travel the world for cheap

How To Travel The World Cheap: 57 Epic Budget Travel Hacks for 2024!

There are lots of practices you can adopt in order to travel the world cheap . The most effective ways are to take advantage of Airmiles, exchange work for free food and accommodation, have a well researched travel plan and to be savvy with bank cards and money exchanges.

Since 2008 I’ve travelled all over the world on a fairly tight budget, often working as I go. In this guide I want to share 57 cheap travel hacks that I’ve picked up which will have you exploring the globe for less.

So, let’s get straight into it!

Transportation Travel Tips & Hacks

1. Flight booking hacks. One of the biggest initial costs when travelling is your flight ticket. So in order to travel cheap, use flight comparisons sites such as Kiwi . You may find booking directly through the airline is cheaper but always use a price comparison engine to check before you book.

Pro Tip : Make sure to clear your cookies and browsing history to avoid price increases. By searching for flights you are signalling to the world that you are looking to buy, so prices will then increase daily in order to get you to panic buy. Delete cookies or browse in incognito mode to avoid this. @import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Inter&family=Inter:wght@500&family=Noto+Serif&family=Noto+Serif:wght@500&display=swap'); .tp_wrapper { font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif; /* the font, can be replaced with 'Noto Serif' */ max-width: 1024px; } .tp_content { background-color: #DEE9F0; /* main block background color */ padding: 24px 32px 32px; } .tp_subtitle { margin: 0 0 16px; font-size: 22px; font-weight: 500; } .tp_text { font-size: 17px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 145%; margin: 0; } .tp_button { display: inline-block; background: #2A243B; border-radius: 6px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; color: #fff; font-size: 20px; margin-top: 24px; padding: 12px 32px; text-decoration: none; }

2. Try changing the home location of flight booking websites to see if purchasing in another currency is cheaper.

3. One of the cheapest ways to travel is through offering to get bumped off a flight in exchange for a flight voucher. These can be seriously rewarding! Companies will regularly overbook flights on the assumption that people will cancel or not show up. On those times when this doesn’t happen the airlines need to free up seats quick, and that’s where you step in!

4. For short trips choose carry on only or if you need to check baggage, pay for it online before you travel. Airlines will often charge more at the airport.

5. Save on rail travel costs by using railcards. I saved a ton through using the Japan Rail Pass during one visit, however they only save money if you use them to the full so do the research first.  Also consider using overnight trains to save on accommodation costs. This works great in some countries such as India and is an awesome local experience too.

6. If you feel comfortable, consider hitchhiking. Alternatively, connect with other travellers at your hostel to carpool.

7. If you have a flexible plan, investigate relocating vehicles to get free or discounted car hire.

Consider renting a car with Rentalcars , an international car rental booking service that is present all over the world. With Rentalcars you will definitely find a perfect car for your perfect trip wherever you are.

8. When travelling for long periods save money through walking or using buses, instead of using expensive taxis. Use ride sharing apps such as Uber, Lyft, Cabify and Grab. Uber opened the door for cheap car journeys but now there are lots of different companies operating all over the world. Research which ones are best for the areas you’re traveling too and download the app before you go.

9. One of the biggest ways to traveling on the cheap by far, is to use an Airmiles credit card. Every time you spend money with that credit card you will be earning Airmile points which can be exchanged for flights. Just remember to always pay off your credit card every month to avoid high interest fees.

10. Create frequent flyer accounts with every airline you travel with then sit back and enjoy the rewards.

11. A top sneaky travel hack is to jump on airline price errors. Sometimes airfares can pop up at crazy low prices, often caused by a glitch in the Matrix (or something!). If you manage to purchase one of these flights the airline will often honour the incorrect price. Act fast and take advantage of these opportunities by following these ninja websites:

• Secret flying.com
• Jacks Flight Club (UK) or Scott’s Cheap Flights (US)
• The Flight Deal

12. Pack light and smart to avoid excess baggage fees. Roll your clothes or use packing cubes to save on space.

13. Take advantage of layovers to enjoy a quick city visit without any extra flight costs.

14. Try booking two one-way trips rather than a return. I’ve had success with this on flights and rail trips.

15. Keep receipts for gift purchases and claim back the tax at the airport before you leave the country.

16. Travel by campervan. If you’re looking to explore your own country (or continent), consider buying a campervan to combine your method of transportation with your accommodation. My campervan has been one of the best investments I’ve ever made and I can highly recommend it. For all the latest info on converting your own campervan check out my van life section .

Accommodation Travel Hacks

17. Get cheap or free accommodation through housesitting . With housesitting you will generally look after the persons house whilst they are away. Many housesitting jobs often include pet sitting.

18. Get free accommodation and learn all about life from a local through couch surfing .

19. Pick accommodation with free breakfast to save on food costs.

20. Choose private hostel rooms instead of more expensive hotels.

🏨 Where can I find the cheapest hostels?

You will definitely find the hostel you need with Hostelworld , the global hostel-focused online booking platform, inspires passionate travelers to see the world, meet new people, and come back with extraordinary stories to tell.

21. Use booking.com ‘s price matching promise to get the best price on hotels.

22. Travelling on a special occasion? Be sure to let your hotel know and they might offer you a free upgrade.

Work Abroad

23. Exchange work for accommodation and/or food with companies such as Workaway or World packers. Or, if you want to learn about organic growing, check out WWOOF .

24. Earn a passive income to support yourself whilst travelling. There are so many ways to get a side hustle going these days but some examples include;

• Selling your photos on stock photography websites such as Dreamstime or Shutterstock.
• Starting a website. Make sure you use a fast and reliable host. For my websites I use Siteground .
• Selling your photos directly with a website that does it all for you. I use Smugmug .
• Teaching English online.

25. Join a voluntary programme abroad for example VSO. Many volunteer programmes charge a fee and in return they will provide accommodation, food and training. There are volunteer programmes all over the world in all sorts of different professions. For example, I joined the American Conservation Experience as I was interested in conservation and wanted to explore the South West . Here are some other ideas to explore .

26. Work in a travel job, for example as a tour guide with Contiki, Exodus or Backroads. For adventure travel consider life as an Overland Leader. I’ve worked as an overland leader for severn years and have travelled extensively through Asia, Africa and the Americas. Read more about this job here . If you have a particular trade you can also work on cruise ships or private yachts.

27. Work abroad with a work visa. Below the age of 30 work visas for many countries are quite straight forward to get. Whilst in that country you can then pick up temporary work which is usually unskilled, such as fruit picking, retail or a bar work.

After a certain age, usually 30, some countries will still allow you to work but will require work visas for specific professions, for example as a ski instructor or scuba dive instructor.

Alternatively you could get your TEFL certificate and teach English abroad. This can also be done remotely, online.

28. Do your job online. Can your work be done remotely? Post Covid it seems like more companies are exploring this as a full time option so this could open new avenues for many. If you have a service that can be provided online you could also offer your services on Craigslist or Fivrr. 

Destination Tips For Budget Travel

29. A cheap way to travel is to visit destinations where your home currency is strong. You’ll benefit from a strong exchange rate and from cheaper costs of living.

30. Whilst you’re on a tight budget, skip destinations with expensive visas.

31. Stick to one region at a time to avoid air travel costs. When I first went travelling I booked a round the world air ticket thinking I could see the world in 6 months. Boy did I have a lot to learn! Pick one region to fully explore first before moving onto the next. Don’t do what I did and be in a hurry to see everything all at once.

32. Travel during the shoulder season to benefit from lower costs and avoid the crowds at the same time – double win!

Food Travel Hacks To Save Money

33. Cook your own food. One of the best ways to travel around the world for cheap is to limit the amount you spend of food. Now don’t get me wrong I am a complete foodie and believe one of the best things about travelling is experiencing new types of cuisine. However, eating new types of food doesn’t mean going to the most expensive restaurants, in fact it’s often the opposite. But travelling on a limited budget does mean it’s not possible to eat out everyday since the cheapest way to eat often involves cooking your own food. Therefore choose accommodation with kitchens included such as hostels or rent an apartment.

34. Jump on happy hours and all you can eat deals.

35. Eat out at delicious and cheap street food stalls with the locals.

36. Avoid restaurants near popular tourist spots as these will often be overpriced.

37. Limit your alcohol if you have a limited budget.  Alcohol is often expensive and isn’t a necessity.

38. Use a filtered water bottle and never buy water again. Check out this guide to discover which filtered water bottle I recommend for travel .

39. Stealth budget travel hack: Use chewing gum or tic tac containers to transport your favourite spices. Cheap food doesn’t have to be bland!

Planning Tips For How To Travel On The Cheap

40. Set a budget and stick to it. But be sure to include a generous contingency to allow for times when things don’t go to plan or to cover a once in a lifetime opportunity if it arrises. 

41. If you are travelling on a tight budget you need to make a plan before you leave. List your priorities before you set off and refer to the list once you’re on the road. That way you won’t get sucked into doing expensive tours that you weren’t interested in anyway. Check out Google Maps Trip Planner for a great free trip planning tool.

42. Research whether activities you want to enjoy are cheaper to book in advance or are best left open and flexible. Last minute trips can sometimes work out cheaper.

43. If you don’t want the hassle of planning a trip use a travel agent. They know what they’re doing and can often find you the best deals.

44. Get smart and savvy with city tourist cards which provide entrance fees for multiple sites. If you know you’re going to visit all the top sites these will definitely save you money overall. 

45. Enjoy free city walking tours. I’ve enjoyed great free city tours in Galway and Yerevan to name just two. But of course they’re not completely free – don’t forget to tip!

46. Research entrance prices beforehand to avoid getting scammed. However, just be aware of what the local currency is doing as prices can jump up if a currency weakens.

47. Follow your favourite travel companies on social media to learn about special promotions or giveaways.

Money Top Tips For Traveling Cheap

48. Get smart on money Exchange. Never change money at the airport or at busy tourist spots as these will have the worst rates. Hotels or hostels may also offer exchanges which again typically aren’t the best rates but they are safe and convenient so way up the risks/benefits of both.

49. An easy but important cheap way to travel is to use a travel card or join a bank with no overseas fees. This way you can hit the ATM without getting hit with overseas withdrawal fees. I use Starling Bank which is an online bank. All of my transactions are managed online via an app. Also, if purchasing online, they don’t charge for overseas transactions and have decent exchange rates.

50. Haggle but don’t be a d**k! Some cultures embrace bartering, expect it even, but these local people also have to support themselves so don’t be the person that walks away from a purchase for the sake of a dollar! 

51. Use donatefull.com or groupon.com to find best coupons or use wikibuy to apply coupon codes at checkout.

52. A top life hack for travelling is to purchase a Scrubba bag and save on laundry bills. This nifty little bag packs down really small so doesn’t take up any room in your luggage and with just a 3 minute shake, can wash your clothes as good as any washing machine!

53. Keep rechargeable batteries in the fridge or at least in shady places. Rechargeable batteries retain 90% of their full charge if they’re kept cold. Not freezer cold though as this will have the opposite effect.

Phone and Internet

54. Get a local sim card and avoid hefty roaming fees. In some countries these can be a rather involved process but for most it’s quite straight forward. You often need your passport to register the sim card.

55. Use offline maps to save data. I use maps.me for most places when I’m travelling.

56. Consider investing in your own wifi router if you require a good connection. In our campervan we use this super fast Huawei wifi travel hotspot which allows us to connect multiple devices in areas where signal is typically poor.

Travel Insurance

57. Last but by no means least, get yourself some good travel insurance. Travel insurance can be expensive for long trips but you just never know when you might need it. The world of insurance can be a minefield but the guys at SafetyWing do great deals for long term travel through allowing you pay on a month by month basis. I highly recommend checking them out.

Summary On How To Travel The World Cheaply

Travelling around the world cheaply can do be done in many ways but it often requires a good amount of planning in advance. Be prepared for your trip through investigating the best deals, signing up for Airmile credit cards and joining frequent flyer programmes. Consider exchanging work for accommodation and reduce food costs through cooking your own food. Ensure you have the best bank cards to avoid big transaction fees, choose destinations where your currency is strong and use local Sim cards for the best phone and internet deals.

Through incorporating even just a few of these cheap travel tips you’ll be well on your way to exploring further, for longer 🙂

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Louise is a Mountain Leader and Snowboard Instructor from South Wales. As a former Adventure Tour Leader she has spent the last 15 years travelling Asia, Africa and the Americas. Louise is a published photographer and is currently based in the UK.

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The 30 Cheapest Places to Travel in 2024

01/01/2024 by Ashley Yap 88 Comments

Which countries in the world offer the most value? Where can you travel to in 2024 that will allow you to go for longer, enjoy a higher standard, and save more money? The following are 30 destinations around the world that offer the essentials – accommodation, transportation, and food – for less:

Table of Contents

Our Favorite Cheap Destinations Quick List:

• Best in Southeast Asia for Food: Vietnam
• Best in Southeast Asia for Beaches: Philippines
• Best in Asia for Hiking: Kyrgyzstan
• Best in Europe for Food: Greece
• Best in Europe for Beaches: Croatia
• Best in Europe for Quaint Towns: Estonia
• Best in Europe for Smaller Crowds: Georgia
• Best in the Americas: Guatemala
• Best for Safari: South Africa

1. Laos, $30/day

Back in my budget backpacking days around Southeast Asia , Laos was one of the two destinations where I was able to keep my budget at $30/day, even though the accommodation was slightly more expensive than most places in Southeast Asia at that time. Many of the amazing activities you can do in Laos are cheap. I paid $2.50 to see one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, $7 for a full-day tubing experience along the Vang Vieng river, and $6 for an awesome tiger balm massage. You can also rent a motorbike for cheap and venture off to the smaller towns, where everything is even cheaper! With more and more new hostels built to cater to the increasing number of backpackers, you can go for cheaper for longer. However, if you have a bit more to spend, you can get a gorgeous room for closer to $35 which would easily cost $100 in the US.

• Meals: $3 – $9 per day. Some hostels provide a basic breakfast
• Accommodation: $5-$10 per night in a hostel
• Transportation: $6 – $15 for a motorbike for the day (prices may vary depending on the bike condition and your haggling skills), or up to $25 for an intercity bus ticket
• SIM card with data: $6 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity

– Read More –

A complete guide to Laos

2. Vietnam, $35/day

I probably had the healthiest and cheapest street food in Vietnam . Think a soup with rice noodles, cilantro, amazing broth, and a whole shank of pork for $1.50, or a cup of strong, aromatic coffee for $1. Regarding transportation, if you rent a motorbike, you are all set for the day. However, I understand that not everyone is comfortable riding a motorbike, especially in countries like Vietnam where the road traffic can be overwhelmingly chaotic. The good news is that GrabBike (similar to Uber but on bikes!) is widely available in all major cities, and the cost is as low as $0.50 for a 2km ride! Long-distance buses and trains are also affordable and reliable. Accommodation is similarly pleasant and easier to afford than almost anywhere else in the world.

• Meals: $5 – $12 per day. Some hostels provide a basic breakfast.
• Transportation: $8 – $15 for motorbike rental or GrabBike trips

The ultimate backpacking Vietnam route planner

A complete guide to Vietnam

3. Cambodia, $30/day

I know for sure that if you choose to rough it, you can easily spend a month in Cambodia with just $1000. Dorms are very basic but can be dirt cheap, the same goes for food and alcohol. I also had my haggling skills to thank as I was almost always able to talk my way out of being charged unfairly by the Tuk Tuk drivers. There are some one-off expenses such as the 3-day pass to Angkor Wat, which is currently set at $62, and diving trips that add up, but there will also be days of riding bicycle in a small village and eating cheap and delicious meat skewers when just a dollar or two could stretch very far.

Another thing is to consider the gorgeous, mostly new boutique hotels on booking.com . They are obviously not as cheap as staying in hostels, but for the price, they are so worth it! I’d definitely splurge on a couple of nights and have some R&R time by the pool.

READ NEXT: 23 cheapest 5-star hotels around the world

• Meals: $5 – $10 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast.
• Accommodation: $5-$15 per night in a hostel
• Transportation: $6-$15 for a motorbike for the day (prices may vary depending on the bike condition and your haggling skills) or for an intercity bus ticket
• SIM card with data : $2 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity. Yes, it is that cheap!

A perfect Cambodia itinerary

A complete guide to Cambodi a

4. Northern Thailand, $32/day

The north of Thailand is easy on a tight budget. As one moves south, costs for accommodation start to double, triple, and even quadruple. Stay up north if you are short on time and budget for your Thailand trip. Even in popular places like Chiang Mai and Pai , you can easily find basic dorms for less than $7. If you stick with eating street food (To each her own, but why eat pasta when you can have pad Thai, am I right?), not only will you save yourself some money, the experience will be much more authentic and delicious, too. As far as activities go, you really do not need a lot of money to enjoy your day as most activities such as visiting the White Temple, hiking, or gathering three other people from your hostel to rent a car and go on some day trips , are all affordable.

Meals: $5 – $15 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast Accommodation: $5-$10 per night in a hostel Transportation: $6-$10 for a motorbike for the day (prices may vary depending on the bike condition and your haggling skills) or a rental car split between 4 people SIM card with data: $7 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity

Thailand bucket list: 50 best things to do

A complete guide to Thailand

5. Indonesia, $35/day

The thing about Indonesia is that it can be really cheap , or it can be quite expensive, depending on one big thing – transportation. Intercity traveling can be very time-consuming and costly, as is traveling from one island to another with a private boat. To save costs, stick with a region or two! There’s a lot to do and see , and spending more time in one place will only allow you to travel deeper and have a more meaningful experience anyway. If you want to travel far and wide on a budget, my biggest tip is to take the local transportation!

On the flip side, food and drinks are cheap throughout the country, not to mention absolutely delicious too! Riding a scooter through the mountains costs very little, and so does hiking, chasing waterfalls, and slouching in a hammock by the beach all day long. Hostels are plentiful, social, and affordable, especially in places like  the Gili Islands .

• Meals: $5 – $15 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast.
• Accommodation: $7-$15 per night in a hostel
• Transportation: $8-$15 for a motorbike for the day (prices may vary depending on the bike condition and your haggling skills)
• SIM card with data: $5 for 2GB with 30-day validity

The Perfect Indonesia Itinerary for 2 weeks to 2 months

A complete guide to Indonesia

6. The Philippines, $37/day

The Philippines’s archipelago can cost quite a lot of money and time to get around, and the hostel options aren’t nearly as abundant as in other Southeast Asia countries. While these two factors seem like a big turn-off for travelers trying to stretch their budget as far as possible, there are ways to keep your travel cost in the Philippines low. If you choose to travel during shoulder seasons, book your flights and plan your journey way in advance (it is not the country to always wing it!), and try to stick within 1-2 regions, the Philippines can still be affordable. On top of that, the country has some of the most gorgeous islands , beautiful dive sites, affordable group island hopping tours , and hidden gems  you’d have had to pay so much more to experience in other parts of the world. In that sense, the Philippines is worth every peso you spend.

• Accommodation: $7-$20 per night in a hostel
• Transportation: $10-$15 for a motorbike for the day (prices may vary depending on the bike condition and your haggling skills) or $15 – $20 for a boat ride from one island to another
• SIM card with data: $6 for 2GB with 30-day validity

The Perfect Philippines Itinerary

A complete guide to The Philippines

7. Malaysia, $40/day

Being one of the most economically developed Southeast Asian countries, Malaysia is often perceived as expensive . On top of that, when I visited Malaysia for the first time, a few people told me it wasn’t worth staying long. However, I ended up meeting lots of locals, more able to communicate and find more common ground with them than I had in Cambodia or Laos, and had so much fun exploring Cameron Highlands, the jungles of Borneo , and the gorgeous islands. The cherry on top? They were all affordable . An overnight bus from Kuala Lumpur to the Perhentian Islands costs as little as $15, there are so many interesting local neighborhoods and markets that are free to explore, and finally, the Malaysian cuisine is like no other – you can find food from just about any culture, and it’s so cheap and delicious – but not necessarily healthy. Malaysia is also one of the cheapest places in the world to get a PADI scuba diving certificate.

The one thing that could make Malaysia expensive to travel in is alcohol, which is highly taxed. However, if you don’t plan on drinking every night, that will not be an issue.

