15 Unbelievably Affordable Travel Hotspots
Seeking adventure without drying your bank account? Did you know that Americans spent an average of 5,200 USD per person on international trips in 2023? You don’t have to sacrifice experiences for budget-friendly travel.
Hidden gems can be found worldwide, where your dollar will go far. So, if you’re not afraid to spend a little and want to see culture, breathtaking landscapes, and history cheaply, this list is for you.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is a blend of culture, history, and affordability. Budget accommodation in the city of Huế, famous for its UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, starts at as low as $10 per night. You can eat an excellent bowl of authentic pho at a local eatery for less than $2. Hoi An has traditional lantern-lit streets, nearby beaches, and vibrant night markets, so you can submerge yourself in Vietnamese culture for a bit of money.
Tip: Use personal tailoring services. For as little as $30, you can have knitwear tailored to your figure.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is consistently rated as one of the cheapest European destinations. The $1 rides on their efficient metro system and $40 entry fees to the famous thermal baths, such as Széchenyi, will feel good on your wallet.
Hostels and budget hotels start at $15; you can spend no more than $10 on fine Hungarian fare like goulash. Did You Know? Some of the best nightlife scenes in the world are Budapest’s ruined bars – set up in abandoned buildings with drinks starting at just $2.
La Paz, Bolivia
La Paz is an adventurer’s dream at an altitude of over 11,000 feet. Travelers spend less than $25 daily on food, transport, and accommodation.
Expert Insight: Travel consultant Jane R. says that Bolivia has some of South America’s most spectacular scenery at a fraction of the cost of its neighbors.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is the European capital that delivers fantastic value—accommodation, food, and transportation costs under $50 a day. If you buy the Lisbon Card for $27, you’ll receive unlimited public transport and free entry to more than 20 sites, such as the famous Jeronimos Monastery.
Pro Tip: To taste the authentic Portuguese nightlife, visit Alfama for Fado performances and dine on authentic Portuguese dishes.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor Wat and is an excellent stop for the budget-conscious wanderer. It’s well worth a day pass to the ancient temple complex, which costs $37, and hostel beds start at just $5 a night. Avoid Pub Street, though, and grab a $0.50 drink from Bangkok.
Sofia, Bulgaria
Bulgaria remains one of Europe’s most budget-friendly countries, and its capital, Sofia, is no exception. This fascinating blend of modernity and history means you save money while exploring, with free walking tours, $5 museum entries, and public transportation that won’t cost more than $1 per ride.
Interesting Fact: Vojvodina, Sofia, is one of Europe’s oldest cities, dating back as far as 7,000 years.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Recently, Tbilisi has emerged as one of those affordable travel hot spots. You can get a Khinkali and Khachapuri feast, a traditional meal, for under $6 and made famous with its vibrant food scene. The average cost of public transportation is under $0.50, and a $20 a day max on everything, food, and activities.
San José, Costa Rica
San Jose is your gateway to Costa Rica, synonymous with eco-tourism and affordable adventures. Starting at $10 per night for hostels, you can enjoy rainforests, volcanos, and wildlife spotting on a budget. Fares on public buses are a few dollars, so finding your way to either side of a national park is easy.
Belgrade, Serbia
Energetic and lively Belgrade is a must on the budget traveler’s itinerary. Its average is $8 to $15; public transit is less than a dollar a ride. You can explore Kalemegdan Fortress and Ada Lake without spending any cent.
Local Tip: Who doesn’t want to get caught up in free concerts and local eats at the Belgrade Beer Fest?
Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca is Mexico’s distinctly cultural capital, with art, food, and festivals. A traditional meal costs $3, and comfortable boutique accommodations are available for $30 or more a night. This is where you’ll secure a spot during your Day of the Dead celebrations for a budget bucket list experience.
Medellín, Colombia
Medellín was once infamous and is now South America’s trendiest city—but it’s cheap. A cup of Colombia’s specialty coffee costs less than $1.50, and public rides on the Metrocable run for less than $1.
Must-Try: Discover the history of Comunas 13 through vibrant street art tours starting at under $10.
Krakow, Poland
Harboring a taste of Eastern Europe that won’t break the bank, Krakow is the place for those who like their cities cheap!
Hearty Polish meals like pierogi and zapiekanka can be had for less than $4, and hostels and cheap hotels run from $10 to $20 per night. To enter the world-famous Wieliczka Salt Mine, you pay only $30.
Jaipur, India
Jaipur, known as the Pink City, is a hub for culture, history, and affordability. For as little as $15 a night, you can stay in charming budget accommodations and order delicious, rich, flavorful Indian curries for $2. Entry tickets to Hawa Mahal and other significant landmarks cost $1 to $2.
Dahab, Egypt
Dahab is a hidden paradise on the Red Sea for sunseekers. At the famous Blue Hole, you can snorkel for a mere $10; for under $20 a night, you can stay in waterfront rooms with amazing views.
Budget-Friendly Suggestion: Look for seafood restaurants with shockingly low prices. A grilled fish dinner can cost less than $8.
Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Thanks to its pristine beaches, Puerto Escondido does not have the crowds of Playa del Carmen or Cancún. Surfing lessons cost $20, while budget hostels and cute Airbnbs run from $15 to $30 a night.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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