Booking a vacation without draining your wallet can feel like a dream, but with the right spots on your list, it’s easily within sight. Some destinations not only offer out-of-this-world experiences but also stretch your cash a LOT further than it would in traditional tourist destinations. For backpackers, budget travelers, or those looking to explore without worrying about daunting expenses, this is your guide to affordable vacations that don’t cut back on excitement.
From off-the-grid cultural immersion to stunning scenery, the below locations will get your eyes open wide in disbelief over how travelling cheaply isn’t always the result of sacrificing the experience. Take a glimpse into what keeps these locations inexpensive as well as uniquely one of a kind.
Where frugality meets thrill
Southeast Asia’s hidden gems
Southeast Asia remains a budget traveler’s best bet, and for good reason. Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand are three nations that feature breathtaking beauty, vibrant cultures, and inexpensive food, lodging, and tourist attractions.
- Vietnam: A bowl of steaming pho and a robust Vietnamese coffee will set you back less than $3, and accommodation will cost between $10 for a hostel dorm bed and $25 for a mid-range hotel. Adventure-seekers can kayak through Ha Long Bay or ride the colorful streets of Hanoi on the cheap.
- Cambodia: This nation has the stunning Angkor Wat temple complex. Cambodia is extremely cheap. For $15–$20 a day, you can cover meals, transport, and lodging.
- Thailand: Famous for its tropical beaches and vibrant cities, Thailand is very budget-friendly. Street food like Pad Thai is just a few dollars, and hostels in major cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai begin at $7 per night.
For a better idea, here’s a quick cost comparison table of daily expenses in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand (USD):
| Destination | Accommodation (Budget) | Meal (Local Food) | Transportation (Local) |
| Vietnam | $10 – $25 | $2 – $3 | $1 – $2 |
| Cambodia | $10 – $20 | $2 – $4 | $0.50 – $2 |
| Thailand | $7 – $20 | $2 – $4 | $1 – $3 |
Eastern Europe’s underrated gems
Whereas Western Europe tends to steal the limelight, Eastern Europe is full of character and culture for a fraction of the price.
- Poland: Krakow and Gdansk are full of history and can be visited on a shoestring. A three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant will cost around $10, and public transport is both efficient and affordable (around $1 per trip).
- Romania: Picture Dracula’s land and breathtaking views from the Carpathian Mountains. Romania is perfect for backpackers, with rooms starting at $12 a night and plenty of street food for under $5.
- Georgia: Located on the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Georgia boasts stunning mountain scenery and unique wine culture, and at incredibly reasonable prices. In Tbilisi, hostels start at just $8, while traditional favorites like khinkali and khachapuri run a mere $1–$3 a serving.
Latin America’s culture & nature budget
Continuing west, Latin America offers the works—breathtaking cultures, exciting foods, and oodles of outdoorsy stuff—without even touching the main ATM account.
- Mexico: Explore the Mayan ruins, relax on beaches at Tulum, or enjoy real tacos and tamales, all at affordable prices. Daily costs can be maintained at less than $40.
- Peru: Famous for Machu Picchu, Peru has markets, ancient ruins, and stunning hikes into the Andes. A meal will cost you $2–$5, and you can find decent accommodation for a little more than $15 per night.
- Guatemala: Volcano enthusiasts, colonial cities, and blue lakes all have Guatemala on their radar. Street food is less than $3, and budget hotels range from $8 to $20 per night.
To illustrate the value of your money in Latin America, take a look at the table below showing minimal spending in Mexico, Peru, and Guatemala (USD):
| Destination | Accommodation (Budget) | Meal (Local Food) | Transportation (Local) |
| Mexico | $10 – $25 | $2 – $5 | $1 – $3 |
| Peru | $10 – $15 | $2 – $5 | $1 – $3 |
| Guatemala | $8 – $20 | $1 – $3 | $1 |
Africa’s unforgettable adventures
For intrepid travelers looking for raw adventure and cultural immersion, think of traveling to Africa. While nations such as North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa vary wildly in cost, there are some countries that are affordable.
- Morocco: The crowded souks of Marrakech, the stunning Atlas Mountains, and the golden dunes of the Sahara always leave one agog. Budget hotels cost just $10–$15, and delicious tagine meals just $2–$4.
- Egypt: History enthusiasts will adore Egypt for the excellent value it offers. It is possible to afford visiting such iconic landmarks as the Pyramids of Giza or going on a budget Nile cruise, with street food costing $1–$3 per meal.
Insider tips for budget travelers
Travel during the off-season: Flights and accommodations are typically much lower in price during the off-season. For example, visiting Southeast Asia during monsoon season might involve the occasional shower, but it can save you a lot of money.
Take public transportation: From the city buses of Eastern Europe to the tuk-tuks of Southeast Asia, public transportation is far less expensive (and often more fun) than taxis or rideshare.
Stay in budget hotels: Hostels, guesthouses, or even homestays provide real experiences and cost a fraction of the money compared to luxury hotels.
Cook your meals: Most budget hotels have shared kitchens. Preparing local ingredients is not only budget-friendly but also a great way to enjoy the local culture.
Create memories without breaking the bank
Whether it’s eating street food under the neon-lit Bangkok night sky, hiking Machu Picchu, or walking through Krakow’s cobblestone streets, travel doesn’t have to be expensive to be legendary. These destinations prove that if you invest the time to plan and research, your money will stretch further than you ever imagined.
Fill your backpack, plan your schedule, and get your passport in order. It’s time to see the world without needing to survive on instant noodles.