• Meals: $5 – $10 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast
• Accommodation: $7 – $15 per night in a hostel
• Transportation: $5 – $7 for a full day of train and bus rides, or $15 – $20 for an overnight intercity bus ride
• SIM card with data: $8 for 2GB with 30-day validity

The Best Places to Visit in Malaysia

A complete guide to Malaysia

8. Sri Lanka, $35/day

Like many countries, Sri Lanka can be seen on a backpacker budget , or one can spend a small fortune there. The biggest kicker was the price of activities, such as safaris, and admission into the UNESCO World Heritage sites.  With each running about $40-$50 per ticket, this made Sri Lanka more expensive to fully explore. That said, Sri Lanka can be done on closer to $30 per day on the days that you don’t pay for expensive activities. Food, transport, accommodation, and Internet are relatively cheap. One thing to note about transportation is that in some cases, taking a taxi / uber (in major cities) can be cheaper than renting a bike. Hiring a driver for the day can be as low as $5 per person if you can find people in your hostel to split the cost. The cheapest transportation is the train, which is delightful and IMO, the best way to travel through Sri Lanka.

Disclaimer: 2022 saw a great amount of unrest in Sri Lanka. As of the publishing of this post, the country is still under a level 2 advisory (exercise increased caution) from the US State Department.

• Accommodation: $8-$15 per night in a hostel
• Transportation : $15-$20 per person for a private car and driver split between 4 people, or $3-$5 for a second-class cabin train ride between cities
• SIM card with data: $2 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity. Yes, it is that cheap!

Sri Lanka’s best plac es to visit

A complete guide to Sri Lanka

9. Nepal, $30/day ($15/day if trekking)

Nepal is a very cheap country to travel through, with most food, accommodation, and transport running at just a few dollars if you eat, sleep, and travel using local options. For food, while I never seem to get any stomach problems eating street food, street food in Nepal does not have the best reputation. You can get cheap and delicious home-cooked meals in local-run small cafes though. Be very mindful when you book your accommodation online, as big corporations have taken over local homestays and turned them into boutique hotels and resorts. The “local guesthouses” you’ve booked may very well be part of a big hotel chain. I suggest booking the first couple of nights online, and looking for accommodation from real local guesthouses when you arrive.

If you end up trekking , as long as you do so independently and avoid Mt. Everest itself, which costs tens of thousands of dollars, you can travel for as cheap as $10 per day on food and accommodation at the lower elevations, and closer to $20 USD at higher elevations on popular routes like the  Annapurna Circuit .

• Accommodation : $7-$12 per night in a local guesthouse
• Transportation: $10-$15 per person for a private car and driver split between 4 people, or a local bus ride between cities
• SIM card with data: $3 for 1.25GB with 30-day validity. Yes, it is that cheap!

A complete guide to N epa l

10. Taiwan, $45/day

Two words: street food. For less than $2, you can get a plate of fragrant rice with pork/chicken on top, a large deep-fried chicken chop, or a bowl of delicious vermicelli with oysters. Food in Taiwan is delicious and ridiculously cheap. If you are a foodie on a budget, you know where to go! In cities like Taipei and Tainan, you can register for their city bikes, which cost less than $0.50 per hour per ride and are free for the first 30 minutes. This means you can possibly get around the city all day without spending any money on transportation at all.

That said, high-end food and clothing prices in Taiwan can sometimes be at US-level. Intercity traveling is either expensive with the High-Speed Rail (HSR), or time-consuming with slightly cheaper options. Internet is also not as cheap as in the countries above.

• Accommodation: $10 – $35 per night in a hostel  (I highly recommend this one in Taipei !)
• Transportation : $0 – $3 for a full day of bike, bus, and train rides, or $20 – $40 for an HSR ride between cities
• SIM card with data: $33 for unlimited data with 28-day validity

11. India, $25/day

India is perhaps the cheapest country to travel to, but if and only if you’re willing to haggle and hunt for deals. Keep in mind that cheap rooms that run in the $3 range will be very basic and it’s normal to shower with buckets of heated water. You will be hard-pressed to find cheap gems in the north, but the south with its gorgeous beaches may prove more fruitful when it comes to budget accommodation.

The best way to travel through India on a budget is to book things yourself. This means no agents and no online booking sites (except for some intercity travel. For that, check out  12Go Asia ). Similar to Nepal, if you walk into local guesthouses, restaurants, and tour companies, you could easily get the same things in person for half the quoted price online.

• Meals: $3 – $6 per day
• Accommodation : $5 – $10 per night in a local guesthouse
• Transportation : $1 – $3 for a full day of bus and train rides, or $8 – $30 for an intercity train ride (sometimes a domestic flight costs as little as $30, if you want to splurge without actually splurging!)
• SIM card with data: $3 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity. Yes, it is that cheap!

12. Kyrgyzstan, $25/day

Kyrgyzstan is the country of choice for most travelers interested in trying out Central Asia, and thus most well-suited to  travelers of all budgets . Food is cheap and interesting, and so is getting around using the minibusses. Public transportation prices are fixed and are probably the cheapest aspect of traveling in Kyrgyzstan. As for accommodation, you can find hostels in major destinations and local homestays in more rural places for less than $10. If you are doing a multi-day hike like the Tian Shan Mountains , the tour price should include most things.

• Meals: $4 – $8 per day
• Accommodation: $8 – $12 per night in a hostel or a local guesthouse
• Transportation: $0.20 for a local minibus ride, or $4 for an intercity bus ride – that’s right!
• SIM card with data: $3 for 3GB with 30-day validity. Though I wouldn’t expect it to work in the mountains

A quick guide to Kyrgyzstan

13. Romania, $40/day

If you are planning a European trip that’s affordable and a little bit off the beaten path, Romania is perfect for you. While the country is known for Dracula, many charming towns and free activities remain unknown to most foreigners. Whether you’re taking a long stroll through the medieval villages, or people-watching in one of the beautiful parks, Romania is great for anyone after a European experience on a budget. You can also make use of the free walking tours to check out the numerous historical sites. Hostels run $10-$15 per night, and food is hearty and delicious (a money-saving tip: Have your breakfast at the hostel, have a big hearty meal for lunch, and cook your own meal for dinner. It’s easy and affordable to get fresh produce from the local market, make sure your hostel has a kitchen!), and public transportation is reliable and affordable.

• Meals: $10 – $15 per day
• Accommodation: $12 – $20 per night in a hostel or a local guesthouse
• Transportation : $5 – $10 for a full day of bus and train rides
• SIM card with data : $6 for 3GB with 28-day validity

14. Georgia, $30/day

Georgia is another underrated European destination that’s absolutely beautiful and affordable. Also, get this: most of you will be able to enter Georgia without a visa , and stay for one year. Say what?!

Quality hostels at a reasonable price range, a meal at a local restaurant for as low as $3, and a local minibus ride for less than $1 are just some of the great things Georgia can offer to its visitors. What’s more? Entrance fees to museums and historical sites are mostly less than $2.  The locals are extremely warm and welcoming, and hitchhiking is totally possible for short and long-distance travel. There are many day trips, hikes, and monasteries in Georgia, where one can easily spend months and not get bored. It’s perfect if you have more time than money.

• Accommodation: $10 – $15 per night in a hostel
• Transportation: $3 – $5 for a full day of bus and train rides, $5-$10 for an intercity ride, or $0 if you hitchhike!
• SIM card with data: $3 for 1GB with 1-month validity

15. Greece, $45/day

Timing is crucial if you want to travel in Greece on a budget. While prices of flights, accommodation and tours have been largely cut down since the country’s debt crisis in 2010, summer months still cost more than others. This means avoiding July and August, which are the hottest and busiest months in Greece. Instead, go a few weeks before or after summer, and you will be able to enjoy Greece with smaller crowds and a lower budget. You can also cut down on food costs by buying fresh produce from the market and making your own meals, since eating out in restaurants can be expensive in certain parts of Greece. A little picnic by the gorgeous beach can be as enjoyable as a lavish meal at a seafood restaurant!

As far as activities go, opt for the free walking tours available, and if you are planning to do some island hopping in Greece , plan well and stick with a group of islands to minimize transfers. Remember that sometimes a domestic flight can be cheaper than a bus ride for any long-distance travel.

• Transportation : $10 – $15 per person for a rental car split between 4 people (note: scooter rental costs about $25 – $30/day), or $10-$20 for ferry tickets around the islands
• SIM card with data : $12 for 2GB with 30-day validity

16. Czech Republic, $40/day

As more and more tourists flock to the Czech Republic, or more specifically, Prague, for its rich history and cheaper-than-water beer, prices have inflated over the last few years. However, it is still easily one of the cheapest central European countries to travel in, especially if you go beyond Prague, such as Cesky Krumlov and Telc, to experience true Czech culture at a much lower cost. Local transportation is reliable and affordable, and if you plan to do a lot of traveling, consider getting a 3-day pass for $16.

Czech cuisine is very hearty and large in portion. While it’s not the healthiest (most meals consist of potato and meat), it will surely fill you up so to stretch your budget – eat out at a local restaurant for lunch, and have a light snack for dinner. Entrance fees to historical sites and museums can be quite expensive ($18 to enter the Prague Castle), but you don’t always have to actually enter – the hikes up are awesome, and you can always admire the architecture from outside, and pick the most intriguing ones to go in.

• Meals : $10 – $15 per day
• Accommodation : $12 – $20 per night in a hostel
• Transportation: $5 for a full day of tram rides, $15-$20 for an intercity bus ride
• SIM card with data : $13 for 2GB with 1-month validity

17. Poland, $44/day

If you are a fan of heritage sites, Poland has 14 to offer. A country rich with culture and history, it’s a shame that Poland is often overlooked by tourists. It costs an average of $5 to enter museums and historical sites, which is fairly affordable by European standards. Food is delicious and has a bit more variety than its neighboring countries, though it’s still heavy on the calories. The trains are a bit dated but cost very little.

Poland is one of those countries where you can easily spend an entire day just wandering and people-watching. There will be days when you spend nothing else but on essentials. Make sure to eat at a “milk bar”, an affordable yet delicious option that’s popular with locals. Go beyond Krakow and Warsaw, and explore other smaller towns like Gdansk, Wroclaw, and Zakopane, which are all stunning and possibly even cheaper to travel in.

• Accommodation : $9 – $20 per night in a hostel
• Transportation: $1 – $3 for a full day of train rides, $10-$15 for an intercity train ride
• SIM card with data: $3 for 2GB with 1-month validity

18. Croatia, $47/day

If you like turquoise waters, sunshine, and parties, look no further than Croatia to plan your next budget trip. There are thousands of islands surrounding its mainland, excellent weather from May – October, and beach and yacht parties year-round. The essential expenses including accommodation, transportation and food all come with a reasonable price tag. There is also beautiful architecture to marvel at, interesting sights such as the Museum of Broken Relationships , as well as cute small towns to explore.

To travel in Croatia on a budget, you need a similar approach to Greece – travel in the shoulder season. July & August are the country’s busiest months, so avoid them if possible. Also, keep your island hopping to a group of islands to minimize transfers. Since Croatia is gaining more popularity each year, expect prices to keep rising and aim to visit sooner than later if you want to snag a deal.

• Meals: $10 – $15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast.
• Accommodation : $12 – $30 per night in a hostel
• Transportation : $12 – $15 per person for a rental car split between 4 people , or $10-$15 for a ferry ride
• SIM card with data : $8 for 2GB with 30-day validity

19. Turkey, $45/day

Turkey can be cheap or expensive, depending on what you want to do and how deeply you want to travel through the country. A hot air balloon ride costs around $400-$500, and intercity traveling can be really long and costly. However, the country has a bunch of other bucket list-worthy items that cost way less, and if you plan your route well, it is definitely possible, if not easy, to travel through Turkey on a budget.

The stunning Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the breathtaking white travertines in Pamukkale, and the hustling bazaars all over the country are relatively affordable to enter. While the long-distance buses are expensive, if you plan well and take the overnight buses, you get to save on accommodation. If you are short on time and money, stick with a city or two. Turkish food is delicious and cheap, so that’s one less thing to worry about!

• Transportation : $1 – $3 for a taxi ride or $30 – $60 for an intercity overnight bus ride

20. Lithuania, $44/day

Lithuania is a tiny country that most travelers skip or spend at most a night or two in just the capital city, Vilnius. However, this charming place is not only underrated but also very affordable to travel in! If you enjoy partying, the nightlife scene in Vilnius is vibrant and fun, and the alcohol is fairly affordable. If you’d like a quieter experience, check out the Old Town in Kaunas, Klaipeda, and Curonian Spit. Bear in mind that outside of the capital city, hostels can be hard to come by, so book in advance or even consider Couchsurfing!

• Accommodation : $10 – $20 per night in a hostel
• Transportation : $3 – $6 for a full day of bus rides within the city, or $15 – $20 for an intercity bus ride. Buses seem to be more reliable than trains in Lithuania!
• SIM card with data: Get a Baltic SIM card for $7 for 3GB with 30-day validity

22. Estonia, $44/day

Nature lovers will love Estonia – 53% of the country is forested. This also means that activities like hiking and exploring the national parks are plentiful and affordable (if not completely free). The small towns are also great for walking and cycling, so transportation costs can be minimized. On that note, affordable hostels can be hard to come by in these small towns, so consider basing yourself in the capital city, Tallinn, and make day trips to visit them.

• Accommodation: $10 – $20 per night in a hostel
• Transportation: $3 – $6 for a full day of train rides within the city, or $10 – $15 for an intercity train ride

23. Latvia, $47/day

Similar to Estonia, half of the country is covered in forests. There are also thousands of lakes and rivers in Latvia, perfect for canoeing lovers. The best time to go to Latvia is during fall or winter, when you can canoe down the rivers with the color-changing leaves accompanying you or when the Christmas vibe is on full display at the local Christmas markets. One can also easily spend an entire day wandering through the enchanting forests with castles hidden in them (okay, maybe not “hidden,” but this sounds dreamier, as castles should be). All of these activities are affordable/free, which is why traveling in Latvia can be done on a budget.

• Meals : $12 – $15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast.
• Accommodation: $14 – $25 per night in a hostel
• Transportation: $2 – $5 for a full day of train rides within the city, or $10 – $15 for an intercity train ride.
• SIM card with data : Get a Baltic SIM card for $7 for 3GB with 30-day validity

THE AMERICAS

24. mexico, $42/day.

From Tulum to Baja California , Mexico is full of endless adventures . This vast country is rich in culture, nature, and some of the best food in the world. Though the country does not have the best reputation as far as safety goes , most violence takes place in certain areas, and Mexico is a big country with plenty of safe places to explore . Now the good news? It’s easy to travel in Mexico on a budget. For less than $20, you will be able to explore at least 5 stunning cenotes , like the one in the picture above; for less than $3, you can devour delicious street food like tacos (I LOVE tacos), quesadillas and tortillas; the white sand beaches are essentially free, and the hospitality? Priceless.

While getting around within a city is cheap, intercity traveling in Mexico can be costly, mainly because of how big the country is. The best case scenario is to rent a car , which costs about $50 – $70 per day and split between 4 people. If you are backpacking Mexico solo , try to stay in the same place for a longer time to stretch the transportation costs out. That way, you are able to travel deeper and experience authentic Mexico, too.

• Meals: $8 – $15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast
• Accommodation: $10 – $17 per night in a hostel ( click here for the best hotels in Tulum )
• Transportation: $3 – $5 for a full day of bus and train rides, or $30 – $50 for an intercity bus ride (yikes!)
• SIM card with data: $10 for 2GB with a 30-day validity

Solo female travel guide to Mexic o

A complete guide to Mexico

25. Nicaragua, $35/day

Nicaragua is one of the cheapest Central American destinations to travel in, although it’s not likely to stay that way for much longer. The country is nicknamed as the next Costa Rica , and we all know what that means. For now, the country remains affordable, fun, and interesting so go before the prices go up and before mass tourism hits.

For outdoor lovers, Nicaragua is great for surfing, volcano hiking, and diving. For a more relaxing journey, the colonial cities are beautiful to take a stroll in, and there are plenty of gorgeous beaches to lie all day on. Food is cheap and delicious albeit repetitive. There are hostels all over the country so you don’t have to worry about finding cheap accommodation. One thing to note is that there is unfortunately safety concerns in the country, so check the official advisory site and be your own judge before going.

• Meals: $6 – $10 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast
• Accommodation : $5 – $15 per night in a hostel
• Transportation : $3 – $5 for a full day of chicken bus rides, or $8 – $15 for an intercity bus ride
• SIM card with data : $12 for 1GB with a 30-day validity

26. Guatemala, $38/day

For an amazing Central American adventure on a budget, check out Guatemala. A visit to Guatemala is no complete without seeing the beautiful Lake Atitlán , but that’s not all – the country is covered in lush jungles, volcanos, and ruins, perfect for outdoor lovers. When you need a break from outdoor sports, colonial cities like Antigua or unique spots like Hobbitenango will capture your heart with their stunning architecture and cobblestone streets. Local food is delicious and cheap at about $3 for a full meal (except in Antigua, where prices are actually close to US levels).

Local transportation can be very cheap but at times confusing and risky. The locals typically take the chicken buses, which are converted school buses from North America, and are the cheapest way to get around. The buses do not have specific stops, nor is there a board with prices on it. Instead, people simply wave the buses down, and pay the collector money. Watch how much the locals are paying and pay the same.

• Accommodation : $10 – $15 per night in a hostel
• Transportation: $1 – $3 for a full day of chicken bus rides, or $5 – $10 for an intercity bus ride
• SIM card with data: $13 for 2GB with a 30-day validity

27. Colombia, $35/day

A colorful destination with a dark past, Colombia is fast becoming a popular affordable destination. If you are a history geek, you will love the museums and historical sites in Bogota, the Lost City, and beyond. If you are into nature, the Amazon awaits. As for diving enthusiasts, Colombia also boasts some of the world’s best diving sites and gorgeous beaches. With accommodation, transportation and food being so affordable, you will have room for some occasional splurges – consider booking a luxurious villa for a night or two, you won’t get a deal this great anywhere else in this part of the world!

• Meals: $10 – $15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast
• Accommodation : $8 – $12 per night in a hostel
• Transportation : $1 – $3 for a full day of bus rides, or $10 – $50 for an intercity bus ride (be sure to check the domestic flights which can sometimes be cheaper than buses)
• SIM card with data : $13 for 2GB with a 30-day validity

28. Arizona & Utah (for a road trip!), $45/day

While the US is generally not a super budget destination, if you are doing a road trip, you can definitely save in some areas and splurge in others to even out your overall budget. For my American Southwest road trip , I spent an average of $110/day , which included a camper van rental, food, gas, camping, plus little splurges here and there. Now, it was definitely more expensive because I was solo. If you had just one other person, you’d be able to split the costs almost perfectly in half. If you had two other people along, take it down to one third and so on. The more, the merrier (until you run out of room and start elbowing each other).

Some quick tips on saving money:

• Get a national park pass and for $80, you will be able to get a carload of people into any national park in the US for an entire year.
• Rent a camper van if you are renting a car. Then your accommodation apart from the van fee can be absolutely free by camping only on BLM land .
• Cook your own meals! Again, renting a camper van with kitchen facilities will enable this and save you a lot of money
• Meals : $12 – $15/day
• Accommodation : free
• Transportation : $9/day for a camper van split between 4 people
• SIM card with data : $35 for 1GB with a 30-day validity

A complete guide to Utah

A complete guide to Arizona

29. South Africa, $42/day

If you are traveling on USD or Euro, the exchange rate alone will do you a big favor. At this time of writing, 1 South African Rand is equal to 6 cents US. Any hostels/guesthouse/tourist accommodation in South Africa is called a “backpackers”, and they are typically in beautiful settings and each has a unique personality, not to mention affordable too . Food is where the big budget eater or saver can be, as it can get expensive in South Africa. To save money, cook your own food. Grocery stores are plentiful and have reasonable prices. By at least cooking your own breakfast and the occasional dinner, you can save a lot of money.

Unfortunately, public transportation outside of Johannesburg and Cape Town can be pretty limited. While there are a few private companies and trains that all provide transportation around the country, the best (and possibly) cheapest way to get around the country is to rent a car and share with 3 other people, and go on an epic road trip together.

• Meals : $12 – $15 per day
• Accommodation : $14 – $18 per night in a “backpackers”
• Transportation : $9 per day for a camper van split between 4 people

What does it cost to travel in South Africa?

A complete guide to South Africa

30. Namibia, $45/day

Namibia is home to some of the world’s most spectacular views including  the gorgeous Sossusvlei , the hauntingly beautiful Deadvlei, and the massive Fish River Canyon, just to name a few. At first glance, Namibia may not seem like a budget destination, as most accommodations cater to the luxury category, and transportation availability from one place to another can be limited in such a vast country. However, you just need to do things a little bit differently to save a lot of money.

