Best Places to Travel on Budget
- By Seema
Want to travel without spending a fortune? Be assured, it is very much possible. Many world-class destinations offer you more value for your money. If you are watching your budget, it makes sense to travel to affordable destinations that will stretch your money and deliver a better experience at every step.
Here, we list the ten best budget-friendly locations that offer the essentials at affordable rates. Reaching a destination is the most expensive part of traveling, so keep scouting for good flight deals to these wallet-friendly places. Tips for finding cheap flights. Once you get there, it will be so much easier on your pocket. Check out this list of the ten most affordable yet most stunning destinations in the world.
PS: The specified budget is only for reference. It includes accommodation, food, transportation, and some basic activities. The cost will vary to some extent depending on the season, taste, and preferences. The best time is not always the cheapest time to visit a country, as fares and hotel rates tend to rise during peak periods. If you want to save money, you should avoid the destination country’s holiday seasons.
1. India, Asia
India is a preferred destination for every traveler, and why not? It is a complete package boasting stunning landscapes, architectural wonders, awe-inspiring temples, deep-rooted history, and diverse culture. The vivid sights and sounds will overwhelm your senses and impress you. India is a vast, sprawling country with so much to see and do that it will take you months to explore. You can hike the snow-covered Himalayas, admire the iconic Taj Mahal, explore the colorful Rajasthan, relax on the exotic beaches of Goa, practice Yoga, indulge in a shopping spree, or just gorge on the mouth-watering cuisine.
It cannot be denied that India is overwhelming, intense, and chaotic, but you cannot overlook this fantastic country. Luckily, it is one of the most affordable locations in the world. If you are culturally sensitive and follow basic norms, you will enjoy your trip immensely.
India has long been a budget destination, but now that the Indian rupee has taken a significant hit against major currencies, it has become more affordable. Low-cost lodging, inexpensive transportation, cheap food, incredible shopping, and free attractions – what more do you need? You may be a backpacker or jetsetter, but you will find bargains in India if you are vigilant.
Budget:
Backpacker – From $15 pp / per day (Don’t expect Western standards)
Mid-range: From $40 pp/per day.
Luxury – From $90 pp / per day
Best Time to visit: October-March
2. Vietnam, Asia
If you are looking for a culinary adventure with a generous dose of idyllic beaches, lush rice terraces, forested mountains, colorful cities, and stunning waterways, Vietnam is for you. Halong Bay, Hanoi, Sapa Countryside, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City, and Can Tho are some of the must-see destinations. Many of these locations are UNESCO-protected. Street food is excellent and costs next to nothing. There is a vast range of low-cost accommodations, and transportation is efficient and cost-effective. Vietnam is a favorite among budget travelers and is slowly gaining popularity. Please visit before it is removed from this list.
Budget:
Backpacker – From $20pp / per day
Mid-range: From $45 pp / per day.
Luxury – From $120 pp / per day
Best Times to visit: March, April, September- December
3. Cambodia, Asia
Cambodia is not as economically strong as it once was, but it remains much more affordable than some neighboring countries and is just as beautiful. Most tourists visit the fascinating country to explore Angkor Wat, the awe-inspiring ruins of the mighty Khmer Empire. But there are lots more – alluring beaches, amazing people, lush countryside, and dense forests.
Day-to-day expenses such as food, lodging, and transportation (especially tuk-tuks) are reasonably priced, making Cambodia a popular budget destination. The entrance fees to the iconic Angkor Wat are a bit expensive ($62 for a 3-day pass), but is it too high a price to pay for such a spectacular sight? If you are enamored with history and looking for an incredible, safe, and fun destination, start looking for affordable tickets to Cambodia.
Budget:
Backpacker – From $20 pp / per day
Mid-range: From $40 pp/per day.
Luxury – From $105 pp / per day
Best Time to visit: Nov-April
Most Southeast Asian countries could make the budget destination list, but let’s move on to Europe. The Philippines is another fantastic destination. We need to recognize that costs in Europe cannot be compared to those in Asia, given significant differences in infrastructure and basic living standards.
4. Hungary, Europe
Budapest, the Hungarian capital, is exhilarating, and you are going to love it. The structures displaying the ravishing eclectic architecture are the most impressive in the world. The Hungarian Parliament, the illuminated Buda Castle, and other monuments will leave you spellbound. If museum/church-hopping is not your thing, don’t worry, as there are endless things to do in Budapest. Take a dip in the famed thermal baths, watch a musical opera, enjoy the wild nightlife, taste the Hungarian wine, unwind at the quaint cafes/hip ruin bars, or just meander along the Danube promenade.
