Do you want to go somewhere inexpensive? We’ve got your back. These are the best budget places to travel around the world, as recommended by some of the world’s top travel bloggers. It should not be hard to find the cheapest places to travel. We have a plethora of resources to choose from that will assist us in making decisions on affordable vacation destinations. There are numerous hidden gems out there that you must include on your list. What better way to learn about cheap vacation spots than to ask some of the top travel bloggers? Travel bloggers have the answers, as well as the experiences to back them up.
What Defines Budget Travel Destinations?
We’ve compiled a massive list of budget vacation spots. All of the locations listed below are examples of places that have the following characteristics:
- Attractions that are reasonably priced.
- Options for low-cost hotels and lodging.
- Commuting is simple, and public transportation is excellent.
- Excellent street food.
- Arrival options are plentiful (plane, train, bus, boat, etc.)
Not all of these cheap places to visit will have all of the above characteristics, but they will have some of them to make them affordable and fabulous along the way. We didn’t factor in airfare or currency exchange rates because you could be coming from anywhere in the world.
These destinations are affordable in their own right, and we have many options for you to choose from, so pick the one that is easiest for you to get to. You’ll be well on your way to a low-cost vacation.
Let’s get started with our list of the world’s affordable travel destinations.
Cheap Travel Destinations in North America
- Washington, DC
On the list of budget vacation destinations, Washington, D.C. comes on top. This region has a lot to offer in terms of things to do and see. The majority of it is completely free! DC has three airports nearby (DCA, IAD, and BWI), giving you three options for finding the best prices on plane tickets. If you are planning a trip to the east coast of the United States and intend to rent a car, you will have many more inexpensive flight options. It takes only four hours to travel from New York to Washington, DC. Staying in Washington DC is inexpensive, but if you want to stay outside of the city, the Metro System is an excellent resource. The Metro is a well-known and secure transportation system. It is frequently used by government employees and tourists.
- Merida, Mexico
Look no further than Merida, Mexico, if you want to travel on a shoestring budget. Merida is the biggest city on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, about three and a half hours west of Cancun, making it is a prevalent substitute to the more overpriced coastal destinations. You can take one of Mexico’s dependable ADO buses from Cancun to Merida for a very good price. When you arrive, you’ll notice that almost everything in this sprawling colonial city is inexpensive. In terms of food, make sure to walk at least a few blocks outside of the central plaza to find the most affordable and authentic options.
Cheap Travel Destinations in Europe
- Valencia, Spain
Many people believe that there are no budget destinations to visit in Western Europe, but they are mistaken. We must first consider what is inexpensive. Spain is not as inexpensive as Thailand. However, Spain is less expensive than England, Switzerland, Canada, and several other countries. The key to finding a budget destination to visit is to look for one with a variety of restaurants, low-cost grocery stores, and multiple ways to get there. Valencia, Spain has it all and more. There are several options for getting to Valencia. You can fly, take a train, or even take a very cost – effective and comfy bus from another European country, depending on where you are coming from.
- Macedonia
This small and lovely country is a Balkan true treasure. With its picturesque villages, vibrant culture, delicious meals, and deep heritage, it is a destination that will satisfy most travelers, particularly the discerning, as it is frequently referred to as the most affordable European country to visit. Skopje, the capital, is known for its recently redeveloped city centre, which is filled with countless statues. The beauty, however, can be found about 15 kilometers outside of town at Matka Canyon. A popular destination for hikers and watersport enthusiasts.
- Warsaw, Poland
Do you want to know where to go in Eastern Europe? Poland is one of the countries that is a member of the European Union but has yet to convert its currency to the Euro. This indicates that the local currency, known as the polish zloty, is four times lower than the euro, resulting in significantly lower prices in comparison to Western Europe. The most popular tourist attraction in the cities are Warsaw (the capital) and Krakow, but I highly recommend exploring Poland’s off-the-beaten-path spots, as the country has so much to offer. From the mountains to the sea, there are breathtaking lakes and one-of-a-kind National Parks.
- Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi, Georgia, is one of Europe’s greatest affordable capital cities for travelers. Tbilisi is ideal for budget-conscious travelers due to its abundance of budget-friendly restaurants and cafes, free walking tours, and ticketless places of interest (ranging from a 4th-century fortress to contemporary art spaces). Meanwhile, unique experiences like a sulphur bath (a must-do in Tbilisi, whose name means “warm” due to its proximity to natural hot springs) are reasonably priced. A private luxury bath can be found for less than $25 per person. Tbilisi has a variety of low-cost lodging options, including boutique hostels that start at $5 per night.
- Belgrade, Serbia
Europe is not always the most affordable continent to visit, but there are a few locations within it that will more than meet your budgetary requirements. Belgrade, Serbia, is one of these locations. This is a town that has had a turbulent history and has been working to fully heal from it for the last 20 years. Belgrade, Serbia’s capital city, has undergone tremendous change and growth and is now a gorgeous and friendly city to visit. It’s not only lovely, but it’s also very affordable.
- Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Sarajevo as its capital, is a very reasonably priced and still wonderful travel destination in Europe. It cannot compete with countries in South-East Asia, but it is one of Europe’s most inexpensive destinations, and you get a lot for your money. Traveling in Bosnia and Herzegovina is relatively inexpensive when compared to neighboring countries such as Croatia (particularly Zagreb) and even Montenegro. In Sarajevo, a decent dinner in a restaurant costs less than $10 (no alcohol), but street food costs only a few dollars (currency is actually the KM). If you go to Vidikovac in Sarajevo, you can get a (very large) vegetarian pizza and a drink for less than 5€ – and the meal comes with breathtaking perspectives.
- Kotor, Montenegro
If you’re looking for a budget friendly destination, Kotor in Montenegro is a solid choice. This low-cost Balkan city is ideal for the budget-conscious traveler. Prices are a lifetime away despite being less than two hours south of Dubrovnik. Flying to Dubrovnik or Podgorica airports, which offer low-cost flights, is the most convenient way to get here. If you are travelling from a neighboring country, it is simple to find a cheap and common bus to Kotor. Walking around the maze of Old Town streets is one of the top activities to do in Kotor.
Cheap Travel Destinations in Asia
- Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is not the cheapest place in Vietnam, but it is extremely affordable on a global scale. It has to be one of the cheapest holiday destinations in the world, with beaches, the UNESCO-listed Old Town, and spectacular countryside. Street food can cost less than $1 for a delicious bowl of mi quang or pho – but you must know where to go and have some travel savvy. In Hoi An, never concede to the first price. Restaurant meals will cost a little more, but if you go to the right places and avert the tourist traps, you can still get a good meal for under $5.
- Colombo, Sri Lanka
When it comes to most affordable places to visit in the world, Colombo should be at the top of everyone’s list. The de facto commercial capital of Sri Lanka has long been off the tourist radar, both because it is not well advertised as a place to visit and because of a devastating war that forced the entire nation to close as a tourist attraction. Today, Colombo is a city teeming with high-rise structures that are altering the entire skyline. The recent opening of the Lotus Tower, South Asia’s tallest building, has provided a new perspective on Colombo’s advancement.
- Isfahan, Iran
Isfahan is one of the most amazing places in Iran, and it is unquestionably a budget-friendly destination. Once in Iran, bus tickets from any other city will cost only a few Euros, and lodging will cost between 4-7 Euros for a dorm bed and 10-20 Euros for a private room. I’m sure there are more expensive options for anyone looking to overspend on glamour, and they’re definitely really cheap compared to what you get. So is food, which is extremely inexpensive. The bus and metro are both inexpensive and convenient modes of transportation.
- Kolkata, India
Job Charnock discovered Kolkata around 300 years ago (formally Calcutta). After the East India Company and the British government ruled India, Kolkata became the capital. So many structures and structures have been constructed. One of them is Kolkata’s Dalhousie neighborhood. Old Calcutta can still be found here. Dalhousie is easily accessible via the city’s two main railway stations (Howrah and Sealdah). Both stations have a plethora of hotels and lodging options at very low prices. At this time, the old buildings (such as the GPO, Gillander House, and the Writers Building) have been converted into offices and headquarters. Every day, a plethora of street food items are sold in this area.
- Bohol, Philippines
The island province of Bohol is without a doubt one of the best destinations to visit in the Philippines. While it is home to the world-famous Chocolate Hills and adorable tarsiers, it is still less expensive than other equally unique locations. It’s inexpensive quite so that we were able to rent a car with a driver for less than $40 USD and do a full-day countryside trip that included 7 or more interesting sites—gas, entrance fees, and a buffet lunch included! So it’s not only cheap, but also convenient, which is a plus, notably for those looking for a laid-back tour. Accommodation prices range from extremely low to extremely high, giving people a variety of options.
- Pakistan
Pakistan is one of the least expensive countries in Asia to visit. A month in Pakistan can be spent for less than $500. The country is very well connected by air, and it can also be reached by land from India or China. Using public transportation is simple because buses and trains connect the entire country. Budget hotels in Pakistan cost between $5 and $10 per night for a basic private room, and couchsurfing is also very popular. Street food is ubiquitous in Pakistan, particularly in the evenings. During your visit, you will be able to sample a variety of delectable dishes.
- Georgetown, Penang
Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Malaysian island of Penang, is an excellent choice for budget travelers. It’s rich in cultural heritage, with many inexpensive and free activities to do, and the town itself is small enough that you can see most of the popular highlights on foot (or by taking a very cheap GRAB taxi). Traveling to Penang is also cost-effective, as budget airlines such as Air Asia offer low-cost flights from Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. There are numerous affordable accommodation options in Georgetown, including mega cheap dorms/private rooms in old heritage houses that have been converted into boutique hostels.
- Mulu, Borneo
Mulu National Park, located in Malaysian Borneo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its incredible tombs and unique ecosystems. Mulu, which is confronted by forests in every path, is an ideal destination for budget travellers who enjoy adventure, exploration, and aren’t afraid to get muddy! Mulu is popular among visitors seeking to immerse themselves in nature, which implies there are numerous free and low-cost activities available, such as exploring Deer and Lang Cave for $8 USD, walking along one of the world’s longest canopy skywalks for $11 USD, or embarking on one of the many free walking treks. Mulu is also famous for its bat exodus, in which over 3 million bats leave Deer Cave all at once, an occurrence that is still not clearly addressed.