The most important thing is to choose to camp instead of staying in a lodge. The luxury lodges cost about $50 – $200 per night, but you can camp at their campsites for about $8 – $10 per night. Camping at the government campsites will set you back about $15 – $18 per night. As for transportation, ideally you would want to rent a 4×4 and share it with a few people to split the cost. If your accommodation comes with a communal kitchen, make full use of it as cooking your own meals will definitely save you money. Entrance fees are generally cheap!

• Accommodation : $8 – $18 per night
• Transportation : $15 – $18 per day for a 4×4 split between 4 people
• SIM card with data: $16 for 1.5GB with a 60-day validity

The perfect Namibia road trip itinerary

A complete guide to Namibia

How Low Can You Go?

The suggested budget above includes basic accommodation, transportation, and 3 meals with a mix of simple breakfasts, hearty lunches, and light dinners, as well as Internet and 1 paid activity for the day. You will need to add on the other costs like shopping, alcohol, little splurges here and there to understand how much exactly is needed.

Some may want to dive or ski, which are typically higher cost activities, and some just want to walk around and explore the local neighborhoods. If you are on a shoestring budget, the suggested budgets can be cut down further should you choose to couchsurf, hitchhike, and skip certain activities.

Are there any that you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!

The Only Packing List You’ll Ever Need (for the Entire World)

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Nicoline says

01/03/2019 at 11:00 pm

There are so many of these places I would love to visit or revisit. Especially a Namibian road trip is on top of my bucket list and I hope that I can do it this year. 42$ per day is alright and the flight tickets from Denmark aren’t that bad right now – it must be a sign! ?

Kristin says

01/05/2019 at 9:12 am

It must be!

01/04/2019 at 9:09 pm

Bosnia is one of the cheapest places in Europe with so much to see! It’s a good deal cheaper than its neighbor Croatia.

Good to know! Thank you!

Anonymous says

04/25/2021 at 5:55 pm

Absolutely! Go hungry!! Food is excellent too!!

Jessa L says

06/10/2019 at 2:35 am

Excellent info but main thought regarding SE Asia, especially regarding Vietnamese street food: #1 many foreigners do not have the gut bacteria to fight off many forms of food poisoning that occurs from street food. #2 All the food in SE Asia has loads of MSG which immediately makes it NOT healthy. Sorry but there’s no cheap Vietnamese that can be considered healthy with the amount of MSG they put in the food. Tasty, yes. Addictive, yes. Healthy, ummm nope.

06/10/2019 at 6:54 am

Fact checking this. #1: The food is mostly bought fresh from the market each day and cooked right in front of you. If you go to a stand with lots of people eating there, you can trust it’s good for you, too. I have never had food poisoning after 7 years of traveling and eating street food. #2: I’ve seen the food made fresh from each raw ingredient and I also know what MSG looks like. I’ve seen it on the stands in China but not in Veitnam. I think it really depends on which stand you eat from, and if you’re worried about MSG the restaurants you eat at can just as easily, if not more easily, add it to the food. I wouldn’t avoid street food because of these reasons. Tourist restaurants serve the same thing, but often less fresh, for more money and you DON’T see it cooked in front of you.

09/09/2019 at 11:01 pm

I agree with your comments Kristen, its also easy to ask and or learn the local word to say dont put it in as a lot of stands will add a little MSG for “extra flavour”

01/17/2023 at 3:56 am

‘Hoom, Hoom, Ajinomoto’, is what to say if you don’t want MSG

Marissa says

01/20/2020 at 12:45 pm

Agreed. Kristen

Daniel says

01/11/2024 at 9:22 am

I am a US Citizen and often travel to Vietnam at least once a year and I believe you have no idea what you’re talking about. Do not eat food sold on the street or others food stands around the corner. You have no idea what they did to the pre-made ingredients that are served to you in front of you. Most of them do not even have gloves while handling YOUR foods. Most of the times, ingredients are prepared somewhere else and none are monitored as far as food safety is concerned. Anyone can prepare foods without any inspections or licenses requirements and sell to the public whenever, where ever they want!!! Rotten meats are often used to make egg rolls by adding artificial flavorings and fried until the bad smell is gone. Food stands are notorious for being dirty and contaminated badly because they do not have enough clean water to wash or sanitize utensils used to handle their foods. There was a big issue in Vietnam recently when a street vendor was caught “recycling” leftover from the previous customer and sell it to the next customer… Just google about food safety standards in Vietnam and you’ll know.

Kristin Addis says

01/11/2024 at 4:08 pm

If there’s a long line of locals eating there, and they’re bringing their kids there, I’m also going to eat there.

04/19/2020 at 11:09 pm

You clearly dont have a clue abour vietnamese food..they are not into Msg…dont get confuse them with China Mf

06/07/2020 at 10:28 pm

Jessa, I think you should educate yourself before taking such a strong opinion on MSG because you clearly don’t have your facts straight. Vietnamese food is pretty healthy whether or not there is MSG in it. MSG alone is simply not bad for you.

If you don’t believe me read this article:

https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/2018-10-10/scientists-have-known-msg-is-safe-for-decades-why-dont-most-americans

07/29/2021 at 8:16 pm

So safe it will puff many up like a puffer fish. So safe.

Hugo Lindum says

02/07/2022 at 6:15 am

Street food is about as safe as it gets. Rarely had problems, nor do most people. As for MSG being bad, it must be the most researched food product in human history and no peer reviewed researched shows there is anything wrong with it. Even the EU says its safe. MSG being unsafe is up there with antivax and Elvis being alive on the moon.

12/21/2023 at 1:14 pm

i think it sounds really delicious and MSG is very healthy for you

Jonene Oxford says

02/25/2023 at 3:45 pm

Wish I could add the scientific info on here about MSG not being bad for your health. You should read up on it. You’d be surprised

Mohsen Ghiasi says

06/14/2019 at 7:48 am

Whay you dont write iran at the top man, its cheapest in the world with much more facility.

06/15/2019 at 9:17 am

As an American I can’t go there without taking a tour so to me it’s not that cheap, unfortunately 🙁

mark doty says

07/01/2020 at 6:18 pm

who in their right mind would go to Iran?

09/23/2020 at 1:33 pm

I lived there in the 70s and would love to go back to hike the mountains and ski again. Maybe someday.

02/07/2022 at 6:16 am

I would go there in the 1970s in a heart-beat. But today is 2022.

06/18/2019 at 7:45 am

Great list! Makes my bank account seem all that bigger 😉

06/18/2019 at 9:12 am

06/19/2019 at 9:36 am

Great list! You have been very helpful in getting some unique options together for a Christmas getaway for my husband and I! Although we will probably do AirBnB places instead of hostels, I feel like I have a much better idea of how far our money will go and tips on how to avoid being overcharged.

The biggest expense for me is always the flights since we live in Colorado, but I did find a really good website that has given me fares below what places like Expedia can offer called Skiplagged. If you haven’t checked it out, it can definitely save you some $$! I’m not affiliated with them or anything. Just thought I’d put it out there for other savvy travelers like me who are looking for the best deals!

06/19/2019 at 10:09 am

Thanks Lissa! I’d also suggest travel hacking! I have tips here: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/how-to-fly-for-free/

Leena Malhotra says

06/23/2019 at 1:28 am

What about Russia ?

Russia is on my list for next year – it has so much to explore but can’t make it in a single trip. How about Russia from India ?

06/23/2019 at 9:45 am

I have heard the cities in Russia can be quite expensive but a few years ago the Ruble fell in value quite a bit which has made it much more affordable.

07/11/2019 at 5:59 am

Nice list. I am planning for Ukraine. Any specific suggestions

08/02/2019 at 12:27 pm

I have been to Ukraine many times so here is a rundown.

Kiev the capital historical city and very beautiful. Liviv cultural capital with some of the best food. Odessa seaside vacation hub and center of comedy.

Each city offers so much to see and do.

These are the cities that you are more likely find someone who speaks english, however I would recommend learning a couple of phrases. The people are hospitable but there still a language barrier.

08/03/2019 at 5:14 am

Thanks for the info!

07/17/2019 at 1:56 pm

Tanzania is pretty cheap too and the people here are very welcoming! You should try it out.

07/18/2019 at 12:05 pm

Agreed I love it there.

Brad Carss says

07/30/2019 at 6:57 pm

I love Namibia and persisted in my efforts to visit the Himba People in Opuwo by catching a taxi from my hostel in Windhoek to the pickup point for the van taking locals to the north of the country. There I arranged with the local tour hut (John Jakurama) to go on day and an overnight visit to the villages of these rarely visited people. It was a very cost-effective and engaging interaction to experience the harsh reality of their lives. At the end of my stay the elder of the family kissed my hand in blessing for seeking his village out and bringing them much needed food stuffs and supplies. My kind of travel, cheap, interactive, moving and low priority on most people’s destinations.

Augustin says

08/03/2019 at 2:16 am

You had already mentioned about a lot of places with less expensive, but the matter is that the flight charges are not economical to many of the destinations. I am from India and feel affordable rates with some southeastern Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, loas, Burma, Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The flight charges to these places are about 100 US Dollars with Air Asia flights, but it is really too high to Europe, Africa or America. This makes trips costlier. Anyway it is good exploring one.

08/03/2019 at 5:13 am

That’s true, I’m not taking into consideration where you might be flying in from, since we are all coming from different places, but once you get there it’s cheaper than other countries like Norway or Iceland.

08/03/2019 at 3:12 am

Hi! I have travelled before, I worked for a long haul airline and spent a few days in most countries. However, I really want to travel properly. What place would you recommend for newbie backpackers? Do you have any tips for me? Thanks 🙂

08/03/2019 at 5:12 am

Southeast Asia! https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/best-countries-for-beginner-travelers/

MikesRoadTrip says

08/05/2019 at 7:14 am

Really great piece!

08/17/2019 at 12:14 pm

It seems you generated this list based on where you went. I’m surprised Belorus, Russia, Abkhazia, Azerbaijan are not there

08/17/2019 at 12:19 pm

I haven’t been to most of these places, actually, but thanks for sharing more places that are affordable!

08/30/2019 at 7:47 pm

Pakistan is another beautiful country to visit and also very cheap. The Northern parts of Pakistan are full of natural beauty. People of Pakistan are very friendly and when you go there you will be amazed to find out that country is so different than what it is portrayed in NEWS. The hospitality of people there is simply amazing and food is simply awesome. Highly recommended place to visit.

09/02/2019 at 9:50 am

I’d love to visit!

Marianne says

10/09/2019 at 3:24 am

Hi! My boyfriend and I took a year off to travel Asia, and about 4 months in we have spent wayyy too much money (oops). We would like to settle down somewhere cheap for a month to try and make up for it. We are hoping to find somewhere close to the beach where the food is good. If there were some (free or cheap) things to do and see so we wouldn’t be too bored that would be even better. Does such a place even exist? ? I was thinking Cambodia, maybe, or Vietnam (cause I love Vietnamese food) but really anywhere in SE Asia would be perfect. Do you have any suggestions for a specific place like that you really loved?

Also, I love this blog, I have probably visited daily in the couple of years leading up to our trip ?

10/09/2019 at 10:22 am

Hey Marianne. It happens! I’d look at Southeast Asia for sure. I’d thought about Hoi An personally. The food is good, wifi is fast, it’s cheap. You can also think about Cambodia or even southern Thailand. You could think about Kuta in Lombok, Indonesia as well. Such a place definitely exists 🙂

Keep in mind it’s usually much cheaper to go check things out in person and ask around for places to rent longer term than it is to try to find them online.

Ian Culbertson says

10/13/2019 at 5:15 pm

Hi Kristin, I’d really like to do Incan trail in Peru to MP in December, any advice on tours for doing routes less traveled? Thanks Ian

10/19/2019 at 12:02 pm

If you want to do the Inca Trail unfortunately there’s just one trail and it’s not less-traveled, but there’s also the Lares trek and the Salkantay which will end up in Machu Picchu. I liked Alpaca Expeditions for the Inca Trail.

marla braden says

11/09/2019 at 11:18 am

I second Alpaca Expeditions. I did the Inca trail in December, not really high season. I got tickets when I got to Cusco (not 6 months advance) and our group of maybe 10 people plus the guides and porters were the only people I saw for 4 days until we arrived at Machu Picchu itself. Off season is the way to go anywhere, imo.

11/10/2019 at 11:36 am

Wow that’s amazing! Definitely wasn’t my experience. Nicely planned.

Renuka Walter says

12/06/2019 at 5:13 am

That’s a great list! I’m glad India is on the list. I have been exploring it for a decade now, and I agree it’s affordable and so rewarding! Would love to experience Romania.

12/06/2019 at 11:06 am

I’d love to experience India!

Md. Shakhawat Hossain says

01/08/2020 at 11:31 am

Hello there, Thank you very much for sharing a nice as well as the well-informative article here. The information you have described herewith was really amazing! However, if you allow me to add one more place to must-visit I would be glad, and the place name Bangladesh. The place of natural beauty and many more. And, also very cheap.

Thank you very much.

01/08/2020 at 7:01 pm

I’d love to go! Yes it should be on the list.

neymasport says

01/14/2020 at 8:18 pm

Thank you for sharing the colorful collection here, thank you for this article. This country is very beautiful. Hope to come here and try it once  

Nikola Webster says

01/22/2020 at 6:10 pm

Hi there, Wow – super-comprehensive list! I’ve been to more than half on this list. A couple I have on my list to visit that I’m told a super cheap (even cheaper than India) are Pakistan and Bangladesh. I’ve also heard Laos is wicked cheap! Nikki

01/22/2020 at 8:12 pm

I’d love to see Pakistan too! Laos is indeed pretty cheap.

Doona Neace says

02/04/2020 at 1:44 am

You recommended most of the places are on my list. Next year I want to visit Croatia and Turkey.

02/15/2020 at 6:31 pm

This is such a great list which really breaks down the costs and saves a lot of research time! Thanks for sharing.

02/16/2020 at 10:55 am

Thanks for such a great post! And thanks for sharing your valuable experiences. I already traveled to Most of EA countries but i have no any idea for african and S. American countries, i will use this post for my future plan.

05/03/2020 at 11:11 am

Wow, that’s article is amazing. I did not know that you can travel to places this cheap. This article chsnge the way I look at traveling. I have always thought it costly as I spend a lot when traveling, but after reading this things have changed.

takeoffwithme says

05/08/2020 at 7:21 am

Very nice article. Will be really helpful for backpackers

Vaishnavi Omprakash Jadhav says

07/08/2020 at 4:38 am

There is lot more in INDIA. Do come. We have a lot more than expected.

Samson says

08/21/2020 at 5:38 am

How is the Covid-19 situation there?

08/21/2020 at 5:39 am

How is the Covid-19 situation in India?

08/29/2020 at 4:32 am

Great article. Thanks

Greg Christensen says

09/03/2020 at 9:11 am

Recently did southern Utah (from OH) for 6 weeks and spent 9000 dolllars … that’s about 200 dollars per day. Gasoline 1500 (8000 miles), hotels and campsites 1200, NP pass and BLM trail fees 100, topo maps/books/gifts 400, my own jeep routine and unexpected service 500, jeep rubicon 4WD 10 day rental for The Maze 1950, 4WD and backpacking supplies 400, laundry 50, food/beverages/snacks/water 2900. Biggest expenses are always food from restaurants and the remote expensive trips that are hard to access.

09/03/2020 at 9:40 am

Yes restaurants can be a lot. If you have to rent the 4×4 yes that really adds up!

Amogue says

09/15/2020 at 3:54 am

all this country are awesome I am going ti visit vietnam after the covid situation

10/09/2020 at 2:22 pm

Maybe Nicaragua is not safe, but I think it’s way safer than Guatemala. Please, be careful if planning to travel to any of this countries. Specially women travelling alone.

Michelle says

11/30/2020 at 12:03 pm

Yes, very surprised you didn’t include Morocco! Marrakech (or Casablanca) can get expensive if you want the most luxurious accommodations/prefer gambling, but overall a very cheap country to travel. You can get around easily if you wish to visit multiple cities, for as little as $8 or so intercity. (overnight sleeper trains will cost a bit more) You can even fly from Madrid or Lisbon to Marrakech for around $100 if you know where to look 🙂 I’d say to definitely visit Marrakech, Fes, and Chefchaouen if you are not sure where to travel. Stay in riads or hostels. Walk around the souks, and take in all the sights the cities have to offer. Getting to the desert is a little more difficult and costly, but worth the experience if it is something you have always dreamed of doing!

12/03/2020 at 8:57 am

Good to know!

Catherine says

05/16/2021 at 5:54 am

India very risky for woman, last time I went there was groped, not once but multiple times. In india get used to man staring at your cleavage, boobs and ass all the time.

01/12/2023 at 8:24 pm

Did that happen in North India?

08/17/2023 at 3:52 am

Only in Punjab . Rest of India is very safe

Linniey???? says

05/22/2021 at 7:51 pm

Thank you for sharing… Very interesting and nice places for backpakers… South Korea is also very cheap and beautiful nature for nature lovers… ????

Tina Hallmark says

07/15/2021 at 2:27 pm

I know you are already bogged down with reply’s and on to your next adventure but I wanted to pick your brain. Myself, husband and our daughter, age 10 want to spend a month next year in another country (if all goes well, we may make it into an annual thing). We are great outdoors, we love food, we love history and love animals and we are all well traveled. We would like to pick our first month long trip for June 2022 (climate has to be below average of 85 degrees F). Basically we can’t decide on where we should go to stay around 10k for all 3 of us and how best planning for a month in a country. Any insight would be wonderful! We have thought about Bali/Philippians, Greece or Italy but I saw you mention Namibia and that sounds wonderful too! PS We do not want to stay in hostiles. Thank you for any information you may want to send our way! Tina

07/17/2021 at 12:40 pm

I’m not sure all of those places fall under your temperature requirements but it really depends on what kind of experience you want. I think they could all be wonderful.

02/20/2022 at 4:29 pm

03/01/2022 at 11:02 pm

Excuse me, but Georgia is not in Europe!! It is part of the Caucasus, which is in Asia. And as for Vietnam & most of southeast asia, can we say KRAITS!!! You fail to mention this very big danger…many people have gotten bitten by these snakes and died! Last but not least, that chicken or pork you get in Taiwan and China: might be DOG or CAT!!! Think about that B4 you scarf down just any streetfood!!

03/02/2022 at 11:19 am

lol I don’t think they’re eating cat or dog in Taiwan and I don’t know a soul who has been bitten by that snake you mention.

12/21/2023 at 1:21 pm

John im glad you got all your anger out on this message but no one really cares and all u did was waste everyones time thanks a lot JOHN!!

07/14/2022 at 9:22 pm

Ukraine really?

07/23/2022 at 11:50 am

Prior to the current situation it was a great place to travel, and it will be again one day.

Grace Christopher says

01/22/2023 at 9:01 am

I would love if someone can put me through how to go about the process of applying to any of the country mentioned above. That is work visa

01/26/2023 at 6:38 am

Hi I am planning to travel to Greece combined with some islands. Could you please tell me more about which places and accommodations you recommend and suggest. I will be traveling with my 21 year old son .

07/01/2023 at 9:54 am

Hi Nora: Recommend looking at this great BMYM post: 31 of the Absolute Best Things to Do in Greece It includes a huge variety of things to do which I am sure your 21 year old son would enjoy too! Also, in BMTM website, click on “Destinations” at the top of this page and pick “Greece” and it has other great resources! Good luck!

Austin A. McCary says

06/02/2023 at 8:27 pm

This article on the cheapest destinations to travel to is a goldmine of budget travel inspiration! I appreciate the thorough breakdown of affordable destinations across different continents. The inclusion of budget-friendly activities and accommodation options is incredibly helpful for planning a cost-effective trip. I’m excited to explore some of these destinations that offer incredible experiences without breaking the bank. Thanks for sharing this valuable resource!

Travel the world for cheap with these 13 tried & tested hacks

Travel Travel Inspiration Travel Tips & Hacks How To Travel For Cheap

Traveling to your dream destination doesn’t have to be a long-term plan that breaks your bank account. You can always travel to your dream destination on a budget. Here are some of the tested and proven ways to travel the world for cheap. You can thank us later!

13 sure shot ways to travel the world for cheap

#1 become a pro at travel hacking.

Travel hacking is essentially collecting points on travel credit cards, frequent-flier points, and miles to get freebies. This will, in turn, help you travel for cheap. Depending on how much you collect you can afford free flights, free nights at hotels, access to tours, and much more. Travel hacking can even allow you to have once in a lifetime experience if you collect enough points. For example, certain credit card companies offer luxurious stays like villas in Rome and trips to the French Riviera. Additionally, you can even experience exotic destinations like the Galapagos Islands for dirt cheap if you’ve travel hacked your way right.