Want to explore the hilly countryside? Plan a trip to Lake Balaton or other medieval villages to rejuvenate yourself, mingle with locals, and watch the gorgeous sunset. Surprisingly, the country remains cost-effective and less crowded than many popular Western countries. The local cuisine and Hungarian wine are delicious and super affordable. Hungary is one country that is increasingly climbing the popularity chart. Thankfully, it can be easily managed with limited funds. You can easily combine a trip to Budapest with the rest of Eastern Europe.
Budget:
Backpacker – From $32 pp / per day
Mid-range: From $70 pp / per day.
Luxury – From $165 pp / per day
Best Time to visit: May-Sept
5. Croatia, Europe
Croatia may not be ‘dirt cheap’, but it is more cost-effective than nearby countries such as Greece and Italy. Croatia has thousands of spectacular islands, turquoise waters, paradise beaches, quaint coastal towns, and lots of sunshine. What more do you want for a perfect summer getaway? And can we forget the yacht parties and Plitvice National Park?
Croatia can be expensive if you visit trendy islands like Hvar, which attracts the rich and famous. Explore the lesser-known islands and travel in the shoulder season to get the most out of your money. Islands like Dugi Otok, Karnati Islands, Rab, and Mljet (there are many) are largely unexplored, stupendous, and wallet-friendly. Essentials such as transportation, attractions, food, and lodging are affordable on these small islands. Minimize ferry transfer costs by monitoring island hopping.
Budget:
Backpacker – From $35 pp / per day
Mid-range: From $75 pp / per day
Luxury – From $185 pp / per day
Best Time to visit: May-Sept
6. Montenegro, Europe
The country is Europe’s best-kept secret, just waiting to be explored. You may be a beach lover or a mountain person – Montenegro has just the perfect views for you. Montenegro is crammed with striking mountains, gushing rivers, unspoiled beaches, and antique Venetian villages. It is breathtaking, untouched, and a haven for nature lovers. You can climb the rugged mountains, explore the primeval forests, zip-line over the deepest canyons, surf in the turquoise waters, or maybe just pitch a tent on an obscure, secluded spot. Montenegro is affordable and not yet overflowing with travelers – just the right time to plan a trip to this emerging must-see destination.
Budget:
Backpacker – From $30 pp / per day
Mid-range – From $70 pp / per day.
Luxury – From $150 pp / per day
Best Time to visit: April-Sept
7. Georgia, Europe
Strategically located between Europe and Asia, Georgia is a highly underrated and largely unknown country. The small country packs an astonishing diversity of landscapes within its borders – rolling vineyards, snow-capped mountains, UNESCO World Heritage sites, sandy shores, and old-fashioned towns. Head to the Caucasus mountain range for a skiing holiday, visit Tbilisi for a perfect city break, or just explore the amazing churches, castles, and monasteries that can be found all over the modest country.
Georgia is stunning wherever you go, and the food is delicious and a real steal. Entrance fees to popular sites are negligible, and local transport is rock-bottom. The country offers visa-free entry to citizens of 65 countries. Georgia is one of the oldest winemaking regions, its hospitality is legendary, and it is amongst the cheapest countries in the world – so what are you waiting for?
Budget:
Backpacker – From $15 pp / per day
Mid-range – From $30 pp / per day.
Luxury – From $70 pp / per day
Best Time to visit: April-Sept
8. Nicaragua, Central America
The smaller countries of Central America, such as Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, are excellent backpacking destinations and a great alternative to Costa Rica. I am going to Nicaragua as it is safe, diverse, affordable, and has something for everyone. Nicaragua, also called the ‘Land of Lakes and Volcanoes’, is a paradise for adventure lovers: they can hike volcanoes, visit ancient ruins, canoe on an alligator-infested river, explore lush forests, and surf the sea. It offers diverse attractions for tourists, including colonial architecture, volcanic landscapes, Mayan sites, stunning beaches, freshwater lakes, and vast swathes of rainforest. The hostels, food, and alcohol prices are nominal, and it is easy to get around. So if you have not visited this part of the world, it should definitely be on your bucket list.
