Top Budget Destinations Around The World

 

Traveling the world can be an expensive endeavor, especially when visiting popular tourist destinations. However, there are many affordable places that offer just as much beauty, adventure, culture, and fun without draining your bank account. With some planning and flexibility, you can have an amazing vacation even on a tight budget. This blog post highlights some of the top budget-friendly destinations around the world that should be on every wanderlusting traveler’s bucket list. From Asia to South America to Europe and beyond, there are fantastic trips waiting to happen without breaking the bank.

Southeast Asia

Known for being easy on the wallet, Southeast Asia is hugely popular amongst backpackers and budget travelers. The region stretching from Thailand to Indonesia offers some of the cheapest accommodation, food, attractions and transportation costs worldwide.

Thailand

From the electric streets of Bangkok to the lush hills of Chiang Mai and the pristine beaches of Krabi and Phuket, Thailand satisfies all kinds of travelers. Hostel beds can be found for as little as $5 USD a night. Street food and local markets provide delicious meal options for just a couple dollars. Entrance fees to temples and attractions generally range from free up to $15 USD. Getting around via public transportation and tuk tuks is also very affordable.

Vietnam

Vietnam boasts some of Southeast Asia’s most interesting cities, landscapes and cuisine. The charming Hoi An offers lovely architecture, custom-made clothing and riverfront views for bargain prices. Relax on the white sand beaches of Phu Quoc Island for very little. A bowl of pho noodle soup or banh mi sandwich rarely costs more than $2 USD at local eateries around the country. Grab a hostel for $10-15 USD or less per night. Transfer between cities and towns using extensive bus systems or ultra-cheap domestic flights.

Indonesia

As the world’s largest island country, Indonesia presents no shortage of natural wonders, cultural delights and chances for adventure on a small budget. Outdoor lovers can hike misty mountain trails in Flores, spot komodo dragons in Komodo National Park, climb active volcanoes in Java or relax on hidden beaches in the Gili Islands for very low rates. Rice plate meals at warungs (local restaurants) cost $1-2 USD. Nightly accommodation hovers around $5-10 USD for dorms and $15-30 USD for private rooms. Transport between islands on economical ferries is widely available.

India

Famous for being travel-friendly for those on a tight budget, India unveils charming and chaotic cities, spirituality, immense forts and temples all for affordable prices. The northern cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur offer bustling bazaars, flavorful curries and iconic sites like the Taj Mahal from just a few dollars a day. Stay at budget guesthouses for under $10 USD nightly or sleep on an overnight train for just pennies. Feasting on delicious regional dishes often costs less than $5 USD total. The ancient holy city of Varanasi also beckons with oh-so-cheap guesthouses and activities.

Eastern Europe

Many eastern European countries entice visitors with Old World charm and modern attractions minus massive crowds and prices. Budget vacations are easy thanks to reasonable accommodation rates, cheap public transportation and reasonably priced cafe fare.

Poland

Poland wows visitors with eclectic architecture, lively nightlife, medieval market squares and moving WWII history. Base yourself in a hostel in almost any major city for around $10 USD per night. Grab milk bar meals likes pierogi dumplings and stuffed cabbage rolls for just pennies. Admission tickets to marvelous Gothic castles and Soviet history sites generally stay under $10 USD each.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic boasts grand castles, magical forests, rustic folk villages and one of Europe’s most ornate old towns in Prague. Enjoy Czech beer for as little as $1 USD per half liter almost anywhere in the country. Grab a hostel for around $10 USD per night, even in Prague. Take an affordable Free Walking Tour around historic city centers likes Cesky Krumlov and Telc to admire the Baroque architecture.

Hungary

Hungary charms visitors with Thermal spas, imperial palaces and vibrant Budapest separated by the wide Danube River. Sit down in one of the city’s “ruin pubs” - essentially massive abandoned buildings turned into funky watering holes - for the same price as a beer anywhere else in Europe. Plentiful hostels make finding affordable digs no big task. Opt to dine on some hearty and truly Hungarian stews, meat or sweet crepes for just a couple dollars per dish. Use extensive public transport to get around this relatively small but packed country rather conveniently.

