Last Updated on: Sep 26, 2024
While we may dream of traveling without considering costs – hopping from one luxury hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant to the next – the reality is that for most of us, travel comes with a budget.
Between plane tickets, accommodation fees, eating out, and tours and activities, the costs add up quickly. However, by choosing a destination that has beautiful landscapes, is rich in culture, AND is relatively cheap to travel in, we can stay for longer, or even have some cash left over for our next venture!
Keep reading to discover our best budget travel destinations with enough beauty, culture, and deliciously affordable street food to keep any globetrotter going for months!
Vietnam
Vietnam is a favorite destination for backpackers looking to travel on a shoestring, and for good reason. The captivating Southeast Asian nation offers visitors extremely reasonably priced dining, accommodation, transport, and activities – even more so if you’re happy with a dorm bed and banh mi for dinner!
While Vietnam boasts vibrant, bustling cities, budget travelers won’t want to linger too long in hotspots like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. These cities are significantly pricier than rural areas, so we recommend packing as much sightseeing and street food as possible into a couple of days in each and then moving on to calmer destinations.
Keen hikers will want to check out the trails at Cat Ba Island or Bac Ha in northwest Vietnam and stay at affordable and culturally immersive homestays. Beach lovers should head to Phu Quoc for postcard-perfect white sand, or the striking Con Dao islands for coral reefs and beachside tropical rainforests.
Travelers who don’t mind getting wet may want to forego the dry season in Vietnam where prices are considerably higher and visit during the rainier months of April to June or September to November.
So, what can you expect to spend in Vietnam? Many travelers have reported that around $40 a day is enough to get by, with dorm beds starting at around $5 and private rooms around $20. Expect to pay around $15 for a sit-down meal for two, while many street food options are less than $1.
Thailand
Famous for its bustling capital, beautifully dramatic islands with golden sand beaches, and spectacular Buddhist temples, Thailand is a firm favorite for travelers on a budget who don’t want to scrimp on the adventure.
With scooter hire as little as $5 per day, basic guesthouse rooms from $15, and a street food meal from $1.20, it’s definitely possible to explore this Asian gem without breaking the bank.
Visitors should limit their time in Bangkok and steer clear of the high season – November to March – when prices shoot up in touristy areas. Using local buses and trains will help you cut down on private transport costs and eating at street stalls allows you to sample the local cuisine on a budget.
While some activities can be costly, such as guided hikes and boat trips, scuba divers will be happy as Thailand is one of the cheapest places to explore the underwater world. Not to mention, many breathtaking Buddhist temples are free to visit nationwide.
Mexico
Diverse, vast, and full of flavor – traveling in Mexico can feel like hopping from one moment in history to the next. From mountainous, colonial towns and ancient Mayan temples to expansive Caribbean beach resorts, the diversity of Mexico makes it a little trickier to determine affordability, but we’ve got some great suggestions for travelers on a shoestring.
How much you’ll pay for a meal, accommodation, or activities in Mexico depends on the region, the season, and how touristy it is. We suggest steering clear of famous hotspots like Cancún and Playa del Carmen where prices are akin to in the US, and heading to lesser-traveled but still beautiful destinations like Mérida or Sisal on the Yucatan peninsula, or Chiapas – where you’ll discover Mayan ruins between rainforest and wildlife.
And for those seeking breathtaking views and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, check out the spectacular waterfalls and charming town of San Luis Potosí in Central Mexico. Generally, the further inland and rural you go in Mexico, the lower the prices will be.
In Mexico, a hostel room can range from anything between $10-60, with a meal for two costing you between $20 and $100 depending on where you are. Stay out of tourist hotspots, focus on inland, undiscovered treasures, and you can likely keep your daily budget below $100.
Indonesia
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Famous for its thick jungles, captivating volcanoes, and stunning beaches, Indonesia is just waiting to be explored – and thankfully, it’s one of the cheapest destinations on our list.
With thousands of islands competing for tourist dollars, visitors can get by on $20 a day even in more popular hotspots like Bali and Java. One dollar can get you a delicious, steaming plate of fried noodles or rice at a street stall, and shared dorms are rare with air-conditioned double rooms for as cheap as $8 a night. Fancy renting a scooter? No problem – $20, and it’s yours for an entire week.
If you’re seriously on a shoestring, we recommend traveling during the rainy season of October to April, when prices will be lower. And if you’re looking for something a little less trampled than Bali, we recommend hitting up the wildlife haven of Sumatra, or the untouched paradise of Wildi Islands – scuba divers, this one is for you!
Nepal
At the top of all hiking lovers' bucket lists, Nepal is a stunning destination that can cater to any budget level. Boasting the breathtaking Himalayan mountain range, national parks teeming with rare wildlife and ancient cities bursting with history, Nepal has got it all – as long as you’re ready for an adventure.
If trekking is your main game in Nepal, we recommend waiting until you arrive to hire local guides so you cut out the middleman of booking online. Local food is delicious and cheap (a plate of delicious dumplings will set you back $1) and a basic room for two will cost around $12. Fifty dollars a day should be more than enough for any hungry hiker to get by!
When done smartly, travel doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. Opting for local food, cheaper transport options, and basic accommodation – you’ll be surprised at how far your dollar can go in even spectacular destinations. Want to earn air miles and access discounts at selected stores, just by booking your next vacation? Download the Top-Best Travel extension now.
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