What’s truly brilliant is that anybody can accumulate these points and become a pro at travel hacking. All you have to really do is get an airline card, a travel card, or a general rewards card like Chase Sapphire. Ensure that the cards offer a sign-up bonus of at least 50,000 points. The more the better. Now, simply pay for your groceries, restaurants, and daily shopping with these cards. This will help accumulate points extremely fast. Of course, you can go a step further and accumulate more points by using these cards to take surveys and indulge in (necessary) online shopping.

You can even get multiple credit cards for your different needs and club them. For example, some cards might offer free accommodation while some might only offer free miles. Once you take away the airfare and price of accommodation you can spend much more on brilliant experiences.

Your Guide To Traveling The World For Free!

#2 learn the art of finding cheap flights.

Surprisingly, you can save a ton of money on airfare by simply looking for cheap flights in the right places. While platforms like Google Flights and Booking.com can make it easier for you to find tickets, it doesn't show the best offers.WhichBudget is a great site as it shows you hundreds of cheap airlines in over 200 countries. All you need to do is put in some research time and book much in advance. It’s also best to never book around the holidays as prices are almost always at an all-time high.Interestingly, the airports matter as well. A flight to a relatively smaller airport in the city might be cheaper than flights to the bigger ones. Additionally, you can travel for cheap by avoiding checking in luggage as it tends to cost a lot if you’re traveling to multiple countries.

17 Golden Hacks To Snagging Cheap Flight Tickets

#3 couchsurf and list your place on airbnb.

#4 Trust last-minute deals

Hotels and airlines almost always offer last-minute deals to fill up the last seats or rooms. They even go to lengths to price it below their profit margin closer to the dates. . If you’re not concerned about the last-minute hassle and risk, it’s worth pouncing on these deals. Most importantly, you can travel for cheap and save a ton of money. Finding these last-minute deals have become quite easy with sites like Jetsetter and Hipmunk. For last-minute experience deals, there’s no place better than Headout. Planning to visit the Colosseum while standing in a queue at the Vatican? Get the Headout app and in 3 taps find the best last-minute deals in 50+ cities across the world.

#5 Opt for budget travel destinations

This one’s a no-brainer. If you’re looking to travel for cheap, simply opt for a budget travel destination. A budget travel destination does not only offer cheap accommodation but even the food and experiences will be much cheaper than other popular travel destinations. For example, you can eat amazing food, travel around and stay at a paradise-like place in Bali all for less than $100 a day. Countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Portugal are not only extremely affordable but are also rich in culture and are safe. Most importantly, since transportation, food, and accommodation are cheap, you can afford to stay for long and even splurge a little

#6 All-Inclusive packages can be a steal deal

If you’re looking for a super-condensed travel experience, then an all-inclusive package can be an amazing deal. Not only is it cheaper than traveling to all the places on the itinerary individually but it’s also extremely convenient as everything like stay and travel is taken care of by the travel company. Additionally, it’s super safe as you’ll more or less be traveling with a group. Of course, these days all-inclusive packages can be personalized. So, you have the option to spend more or less. And if you want to save some money, it’s best to look out for those last-minute all-inclusive getaway packages

#7 Off-season travel is the way to go

The off-season is the best time to travel if you're wondering “how to travel for cheap?”. Of course, peak seasons have their advantages - the weather, locals out and about, all establishments open in full swing and whatnot. If you’re willing to let go of the little pleasures, then off-season travel is your best bet. Moreover, you won’t be rubbing shoulders with other tourists which you have to admit is a blessing. If you do your research and figure out the off-season months for a city you can expect the airfare and accommodation to be significantly cheaper as well.

#8 Use cards with no foreign transaction fees

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#9 Sign up for free tours

In a majority of cities around the world, free walking tours are easily available. Free tours are essentially pay-what-you-feel tours conducted by a local guide or a college student who knows the city in and out. You can book a slot online and at the end of the tour, you can tip your guide as much as you please. However, that is optional as well. These tours usually last from 1-2 hours and the guide will take you around the most popular places in the city on foot. You get to learn a lot more about the city you're visiting and the history from these tours than the paid ones that tend to cut corners. Furthermore, you can get amazing nightlife and food recommendations from the local guide.

#10 Steer clear of tourist traps

In every city, there are always several tourist traps that you’ll inevitably bump into. It might be accommodation in certain countries or public transportation in others. Regardless, it’s always better to know what are potential tourist traps you could fall for before you step foot in the country. Public transportation and even popular tourist spots in certain countries tend to take advantage of naive foreigners and charge exorbitant prices. Always negotiate and finalize the price before buying a ticket or before getting into the vehicle. When it comes to food and accommodation, book from trusted online portals in advance and you’re good to go!

12 Travel Scams to Watch Out for in 2021

#11 don’t leave home without travel insurance.

Having a travel Insurance policy that suits your travel style is one of the most underrated parts of traveling. Not just for your belongings but also your health. It’s even more important to get it if you have pre-existing health conditions. Travel insurance is also comprehensive protection of sorts that helps you save a lot of money in unfortunate scenarios like theft, cancellations, accidents, and even injury. While it may seem like an extra expense, when things go wrong you can bank on your insurance for coverage. You can get travel insurance from either your pre-existing insurance provider or from third-party providers like World Nomads, Insure My Trip, and Medjet.

The Ultimate Guide To Buying Your First Travel Insurance In The Post COVID World

#12 travel overnight to avoid hotel costs.

One of the best ways to save money and travel for cheap is to travel overnight to avoid hotel costs. You can skip paying for a night if you’re traveling overnight. It might be a tad bit uncomfortable compared to your hotel bed, but it’s worth the money you’re saving.

#13 Get a local sim

We recommend you get a local simcard if you’re planning on staying for more than a week. Roaming charges or even paying for Wi-Fi abroad can get expensive. Getting a local sim allows cheaper international calls and most importantly affordable data plans. Roaming around in search of Wi-Fi is not fun and a local sim can come in handy especially if you’re working while traveling.

Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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How to travel for cheap? 8 ways to see the world with less money

In this article I'll share the best tips on how to travel for cheap, based on my knowledge as a solo traveller around the world.

Lauren Worldpackers Community

Sep 18, 2023

Are you wondering how to travel for cheap? Whilst travelling the globe can seem incredibly expensive, it doesn't always have to be. There are many alternatives to save a lot of money on the road.

Travel used to be something far out of reach for many, but these days people are able to go far and wide without spending much. We now have smarter transport, more choice of accommodation and more knowledge on how to travel for cheap.

Whether it's a city break, staycation , or backpacking your way across the globe, there are many ways in which you can enjoy the trip of a lifetime on a low budget.  In this article, I'll give the best tips I learned from my own experience and from talking to other travelers.

How to travel for cheap? 8 tips to help you to save money

Before we start, the number one tip is to be realistic about your trip. You may want an all-inclusive luxury holiday to the Maldives, but if your bank account says otherwise, it's best to listen. 

Make sure to have a rough budget and stick to it - that way you can enjoy yourself without worrying about the expenses.

With that said, here are 8 top tips on how you can travel the world for cheap:

• Pick the right destination to make the best with your budget
• Do your research to find the lowest airfare
• Curb your meals expenses by cooking in your trip
• Live it up with some free events
• Pack light with a minimalist packing list
• Do volunteer work exchange with Worldpackers
• Seek out discounts to travel cheaper
• Use your skills to make money travelling

1. Pick the right destination to make the best with your budget

As mentioned before, it's good to be realistic about your trip and what you can afford. If you're on a tight budget, travelling to one (or some) of the cheapest countries to visit will make your life much easier. 

To start, the best thing to do is create a budget plan . When choosing your location, research the average costs of transport, accommodation, food and other expenses like the experiences you want to have when you're out there. 

Take Europe for example - the North is typically very expensive with Nordic countries like Iceland and Denmark but Eastern Europe is the complete opposite. And if you want to save even more, especially on longer trips, consider going to Southeast Asia or Latin America , where most countries' cost of living and currencies make it easier to travel for cheap.

There are plenty of beautiful, fun and cheap places to travel around the world. Want some ideas? Read our articles on The best places to travel on a budget  and The cheapest vacation destinations.

But if your absolute desire is to go to an expensive country, though, the following tips can help you reduce costs on your trip.

2. Do your research to find the lowest airfare

One of the most expensive parts of travelling, especially abroad, is the transport. If you're going somewhere far, you're likely to be flying there. 

A great hack to travel smarter  is to search for flights on incognito mode on your web browser. And if you can have some flexibility on your travel dates, you're much more likely to find cheap flights.

One of the best things to do if you want to travel for cheap is book flights outside school holidays, that way you won't pay the higher prices. And some airlines offer cheaper flights on Tuesdays, for instance.

Depending on where you're going, you might also consider taking a bus or a train to your destination, even if it's a longer journey. Not only it might be cheaper, but it's also more sustainable. 

And if you're flying, it's also good to check out the prices for a city or country near your destination - maybe it's worth it taking another means of transportation from there.

Find out more amazing tips reading our article on how to find cheap airfare.

3. Curb your meals expenses by cooking in your trip

Sure, wining and dining out is great but you don't need to do it every meal. One of the fundamntals of travel for cheap is deciding what you really need and what you can live without. 

My tip is to pick a few places you're desperate to try out and make a budget for them. The rest of the time, you can cook your own meals. With that in mind, I suggest you  stay in accommodation with a kitchen , like a hostel or apartment.

If you don't have access to a kitchen, you can still buy produce from a local supermarket and make your own breakfasts and snacks. As for dinner, if you want something hot then fast food places are a good shout and they don't always have to be unhealthy. 

It's also good to look for local restaurants with cheap lunch menus, or street food stalls that allow you to explore local flavours for cheap.

Top tip: Help reduce food waste and save money with apps like Too Good To Go  where you can get the end of day food that's been highly discounted. Also, many supermarkets reduce their food at the end of the day too. Always worth looking out for.

4. Live it up with free events

Experiencing a country is best done when you immerse yourself in the culture, explore your surroundings and get to know the locals. You may be tempted to do some of those pricey tours, but they aren't usually as authentic. 

In most cities, there are plenty of free walking or bike tours, which is a fantastic way of sightseeing whilst making friends. If you're travelling solo then events like these are one of the best ways to create some great memories and life-long friends. 

Some hostels may offer free experiences like cooking classes, tours and pub crawls . And if you talk to locals and do you research, you'll probably find out about days when museums have free entrance, or attractions that aren't made for tourists like parks and street markets. 

 There's plenty of free stuff out there, in most parts of the world. You just have to look for it!

5. Pack light with a minimalist packing list

If you're prone to taking two huge suitcases on a weekend away, you might want to rethink your packing style. 

There are exceptions for items like medication if you have a medical condition or work equipment if you're a digital nomad. However, if you're just packing a years' worth of clothes into a suitcase to keep up with fashion trends , then it's time to become a bit more ruthless. 

Many airlines allow you to take one or two free bags for hand luggage and then charge for check-in bags.  Travelling light is also a way to travel for cheap because it makes it easier to use public transportation and walk, instead of spending money on taxis and such.

Do a  minimalist packing list  and you'll realise how much more practical your trips will be.

6. Do volunteer work exchange with Worldpackers

Volunteering while travelling is a great way to learn about different cultures, practice or develop different skills and make new friends. You'll come back home with great memories and it's also a great hack for those who wonder how to travel for cheap, since you'll save a lot of money on accommodation and other expenses.

You can find volunteering positions at Worldpackers , a work exchange platform that connects travelers to hosts from all around the world that offer free stay and other benefits, like meals and tours, in exchange for a few hours of help. 

There are hundreds of different opportunities and there will definitely be a perfect position for you. Here's some examples:

• If you like animals and eco projects you can volunteer on a  farm , ecovillage or permaculture project . 
• If you're a party person, you can do a work exchange in a hostel and make many friends. 
• You can also help out at a social impact project , volunteering in a community , school or NGO in amazing places.

Volunteering does mean giving up some of your free time, of course. However, if you choose a good position you'll gain a lot in return for your work. You might be able to learn amazing new things, and connecting with your hosts and other volunteers will make your trip much more memorable.

You might also like to read: 

• The most unique places to stay for cheap around the world
• 14 TOP cheapest countries to visit as a Worldpackers volunteer

7. Seek out discounts to travel cheaper

If you're a student wondering how to travel for cheap, you should definitely take advantage of the student discounts  that are widely available. Meals, transport, accommodation, drinks and experiences are cheaper for students in many places.

As for the rest of us, we may not get as many discounts, but there are always railcards and bus passes that make a difference for those looking to  save money while travelling . 

And if all else fails, there are low cost airlines and bus companies to get you from A to B without splashing the cash. 

8. Use your skills to make money travelling

How about not only travelling for cheap, but also making money on the go?  Digital nomadism is very common nowadays, so if you can get into it, it may be very worth it. You might not have much money before you go travelling, but if you can work remotely, you can make money and see the world at the same time.

Things like social media marketing , blog writing , video making, and web developing  are all examples of how the digital world opens up endless opportunities . 

If you don't already have a job that allows you to travel remotely you can still create that opportunity for yourself. This does require some effort, but once you find the right balance between work and travel, traveling becomes much more rewarding.

Bonus tips on how to travel for cheap and be a sustainable traveler

Have you stopped to think that budget travel choices are often good for the planet? When looking for affordable alternatives for transportation and meals and experimenting collaborative ways of travelling , you might also travel more sustainably . 

Here are some  attitudes that save you money and help the environment:

• Walk or cycle around a city if possible, rather than getting a taxi 
• Prefer taking buses or hitchhiking than renting a car
• Take a reusable water bottle with you and fill it up where possible
• Buy shampoo and soap bars, which save space and last much longer

If you're ready to get out there and explore the world, don't forget to check out the amazing volunteer opportunities on Worldpackers .

Have any other good tips and tricks for how to travel the world for cheap ? Share them in the comments!

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Lauren Mclachlan

Worldpackers Community

Hey I’m Lauren! I’m from a small town in sunny (I wish) Scotland and took on my first solo travelling trip after graduating in 2019 My experience was way better than I could’ve imagined – meeting wonderful people, seeing amazing things, great experiences and even teaching weekly yoga! I couldn’t have done all this without Worldpackers, I’m so grateful I came across the website. I think everyone should get to experience travelling at some point in their lives – wherever and whatever it may be! My advice if you’re thinking about it is – don’t think too much! Just do, you won’t regret it. Also, if you want 10% off your Worldpackers memberships you can use the code LAUREN10

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Write here your questions and greetings to the author

Feb 12, 2022

I am a handicapped and I have a wish since childhood that I travel solo around the world but I'm unable to fulfill this wish the only reason for one shortcoming is lack of money because I don't have money to buy it I humbly request your company that I need a lightweight Racksak Bag which is 65 liters & a tent which can be of 2 person & rest as you wish so that I can make my dreams come true & I can set a better example in the society for this I will be eternally grateful and thankful to you and all your loved ones.

Sep 29, 2022

how about to get visa

Lauren (Author)

Oct 10, 2022

Hi Rusul, I don't know about visas as I have never had to get one. The best thing to do would be to search the internet depending on where you want to go.

Apr 04, 2023

worlde is a word puzzle game and a text visualization tool that was created by Jonathan Feinberg in 2008. It generates “word clouds” from a block of text by displaying the most frequently used words in a unique, eye-catching layout. The size of each word in the cloud represents its frequency in the text, with the most frequently used words appearing in larger font sizes. https://worlde.info/

Jun 16, 2023

Those are excellent tips for traveling on a budget! Here's some additional information and advice on each of the points you mentioned: Pick the right destination to make the most of your budget: Some destinations are naturally more affordable than others. Consider countries or cities where the cost of living is lower, as it can significantly impact your overall expenses. [tunnel rush](https://tunnel-rush.co/)

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How To Travel The World On A Budget: 12 Genius Ways To Save Money While Traveling

Updated: September 18, 2023

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Wondering how to travel the world on a budget this year? I feel you! This post covers 13 awesome ways to save money while traveling so you can experience more of our beautiful world without breaking the bank!

When I first started my long-term travel adventure in 2017, I needed a way to travel for cheap. Saving money while traveling was essential since I knew I wanted to go for as long as possible.

As I made my way around the world, I learned about all kinds of ways to travel on a smaller budget. Below are some of my favorite money-saving travel tips to help you get started too!

13 Ways To Save Money While Traveling

Ready to travel on a budget? The options below are a great place to start.

House Sitting

House sitting is one of my all-time favorite ways to save money while traveling ! As a house sitter, you live in someone’s home and take care of their pets while they are away. They get free pet care and you get a free place to stay!

House sits are available all over the world for any amount of time. I love that house sitting allows me to live in a less touristy neighborhood and have pets while I’m traveling. I also love the connections I’ve made with my hosts through house sitting.

Even though you usually won’t be paid to be a house sitter, the accommodation savings really add up. I estimate that I’ve saved at least $6,000 on accommodation in the last few years through house sitting alone.

House sitting jobs can be found on platforms like TrustedHouseSitters , MindMyHouse , and Nomador . These platforms have an annual fee that all members must pay, but the accommodation savings far outweigh this expense.

You can read more about House Sitting in the posts below!

• How To House Sit And Travel The World For Free: How it all works
• Trusted House Sitters Review: My favorite house sitting platform

Use My Referral Link and save 25% on Trusted House Sitters!

Workaway is an awesome way to travel for free in exchange for volunteer work. In the Workaway program, travelers give a few hours of their time each day in exchange for accommodation and sometimes meals.

Workaway opportunities can be found all over the world and the types of volunteer activities you can do are endless.

For example, at the time I’m writing this, there are Workaway hosts looking for farming volunteers, ranch hands, sailing crews, and pet sitters. People need help restoring historical properties, practicing English, and managing hostels. And that’s not even scratching the surface.

Workaway isn’t a paid opportunity, but by working a few hours per day, you’ll get free accommodation and tons of unique, immersive cultural experiences.

You can read a first-hand Workaway review in this post.

Visit the Workaway website here.

WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms)

Like Workaway, World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is another way to volunteer in exchange for free accommodation while traveling.

WWOOF is a cultural exchange organization where travelers can connect with organic farmers to help on the farm, learn about sustainability, and authentically experience another country. Volunteers will work and learn alongside their host and in return will receive a place to stay and meals.

WWOOF opportunities are available in 130 countries around the world, making this an awesome option for travelers who don’t mind getting their hands dirty!

Learn more about the WWOOFing movement here!

Couch Surfing

Couch Surfing is a way to find friends to stay with around the world. Quite literally, you can find a couch to sleep on (or spare room) at someone’s place for free. Likewise, you can also offer space in your place to host travelers.

All you need to do is make an account on the platform and browse for couches in the area you’re visiting. You can read reviews of house sitting hosts and chat with them through the Couch Surfing platform to make sure it’s a good fit.

Couch surfing is a huge community and can be a fun way to make friends while traveling. And with couches in 200,000 cities, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find a new friend wherever you’re headed.

If you aren’t looking for a place to stay, Couch Surfing also organizes events and activities around the world! Make an account to see what’s happening near you.

Learn more about couch surfing here.

Scott’s Cheap Flights

Whenever someone asks me about budget travel, I can’t help but rave about Scott’s Cheap Flights. Scott’s Cheap Flights is one of my favorite corners of the internet because you can find some absolutely wild flight deals all around the world.

I once got a roundtrip flight from New York to Singapore for about $500 bucks and I’ve been obsessed with them ever since!

With Scott’s Cheap Flights, you make a free account and add your home airport. Then they will email you whenever a great flight deal becomes available. Often these deals are only available for a limited time so you have to act fast, but when you get one it feels so good!

They also have a premium version with even more deals, but the free version is an awesome place to start!

Sign up for cheap flight alert emails with Scott’s Cheap Flights!

Skyscanner Explore

Did you know that Skyscanner has some helpful tools for finding cheap flights?

When you visit the Skyscanner home page, put in your starting point, and click on the destination box labeled “To.” A dropdown box will appear that says “Can’t decide where? Click here to search everywhere.”

Then in the departure date box, click “Whole Month” and “Cheapest Month.” Click Search and you’ll be given a list of inexpensive flights from your home destination! If you’re ready to fall into a rabbit hole of good flight deals, the best place to start is Skyscanner.

Check out this post for more tips about how to book cheap flights with Skyscanner!

Find Free Activities While Traveling

If you know where you look, it’s possible to find free things to do while traveling! In general, outdoor activities like hiking and going to the beach won’t cost you anything. You can also google your destination with the phrase “Events this month” to find an online calendar of things to do. Many times, there are tons of free or donation-based events going on.