- Singapore
Singapore is a delectable, exciting, and inexpensive city to explore. Soy sauce chicken rice at Hawker Chan is one of the few places in the world where you can eat a Michelin-starred meal for $5 SGD. Hawker Chan is a food stall in the Chinatown Complex hawker centre, Singapore’s largest hawker centre. More delicious inexpensive street food can be found at Singapore’s other hawker centres, such as Satay By The Bay, Lau Pau Sat (also known as Telok Ayer Market), and Maxwell Road Hawker Centre. Gardens By The Bay, the Treetop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir, Singapore Botanic Gardens, the Marina Bay Light Show, and Fort Canning Park are all free sights in Singapore.
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Malaysia’s capital city is Kuala Lumpur. There are numerous factors that contribute to Kuala Lumpur’s low cost of living. Its vicinity to various Asian countries, as well as the low cost of airfare to and from these countries, make it an excellent stop-over destination. Three days should be enough to explore the city. In Kuala Lumpur, famous sights include the Petronas twin towers, the KL Tower, Batu Caves, Thean Hou Temple, and Masjid Wilayah. The GoKL city buses run through all of the city’s major attractions. These buses run through various tourist attractions such as Chinatown, the shopping centre Bukit Bintang, Independence Square, and many other locations for free.
- Beijing, China
Beijing is one of the most affordable and culturally rich major cities you will ever visit. Beijing’s most popular attractions, the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, represent only one side of the city. The other includes some of the most delicious food you’ve ever tasted. Despite being the capital of China, it is still one of the most affordable places in the world to visit. For only 700 CNY ($100), you can book a perfect 5-star hotel that is conveniently located and has a swimming pool to relax after a day of excursions. Due to the 2 CNY ($0.30) fare on metro lines, getting around the city couldn’t be simpler. Even if you don’t want to ride the crowded metro, taxis start at only 9 CNY ($1).
- Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has recently opened its doors to tourist activities with a new visa-free regime for most nationalities, and Lonely Planet has named Central Asia one of the top places to visit. Uzbekistan incorporates gorgeous silk road cities with stunning Islamic architecture, delectable food, and welcoming people. Despite everything it has to offer, Uzbekistan is still one of the least expensive places in the world to visit. With low price boutique hostels, an outstanding railway system connecting the Silk Road cities, and fairly low tourist attractions, it is possible to live on $30 USD per day.
- Taipei, Taiwan
One of Asia’s most neglected and underappreciated metropolises also happens to be one of the most affordable. Taipei, Taiwan’s capital, is an awesome place with inexpensive things to see, do, and eat. Taipei, home to the renowned skyscraper Taipei 101, is a thriving metropolis rich in history, delicious food, and scenic beauty. There are a number of ways to keep costs down while travelling to and in Taipei for those on a budget. Several low-cost airlines, including AirAsia, connect Taiwan’s capital to other Asian cities. Using the city’s metro system, you can get around Taipei quickly, easily, and affordably.
- Banglore, India
Bangalore, the capital of the South Indian state of Karnataka, is one of India’s most contemporary and crowded cities. Bangalore has a very pleasant weather all year and is known as the “Garden City of India” (despite the fact that the scenery has changed over the years). Apart from locals, Bangalore is home to people from all over India and other countries, making it a multicultural city. Popular tourist attractions such as Hogenakkal Falls, Nandi Hills, Lepakshi, and Hampi are all less than 300 kilometers from Bangalore. The quickest way to get to Bangalore is to fly into Kempegowda International Airport, which is about 40 kilometers away.
- Bali, Indonesia
Bali is our personal favorite destination, and it also happens to be one of the least expensive places we’ve visited. We spent several months exploring Bali with our baby and would return again in a heartbeat. Everything on the island, including hotels, food, activities, and transportation, was extremely affordable, allowing us to have a superb and delightful vacation. With pristine beaches, breathtaking hikes, rice paddies, and temples to explore, you won’t be disappointed or run out of amazing free activities anytime soon.
Cheap Travel Destinations in Australia
- Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown is a small town on New Zealand’s South Island. Despite being a small town, there are many wonderful places to visit in and around Queenstown. To begin, Queenstown is situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The lake is surrounded by mountains and is nothing short of spectacular vistas. Watching the sun set from the edge of Lake Wakatipu is a must-do while in Queenstown! Queenstown is also home to the Remarkable Mountain Range.
Conclusion
You’ve got it now. You’ve compiled an incredible list and understandings of some of the most affordable places to visit around the world. There are cheap places to visit all over the world. All you have to do is stay optimistic and do your research along the way. Free museums, recreational activities, and good food are all excellent choices. You can choose from a wide range of continents, including North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, to visit one of the cheap destinations listed above. Are you prepared to go on a trip? Make your reservation right away.
