15 Budget-Friendly Getaways for Your Next Adventure

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Are you planning your next big adventure but don’t want to break the bank? A 2023 Skift survey found that 62% of Americans choose affordability when planning vacations.

The good news? Traveling to new places doesn’t need to burn a massive budget in your pocket to have that lifelong memory. Here’s a list of 15 incredible destinations you can have significant experiences for budget prices.

Mexico City, Mexico

Budget-Friendly Getaways for Your Next Adventure — Image Credit: nikonov via 123RF

Plunge right into the bohemian and gastronomical capital of North America. World-class museums like the National Museum of Anthropology cost less than $5, tacos al pastor can be bought on the street for $1, and boutique accommodations can be found for less than $40 a night. Don’t miss Roma or Condesa for a short break with a friendly vibe and active art life.

Lisbon, Portugal

With its affordable European scale, Lisbon offers charm and ocean views to behold. A prepaid card allows you to travel by public transport (including the famous yellow trams) for just €1.65 per ride. Spend less than €10 on fresh seafood, grilled sardines, or bacalhau, and see sights such as São Jorge Castle.

Thailand’s Northern Cities

Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are cultural havens that are perfect for relaxing. Hostels are budget-friendly, costing about $10–$15 a night, and the local dishes like Pad See Ew for just $2. Enjoy incredible experiences like elephant sanctuaries and marvelous temples on a budget.

Budapest, Hungary

Nicknamed the “Paris of the East,” Budapest offers stunning architecture and unparalleled thermal spa culture on a budget.

A pub meal will set you back around $10, and thermal baths like Széchenyi start at around $20 for a day pass. A seven-day metro pass is just $16 for transportation.

Bogotá, Colombia

Bogotá is an eclectic mix of tradition and modernity. Free walking tours of ‘La Candelaria’ (Bogotá’s historic center) give you a perspective on Colombia’s history. Sample Colombian classics like arepas for less than $2, or enjoy outstanding coffee at unbeatable prices.

Vietnam’s Coastal Towns

Both Danang and Quy Nhon are cities that combine quiet beaches with plenty of culture for a fraction of the cost of other beach destinations.

A package including street food like bánh mì and pho starts at just $1–3, while rent is affordable by any standard—and with a motorbike rental, it’s also an adventurous way to explore.

Tbilisi, Georgia

For this reason, Tbilisi is perfect for the thrill-seeking traveler who longs for a rich history and unparalleled beauty of nature.

Wine-tasting tours to Georgia’s ancient viticulture cost $20, and guesthouses run $10–$20 per night. Explore cobblestone streets in sulfur baths and scenic mountain hikes and create lifelong memories on a budget.

Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor

Only an hour or less from Dubrovnik, Kotor offers jaw-dropping fjord-like scenery without the Croatian price tag attached.

Accommodation is cheap, too; hostels start at $10 a night, and a meal of fresh seafood or local specialties (ćevapi) costs around $7.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

No passport? No problem. Puerto Rico is one of the budget-friendly Caribbean getaways for Americans. San Juan has an affordable Airbnb, a diverse dining scene featuring a selection of meals at affordable prices ($8 to $12), and free beaches like Flamenco Beach.

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville lets you see a lot of music, food, and entertainment on a budget. Honky Tonk bars in downtown Nashville don’t often charge a cover fee.

Eat Southern comfort food at Biscuit Love, which costs less than $15, and visit Broadway Street and Centennial Park, which are free.

La Paz, Bolivia

La Paz, commanding an altitude of 11,975 feet, is an adventure seeker’s dream destination. A ride on the famous cable car system costs under $1, and visiting the otherworldly Valle de la Luna will cost only a few dollars. For budget travelers, meals usually cost under $5 and provide excellent value.

Bali, Indonesia

Tropical adventures and being on a budget are everything you will find in Bali. You can pick up a cozy guesthouse for anything between $15–$20 a night or have an Indonesian classic like Nasi Goreng for just $3. Renting a scooter for $5 a day and exploring the island’s lush rice terraces, beaches, and temples is possible.

Granada, Nicaragua

Astonishing colonial architecture and overwhelming natural wonders are all you’ll find when visiting Granada, Central America.

A boat tour around Lake Nicaragua will cost about $10. Still, fresh local dishes such as gallo pinto only cost $2. Granada is also an excellent choice for travelers looking for value, as budget-friendly hostels exist.

Cape Town, South Africa

Among many other kinds of Adventure in Cape Town, you can hike Table Mountain or explore the Cape Winelands.

For affordable meals, go to the V&A Food Market, which costs about $7; a vineyard tour will cost about $15. Cape Town International Airport also offers frequent cheap flight deals for U.S. travelers.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar is famous for its beautiful beaches and spice tours, all at budget traveler prices. You can find affordable accommodations, such as a fan or air-conditioned room, for as low as $20 a night.

Snorkeling trips or trips to a spice farm cost $10–$15. For a few dollars, you can try Swahili dishes like biryani or chapati.