Budget:
Backpacker – From $20 pp / per day
Mid-range – From $40 pp / per day.
Luxury – From $100 pp / per day
Best Time to visit: Nov-April
9. Mexico, North America
Mexico is another very popular, budget-friendly destination, especially for people coming from the U.S. The depreciating peso has made it all the more cost-effective. Mexico is a complete package. It is the perfect combination of rich culture, bold traditions, stunning architecture, and jaw-dropping scenery. The rugged mountains, barren deserts, rich lagoons, and tropical rainforests offer endless opportunities for adventure for everyone. Terrific shopping, excellent restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and welcoming locals add to the fun quotient. And can anyone forget the palm-fringed beaches and turquoise waters of Cancun and Los Cabos?
Authentic, mouthwatering Mexican food, such as crispy tacos and cheesy quesadillas, is available at nominal prices. Uber and public transport are reasonably priced even in November and December. Mexico is a preferred destination for all types of travelers – from backpackers to the super-rich. Mexico can be incredibly cheap or prohibitively expensive. The all-inclusive upscale resorts and high-end restaurants are exorbitantly priced. But if you follow the locals and avoid the ‘touristy towns’, your money can go a long way. Check out places like the State of Oaxaca and the entire Mayan Riviera if you want to experience the incredible culture and save some bucks.
Budget:
Backpacker – From $25 pp / per day
Mid-range – From $50 pp / per day.
Luxury – From $125 pp / per day
Best Time to visit: Nov-April
10. Morocco, Africa
Another stunning budget getaway, albeit this time in Africa, is Morocco. The country has a history, age-old customs, mountains, beaches, and, of course, the Moroccan desert. Get lost in the endless colorful alleyways of cities like Fez, Chefchaouen, and Marrakech, camp under the stars in the middle of the Sahara desert, walk along the Mediterranean coast, and climb the towering Atlas mountains. You can click on your heart’s content, as vivid surprises and ancient history await you at every corner.
There are lots of options for backpackers, but if you can spare some cash, consider staying in the iconic ‘riads’ – traditional hotels with a garden courtyard. Trips and tours can be expensive, but they are worth experiencing. You will be overcharged, so learn the art of haggling. Morocco is relatively stable and a great place to travel on a budget.
Budget:
Backpacker – From $20 pp / per day
Mid-range – From $45 pp / per day.
Luxury – From $100 pp/per day
Best Time to visit: April-May, Sept-Nov
This list of budget destinations is not comprehensive. Many other countries could easily fit in. Poland, Indonesia, Laos, Portugal, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Albania, Ecuador, Estonia, and Colombia are among the countries that can be explored on a limited budget. Many locations are still a bargain. You should research and plan, avoid crowded towns, and live like a local. Traveling in a group is also a good way to save money. I hope the above list helps you identify your budget-friendly destinations.
If you have a favorite budget destination, I would love to hear it in the comments below.
PC – Flickr.com
This Post Has 18 Comments
I honestly thought travel to most of these places was a lot more expensive than what you’re showing it was. I want to travel abroad desperately and can’t wait until I”m in a position to do it. India and Indonesia are on the tops of my travel bucket list so it’s to see that even the luxury visit is really within my budget even now.
Nice!! There is no upper limit to luxury nowadays, but hope you are able to travel soon and in style. And you are most welcome to come to India.
My favourite budget travel location is Poland!! Eastern Europe is fantastic but your list has such a huge variety of places!! I hope to go to many of them soon!
Hope this pandemic ends soon and we are all able to travel again
Many of these are on my travel bucket list and also on my list of places to possibly retire. I really want to go to Asia to see these places.
Great post. Some excellent sounding destinations. Croatia is definitely on our list for the future.
Thanks. Croatia is really worth going. A complete holiday destination.
Wonderfully jotted the places, hope to withstand the present scenarios and come up again with those amazing backpacks.🤓
Thanks
Love the ideas from every corner of the world. Surely, I would add Thailand and totally
agree with you.
Yeah, most of the places in Thailand are affordable.
You’ve really highlighted some economical but lovely places to travel to – and on different continents! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks
So many of these places are on my travel list! Morocco is probably going to be my next holiday as soon as it’s safe. Thanks for sharing this great list,
Thanks for reading it.
Such a great list! Hadn’t ever considered some of these places in Europe.
Excellent destination thank you for the information
Wonderful destination thanks I loved it