is cheap year-round, so try to arrange a trip between November and January – this is the absolute best time to explore the Mekong River, as the higher water levels mean waterways are at their best.
You can get cheaper tickets even in high season if you book at least six months in advance.
Most of the best things to do in Laos are free (or extremely cheap) to explore, even in the capital city of Vientiane. This includes centuries-old temples, the Lao Textile museums (and most other museums around the country), and the night markets.
Laos is a great place to explore on a bike, and these can be rented for days for very little money.
15. Albania
Albania remains relatively unknown as a European destination – a big surprise when you realize the country has beautiful beaches and the coast is unofficially referred to as “the Albanian Riviera”.
Here, you can get plenty of sun, kilometers of white sand, and many cafés by the waves – all for a small fraction of what you would pay in Greece or Spain.
Even Dhërmi beach, Albania’s most famous coastal stop, is quiet (and filled with many good deals) outside the summer months. Saranda and Ksamil are even cheaper and equally stunning beaches.
Many of the main attractions in Albania – including the 4th-century Rozafa Castle, the ancient ruins of Butrint, and several former war bunkers – charge entry fees equivalent to less than a coffee would cost you in other European countries.
Also, this destination has plenty of free attractions, including parks, museums, and more bunkers.
16. Thailand
With everything well organized compared to other cheap places in Asia, Thailand is an easy country to travel in by all kinds of travelers – no wonder it has become a popular destination for backpackers.
From the chaotic city of Bangkok, the underlying beauty of Chiang Mai, to wonderful beaches in Phuket, Thailand is a must-visit place if you’re looking for the cheapest country to travel to in Asia without compromising on beauty.
Though some resorts are more pricey than others, the best way to stay on a budget is to stick to the wide variety of street food, sleep in hostels, and use public transportation.
Sleeping in a private room at a hostel will cost around $8 but can go as low as $5 if you opt for a shared dorm room. You can expect to spend $3 on street food and around $5 on transportation within the city per day.
Since Thailand has several activities to do, you can expect to spend a little higher, and $10 would be a good average for a day. With an average budget of $30 per day, Thailand truly qualifies to be one of Asia’s cheapest places to visit.
17. Vietnam
Vietnam is an Asian wonder. With beautiful beaches, rich wildlife, lush-green paddy fields, ancient cultural heritage sites, and the healthiest street food in the world, Vietnam is full of surprises.
If you are a foodie, mouth-watering Vietnamese cuisines like Pho (the most famous Vietnamese dish), Cha ca, and Banh Xeo will leave your taste buds craving more.
For those who love adventure, Vietnam offers scuba-diving, rock climbing, kayaking, and much more for half the price compared to other destinations worldwide.
So if you’re a traveler looking to escape, live an amazing adventure, and see and do incredible activities without breaking the bank. then Vietnam is one of the unique places to add to your bucket list.
18. Indonesia
World’s largest island country is gifted with one of the most serene beaches, blooming wildlife, fantastic coral reefs, lush-green terrace paddy fields, rich culture, and kind people on Earth.
It’s no wonder almost every wanderlust wants to visit this majestic island country at least once in their lifetime.
Lucky for travel enthusiasts, Indonesia is one of the cheapest countries to travel to globally, considering the country’s fantastic travel experience.
Indonesia is one of the top-ranked countries in the world for surfing and scuba diving. Another great thing about traveling to Indonesia is exploring exotic wildlife and spending nights camping in the wilderness with a token.
19. Sri Lanka
This majestic and exotic island country below India usually goes under the radar of many travel enthusiasts looking for budget travel.
Sri Lanka, ‘The Pearl of Indian Ocean,’ is home to one of the most extensive tea plantations globally and is gifted with pristine white sandy beaches, dense national parks with diverse species, and bustling city life.
It’s a beautiful place to go for a vacation with your friends, relaxing on the beaches and enjoying seafood in Colombo and Negombo on a low budget.
If you are the adventurous type, you will be amazed by the plethora of adventure activities you can do in Sri Lanka. From scuba diving in the Indian Ocean to rock climbing on the Ella adventure national park cliffs, Sri Lanka has more than enough adventure for you.
20. Malaysia
Malaysia is always perceived as a bit expensive destination to travel to, mainly by those on a budget, but it’s not true. If you want to experience the best tropical weather, Malaysia is where you hang out with your friends.
This destination will mesmerize you with its breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, rich wildlife and biodiversity, colorful festivals, tasty cuisines, and diverse culture.
A hostel room in Malaysia will cost you about $6 per night, and fish curry for $1.45. Street stall food is less than a dollar, but a “proper” meal in an inexpensive restaurant will cost you $3.
Public transport is also cheaper, ranging from $0.19 – $1.90, but using a cashless TNG card (a contactless payment card accepted across all Malaysian public transport) is cheaper.