Both the MeetUp A pp and the Couchsurfing App have events around the world. On these apps, you can put in your destination and browse through things going on. MeetUp is how I’ve met some amazing friends while traveling and it was a great way to find authentic, local things to do.

If you’re visiting a major city, you can also take a free walking tour.

There are few things I love more in this life than free walking tours. Getting out in the fresh air somewhere new, learning about history and local hang-out spots, meeting other travelers – it’s the best.

Many cities have some kind of free walking tour that works on a tip-based system and this can be a great way to get familiarized with a new city and meet some friends.

If you’re in Europe, Sandemans New Europe does free walking tours in several cities, as well as other reasonably priced group activities.

Book Accommodations with Kitchens

Especially if you’re staying somewhere long-term, having a kitchen or at least a refrigerator and microwave can be a budget game-changer! In most parts of the world, eating at home is much cheaper than eating out. Having a kitchen will allow you to make meals from time to time, save leftovers, and make your morning coffee or tea at home.

Travel In The Off-Season

Most destinations have what is considered a high season and a low season. During the high season, there are more travelers, the weather is usually better, and there are more events going on.

But if you travel during the low season, things like rental cars, hotels, and flights are often less expensive.

While you might have more unpredictable weather during the low season (usually the low season is winter or rainy season depending on where you are), you’ll get to experience the destination with fewer crowds and on a smaller budget.

Travel In A Carry On Only

I know, I know, it can be tough to travel in only a carry-on but hear me out! So many airlines charge extra for bags, and that can really add up if you’re taking multiple flights!

Plus, transportation to and from the airport becomes easier with fewer bags.

When I travel with bigger luggage, I always need to take a taxi or Uber to my accommodation. When I travel with a backpack or a smaller bag, I can usually take the bus or subway without too much hassle.

This post covers how to pack for Europe in a carry-on and this post has a review of my favorite carry-on travel backpack!

Teach English Abroad

Teaching English Abroad is another way to make your long-term travel dreams a reality without it costing an arm and a leg! As an English teacher abroad, you’ll be based in one location and earn money while you explore your new home.

Some teaching packages include perks like paid accommodation, flight reimbursement, and paid vacation time, so this could be a very lucrative way to see the world and make a difference!

You can read about different teaching abroad experiences from around the world in this post!

To start teaching English abroad, you’ll need to get a TEFL certification. You can obtain your TEFL certification from an accredited TEFL academy and this can be done in-person or online. Many companies offer job placement assistance after you’ve been certified to make the process smoother.

This post covers the best accredited online TEFL courses. I got my certification through International TEFL Academy and I highly recommend them!

Save Money While Traveling By Traveling Slower

Counterintuitive as it might sound, traveling slower and staying in each place longer can actually mean more savings!

If you’re staying in the same area or city for a longer period of time, you can take advantage of perks like monthly public transportation passes, Airbnb monthly booking discounts, and bundled attraction passes.

You’ll also save money by having fewer travel days. You’ll take fewer flights which means fewer taxis, fewer plane tickets, and fewer $29 airport Caesar salads.

True story: Once I was trying to save money on food in the airport and I found this little cafe that sold me two plain hard-boiled eggs. It cost $3, which was outrageous for just two hard-boiled eggs, but I was feeling pretty good about myself!

While waiting to board, however, I realized that hard-boiled eggs are about the worst possible food to eat on a crowded airplane. So that was a cute moment – me shoving two eggs into my mouth while the attendant scanned my passport so I wouldn’t offend the poor soul seated next to me.

Airbnb is where you’ll get the most noticeable discount for long-term stays. To see this in action, plug in a destination you’d like to visit and set the dates to a full month.

Click on a listing you’re interested in and scroll down to the payment and reservation box. Here, you’ll see if the host is offering any discounts for monthly bookings. I’ve seen discounts anywhere from 5% – 40%, which can be a huge game-changer!

How To Keep Track Of Your Budget While Traveling

It’s one thing to plan the perfect budget trip, but keeping track of your travel costs while on the road can be another challenge. I use two tools to keep track of my budget while traveling: Trail Wallet and You Need A Budget.

Trail Wallet is an app designed by travel bloggers, specifically designed to help people keep track of their budget while traveling! Whenever you make a purchase, you’ll jot it down in the app and assign it to a category.

I love that they provide graphs and charts to show the totals for each category. There is even a limited free plan so you can try it out before purchasing.

You Need A Budget is general budgeting software that I use to organize my financial life, travel included. YNAB is a full budgeting system that totally changed my mindset around budgeting and they have tons of resources to help you get started. You can try them for free for a month to see if it’s a good fit!

Final Tips For How To Travel The World On A Budget

While there are plenty of specific ways to save money on travel outlined above, these big-picture budget travel tips will make a big impact on the bottom line.

Having flexible travel dates is one of the best ways to land good deals. Being flexible with when you go means you can grab last-minute flight deals that come up, snag a great house sitting or volunteering gig, or plan your trip during the low season when prices drop.

Being open to tons of different destinations is also helpful because you never know when an amazing flight deal, or WWOOF opportunity, or teaching job might become available. I’ve had house sits in places I’d never even heard of before and now those are some of my fondest memories. I’m so happy I gave those destinations a chance and went with the flow.

By trying the tips above and being flexible with your travel plans, who knows what fun budget travel experiences will come your way! I can’t wait to see you on the road!

More Budget Travel Posts!

• How I saved over $3840 for travel on a teacher salary!
• Interview with Nomadic Matt, a budget travel expert!
• How to save money while traveling in Europe

Related Articles

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How I saved $3840 for Travel In 10 Simple Steps

Workaway Review 2021: How to Travel for Free with Workaway

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21 Cheap Places to Travel in 2024

By Caitlin Morton

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

There are many factors to consider when planning a vacation, from finding cheap places to travel and the safety of your intended destination to hotel options . But like it or not, there’s one thing that influences our travel decisions more than anything else: money. All those resort fees, plane tickets , and life-changing meals add up pretty quickly—so at the end of the day, we really want to prioritize places where our greenbacks have the most spending power.

We did a little digging to find the countries where the U.S. dollar goes the furthest, based on current exchange rates. And while our fickle global economy means those rates can change at any time, certain places have consistently offered more bang for our buck over the years—and, fingers crossed, they should stay that way well into 2024 .

Without further ado, here are 21 of the best cheap places to travel around the world.

Budapest, Hungary

1 USD = 351.21 HUF

Hungary’s favorable economy is great news for anyone planning a trip to Budapest , where a growing scene of Michelin-starred restaurants and high-tech spas are calling to us from across the globe. The city just celebrated its 150th anniversary in November 2023, which means there are even more reasons to visit during the next calendar year, including the newly reopened Chain Bridge and the brand-new House of Music Hungary . Be sure to book a room at the art deco W Budapest —formerly a palace and on a UNESCO World Heritage-listed street—which opened in July 2023 opposite the Hungarian State Opera.

South Korea

1 USD = 1,301.45 KRW

While other travelers head to the popular tourist destinations of Seoul , Busan, and Jeju Island, we have our eyes set on another South Korean city:  Mokpo , located in the Jeolla region at the southern tip of the peninsula. The port city offers some of the most interesting dining in the country, and specialty dishes like  hongeo (a naturally fermented, extremely pungent skate-fish dish) attract food lovers from around the world.

1 USD = 17.22 MXN

Mexico is consistently one of our favorite places to travel on a budget. In Mexico City , with a street food culture rivaled only by its forward-looking restaurant scene, you’ll be spending most of your money on eats. But make sure to leave some bucks to visit all the cultural wonders the city has to offer, starting with the iconic Museo Jumex . If you’re looking to go a little farther afield, head to Jalisco to see tequila being made at the source, or Isla Holbox for a sleepy beach scene.

An eagle hunter riding near the Altai Mountains in Mongolia.

1 USD = 3,449.69 MNT

We’ve long been fans of Mongolia for its seemingly limitless expanses and adventure camps—and the fact that travel here costs as little as $75 per day (including accommodations). The country is on a mission to lure even more travelers into its borders in 2024, with upcoming initiatives like its first-ever direct US flight and visa-free travel for dozens of nationalities. You can also expect even more offbeat cultural experiences next year: Local operator Breanna Wilson is expanding her 2024 tours to include a digital nomad week, a women-only retreat in Orkhon Valley, and a three-day archery training session.

1 USD = 24,275.00 VND

Plenty of countries in Southeast Asia are great deals for dollar carriers right now, but we recommend a trip to Vietnam—in part because of the steadily increasing exchange rate, but mostly for the country’s mind-blowing beauty. Hanoi is arguably the most romantic city in the region, but don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten track during your next visit: Places like  Ninh Van Bay and Phú Quốc island have pristine beaches and intimate resorts you won’t find in the more touristed areas.

1 USD = 4.94 BRL

Jessica Chapel

Alex Erdekian

Diana Oates

Jessica Puckett

Like much of South America, Brazil is a good place to visit if you don’t want to break the bank. But the fact that a dollar gets you nearly five Brazilian reals means you can get even better value than usual. Rio de Janeiro is the most obvious place to spend time and money, with incredible restaurants—like  Lasai , a 2023 Hot List winner—just steps away from some of the world’s  best beaches . But don't forget to visit  São Paulo , too, where a younger generation has introduced hip galleries, museums, and bars to several long-neglected neighborhoods.

South Africa

1 USD = 18.30 ZAR

The value of the South African rand has fluctuated a lot over the past few years, but we’re pretty happy with where it is today. (To compare, one U.S. dollar only got you 8.57 ZAR 10 years ago.) Stretch those bucks on the  Test Kitchen ’s 21-course tasting menu in Cape Town , then head into the wilderness at  Singita Castleton Lodge in the Sabi Sand game reserve.

Traditional stilt fishermen in Sri Lanka

1 USD = 327.31 SLR

The Sri Lankan rupee has slowly gotten more and more favorable over the past couple of decades, but it completely skyrocketed starting a couple of years ago (a dollar converted to 200 SLR in February 2022, and now look where we are). We’re more excited than ever to explore this incredible island nation, where you can see leafy tea plantations, Buddhist temples, golden beaches, and 200-mile hiking trails in one memorable trip.

1 USD = 525.96 CRC

The Costa Rican colón has depreciated a bit in recent months, but it remains favorable for US travelers. Then there’s the fact that the country’s best asset (i.e. its natural beauty) is mostly free to enjoy. From trekking through the tropical cloud forests in the mountains of Alajuela to surfing off the coast of Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica is one of the world’s best countries for outdoor adventure. (And the  hotels are pretty great , too.)

Philippines

1 USD = 55.89 PHP

We’re never not dreaming about island hopping in the Phillippines. It’s hard to believe that places like Palawan and Siargao are so economically accessible, given that they are some of the most beautiful places on the planet. Even five-star resorts like  Shangri-La Boracay can be reserved for under $350 per night, which is all the incentive we need to book a trip right now.

1 USD = 4,580 MGA

For your next tropical island vacation, skip pricey, popular locations like the Maldives and Bora Bora for inexpensive Madagascar—an Indian Ocean treasure filled with breathtaking rainforests and lemur-filled national parks. Plan your visit around the opening of Namoroka Tsingy Exploration Camp ( scheduled for mid-2024 ), which will feature seven luxury safari tents inside the essentially unvisited Namoroka National Park. Alternately, swing by the island nation as part of a cruise itinerary: Luxe cruise lines like Silversea , Lindblad , Swan Hellenic , and Seabourne have all added the country as a port of call on new voyages.

Cairo, Egypt.

1 USD = 30.93 EGP

Following in the footsteps of pharaohs in Egypt feels like it should be expensive, but the Egyptian pound has skyrocketed this year—that means touring the Pyramids, cruising the Nile, and exploring Cairo has never been more affordable. We’re excited to check out relatively new openings, like St. Regis Cairo and the beach villas at Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria . And we’ve been anxiously awaiting the official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum for years now, but it looks like it might actually happen in 2024.

1 USD = 4.67 MYR

Your cash will stretch far in Malaysia, especially if you fill up on street food and explore cities like Kuala Lumpur on foot. It’s also inexpensive (or in some cases, free) to visit the country’s pristine beaches, limestone caves, and some of the most beautiful tea plantations. If you’re ready and willing to shell out the big bucks, however, we highly recommend shacking up at  The Datai Langkawi —it’s definitely expensive but wholly worth it.

1 USD = 83.04 INR

India has always been a cheap travel destination; now that you can get 83 rupees to the dollar, however, the country is more affordable than ever. Hotels run the gamut from $60-per-night bungalows to pricy Oberoi and Six Senses outposts, plus hundreds of options in between. But as long as you don’t hole up in your resort the entire time, you can visit plenty of attractions and dine at local restaurants on an extremely tight budget.

1 USD = 107.45 RSD

Belgrade continues to emerge as one of Europe’s most exciting cultural epicenters, but it’s massively less expensive than, say, Paris or Berlin (at least for now). It’s relatively easy to find hotels under $100, though accommodations aren’t all that important when you spend all night dancing in clubs around the city. But you will want to get some rest to explore Belgrade’s wealth of museums and contemporary art installations, many of which just opened in the  past few years .

Ohrid, North Macedonia

North Macedonia

1 USD = 56.44 MKD

Perhaps it’s because the coastal countries get all the attention, but North Macedonia remains one of the most  criminally underrated (and therefore affordable) countries in Europe. The landlocked nation is a sleeper hit for those in the know, especially if you head to the charming city of Ohrid. It has all the cobbled streets and quaint churches one would expect from a European town, with the added advantage of being right on the shores of the incredibly gorgeous and biodiverse Lake Ohrid.

1 USD = 132.92 NPR

Nepal is one of the cheapest countries to visit for all travelers, but the U.S. dollar is particularly strong there right now. Most people immediately associate Nepal with Mt. Everest, but the tiny nation has much more to offer than bucket-list climbs. Kathmandu is overwhelming at first, but it hides some great hotels and museums once you start digging. Bhaktapur and Patan—both close by in the Kathmandu Valley—are a bit more low-key but still packed with culture.

1 USD = 66.99 GMD

It may be continental Africa’s smallest country but don’t you dare overlook the Gambia . The ultra-affordable nation has long been a coveted spot for wildlife enthusiasts, but it’s starting to rise in the ranks as both a  food destination and luxury cruise  port of call .

1 USD = 15,556.65 IDR

Despite the post- Eat, Pray, Love influx of tourists, Indonesia remains an affordable vacation spot overall. While millions of people flock to Bali (where resort prices are steep in response), you can enjoy a much cheaper and more peaceful trip on  the islands of Sumba and Lombok. And don’t forget about Jakarta, where a solid day includes filling up on greasy noodles and  nasi goreng gila  from makeshift street stalls—all for just a couple of US bucks.

Beach near Ksamil, Albania.

1 USD = 93.95 ALL

Albania is much less expensive than other European countries—and it’s a bit under the radar as a tourist destination, which means there’s still a chance to visit before the word gets out and the crowds descend. One of the most enticing reasons to plan a trip is the food: Picture tables filled with rosemary-scented lamb, tart mountain cheeses, blackened sea bass, and bottles of fruit juices. In Tirana, book a stay at Agroturizëm Gjepali , a restaurant turned hotel with river views and doubles starting at just $70.

1 USD = 12,375.00 UZS

Uzbekistan is still on the up-and-up when it comes to foreign travel, which makes it one of the most exciting and affordable destinations in Central Asia. The major cities are filled with both intricate mosques and brutalist monuments—all free to explore—and you’ll be hard-pressed to spend more than $5 per meal at restaurants. There aren’t too many name-brand hotels set up yet, but even places like the Hyatt Regency Tashkent have nightly rates below $170.

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How to Travel the World for Cheap: A Budget-Friendly Guide

Table of Contents

Discover the ultimate guide on how to travel the world for cheap. Uncover money-saving tips, hacks, and budget-friendly strategies for your dream adventure.

Traveling the world is a dream for many, but the misconception that it’s always expensive can deter even the most adventurous souls. Global trotting can be affordable and thrilling with the proper knowledge. This guide provides plenty of helpful tips and tricks on How to Travel the World Cheap, ensuring financial constraints don’t prevent you from experiencing its beauty first-hand.

Table of Content

Go with the flow., consider less popular destinations., book your flights and accommodation in advance, choose budget-friendly accommodation., consume your meals, take advantage of free activities on travel, use public transportation, take advantage of travel discounts., travel with friends or family., volunteer in exchange for accommodation, use travel hacking techniques., saving money on specific travel expenses, accommodation, transportation, staying healthy on the road: tips for the budget-conscious traveler, how to travel the world for cheap: finding deals and discounts.

• Conclusion:

FAQs on Travel the World on a Budget

Maintain a flexible travel schedule. That will give you more chances to find cheaper flights and hotels; less-than-peak season prices or off-season savings might even apply!

Assuming you want to visit Europe, summer is usually considered the peak season for travel there. To save money when booking flights and accommodations during shoulder season (spring or fall), off-season (winter) can often provide cheaper deals.

Popularity often dictates costs; you may find more cost-effective deals by exploring lesser-known spots.

For example, consider traveling to Lyon, France, instead of Paris, France. Lyon is a culturally vibrant city with a rich heritage, but it is less popular than Paris and, therefore, more affordable.

Booking early can help secure better deals regarding flights and hotels – especially during peak travel seasons when prices can skyrocket! Booking in advance will save money while traveling – something early booking doesn’t do!

The early bird gets the discount!

For example, many airlines offer early bird discounts for booking flights at least 60 days in advance. And many hotels offer discounts for booking stays at least 30 days in advance.

Hostels and guesthouses provide cost-effective lodging while allowing travelers to meet other travelers.

Hostels tend to offer dorm rooms with multiple beds for shared Accommodation; private rooms may also be available at an additional price. Guesthouses tend to be smaller than hotels and provide an intimate experience.

Dining out can be costly; save money by cooking your meals. For maximum efficiency on a tight budget, look for hostels or guesthouses with kitchen facilities where you can prepare your meals.

Staying at a hotel allows you to access local groceries or markets where you can purchase food to cook at the hotel and pack snacks and meals from home to save even more money.

Related article: Healthy Travel: Tips for Staying Fit on the Road

Most cities offer numerous free things, like visiting parks, museums and libraries. Research beforehand to determine what free activities are available in each location.

Many cities provide free walking or bike tours to explore their city’s culture and history, and museums and art galleries offer free admission.

Public transportation can often be far cheaper than taxis or rental cars.

For example, many cities offer day passes for public transportation that give unlimited access to buses, trains, and subways for an allotted period. Furthermore, consider taking advantage of travel discounts.

Travel discounts can be achieved in many ways, including using travel credit cards, student discounts, and senior discounts.

Travel credit cards typically offer rewards programs that enable cardholders to accumulate points for spending on flights, hotel stays, rental cars, and activities, which can later be redeemed against travel expenses like flights and hotel stays. Student and senior discounts may also be available when making reservations through these credit cards.

Sharing Accommodation and transportation costs with others can save money when staying in hostels, often offering shared private rooms at less than the price of two private rooms; sharing car costs also allows more cost sharing among friends or family members.

Many organizations worldwide offer volunteering opportunities in exchange for free Accommodation and meals – an effective way to save money while experiencing local culture!

For example, you could volunteer at a school in a developing nation to teach English or participate in a conservation project in remote regions.

Travel hacking uses travel credit cards and rewards programs to score free flights, hotel stays, and other travel benefits – some websites and blogs can teach you how to travel hack.

Signing up for a travel credit card that offers a sign-up bonus of 50,000 miles could allow you to redeem those miles and fly for free to Europe!

Related article: Fun Things to Do in Boston in the Winter

• Be flexible with your dates.
• Consider flying into smaller airports.
• Book flights early.
• Think about getting a travel reward credit card to earn points on purchases. Points can be exchanged for flights.
• Stay at hostels or guesthouses.
• Save money on Accommodation by opting for less popular city areas and booking well ahead.
• Cook your meals.
• Keep an eye out for deals and discounts while cooking meals can save significant amounts.
• Avoid tourist traps by dining at restaurants frequented by locals. Take advantage of happy hour specials.
• Buy food from street vendors or markets, bring snacks from home, or arrange activities that keep the mind busy.

• Explore free or low-cost activities like visiting parks, museums, and libraries.
• Keep an eye out for deals such as city passes or online booking discounts to take advantage of discounted activities like hiking, bicycling, or swimming – perfect options to consider for free activities!
• Pack all necessary gear for activities, such as hiking boots and swimsuits.
• Take public transit – this saves both money and the environment!
• Walking or bicycling are possible alternatives.
• Consider renting a car if traveling with a group or visiting multiple cities.
• Avoid higher prices and stay off-season (shoulder season/off-season).
• Travel during shoulder seasons to less popular destinations instead, book travel early, take advantage of deals and discounts, travel with friends/family to split costs, or volunteer to stay somewhere for free in exchange.
• Travel hacking techniques allow travelers to secure free flights, hotel stays, and other travel perks.
• Travel with friends or family to share costs.