South America

From the icy peaks of Patagonia to steamy jungles of the Amazon and storied remains of ancient civilizations, South America guarantees epic adventures without necessarily requiring big budgets.

Peru

Named one of the “cheapest countries in the world to visit,” Peru brims with possibilities for affordable adventures. Get your heart pumping climbing the Incan Trail to Machu Picchu or sandboarding down enormous desert dunes just outside oasis town Huacachina. In the capital Lima, feast on tasty ceviche and sip on famous Pisco Sour cocktails for less than $10 USD. Overnight buses between far-flung towns cost just $10-15 USD for nearly 10 hours of transport. Choose from hostels all over Peru for $5-15 USD per night.

Bolivia

One of South America’s poorest yet most mesmerizing countries, Bolivia impresses thrifty travelers with its diversity spanning from steamy jungles to the otherworldly salt flats of Salar de Uyuni. Trek through the Andes, discover textile markets prominent since Incan times and pace the walking trails of Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca. Local market treats like hearty stews, juicy grilled meats and frozen fruit pops cost just a couple bucks. With hotel rooms averaging $20 USD per night and private rooms in hostels around $10 USD, resting your head is cheap too.

Colombia

Shaking dark stereotypes of the past, Colombia emerges with energy as a tourist hotspot - especially for budget-conscious globe trekkers seeking vibrant cities, lush jungle as well as Caribbean and Pacific coastlines. Stay in Bogota’s new trendy hostels in converted colonial mansions for less than $15 USD per night. Fill up on the cities amazing street food like arepas (corn cakes), empanadas (stuffed pastries) and fresh exotic fruit juice for $2-3 USD per meal. Intercity bus transport and domestic flights are very well priced.

Africa

While Africa seems like an expensive destination, you can still plan an incredible trip here without breaking the bank by sticking to a budget. We will explore two of the most budget-friendly destinations on the continent.

Morocco

Morocco emerges as Northern Africa's top budget destination with colorful souks, camel rides, Atlas Mountain villages and tantalizing fare like fragrant tagines stewed to perfection. Shop at vibrant markets in Marrakech and Fez haggling for negotiable prices on leather goods, lanterns, rugs and more. Tuck into savory lamb and poultry dishes accompanied by couscous or lentils for less than $10 USD. Day tours to places like the Sahara Desert won’t derail your budget either. Secure comfy Riad guesthouses or even sleep overnight in a casual Berber camp.

South Africa

Though one of Africa’s most modernized and developed countries, South Africa offers plenty for budget travelers too. Enjoy Cape Town’s top sites like Table Mountain, Robben Island and the Cape of Good Hope on economical day tours for $50 USD or less. Dine on delicious local BBQ like boerewors sausage and meats for less than $5 USD per meal. Travel between cities on the luxury Shosholoza Meyl sleeper train for overnight trips starting around $30 USD. Opt for guesthouses or Airbnbs over hotels for cheaper and cozier stays.The Balkans

Stretching across southeastern Europe, the Balkan countries entice budget travelers with medieval towns encircled by formidable mountains and hills as well as lovely Mediterranean coastlines ...all for a delightful fraction of the cost of other European regions.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Despite enduring a devastating war in the early 1990s, Bosnia and Herzegovina re-emerged as a hidden gem for thrifty travelers seeking crystalline lakes ringed by mountains, gushing rivers carving through forests and towns with Turkish influences like cobblestoned lanes and calls to prayer exuding from towering minarets. Grab a bed in Mostar hostels for $10-15 USD nightly. Relax at open air cafés on bustling Baščaršija square in charming Sarajevo while snacking on affordable ćevapčići (spicy sausage) and burek (flaky meat pie) for just $2-3 USD each.

