15 International Hidden Gem Destinations That Are Budget-Friendly
With international airfare down by an average of 4% this year compared to 2024 (according to Kayak data), exploring the world is more affordable than in years.
Additionally, hotel rates in Asia-Pacific, for example, are projected to be 11% lower in the first half of 2025, as reported by Lighthouse, a hospitality market research firm. Forget the tourist traps and overpriced hotspots. Do you already have one of these destinations on your radar?
Hoi An, Vietnam
How does a daily budget of $64 sound? Hoi An tops the list for its affordability and charm, from lantern-lit streets to golden beaches. Discover the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town or indulge in mouthwatering street food like Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich) and Pho without overspending.
Options like the RiverTown Hoi An Resort & Spa and Hadana Boutique Resort Hoian provide affordable stays, varying prices based on the season and availability. Hostels and Guesthouses are even more budget-friendly, often costing less than $10 per night for dorms and around $20-$30 for private rooms.
Laos
Known for its unspoiled waterfalls like Kuang Si and serene temples, Laos lets you explore for just $30-$40 per day. Entrance fees to ancient temples, including Wat Xieng Thong and waterfalls, are generally affordable, for example, 5000 Kip (about $0.60 USD) for Pha That Luang.
Don’t miss Luang Prabang, where nightly street markets and flavorful Laotian cuisine create a perfect blend of culture and affordability. Street food is incredibly affordable, with meals starting from about $1.50. Local dishes like larb (spicy meat salad) and khao jee (Laotian baguette sandwich) are must-tries.
Northern Thailand
With daily expenses averaging $25-$35, Northern Thailand, particularly Chiang Mai, offers tranquil mountain landscapes and bustling street food scenes. The Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple has an entrance fee of 30 THB ($1 USD)—Please ensure that you cover your shoulders and legs to show respect. You can walk up the stairs for free or take the funicular for an additional 20 THB ($0.60 USD).
Chiang Mai is also renowned for its delicious and affordable street food. Dishes like Pad Thai cost around 50 THB ($1.50 USD), and Khao Soi is priced at 60 THB ($1.80 USD). Meals generally range from 50 to 120 THB ($1.50-$3.50 USD).
Songthaews (red trucks) are a cheap way to get around, costing about 40 THB ($1.20 USD) per ride. For longer distances, buses and trains are also affordable options.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s beaches rival the Maldives’ but are far more budget-friendly. For $25-$35 daily, you can explore ancient temples, track elephants in Minneriya National Park, or relax with a curry meal costing under $5.
By taking advantage of free activities like hiking Little Adam’s Peak and exploring beaches while budgeting for occasional paid attractions like Polonnaruwa ($25 USD (4,500 LKR) entry fee), travelers can experience Sri Lanka’s rich culture and natural beauty without breaking the bank.
Nepal
Nepal is a trekker’s paradise. Wander trails like the Annapurna Circuit or experience its vibrant cities, all for $20-$30 a day. Basic teahouse lodging along popular trekking routes like the Annapurna Circuit typically costs around $5-$10 per night.
Meals at teahouses range from $3 to $7. For example, breakfast might cost around $3, while lunch and dinner can range from $5 to $10, depending on the location and altitude.
Trekkers need to obtain permits for the Annapurna region, which include the TIMS card ($20) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (approximately $30). These costs are essential to factor into your overall budget.
Albania
Referred to as “The Affordable Mediterranean,” Albania offers pristine Riviera beaches, ancient castles, and affordable dining. Fly from London for as low as £33, and enjoy café meals starting at just $5.
The average daily travel cost in Albania is around €42 per person, significantly lower than that of neighboring countries like Montenegro (€59), Croatia (€69), and Greece (€110).
Budget hotels and guesthouses offer double rooms for €25-€40 per night, while hostels provide dorm beds for around €12 per night. The most affordable way to get around Albania is using Intercity minibuses (furgons), which cost between €2-€7 for trips. short taxi rides range from €5-€10.
Georgia
This Eurasian gem is perfect for frugal adventurers. Savor Georgian wine and trek the stunning Caucasus Mountains at low costs. A daily budget under $25 is achievable with inexpensive Airbnbs and hearty meals like khachapuri, which costs just $2.