Staying healthy when traveling can be difficult on a tight budget , but it can be done with proper planning and effort. Here are some strategies:

• Pack healthy snacks:  Packing healthy snacks such as nuts, fruits, vegetables, yogurt, or hard-boiled eggs is one of the best ways to prevent unhealthy travel temptations.
• Cooking meals yourself can save money and ensure healthier eating. Many hostels and guesthouses provide kitchens for guests’ use; hotels may allow guests to bring a small cooler filled with food for use during meals.
• Dining at local markets and restaurants:  Eating locally-produced cuisine while saving money is one of the best ways to experience local culture and tastebuds simultaneously. Markets also provide fresh produce.
• Be mindful of your alcohol intake:  Alcohol dehydrates the body and makes sleeping difficult, so if you drink, drink lots of water between drinks. It is vital to sleep every night to maintain maximum energy and health. Aim for a minimum of 7 to 8 hours of sleep.
• Stay Active:  Walking, bicycling, and swimming are great ways to stay fit while traveling; hostels or guesthouses may even have fitness facilities that you can utilize if available. 

Here are a few additional budget-conscious traveler tips:

• Search for hostels and guesthouses offering complimentary breakfast: This can save money on your first meal, especially when combined with happy hours and discounts from restaurants and bars providing specials to students and seniors.
• Ensure you have a reusable water bottle and a mug for coffee: This will save money on bottled water and coffee purchases, respectively. Additionally, bring along any medications and toiletries necessary. Taking these steps could help save significant costs when traveling for extended periods.

These tips will help you to stay well-maintained on the road without spending too much.

When it comes to travel deals on the cheap, look for websites and apps offering discounted flights, accommodations, activities, and membership in mailing lists of travel companies for special offers that may only be accessible via their mailing lists.

Exploring Free and Low-Cost Activities

Traveling cheap means taking full advantage of unforgettable experiences. Many destinations provide free or budget-friendly attractions , parks, museums, and cultural events – take advantage of them to enhance your journey!

Conclusion :

Traveling on a budget is achievable with a bit of forethought and effort. By following the tips outlined above, you can save money in all aspects of travel – flights, Accommodation, food, and activities! Above all else, though, remember to have fun! Don’t let a tight budget prevent you from experiencing life around the globe!

Q: Can I travel the world on a tight budget?

Absolutely. With careful planning, research, and adopting cost-cutting strategies, traveling worldwide on a tight budget is entirely doable.

Q: How can I save on flights and accommodations?

For flights, book early, be flexible with travel dates, compare prices on fare comparison websites, and consider alternative accommodations such as hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb. For accommodations, consider alternative options like hostels or guesthouses as possible options.

Q: Is it safe to use public transportation in a foreign country?

Public transit can be an efficient, economical means of travel; however, take all appropriate safety precautions and remain aware of your surroundings to stay secure.

Q: Are there any affordable dining options while traveling?

Budget-minded dining can be found in local eateries, street vendors, or markets – cooking your meals can save money and is another excellent way to save.

Q: How do I find free or low-cost activities in a new city?

To discover free or low-cost activities in any location, research online, get recommendations from locals, visit community centers or tourism offices, and check with their informational services on upcoming free/low-cost activities.

Q: What are some helpful tips for packing light?

Pack versatile clothing, roll your clothes to save space, and prioritize essential items. Remember to leave room for souvenirs!

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The 18 Cheapest Places to Travel in 2022

Plan an exciting vacation without spending an arm and a leg.

Looking to catch a cheap flight this year? Kayak , one of the world's leading travel search engines, shared with Travel + Leisure a list of the cheapest places to travel this year.

To determine the most wallet-friendly destinations, Kayak analyzed the searches for flights from Nov. 20, 2020, through Nov. 19, 2021, for travel between Jan. 1, 2022, and June 30, 2022. Kayak then considered the top 100 most-clicked destinations with the lowest average flight price, excluding outliers based on criteria such as travel restrictions and security concerns.

Fly against the grain and get rewarded with major savings.

Unsurprisingly, Mexico makes the list of the cheapest places to travel in 2022. The country has long ranked as an affordable and easy-to-reach destination for many Americans; reasonably priced direct flights are abundant.

Within Mexico, San José del Cabo (in Baja California Sur), Puerto Vallarta, and Cancún come out on top as the cheapest places to fly, with January being the most affordable month to visit for each. Fortunately, January is nothing short of glorious in each of these beachy destinations — warm, balmy, and filled with rich colors, textures, and flavors to beat the winter blues.

Searching for a city break instead of a beach retreat? Mexico City, with its rich Aztec heritage and generous smattering of museums, is another affordable option in Mexico. May is the cheapest month to book a flight there.

Chicago, Illinois

Who wants to visit Chicago in winter? You will, once you see the rock-bottom prices you can score in January and all there is to do in this Midwest winter wonderland. Spend an afternoon on the Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon, then warm up with a slice of deep-dish pizza.

Colombia is a beloved travel destination for its rich history, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering food. It's also well priced against what many Americans are used to paying for, say, a fresh arepa and cup of Colombian coffee.

February is the least expensive month to fly to the country's capital, Bogotá. The weather here is chilly, but not too cold to stroll the painstakingly maintained Bogotá Botanical Garden, which dates back to 1955 and is filled with almost 20,000 plants (and costs just over $1 USD to enter).

In January, head to Cartagena, a port city on the country's Caribbean coast. You don't have to spend much to enjoy your time here — simply walking the picturesque streets is enough for most visitors.

Nashville, Tennessee

There's a reason bachelorette parties and reunions of every sort flock in droves to the Music City — it's not hard to have a boot-scootin' time on a budget. Mural-hopping is free, hot chicken will only set you back a few bucks, and there's lots of live music to be heard (free of cover charge) along Honky Tonk Highway . January is the cheapest month to book.

New York City, New York

New York City isn't known for being a cheap destination, but go in January and you'll get the best prices they've got. The city never sleeps, but it does slow down during the cold winter months — the perfect time for you to swoop in and take advantage of the decreased demand for flights and hotel rooms. Plus, there are plenty of free things to do in New York City , too.

Mexico isn't our only neighboring country with deals aplenty — Canada also makes for an easy getaway, with well-priced flights widely available from most of the U.S.

In Montréal, Quebec, the must-try food is the steamé — the city's take on a hot dog — served steamed in a side-loading bun (which is also steamed). It's the perfect food to gobble up during freezing February, when the flights are cheapest. Best of all, each delicious (and filling) hot dog will only set you back a couple of dollars.

February is also the cheapest month to fly to Toronto, Ontario. The weather may make you leery, but don't let it: During February, the annual installation of art and lights, known as the Toronto Light Festival (totally free), takes place in the walkable and historic Distillery District. It's also a good time for The Bentway Skate Trail under the Gardiner Expressway overpass, which will set you back only $5.

And while Vancouver, British Columbia, is gorgeous in the summertime, January is the cheapest month to fly there. Take the ferry for an affordable "tour" of the city from the water.

Atlanta, Georgia

Jackson Vance/Travel + Leisure

Atlanta has all the big-city perks at prices far more wallet-friendly than most of its counterparts. Splurge on a SkyView Ferris wheel ride for views of Centennial Olympic Park and beyond, and go in January for the lowest possible prices. There are lots of things to do in Atlanta during this time of year, from visiting the marine animals at the Georgia Aquarium to learning about local history at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Baltimore, Maryland

Head to Charm City this year to keep costs low and still have a memorable travel experience. Chilly January may be the cheapest month to visit, but luckily, you can still check out places like the Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens ($5 donation encouraged) in the urban oasis of Druid Hill Park.

San José, Costa Rica

The capital and largest city of Costa Rica, San José is a must-visit for any intrepid traveler. Expect Victorian mansions, nightlife in El Pueblo, lots of culture, and surrounding historic coffee plantations.

Check out the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum for a glimpse into what it might look like to have an unlimited jewelry budget. Admission is $15 for non-residents, but offers access to more than 1,500 gold objects and artifacts. Head to San José in May for the cheapest airfare to this lively (and affordable) city.

Dallas, Texas

This year, visit Dallas outside of Cowboys football season — like in January, when prices are at their lowest. During this time, you can expect more reasonable rates, but still get in on the sports action by catching a home game for the Mavericks (basketball) or the Stars (hockey).

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas can be as cheap or expensive as you want it to be, but if you prefer to devote the majority of your dollars to slots and shows rather than airfare and accommodations, go in January. Just don't expect hot temps, as even the desert gets cold in the winter. Here are some more tips to keep in mind and mistakes to avoid on your next trip to Sin City.

Panama City, Panama

Panama City, the capital of Panama, is an impressively modern Central American destination framed by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Panama Canal on another — best viewable from the Miraflores Locks. Visit in January for great flight deals, and don't miss the cobblestone streets of historic Casco Viejo.

Tampa, Florida

Florida as a destination is hotter than ever, but Tampa isn't as inundated with crowds as the state's other major cities — plus, its location on the western coast promises gorgeous sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. Go in January for a good deal, warm (but not sweltering) temps, and plenty of sunshine.

Hamilton, Bermuda

If January's chill has you dreaming of pink-sand beaches, you're in luck, as it's a great month to visit Bermuda. Fly into Hamilton and stroll Front Street for a peek at the pastel buildings that are iconic to this glitzy British island territory, but stick to window-shopping if you want to keep your trip cheap. Biking and beach-hopping are the name of the game here.

Boston, Massachusetts

January may be the cheapest month to fly to Boston, but it's not the best season for strolling its idyllic Common or touring the Freedom Trail. Luckily, many stops along the historic route are indoors — and cheap (like the Paul Revere House, which is just $6 per adult).

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is another popular destination for American travelers. January is the least expensive month to visit the two most affordable cities to fly into: Santo Domingo and Punta Cana.

Though Santo Domingo is the country's capital, it doesn't have to be an expensive visit. Take in the architecture that dates back to the late 1400s and stroll the Colonial Zone for a memorable (and free) experience.

Punta Cana, on the other hand, is known as a tourist hot spot with plenty of resorts (and ways to spend lots of money). However, some of life's greatest treasures — like sandy beaches and waterfall hikes — are as free in Punta Cana as they are anywhere else.

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

You don't need a passport to fly to St. Thomas, but you'll have a hard time believing this jaw-dropping, colorful island is technically U.S. soil. Make sure to visit Magens Bay, climb the 99 Steps in Charlotte Amalie, and marvel at the sheer blueness of the water surrounding this popular cruise ship port. Go in January for the best flight prices; you'll be glad for the savings when you see what accommodations cost on this luxurious island.

Denver, Colorado

Denver has a ton to do, even in January, which is the cheapest month to visit. Hitting the slopes is hard to do at a discount (unless you go in the summer to hike instead of ski), but at least you'll save money on airfare if you visit Denver during this snowy month.

Road is Calling

How to Travel the World On a Budget For a Year With Only $10K For Two

If you are secretly thinking about how to travel the world on a budget and find the cheapest way to go places, this post will definitely come in handy! Really, you don’t need to have a lot of money to be able to travel. It is totally possible even if you are on a tight budget.

In fact, I want to show you how to travel the world for cheap when you have only $10K and want to spread it out for as long as possible.

I know, lately, things have been changing fast. At first the pandemic and now the Russian war in my own country influenced inflation and made prices soar.

It became more challenging and more expensive to travel. With only $10K (especially if you have this amount for the entire year), it is now a more difficult task to travel qualitatively than let’s say it was even a couple of years ago. Yet, it is still possible. And I’ll show you how.

There are a lot of tips from different people regarding how much money one should have in order to travel long-term and feel comfortable.

I have personally seen reports with such numbers as $20K and $30K per year and then I met someone who spent around $15K when traveling solo around the world.

Honestly, I don’t think that having $30K for one year of travel is something extraordinary. Even $20,000 is still enough money. If knowing how to spend it smartly, this amount can keep you going for way longer than just 12 months. And yes, even in this time when prices are up.

And now, you don’t need to stay in hostels all the time, camp, or sleep in trains or buses. Also, rice and noodles are not the only dishes you have to eat.

There are still many ways how to travel for cheap, eat delicious and healthy foods , drink coffee ,  swim in infinity pools, go to spa centers , sleep in castle hotels , and hike trails in stunning places.

Just a couple of years ago Mark and I also traveled the world with little money and managed to spend around $10K a year using all those tips and tricks that I mention below (I accumulated them over a long period of time). If you are interested to know where we went and what we did, you can read this post .

But the goal of this article is to show you that there are ways to travel cheap. To be more exact, there are still ways to travel with $10K a year. And more than that, this amount will cover expenses for two people.

So let’s talk about them below.

General Tips on How to Travel the World on a Budget

1. set a plan on where to go and how much time to spend in one place.

Knowing where to go and how much time to spend in each place will help you understand how much to budget. And once you have that budget you can stick to, you are able to relax and enjoy the process. I don’t think making a step-by-step agenda with precise activities makes much sense. 

But if you want to travel the world cheaply and not stress out on the road over things that you could have planned before, then decide for yourself which countries you’ll travel to and in what order.

Also, make an approximate plan of which cities, villages, and attractions you would like to cover and what to skip. Do some research and find out what is the cost of travel in those places. Make a plan for how to move between them. It is very important because last-minute decisions always cost more.

Flights between many countries within the same continent are usually cheap but not if you are waiting until the last day. Some types of transportation (like first-class or sleeper trains, and ferries) sell out quickly. Nice accommodation on a budget is usually also booked in advance.

Do not hope to go with the flow and book everything along the way. Better have a precise idea of where you’ll go and when especially if thinking of travelling on a budget in Europe. Also, don’t plan to visit 50 countries in 12 months. In that way, you’ll end up spending all the money on transportation and getting places instead of experiencing them, not to mention being jet-lagged and tired all the time.

From my experience, I can tell that going without a plan (even an approximate one) can cost a pretty penny later. Mark and I used to travel without an idea where to go and when, and then when trying to make a last-minute decision, prices for everything were so much higher that we had to overpay.

RELATED POST: QUITTING MY JOB TO TRAVEL THE WORLD. IS IT SMART ENOUGH?

2. Do Not Plan Travel More Than 2 Months in Advance

One of my favorite ways to travel cheap is not to plan a trip more than 2 months in advance, often even one month in advance. And the reason for that is that travel planning with too much time ahead of you often means higher prices.

Many airlines, hotels, and tour companies offer discounted prices to fill up their remaining inventory when the date of travel is close. By booking your travel arrangements closer to your departure day, you may be able to find some great deals that weren’t available when you first started planning.

In my experience, the best way to find cheap airline tickets for long distances is within the 3-6 weeks range. So if you want to fly somewhere in 2 months, it is better to start monitoring prices but not buying tickets just yet. Wait and see how better deals are going to pop up as some time passes and you have 4-5 weeks left before the travel date.

Although do not wait for too long as with less than 2 weeks time left before your departure, airfare prices are going to increase again.  

The same is with accommodation. Oftentimes owners of many boutique and small heritage hotels decrease prices of rentals during the off-season even if there are still a few weeks of time left before travel.

We booked many trips at the last minute, including a recent trip to Cordoba while moving from Malaga to Tenerife island. And by the way, the trip to Tenerife with flights and accommodation, which we planned 2 weeks before departure, turned out to be quite cheaper than if we had stayed in Malaga during the same duration.

3. Get a Travel Credit Card Before You Leave

If you want to travel smart and cheap, get a travel credit card, preferably one with cash rewards. It will save you money on every purchase.

With a travel card, you don’t need to pay a foreign transaction fee. Also, what we found important is that when you pay in a foreign country with a credit card, the exchange rate set by the bank is always higher than the rate in exchange kiosks. So, in this way, you will be saving money too.

But besides savings, you can earn points on all transactions and later deposit them into the account as cash value and apply towards travel.

More and more places around the world accept credit cards, even small market stalls, so you won’t need to withdraw money on every occasion.

As for the card to choose, see what banks in your country offer. If you are from the US, from my experience I can recommend the Bank of America travel rewards card , Chase Sapphire Preferred , and Capital One Venture (although the last two have a yearly fee).

4. Choose to Travel Slowly to Be Able to Save

By traveling slowly I mean choosing one city in a new country where you’ll base for at least a month. Better if you make a base there for a few months. Especially in this time, with the corona, it provides more security to have a long-term base. In this case, you’ll be able to rent accommodation on a monthly basis, cook at home, get to know how locals live, and travel within that region. All of it will cost you way less than constant travels from one place to another. 

Traveling full-time can get really exhausting and also it takes more resources. Traveling slowly helps to remain positive and energetic . 

If you look at budget-friendly destinations, you’ll see that renting a nice but pretty basic room costs between $10-$15 a night. If you multiply by 30 days, it will add up to $300 minimum. But honestly, you cannot count on that. In one destination it may cost $10 while in other $20.

On the contrary, in the same destination, the entire apartment costs between $250-$350 a month. It includes a kitchen that in turn helps to cook at home from time to time and save on food.

With slow travel, you do not necessarily see less. You actually get to experience more, just in one country.

We have been living in slow travel for almost 4 years now. During this time we were based in many cities and traveled qualitatively around many countries. If you are curious to learn what are those places (that I believe are fantastic destinations for budget travelers to live while traveling slowly), check my other posts:

• 15 Countries to Live in Europe With $1000 Per Month For Two
• Life in Istanbul, Turkey – What’s It Like? Tips For Foreigners & Digital Nomads
• Moving to Turkey – Is Turkey a Good Country?  
• Life in Tbilisi, Georgia – Will You Enjoy It?
• How is Life in Ukraine For a Foreigner – What to Know & Expect
• Life in Kuala Lumpur – What to Expect?
• Living in Vietnam Under $1000 For Two – Amazing Country For Budget Travelers

5. Travel There Where You Don’t Need a Visa 

Most likely, if you are reading this post, you haven’t traveled much yet. Maybe you’ve seen a few places but I bet there are many more left for you to discover. And if I have to guess, you want to go everywhere.

So, my advice to everyone who is on a shoestring budget but wants to travel the world for a year (or more) – try to start with those destinations where you don’t need to pay for a visa or where at least a visa is cheap.

Different passports have different levels of power, I get that. Still, a lot of those passports enable their holders to travel to some destinations visa-free. Check where you need to apply for a visa or where you can just obtain an ETA and calculate how much it will cost.

Visa expenses in total can end up being a few hundreds of dollars. For someone on a tight budget that’s actually a lot of money. So if you are flexible about where to travel to, start with those destinations where crossing the border is free. Or at least where the cost of a visa is cheap. 

Mark and I personally use iVisa website to check if we need visas for every country we go to. It is a very helpful resource where all information is updated regularly.

6. Plan to Travel to Prime Destinations During the Off Season

Traveling to expensive destinations during the off-season may seem counterintuitive, but it can actually be a great way to save money while still enjoying all that the destination has to offer.

During the off-season, no matter where you go, prices for flights, accommodation, and activities usually drop. But with expensive destinations that’s not the only benefit.

Oftentimes, many expensive destinations during the low season besides lower prices also offer milder weather that is more comfortable for outdoor activities. For example, in destinations like Hawaii or the Caribbean, the off-season means lower humidity and fewer storms which is an ideal time to enjoy the beaches or go hiking. 

In southern Spain like Andalusia for example, off-season (meaning winter) is a perfect time to escape cold and enjoy winter sun on a budget.

One of the reasons how Mark and I managed to travel all over Spain and even live in one of the northern towns and then live in Malaga was because we mainly traveled there in winter and found cheap accommodation for a long term while it was still cheap. 

7. Choose to Travel to Cheap Countries 

I am sure you could somehow figure that this one was going to make the list. If you want to make sure your saved money will last you longer, choose to travel to cheaper destinations . Each continent has its own cheap countries. And Southeast Asia is not the only place. 

In North America, for instance, Mexico is pretty cheap. Look into Campeche, Merida, Guanajuato, Puerto Escondida, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara if you want to save money. Although it is also very possible to travel to Cancun on a budget together with Tulum and Playa del Carmen.

In Europe, look into the Balkans (all countries in this region are very cheap,) Eastern Europe, and some parts of Spain . We lived in Montenegro and spent the same amount of money there as we did in Bali . Bosnia and Herzegovina was even cheaper.

Ukraine, my home country, is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe for winter and for summer where to live comfortably but with very little money. Let’s just wait for the war to end and you can add Ukraine again to the places where to travel on the cheap. Even Istanbul in Turkey , where we used to live and return often, offers a lot of options for budget travelers. 