Montenegro

Tiny Montenegro lies peacefully across the Adriatic Sea from chaotic Italy unveiling a slower pace filled with historic port towns to vibrant nightlife as well as gorgeous beaches and rugged mountainous interior all for lower prices compared to neighboring countries. Base yourself in happening Budva with lively bars and old city walls peering over the sea. Settle into a rental apartment for the same price as a hotel. Tuck into huge serving of mixed grills platter and locally produced wine for less than $20 USD total. Ascend to imposing mountaintop fortresses and medieval villages connected by hiking trails for free.

Macedonia

The small landlocked country of Macedonia may not attract tons of tourists (yet), but it wows the ones who do come with impressive lake towns boasting Ottoman architecture, centuries-old crumbling fortresses like Samuil’s Fortress and plenty of rugged alpine scenery ripe for adventuring ...all without masses of other travelers competing for space. Dig into huge portions of authentic meat-heavy cuisine like ćevap (minced meat) and ajvar (roasted pepper sauce) for around $5 USD each. Fresh produce and wines are also crazy cheap at local markets, keeping self-catered accommodation costs low.

The Middle East

While the Middle East often gets portrayed as predominantly desert landscape where everything is expensive, budget-minded travelers can discover amazing mosques, bustling bazaars and fantastic food without emptying your wallet by heading to these affordable destinations.

Egypt

Topping plenty of bucket lists, Egypt brings ancient wonders like the Great Pyramids of Giza, Valley of the Kings tombs in Luxor and massive Karnak Temple to life for thrifty globe trotters. Grab simple hotel rooms for under $30 USD outside Cairo and upgrade to luxury Nile River cruise boats for just $100 USD per night. Fill up on falafel, fuul (fava bean stew) and more local staples for pennies on the Egyptian pound throughout the country.

Jordan

Sandwiched between Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Syria, the diminutive Middle Eastern country of Jordan often gets unfairly skipped, but makes history and culture readily accessible on a small budget. Sleep at no-frills hotels, hostels or even Bedouin desert camps between the mouth-dropping ancient city of Petra and windswept sands of Wadi Rum for under $50 USD nightly. Travel overland by comfortable bus or minivan for next to nothing. Tuck into unlimited mezze spreads at local restaurants in the bustling capital of Amman for less than $10 USD per person.

Conclusion

A world of adventure awaits, even for travelers on the tightest of budgets. Southeast Asia continues to be that exotic yet affordable paradise welcoming all kinds of wanderers. The regions of Eastern Europe, South America, Africa and the Middle East also offer tremendous bang for your buck through low-cost sleeping arrangements, dining, attractions and transportation. By picking these budget-friendly destinations and traveling smart using discounts and deals, anyone can actualize those travel goals without drowning in debt.

FAQs

FAQ 1: Which destinations offer the most bang for my buck?

Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and India, are hard to beat when it comes to overall value. Other top affordable destinations mentioned are Eastern Europe (Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary), South America (Peru, Bolivia, Colombia), Morocco and South Africa in Africa as well as Egypt and Jordan in the Middle East.

FAQ 2: What is the typical budget I should expect for these destinations?

Most of the blog highlights how it's possible to vacation on $50 USD or less per day if you stay in budget accommodation, eat street food and affordable restaurants, use public transportation and take advantage of free activities. Hotel/hostel rates can be found for under $20 USD per night and meals often cost just a few dollars in these destinations.

FAQ 3: Which destinations offer the cheapest food options?

Throughout Southeast Asia and South America you can get very filling and tasty meals for $5 USD or less per person at all the popular street food stalls, cafes or local restaurants. India also has incredible vegetarian fare available for just pennies.

FAQ 4: Is it safe to travel alone to any of these budget destinations?

The destinations mentioned certainly cater well to solo travelers and backpackers. As typical in international travel, exercising reasonable precautions regarding your belongings will still apply. Southeast Asia and South America likely see the most solo travelers, though popular tourist destinations in Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East also have solid tourist infrastructure, making solo travel quite manageable if precautions are taken.