Georgia provides a range of affordable accommodation options, Budget: S$5 (11 GEL) per night, Mid-Range: S$16 (34 GEL) per night, and Luxury: S$53 (112 GEL) per night.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is rich in history and light on your wallet. Veliko Tarnovo’s medieval architecture is captivating, while destinations like Sunny Beach offer budget-friendly coastal vibes. The entry fee to the Tsarevets Fortress, overlooking Veliko Tarnovo, is just 15 Lev (approximately €7.5) for a family of four, offering excellent value.
The Central Sofia Market Hall, constructed between 1909 and 1911, is considered one of the most beautiful Bulgarian architectural models from the early 20th century.
You can explore this Eastern European gem for roughly $30-$40 per day. On the last Thursday of every month, all museums in Veliko Tarnovo are free (except the Tsarevgrad Tarnov Multimedia Wax Museum).
Namibia
Camping in Etosha National Park costs as little as $15 a night, and you can witness its incredible wildlife for only NAD 150 per person per day (approximately $10 USD) in entrance fees. It’s free for children under 16 years old.
From November 2024 to June 2025, Okaukuejo Camp offers camping at NAD 460 per person per night (approximately $31 USD). And you get to see four of the “Big Five” animals (excluding the African Buffalo). Each campsite accommodates up to 8 people and includes access to basic amenities.
Egypt
Who says you need to splurge to explore ancient marvels? As of January 1, 2025, entrance fees for the Khufu Pyramid (Great Pyramid) are 1500 EGP ($30.26) for foreign visitors and 750 EGP ($15.13) for foreign students.
Luxor Temple has an entrance fee of around 400 EGP (approximately $13 USD). Consider purchasing combination tickets where available, and if you’re a student, bring your ISIC card for half-price tickets.
Street snacks like koshari cost under $1, making Egypt a history enthusiast’s budget-friendly dream. At famous restaurants like Abou Tarek, a meal typically costs around $1-$5 per person
Bolivia
Bolivia is a less-crowded (and more affordable) alternative to Peru, with an average daily budget of $21.1 euros ($22.80 USD) per person. Experience the dramatic Salar de Uyuni for a fraction of the price (tours of the world’s largest salt flat start from $59 USD for a one-day experience). Backpackers can travel for just $25/day, enjoying colonial cities, salt flats, and jungle excursions.
A 3-night/4-day jungle tour at the Madidi National Park costs approximately 1,500 bolivianos ($215 USD) per person. For those looking to experience both the jungle and pampas, 4-night/5-day combo tours are available for around 2,500 bolivianos ($360 USD).
Argentina
Argentina leverages a favorable exchange rate, enabling visitors to indulge without feeling guilty. Treat yourself to a steak dinner and wine in Buenos Aires for around $30, or head to Mendoza for scenic wine-tasting and 12,870 ARS ($10.55 USD) hostels and budget hotels (per night).
The average daily budget is around 31,500 ARS ($25.82 USD) per person, with meals at local restaurants costing around $5-$10 per person.
Guatemala
Admire volcanoes and Mayan ruins while respecting your travel budget. Affordable tours in Antigua or Lake Atitlán contrast with free cultural gems like wandering villages and scenic hiking trails.
The Pacaya Volcano Trek, a popular 2-hour hike from Antigua, goes for around $20-$30. The Acatenango Volcano Overnight Trek, on the other hand, at $30-$40, lets you experience a challenging but rewarding overnight hike with stunning views of the erupting Fuego Volcano.
Hostels in Antigua or Lake Atitlán start from $10-$20 per night, and street food and small comedores offer delicious meals for as low as $3-$5.
Dominican Republic
While Caribbean vacations often come with premium price tags, the Dominican Republic bucks the trend. Flights and package deals are cheaper than they’ve been in three years (21% decrease), with stunning beaches and budget resorts for under $50/night.
While exact prices vary, budget travelers can expect to spend around $50 to $80 per day in the Dominican Republic, including accommodation, food, and some activities.
Cambodia
Experience the Angkor Archaeological Park’s majesty for around $37 with a one-day pass, which includes access to all temples within the complex, like Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm. And $2 from each ticket supports the Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital, so you get to be philanthropic too.
Cambodia is one of the most affordable countries in Southeast Asia, with delicious $1 meals and budget accommodations under $10 nightly. Popular dishes like rice and curry are available for around $2.20.
Backpackers can get by on $25-35 per day, and this budget covers accommodation, meals, and some activities.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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