With Southeast Asia, you need to know where to go because some places can be more pricey than others. Singapore is obviously the most expensive, Taiwan is not that cheap and some parts of Malaysia, the Philippines, Bali can also surprise with prices. 

If you haven’t opened my post about the cheapest countries to live in Europe , do it now. I included all the countries where you can live with €1000 per month. Even if there is no plan to live in any of them, it’ll give you an idea of how cheap/expensive they are for travel.

8. Pack Everything You Need Before You Leave

Chances are you won’t be taking a lot of stuff when leaving to travel. Still, pack your bags wisely.

While you are still working and having an income stream, buy everything you may need for your voyage ahead of time. Glasses, sunblocks, a bathing suit, sandals, sneakers, towels, medicine, and even a hair muss if you need one. Do not plan to buy those necessities later. In a new country, you may not know right away where the best places to shop are or the same items can be more expensive.

Plus additionally, if you don’t pack all you need, it will mean you’ll buy it ina new destination in this way adding more weight to your bags. And extra luggage nowadays is quite expensive.

Many airlines charge additional fees for checked luggage or overweight bags. By packing everything you need in a carry-on bag, you can avoid these fees and save money.

However, it is not really about money only. Running around in a new place may steal your time.

9. Change Your Habits to Save More Money 

If you want to travel the world on a budget, you need to make some changes to your lifestyle.

We all have our own habits and small things that make us happy. For me, some of those things I love are a bowl of smoothie almost every single day, something sweet, and jogging. For Mark, that’s always a cup of coffee, workout, and beer. When we were living in America, we paid for all those things around $200 each month.

When we started to travel, we realized that we couldn’t have smoothies all the time (this type of food is pretty expensive everywhere in cafes), buy coffee on a daily basis (which our bodies don’t need anyway) and we couldn’t pay for a gym. So we made a lot of changes. No, we didn’t quit them but we changed the routine.

Instead of paying for a gym, we always follow home workouts, jog, and exercise outside when the weather is warm. For example, now while living in Istanbul , we are renting an apartment near the park and seaside. The only time we paid for a gym was during our long stay in Ukraine .

For smoothies and coffee, we decided to purchase a portable coffee maker and a compact travel blender that we pack in our suitcases for many trips. 

While I will never try to tell anyone to stop exercising and eating healthy, I will definitely encourage you to realize where you are overspending. Most likely you are spending more on long-held habits. Are you a smoker? Drinker? Coffee, fast food, soda addict? All of this will be taking a good chunk of money out of your monthly budget.

If you want to learn cheap ways to travel, cut your spending, and quit bad habits because they may be costing you more than anything else. 

10. Go Only There, Where Flights Are Cheap

Another thing that will help to travel the world for a year on a budget is to plan to go to those destinations where flights are cheap. I like to use an ‘Explore’ option with google to see which connections the city of interest has and which of them are the cheapest. 

There are a lot of countries that interest me and where I want to go. But when picking the next base for us with Mark, I always search for tickets first. The cheapest and most convenient flight always wins.

Before planning your itinerary, first of all, learn how to find cheap deals . Make a list of countries you want to visit and then start looking at which country is cheaper to fly to. Sometimes distance doesn’t matter. You may find a better deal to fly from the U.S. to Europe than to Costa Rica or even Mexico.

A few years ago, while being in Ukraine , we found the cheapest ticket to Chiang Mai and this is why we ended up there. But on the way, we had a fantastic 24 hours long layover in Doha , Qatar which let us visit a new country for cheap.

Play with different airfare search sites (we always compare on Expedia and Google Flights ), use some luxury travel hacks, make sure to check prices from Tuesday to Thursday (especially at night), look for connecting flights, and compare prices.

I recommend buying tickets for at least the first two months of your travels. The rest you can buy along the way.

Practical Tips on How to Travel the World for Cheap

11. find complimentary accommodation.

Complimentary accommodation does not always come as free. Sometimes you may need to do some work in exchange but it is worth it so much.

Getting this type of accommodation is good if you plan to travel to prime destinations such as Western Europe, Scandinavia , Australia, New Zealand, United States , Canada, etc.

With these countries, you can always house-sit , volunteer, camp for free or little money, couchsurf , or work in exchange for food and a place to sleep. Most of these opportunities, especially international housesitting , will cover your room and board and sometimes provide a car.

Before Mark and I left America we spent 3 months traveling from the West Coast of the U.S. through Vancouver and then to Banff National Park and then all the way to Vermont, staying in free accommodation. This is how we ended up paying less than $1500 for all that time. I talk more about what we did and where we stayed in this post on work in exchange for accommodation and food . Give it a read.

But briefly, here are resources to use to find complimentary accommodation:

• Housesitting – this website has the biggest number of hosts
• Couchsurfing – this is the largest resource with free accommodation 
• WWOOF & Peace Corps – a big number of community projects while staying with local hosts or in volunteer housing
• HomeExchange or Love Home Swap – the most popular websites for swapping your home with someone else’s in another part of the world
• BeWelcome – a non-profit hospitality exchange platform that connects travelers with local hosts who are willing to offer free accommodation
• Warm Showers – a platform that connects cyclists (if you travel by bike) with hosts who offer free accommodation, shower facilities, and sometimes meals
• University Living – great resource for summer travel for students that allows you to find a room for rent in university dorms around the world at a reduced rate. This can be a great option if you’re traveling on a budget and don’t mind sharing a bathroom or living space with other travelers

12. Or Choose to Stay With Locals

Another option for cheap accommodation is to stay with locals. Besides the money, it also provides an excellent opportunity to immerse in a new culture, get to know how people in that country live and experience something different than a hostel or even Airbnb.

Our favorite websites for short and long-term stays with locals are:

– Homestay – rent a room in someone’s home and let the host help you learn about local life 

– Servas – a hospitality exchange network, similar to Couchsurfing but with a mandatory yearly fee and stricter sign-up. It helps to connect travelers with local hosts who are willing to provide free accommodation in exchange for cultural exchange and friendship.

– HelpX – one of my favorite platforms that connects B&Bs, farms, hostels, homeowners with volunteers. With the help of this site, you can do all types of jobs in exchange for free housing and food. From volunteering in a hostel to helping to look after a luxury home, this site has it all!

– Agoda – this website has quite a few pretty awesome guest houses in Asia. 

– Trustroots – another website similar to Couchsurfing. But here, you are able to find a host based on the same interests as you have. 

13. Also… Stay in Monasteries 

We accidentally learned about this option on our road trip from Bucharest to Brasov . And we almost stayed overnight in a beautiful Caraiman Monastery , perched on a hill overlooking the mountains.

While walking on its beautiful grounds, we noticed a message on a door saying that there were rooms available for rent. The price per night was less than €10.

Later, I decided to do some research and found out quite a few monasteries around the world where both male and female travelers can stay. That’s an amazing opportunity to save money on accommodation and experience something truly unique!

For a long time, religious institutions have been receiving pilgrims. And this opportunity stayed with us to this day. However, don’t expect much. Usually, monasteries offer overnight stays with very ascetic conditions – only a bed, a table, and very simple dinners. You may also need to visit a religious service.

But, stays are very quiet and peaceful and you need to be in bed by a certain time. So, it won’t work to get there late at night from the nearest bar.

Some monasteries have a fixed rate per night, like hotels, but others will be grateful for a symbolic charity contribution. To find out more details, see this article . 

To find a monastery or temple for the night, check these sites:

– Monasterystays – monastery stays in Italy, Austria, and Slovenia

– Goodnightandgodbless – mainly monastery and church stays in Europe 

– Templestays – stays in Korea 

14. Look for New Apartments on Airbnb

Honestly, I am not a big fan of Airbnb anymore. I used to be in the past when it has just come to the market and was relatively new to everyone. But after a while, after traveling for a bit and staying in various Airbnbs on three continents Mark and I noticed how much Airbnb changed for the worse. Lately, we started to use VRBO in those destinations where it is available.

Through Airbnb, many times we paid a lot of money for a place that was dirty and not the same as in pictures, some owners didn’t seem to try hard to provide the best service, sometimes Airbnb team didn’t care, other times we had issues with the apartment and nothing was done to fix it. Overall, we started to notice one pattern – prices for apartments are constantly unreasonably increasing but the level of service and quality gradually goes down.

Another thing that caught our eye is the fact that many Airbnbs are owned by real estate agencies, not locals as Airbnb promotes. And in turn, it creates a totally different experience.  

So, our trust got undermined.  Still, I recommend this concept in a few cases. One of them is when you travel long-term and need an apartment for a minimum of 28 days. To save money, when we book a flat for that much time (or more) we always go with new apartments only . 

The reason for that is an additional discount from Airbnb. Usually, when the owner signs up and is willing to rent out his home, Airbnb always suggests giving a discount to the first 3 people who book his property. Besides a regular long-stay discount, they are supposed to provide an extra one. Many times this discount is between 30% and 50%. 

If you look at some destinations, you will be surprised to find some amazing deals. For instance, when we were recently looking for homes in Norway , the average price was around $2000-$3000 per month but a new apartment that recently popped up on Airbnb cost around $800 in a good location in the Tromso area.

So if you are on a very tight budget but want to travel the world for cheap, always look for new airbnbs and book one as soon as you like it.

15. Look For Farm Stays 

Would you like another hack on how to travel the world on a low budget? Then choose to live on a farm.

No, I am not talking about WWOOFing or workaway .

I mean a farm stay without a need to work. There are quite a few farms in some countries that offer accommodation. You can stay on a farm you like, learn how it works (for example, see how the cow is milked), and enjoy outdoor activities.

The conditions of such a stay vary. It can be an ordinary tent or a luxuriously furnished apartment. Of course, the luxury cottage for a budget traveler will cost a lot. But, there are also cheaper options.

On average though, a modestly furnished room with amenities on a farm will cost around the same as a budget hotel in the same country.

You can find farm stays to save money on the following sites:

– Farmstay – farm stays in England, Scotland, and Ireland 

– Downunderfarmstays – farms in Australia 

– Traveletti – farms in Hungary, Ukraine, Poland, Greece, Portugal, France, Spain, and Italy to help you travel Europe on a budget. Their service is unavailable at this time due to covid but keep it in mind for the future. 

– Farmstayus – farm stays for budget travel in the USA 

– Farmstaycampingaustralia – stays in Australia

16. Or Look For a Home On Spot in a New Country

If you plan to stay in one place for as minimum as a month and haven’t found anything decent and affordable on Airbnb yet, do not panic. I recommend booking accommodation for the first 3-4 nights and once you get to your destination, start looking around among locals. Or, join local Facebook groups.

We always follow this strategy and always have success in finding something. This is how we found lovely and rather cheap apartments in Vietnam,  in Thailand, and in Bali . In Montenegro and Turkey, we found beautiful flats  through the Facebook group.

So do not worry if the choice of flats online is not ample. In many countries, you’ll find it quickly enough.

17. Rent a Car If Traveling in Europe

Yes, exactly, if you are wondering how to travel in Europe on a low budget, rent a car. It is a smart move that is going to help you save money and see more. And I’ll explain how. 

If you start searching for deals and try to book in advance, you can rent a car for as little as $20-$25 per week (sometimes per month!) There are endless offers from various rental companies that offer fantastic deals in different parts of the European continent.

We rented a car in Valencia for $28 for 10 days in late November, in Bucharest (Romania) for $25 for the entire month (which we canceled due to a change of plans,) and later we paid $85 per month, $45 per week in Sarajevo , $30 for 2 weeks in Milan and more.

Renting a car in Tbilisi and Montenegro was way more expensive but for the most part, renting a car in Europe was pretty cheap. Recently we rented a car in Turkey for as little as $8 per day.

If traveling solo , hiring a car may actually cost you more but for two people it is a perfect opportunity to save money on transportation. Buses and trains are not that cheap as companies try to promote and you may end up spending more for two people on one round trip between cities than on a car rental and gas for the entire week (which also allows you to be flexible.)

With this strategy though, you have to visit Europe during the offseason and also target to visit cheaper destinations. During the high tourist season, prices are so high, that you will end up spending much, much more.

18. Eat/Drink/Shop Smartly

Food costs always come second after accommodation costs and can take a lot out of your budget. To be able to travel the world not spending much, try to cook at home more, especially if you are traveling in Western World countries.

Eating out in Southeast Asia , surprisingly, is cheaper than when you cook at home, but only if you choose street food. Trips to restaurants and cafes add up and can cost a fortune. South America and Eastern Europe are very affordable in this sense too.

We always cook when we travel. Our daily food expense until this day in the year 2024 is between $15-$20, depending on the destination. This cost always covers meat or fish products, lots of veggies, fruits, smoothies, coffee, tea, and occasional eating out and desserts. There is never a moment when we say “no” to ourselves when it comes to food, and we always eat local food.

I honestly don’t understand how some people manage to eat only rice or vegetables in order to cut costs. Doing it they lose so much. Trying local foods is part of the experience, please, spend some money on local food. Also, you need to stay healthy and watch your diet by eating healthy whole foods. There is no way for your body to be healthy if consuming rice or vegetables only.

Another note is about alcohol and coffee. You would need to cut on those to save money too.

19. Be Selective When It Comes to Attractions And Entertainment

I know, when you travel you want to have fun and do as many activities as you physically can. But don’t be in a hurry. Price for those attractions matters.

Physically you can’t do everything anyway, but choosing one activity over another does not mean you don’t get to know the country. Each destination has plenty of free or cheap things to do, so there is a lot to choose from. Avoid attractions oriented solely on tourists, even in poor countries they cost a fortune. Choose those activities that locals choose for themselves too.

For certain destinations, like Cambodia , for instance, you still want to budget money to be able to do some sightseeing. Angkor Wat entrance ticket for 3 days costs $62, but it is well worth it.

Visiting ancient Pergamon in Turkey was also worth every penny, like many other sites we went to. Yet, every country has also hundreds of activities or places that don’t cost any money. Take advantage of that and have a fabulous time! 

Traveling the world for 10 thousand dollars a year is not a difficult task to do if you carefully plan your trip. I do advise though to put aside at least an extra $$$, just in case if there is a day when you need it. If you can have more, it’s even better. Having “emergency money” always makes you feel more confident even if you don’t make use of it.

Anya is originally from Ukraine but in heart she is a citizen of the world. She is working online and that’s why has an opportunity to travel a lot and live in different countries. At present time, she is based in Spain while waiting for the war in Ukraine to be over to be able to return home. On this blog, her main goal is to inspire others to travel to under-the-radar places and discover the world while working remotely.

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18 Comments

Oh, I love such articles! We spent way more during our yearlong honeymoon even though we still stayed within “bacpacker’s budget” – but I’m always thrilled to see how little money you actually need to see the world! 🙂 And about slow travel – yep, it’s actually the best, we realized that as well. You may “see” less, but you surely experience more!

Thanks for sharing your experience, Sandra!

Thanks so much for the helpful information. Dying for this to be over so we can get our location-independent selves out there. All the best.

So true! Hopefully this madness will be over soon! Stay safe wherever you are, Sharon!

Wow, so many tips! This is so encouraging because the financial aspect is probably what keeps most of us from traveling the world.

Such a great inspirational post! We are actually on our job-free year and were travelling around quite a lot. Since we´re stuck back home but still wish to continue our trips once the borders reopen this tips will come in very useful! We´ll have to definitely cut down our budget, happy to see it is actually possible 🙂

I am glad to hear Katja you find this post helpful!

Thank you for sharing such amazing tips with us, as I am about to visit Iceland soon so these tips will be sure of great help to me as well to all others who would be traveling along with me as I am sharing this amazing post with them as well.

Some of the tips are really technical and makes good sense to count these things before any trip plan like credit cards, deals info and especially visa free destinations. Both of them sounds good. However nice tips to keep in mind.Thank you!

I am glad to hear, Majid, you found them helpful!

I’m thrilled to have stumbled upon such an informative and interesting article. I am in the midst of what some might call a spontaneous adventure; planning my first euro trip and I couldn’t be more nervously excited about it. I’m traveling solo, and I’m curious about how long it took you and your husband to plan your trip? Thanks again you’ve already been so helpful.

Hi Samuel, thank you for your lovely comment, I am glad to hear this post came in handy! To be honest, it didn’t take a lot of time for us to plan our trip. I think it was around 4 months. We made a decision in February and then in the end of May we hit the road. Maybe the reason for that was a fact that we didn’t really own much. It was easy to let things go and leave.

The most time consuming thing was to give my car back to the bank. Mark sold his car quickly but my car depreciated a lot, so I decided to give it back to the bank. And that took around two weeks of my time. Other than that, everything else was pretty easy, probably because we were not tied to one place in a long-term.

This is a wonderful guide! Thanks for sharing all the resources and great tips for budget travelling. At 15, I think you confused Bratislava with Bucharest, as you wrote Romania next to it. I’m sure it was completely unintentional and that’s ok. I’m Romanian and it caught my eye.

Omg, I really did! Thank you for bringing it to my attention, Iulia, I don’t know what I have been thinking about 🙂

I’ve always liked traveling, the idea of seeing the world fascinated me, but I’ve never been able to make a very long trip, it’s always a few days never more q 1 week, but with these methods I’ll be able to enjoy my travels much more and go further away thank you so much.

My pleasure and I am very glad to hear you found this post helpful!

Loved your article. Nicely done and written. This post will be very helpful to your readers

It’s true that the biggest expense is actual traveling, by staying longer in location and getting familiar with surrounding will save you a lot of money (and time) 🙂

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100 Cheapest Places to Travel in the World

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Want to find the cheapest places to travel? You’re in the right spot.

Welcome to our annual report on the world’s most affordable travel destinations! We’ve updated our rankings for 2022, and we even have a new number one…but we’ll get to that in a bit!

Finding cheap vacation ideas can be frustrating. Getting the best travel deals typically takes hours of time-consuming research – including comparing hotels,  finding cheap flights , and considering your meal options. And this is  after  you’ve spent weeks researching where to go.

So, we’ve taken the top 100 travel destinations in the world and ranked them according to price. You’re welcome.

Before we get started, though, don’t forget to grab our free travel checklist! It’s a great tool to help you get organized and save money on your next big trip. Just click the button below to get it now. (You’re welcome again!)

Cheapest Places to Travel: Destinations #1-#10

Without further ado, here’s our list of the cheapest places to travel in the world for 2022.

1) Hanoi, Vietnam

Average Cost: $19.75/day

For the first time ever, Hanoi has managed to grab the top spot on our list of cheap places to travel. As the capital of Vietnam, the city is a cultural hub full of museums and important places of interest. The hectic Old Quarter is definitely something you don’t want to miss. Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and Hoan Kiem Lake are also popular spots for tourists.

2) Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Average Cost: $19.83/day

Known as Saigon before the Vietnam War, Ho Chi Minh City is home to a vibrant arts scene and loads of French colonial architecture. Many visitors enjoy spending time in the energetic Ben Thanh Market, where street vendors serve up local flavors at a price that can fit inside anyone’s budget. Those seeking quieter spaces will enjoy wandering through the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels built by the Viet Cong during the war that span thousands of miles. It’s also worth noting that Ho Chi Minh City ranks in the top 6 cheapest places to travel for food and beverage prices, while it comes in at #2 for the cheapest places to stay.

3) Pattaya, Thailand

Average Cost: $27.51/day

Sure, there are plenty of cultural activities for visitors to enjoy in Pattaya, Thailand. However, what people really come here for is the beach. Situated on the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya’s is home to some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll find anywhere. The area is also famous for its lively nightlife and excellent shopping. Best of all, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg to stay here. Pattaya ranks 4th on our list for the cheapest places to stay and 11th in daily food costs.

4) Phuket, Thailand

Average Cost: $28.34/day

Do you love cheap vacation spots that are home to beautiful mountains, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches? Traveling to Phuket, Thailand may be for you. Although some luxury travel options are available, one of the best things about this island is that you don’t have to mortgage the house to stay here. There are plenty of 3 and 4-star accommodations from which to choose. In fact, of all the travel destinations we’ve surveyed, Phuket ranks #1 for cheapest hotel costs. As with other places in Thailand, the nightlife here won’t disappoint you either.

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5) Samui, Thailand

Average Cost: $29.18/day

Samui, Thailand continues the run for Thailand and is also the first of 20 new destinations to make our list. The second largest island in Thailand, Samui (a.k.a. “Ko Samui”) has become a bustling tourist destination. Resorts, bungalows, and private villas, grace the palm-lined beaches. Visitors should also check out the famous Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai Temple.