However, the price of alcohol is high in Malaysia, with a local beer going for $4.So if you want to have a little bit of everything from city life to national parks, Malaysia is one of the cheap countries in Asia that offers all that at under $25 a day.
There’s so much to do in Malaysia that you will always crave more adventure. There is enough to satisfy your wanderlust, from playing with baby elephants in the elephant orphanage sanctuary and dinner along the Singapore River to the fantastic Batu caves tour.
21. Romania
Infamously famous in the world for Dracula castle, Romania is easily one of the most beautiful countries in Europe.
Romania is a Transylvanian wonder, surrounded by the majestic Carpathian Mountains with medieval towns, villages, churches, and tall castles.
Barring the most iconic destinations, most of the country still needs to be explored by tourists. Suppose you want to experience the life and beauty of living in a European town in the lush green mountains and the warmth of the kindest souls on Earth. In that case, Romania is a place to visit.
One of the best things about traveling in Romania is that you can easily hitch a ride everywhere.
Romania is amongst the best hitchhiking-friendly countries in the world, making your journey more adventurous, fun, and extremely cheap.
22. Georgia
At the intersection of Europe and Asia, Georgia is home to the world’s oldest wineries, stunning landscapes, ancient churches, and the most generous and good-hearted people. Every part of this country will mesmerize you with the scenic beauty and hospitality of the local people.
Like Romania, Georgia is also known to be amongst the best countries in Europe for hitchhiking and the cheapest destination. Not just that, most hostels charge only 3$ for a night, and entrance fees to tourist spots are as low as 4$ on average.
The locals are friendly and helpful; you can hitchhike for short or long distances. You could easily spend months without getting bored in Georgia.
23. The Philippines
Palms trees, beautiful beaches, wonderful diving spots, and unforgettable sunsets make the Philippines the perfect country to indulge in and have a pleasant time while traveling on a budget.
Even though visiting the country will cost you slightly more than the others mentioned above (especially since you will most likely be using domestic flights), it is quite possible to keep a reasonable budget if you avoid large cities.
A night in a dorm room will cost between $10 and $15. The boat offers a good alternative to the plane since it goes for a little under $10 but is also very slow.
Street food is always cheap (between $3 and $7). Since beer is around $1, a parameter many travelers use to determine whether a country is cheap to travel to, the Philippines qualify to be on this list of the cheapest countries in South East Asia.
24. Curaçao
Curaçao is a lesser-known Southern Caribbean island that is surprisingly affordable. This Dutch island is one of the Caribbean’s top scuba diving destinations. It’s also home to some truly stunning beaches.
If you’re looking for a unique destination that won’t break the bank, Curaçao delivers. Travelers can choose from all-inclusive resorts and hotels that don’t cost as much as similar destinations.
So, if you would like to plan a trip and make some lifetime memories without investing so much money then I suggest making Curaçao your next cheapest destination.
25. Jamaica
Jamaica is known for being a laidback destination and the birthplace of reggae music. With beautiful beaches, great food, friendly people, and affordable prices, it’s one of the top Caribbean islands to visit.
Jamaica offers a vast expanse of spectacular white sand beaches as an island surrounded by the Caribbean sea. The island features some of the most impressive beaches in the Caribbean, with crystal blue waters and beautiful scenery and sunsets.
Most beaches are nestled in lush gardens, forests, or mountains, making them the perfect relaxing place. Whichever beach you choose to visit on the island, it is sure to amaze you.
Whether you consider yourself a natural water explorer or a stranger to the sea, there are water sports and activities for everyone in Jamaica, even if you are on a tight budget. Snorkeling and scuba diving are guests’ most popular water activities and are offered at almost all-inclusive resorts.
Surfers are addressed by Jamaican waters too. The great tides offer new and experienced surfers an amazing adventure. There are also opportunities for guests to go swimming with horses in Jamaica.
Please note: The daily budgets described in this article correspond to a budget for backpacking on a shoestring, including food, accommodation, and activities.
The cost of your trip largely depends on how you travel; are you using public transport or a private driver? Are you eating street food or dining at fancy restaurants? Are you sleeping in dorm rooms or paying for private rooms, guided tours, or self-guided tours?
All this greatly impacts your budget, but don’t forget the less you spend per day, the longer you can travel.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, there are just a few travel destinations of the many budget-friendly destinations worldwide that offer a wealth of experiences, culture, and adventure. With some planning and research, you can travel on a budget and have a great time.
Traveling alone, with friends or family, is more fun. You have enough crazy and fun memories to last you for a lifetime that you can cherish. Not to forget the added advantage of saving lots of money on trips where you don’t end up sharing most of the burden of your vacation.
The places mentioned above are not just cheap but also safe when traveling. Budget traveling is an art; the more you travel, the more you learn to save time and money.
So I advise you to choose any destination from the above list, pack your bags, pull your socks, and enjoy one of the best moments of your life with your buddies.
Thanks for reading.
Cheers!
