Big adventures don’t need big budgets — that’s the whole idea behind this list of the best places to travel without breaking the bank. After years of chasing flight deals, I eventually found myself in Vietnam, eating like a king on just $20 a day.
In this guide, I’m sharing ten countries where hostels feel boutique-level, meals cost the same as a cup of coffee back home, and jaw-dropping natural sights are completely free. You’ll get practical currency tips, the best off-season windows, and simple transport tricks that help your money go a whole lot further.
Passport ready? Let’s plan a trip that proves travel doesn’t have to be expensive.
1. Thailand
- Explore Bangkok’s night markets
- Visit Chiang Mai’s ancient temples
- Lounge on Koh Lanta or Koh Tao
Meals for under $3, hostels under $15, and stunning experiences for next to nothing.
2. Vietnam
- Cruise through Hanoi’s Old Quarter
- Sail around Halong Bay
- Eat Pho and Banh Mi for $1–2
Transportation is dirt cheap, and the views are priceless.
3. Mexico
- Explore ruins at Chichen Itza
- Discover the colors of Oaxaca
- Relax in the Riviera Maya
Tacos, tamales, mezcal – all for a few dollars.
4. Portugal
- Ride the trams in Lisbon
- Sip port wine in Porto
- Explore medieval castles in Sintra
Try a pastel de nata (custard tart) for under €2, thank me later.
5. India
- Marvel at the Taj Mahal
- Ride scenic trains through the south
- Drift through Kerala’s backwaters
Stay in guesthouses for $10–20 and eat like royalty for less than $5/day.
6. Indonesia
- Hike Mount Bromo at sunrise
- Surf in Canggu or chill in Ubud
- Visit centuries-old temples
Indonesian street food like nasi goreng and satay can fill you up for $2.
7. Hungary
- Soak in thermal baths
- Visit ruin bars and riverside cafés
- Climb up Castle Hill for panoramic views
Meals under €10, transit passes under €5 – elegance on a dime.
8. Georgia (the country, not the state!)
A hidden gem between Europe and Asia, Georgia blends ancient history with stunning nature, and all on a budget.
- Tour wine country in Kakheti
- Hike the Caucasus Mountains
- Wander Tbilisi’s old-meets-new neighborhoods
Try khachapuri (cheese bread) and local wines for just a few dollars.
9. Greece
- Explore ancient ruins
- Swim in turquoise coves
- Dine at seaside tavernas
Feta, olive oil, and sea views, all on a backpacker’s budget.
10. Romania
- Visit Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania
- Stroll through medieval towns like Sibiu and Brasov
- Hike in the Carpathians
Museums, meals, and mountain adventures at Eastern European prices.
Travel Smarter: Budget Travel Tips That Save Big
- Travel Off-Season – Save on flights and lodging by avoiding peak months.
- Stay in Hostels or Guesthouses – Many offer private rooms for a fraction of hotel rates.
- Use Public Transport – Cheaper and a great way to see local life.
- Eat Local – Street food is your best friend (and usually the tastiest).
- Look for Free Days – Museums and landmarks often have free entry on certain days.
- Pack Light – Avoid extra baggage fees on budget airlines.
- Use Deal Apps – Skyscanner, Hopper, Rome2Rio, and Google Flights are essential.
- Be Flexible – Midweek flights and off-hours can save hundreds.
- Learn a Few Local Phrases – Locals appreciate it, and it may lead to travel hacks you wouldn’t find online.
You don’t need a five-star budget to have a five-star experience. These best places to travel on a budget prove that unforgettable adventures are accessible no matter your income. Whether it’s a $1 meal in Vietnam or a thermal soak in Hungary, the world is ready to be explored – and your wallet doesn’t have to suffer for it.
Where will you go first?