6) Bangkok, Thailand

Average Cost: $30.06/day

Bangkok ranks as the cheapest place to eat on our survey. That, in combination with its affordable hotels, helps the city land solidly inside our top ten for this year. The relatively high cost of beverages is the only thing keeping it from moving higher. Renowned for its exciting nightlife and entertainment, Bangkok isn’t just a party town. While you’re there, don’t miss out on the city’s amazing religious sites, including the Wat Phra Kaew – the most sacred Buddhist Temple in Thailand. There’s also the Grand Palace, the Wat Arun Temple, and some serious shopping for you to enjoy.

7) Krabi, Thailand

Average Cost: $31.05/day

You know those beautiful photos of the jagged limestone cliffs you see on Instagram? Most of those are pictures of Thailand, and many of them come from Krabi province. Located just across the bay from Phuket, Krabi is a super cheap vacation idea. While it may cost a few bucks to get over there, Krabi ranks in the top 10 for both meals and accomodations. With those types of prices, Krabi has definitely been added to our bucket list!

8) Chiang Mai, Thailand

Average Cost: $31.42/day

Chiang Mai is one of the most interesting places to travel in Thailand, and one of the world’s best bargain vacations. Chiang Mai offers the 5th cheapest food prices and the 9th most affordable accomodations of any destination on our list. Located in the mountains of northern Thailand, the city is home to countless Buddhist temples and sacred religious sites. Nature and wildlife tours are also popular excursions in Chiang Mai.

9) Delhi, India

Average Cost: $36.70/day

Delhi scores high marks for its low prices across the board, which helps keep it in the top 10 on our list of the world’s cheapest places to travel. With an estimated 30.7 million inhabitants living in the metropolitan area, the city is also huge. Delhi is home to a ridiculous amount of important sacred and religious sites. At just 3.5 hours away by car, it’s also a decent starting point to explore the Taj Mahal. Be sure to check out the Chandni Chowk bazaar and the Red Fort as well.

10) Cusco, Peru

Average Cost: $37.24/day

Rounding our top 10 cheapest destinations in the world is Cusco, Peru. A newcomer to our list, Cusco also snags the distinction of being the cheapest place to travel in South America. This mountain town was once the capital of the Incan Empire and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The city features well-preserved archeological sites as well as some great examples of Spanish colonial architecture.

Cheapest Places to Travel: Destinations #11-#20

11) istanbul, turkey.

Average Cost: $41.42/day

For more than 2,000 years, Istanbul has straddled the continents of Europe and Asia, making it one of the most important and culturally rich cities in the world. It is literally the point on the map where east and west collide. Thankfully, it is still one of the cheapest places to visit, too. Prices for hotels, food, and beverages all rank within the top 20 of our list.

12) Antalya, Turkey

Average Cost: $43.93/day

Moving from the city to the beach, Antalya is a Turkish resort city located on the country’s Mediterranean coast. It’s also one of the cheapest vacation spots in the world. Known for its beaches and Old Harbor, the city serves as the gateway to Turkey’s “Turquoise Coast,” named for the beautiful blue waters that are found there. But, beaches aren’t the only thing that Antalya has going for it. The area is home to museums, ancient Roman ruins, and a variety of waterfalls that give Antalya a certain splash appeal.

13) Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt

Average Cost: $46.20/day

Sharm El-Sheik is an Egyptian resort town located on the Siani Peninsula and sits directly on the Red Sea. The inviting sandy beaches and clear waters make this a great spot to kick back and relax. If you’re more adventurous, get up close and personal with a diverse aray of sealife wile enjoying a diving trip to Ras Muhammad National Park. When you’re done, be sure to grab a drink and a bite to eat while strolling along the promenade at Naama Bay.

14) Cairo, Egypt

Average Cost: $46.70/day

If checking out some ancient Egyptian ruins is more your speed, Cairo may be the place for you. Luckily, if you enjoy budget travel, it still ranks as one of the cheapest places to travel in the world. While you’ll want to visit Tahrir Square and several of the city’s museums and mosques, Cario’s biggest tourist attraction is the nearby location of Giza – home of both the Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx.

15) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Average Cost: $47.47/day

Known throughout the world for its incredible beaches and nightlife, Rio de Janeiro is also one of the most affordable places to visit. Lucky for tourists, the pandemic appears to have made things even cheaper. Food prices have dropped in Rio, moving from the middle of the pack pre-pandemic to the top 25 today. Hotels have also gotten cheaper, ranking inside the top 20, while Rio ranks a stellar #9 for beverage prices. In addition to visiting Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, you’ll want to check out the famous “Christ the Redeemer” statue towering over the city from the mountains above. While attending the city’s Carnival festival (the world’s largest) may be on your bucket list, remember that prices during this time of year are significantly more expensive.

16) St. Petersburg, Russia

Average Cost: $48.34/day

Serving as its capital for more than 200 years, St. Petersburg is one of the best places to travel in Russia. The city has a more European feel than other cities in the country, and that goes beyond just the architecture. St. Petersburg is filled with dozens of museums, churches, and historic sites. Prices for hotels in St. Petersburg are also the cheapest of any European city you’ll find on our list. Coming in as the 5th cheapest city for hotels is the main reason St. Petersburg tops our list as the cheapest European city to visit in 2022.

17) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Average Cost: $50.76/day

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia and one of the most visited cities in the world. The city itself is instantly recognizable because of the Petronas Towers – the tallest twin skyscrapers in the world. Although Kuala Lumpur has plenty of notable sites, touring the Batu Caves makes for a great day trip outside the city.

18) Mexico City, Mexico

Average Cost: $52.26/day

Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world, and – by our numbers – the cheapest place to travel in North America. With world-class museums, incredible architecture, and historical sites, Mexico City is a religious and cultural mecca that deserves a spot on your budget travel destinations list. While you’re there, take a day trip to the famed Aztec temple Teotihuacan – known as the “Pyramid of the Sun.” If you’re traveling with the kids, a stop by Six Flags Mexico may also be in order.

19) Buenos Aires, Argentina

Average Cost: $53.18/day

Continuing it’s rise in both popularity and our rankings, Buenos Aires jumped inside the top 20 on our list of cheapest places to visit. Tourists will find Buenos Aires to be one of South America’s most cosmopolitan areas. While you’re there, be sure to visit the Casa Rosada, Argentina’s famous presidential palace. The Teatro Colon, a 2,500 seat opera house, is also worth a visit.

20) Zhuhai, China

Average Cost: $54.25/day

Neighboring Macau, but significantly less expensive, is the thoroughly modern Chinese city of Zhuhai. While Macau offers more adult-themed entertainment (like casinos), Zhuhai can be considered more family friendly. In addition to golf courses and parks, the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is one of the most popular attractions here. Thankfully, adults can still take advantage of the sites in nearby Macau but at a fraction of the cost.

Cheapest Places to Travel: Destinations #21-#30

21) lima, peru.

Average Cost: $55.35/day

As the capital of Peru, Lima is the nation’s largest city. Hotel prices in Lima rank inside the top 40. However, food and beverage prices speak to every budget traveler’s heart – ranking 14th and 24th, respectively. While spending time in Lima’s well-preserved town center is enjoyable, taking a trip to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu is a must while in Peru.

22) Hurghada, Egypt

Average Cost: $55.79/day

Hurghada is the third Egyptian destination to make our top 25 cheapest places to travel. Located on the Red Sea, Hurghada’s sandy beaches occupy roughly 25 miles of coastline. Still, beaches and scuba diving isn’t all the city has to offer. This resort town is also known for its restaurants, nightclub scene, and even it’s old town known as El Dahar.

23) Beijing, China

Average Cost: $59.41/day

For 2022, Beijing moves up 9 spots to #23 on our list of cheap places to travel. Although the city is roughly 3,000 years old, the Chinese capital offers an excellent blend of ancient and modern sites. Inside Beijing, visiting the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square are a must. You should also be sure to make the 1.5 hour drive to the Great Wall of China while you’re there. Don’t miss it.

24) Cancun, Mexico

Average Cost: $59.76/day

Warm weather? Check. Beautiful sandy beaches? Check. Fantastic nightlife? Cancun has it all. Even better, it is one of the cheapest places to travel in North America. While you can find super-cheap hotels, if you want to stay in the hotel zone along the beach (and you definitely do), you’ll end up paying significantly more. Still, that’s right in line with most hotels throughout North America and Europe. Meals here still rank #45 overall, and prices for an adult beverage rank just outside the top 25 of all the destinations listed here. So, if you’re looking for cheap beach vacations, Cancun should be near the top of your list.

>>Related:  Cancun Travel Guide

25) Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Average Cost: $60.43/day

Mecca is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and is Islam’s holiest site. Millions of muslims descend upon the city each year during the Hajj pilgrimage, making their way to the Kaaba – the most sacred shrine in all of Islam. Be aware that only muslims are allowed to enter this sacred city. Non-muslims could be fined or deported for trying to pass through.

26) Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Average Cost: $61.66/day

Located south of Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula, Playa del Carmen is the crown jewel of Mexico’s Riviera Maya region. Famous for its incredible sandy beaches and thriving coral reefs, this exciting city is more than a simple beach town. Lively 5th Avenue and the city’s close proximity to several Mayan archeologial sites makes Playa del Carmen a great and cheap vacation destination for almost any type of traveler.

>>Related: Playa del Carmen Travel Guide

27) Osaka, Japan

Average Cost: $66.03/day

Osaka may be the 3rd largest city in Japan, but it makes the biggest jump forward on this years’s list – ranking as the 27th cheapest city in the world for 2022. The city is most famous for its popular entertainment district, but it is also packed with museums, a stunning castle, and a family-friendly aquarium. Universal Studios Japan is also located here.

28) Busan, South Korea

Average Cost: $66.85/day

Busan is the second most populous city in South Korea, but don’t believe for a second that it takes a backseat to the capital city of Seoul. Here, you can wander through the bustling international market or go ice skating inside the world’s largest department store. Want to hit the beach? Busan has got that too. Haeundae Beach boasts nearly a mile of beautiful sandy beach while Gwangalli Beach offers a quieter respite from the city (and beautiful views of the evening lightshow at Gwangan Bridge).

29) Prague, Czech Republic

Average Cost: $66.93/day

When searching for affordable European holidays, be sure to put Prague near the top of your list. Why? For starters, it’s one of the cheapest place to travel in Europe, according to our methodology. Known for its cheap beer, affordable hotels, and reasonable meal prices, Prague is a great place to hang out. Sure, there is plenty to see – like visiting the Old Town Square and Prague Castle – but simply soaking up the atmosphere is the city’s main attraction.

30) Marrakech, Morocco

Average Cost: $67.57/day

Located in western Morocco, Marrakech is an important economic and cultural center in North Africa. A former imperial city, one of the most popular things to do here is to tour the palaces and their gardens. Also consider getting lost in the chaotic streets of Medina, the walled medieval city within the city which is designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located relatively close to both the mountains and the desert, nature and wildlife tours are also popular.

Cheapest Places to Travel: Destinations #31-#40

31) kiev, ukraine.

Average Cost: $68.67/day

Home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kiev is more than just the capital of Ukraine. It is one of the most important cultural, educational, and industrial hubs in all of Eastern Europe. Packed with beautiful churches and a thriving street art scene, this city will delight art, history, and architecture lovers alike. Although political tensions in the region are currently running extremely high, be sure to put Kiev back on your travel bucket list once the tensions subside.

32) Seoul, South Korea

Average Cost: $69.46/day

South Korea’s largest city, Seoul, is widely considered to be one of the world’s top cultural and economic hubs. Blending ancient cultures and architecture with modern skyscrapers and entertainment, Seoul provides a unique mix of the past meeting the present. In addition to visiting the area’s numerous palaces and temples, be sure to check out the incredible views at nearby Bukhansan National Park.

33) Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Average Cost: $69.49/day

If beautiful beach vacations are more your thing, Punta Cana may be a great fit for you. As one of the cheapest places to travel in the Caribbean, Punta Cana is an attractive option for budget travelers from the United States and Canada. With spectacular sandy beaches, relatively affordable prices, and the incredible turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sean, this place is sure to help you get your relax on.

34) Sapporo, Japan

Average Cost: $69.97/day

Known across the world for its beer, the Japanese mountain city of Sapporo is also one of the world’s most affordable travel destinations. Skiers come for the magnificent slopes while ice scupltors from around the world transform the city into a winter wonderland during the Sapporo Snow Festival. Check out the city’s fantastic museums, catch a game at the Sapporo Dome, and sample a local dish called “kegani” (hairy crab) while you’re there!

35) Budapest, Hungary

Average Cost: $70.96/day

Central and Eastern Europe are full of cheap vacation ideas, and Hungary is one of the cheapest countries to visit. Budapest, the nation’s largest city and capital, is a delight for tourists – both for its sightseeing and the fact that it’s easy on their pocketbook. While food, hotel, and beverage prices are some of the cheapest you’ll find in all of Europe, taking a short cruise through town on the Danube River is something you’ll never forget.

36) Fukuoka, Japan

Average Cost: $72.22/day

Situated on the northern coast of Kyushu Island, Fukuoka, Japan is known for more than just its beaches. It is a popular destination for shopping, boasting the enormous Canal City Hakata shopping center. You’ll also want to explore Fukuoka’s historic ancient temples and check out the view from the Fukuoka Tower observation deck – Japan’s tallest seaside tower.

37) Taipei, Taiwan

Average Cost: $72.64/day

Taipei, Taiwan ranks as the 37th cheapest city in the world for 2022. With incredible night markets and tons of street food, Taipei is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. The city is also home to a host of temples and museums for tourists to enjoy. Elephant Mountain and Yangmingshan National Park make for great day trips from the city.

38) Moscow, Russia

Average Cost: $74.87/day

Speaking of cheap places to travel, in terms of value, Russia’s capital city is one of the best places to visit in Europe. While you’ll definitely want to spend time visiting the Red Square and the Kremlin, Moscow is also a major cultural hub. Wander around the city’s cadre of art and history museums before catching a performance from the Bolshoi Ballet.

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39) Macau, Macau

Average Cost: $75.74/day

Like its neighbor Hong Kong, Macau is an autonomous region of China located on the country’s south coast. As a former Portuguese territory, the area features a mix of cultural influences and tastes. The area is also home to several mega casinos, earning the nickname the “Las Vegas of China.” Unlike other areas known for their showy nature, food and hotel prices in Macau rank relatively affordable on our list. However, prices for adult beverages are more in line with what you’d find in Western Europe and North America.

40) Porto, Portugal

Average Cost: $77.20/day

Slipping barely inside the top 40 of our cheapest places to travel list is Porto, Portugal. Located on Portugal’s northwestern coast, this city is known for its majestic bridges, cobbled streets, and port wine. While prices for accommodations and meals are some of the best you’ll find in Western Europe, beverage prices rank as some of the cheapest in the world. Porto ranks a solid 31st overall in the beverage category. We’ll drink to that!

Cheapest Places to Travel: Destinations #41-#50

41) tokyo, japan.

Average Cost: $77.56/day

Tokyo is another ultra-modern city that finds itself on our list. Although finding cheap places to travel in Asia is pretty easy, Tokyo ranks among the most expensive in the region. Still, Japan’s largest city is relatively affordable compared to many places in Europe and North America. With that said, Tokyo is one of the world’s hottest tourist destinations, ranking 15th overall on Euromonitor’s Top City Destinations Index for last year.

42) Johannesburg, South Africa

Average Cost: $78.27/day

Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and ranks as the #42 cheapest travel destination in the world for 2022. Beverage prices rank in the top 25%, but hotel and meal prices helped push the city further down the list (39th for accommodations, 56th in restaurant costs). Popular things to do in Johannesburg include visiting the Apartheid Museum, checking out the “Cradle of Humankind” UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoying nature safaris.

43) Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Average Cost: $79.06/day

Located in the UAE, Sharjah is a popular and affordable travel destination which sits on the shores of the Persian Gulf. Families love the fun-filled theme parks and aquarium. Architecture lovers and religious travelers enjoy the Al Noor Mosque and the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. Of course, the bustling waterfront attracts travelers of all types.

44) Heraklion, Greece

Average Cost: $80.26/day

Located on the island of Crete, Heraklion is a popular resort area in Greece. Heraklion remains a relatively cheap vacation spot in Europe, coming in at #44 overall. While families may come to enjoy a beach vacation, they can also soak up some of the area’s remarkable museums and ancient ruins. Just a few minutes from the city, tourists will find the ancient archaeological site of Knossos, believed to be Europe’s oldest city.

45) Krakow, Poland

Average Cost: $80.66/day

Cracking the top half in two of our three categories, Krakow lands at #45 on our list of the cheapest places to travel in the world. The city is famous for its medieval town center, which is remarkably well preserved considering all of the political turmoil this country has faced throughout history. Wandering through the large Jewish quarter is also a must. Located within close proximity to Auschwitz-Birkenau, Krakow also makes a good home base for a journey there.

46) Athens, Greece

Average Cost: $82.07/day

In my opinion, a trip to Greece represents one of the best value vacations in all of Europe. Although some tell you to hit the highlights in Athens and leave quickly, I disagree. The birthplace of western culture, Athens is an incredibly unique city, filled with some of the most amazing historical and cultural sites you’ll find anywhere. Sure, you’ll want to head out into the Greek countryside, but the gritty, lively streets of Athens are something you should consider taking a few days to enjoy.

47) Cape Town, South Africa

Average Cost: $82.45/day

The second largest city in South Africa, Cape Town is another newcomer to our list. This naturally beautiful seaside city is filled with fun things to do. It also serves as the home of South Africa’s parliament. Be sure to check out the various beaches, check out the Bo-kaap neighborhood, and ride the cable car to the top of Table Mountain for some breathtaking views.

48) Kyoto, Japan

Average Cost: $85.81/day

Once the capital of the Japanese empire, Kyoto is now one of Japan’s best places to travel. Famous for its traditional wooden houses, buddhist temples, and imperial palaces, the city also provides beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. While you’re there, be sure to enjoy a kaiseki dinner and a geisha show.

4 9) Guangzhou, China

Average Cost: $86.94/day

Located just to the northwest of Hong Kong and Shenzhen is Guangzhou, China. Like its neighbors, Guangzhou is a popular destination for tourists of all stripes. Adventure seekers may wish to go bungee jumping at nearby Baiyun Mountain. The Chimelong Safari Park and Chimelong International Circus tend to be popular for families traveling with children.

50) Medina, Saudi Arabia

Average Cost: $86.98/day

Located in western Saudi Arabia, Medina is an extremely popular destination for pilgrims. Inside the city, you’ll find the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi mosque. The mosque was originally built by the Prophet Muhammad in the year 622 and is considered to be the second-holiest site in Islam – containing the tomb of the the Prophet Muhammad himself. Medina is also home to another important mosque, Masjid al-Qiblatain. After the Prophet Muhammad received the revelation to change the direction of prayer, it was here that Muslims first began to pray toward Mecca instead of Jerusalem.

Cheapest Places to Travel 2022: Complete Results

Our methodology.

Let me assure you, we haven’t taken this project lightly.

To accurately measure the cost of each location, we’ve created a methodology which ensures that each destination stands on relatively equal footing. So, as we’ve done in the past, we have focused our efforts on factors that were universal, controllable, and useful.

First, we had to decide which destinations to include. Although Brookings, South Dakota may be a cheap place to travel for fellow South Dakotans, how many people actually visit Brookings each year? How useful is that to the vast majority of people?

For that reason, we have limited inclusion on our list to the cities which appear on Euromonitor International’s  Top 100 City Destinations Index  for 2021. The index ranks international travel destinations accross 6 key metrics – including Economic & Business Performance, Tourism Perfomrance, Tourism Policy & Attractiveness, Tourism Infrastructure, Health and Safety, and Sustainability. It also replaces Euromonitor’s now defunct Top 100 City Destinations Report – which is what we have used in the past to determine which cities make our list.

Since everybody’s travel style is different, we also must determine which factors best represent the overall cost of a destination. Average food and beverage costs are an important factor in our rankings, as we feel they are indicative of an area’s overall affordability.

Using numbers from  Numbeo , our food and entertainment numbers are based on the average cost of a meal at an “inexpensive” restaurant (3 per day) and the average cost of a domestic beer (3 per day). We have added an extra 10% to both, just to be on the safe side.

Prices for accommodations are also a major factor in our rankings. Clearly, one’s travel preferences will affect the amount it costs to stay in a certain area. For instance,  overwater bungalows , no matter how affordable, are going to cost a heck of a lot more than a standard hotel room.

Additionally, because rates change based on occupancy and the time of year in which they are booked, it is important to find a consistent way in which to apply our methodology. Therefore, our numbers are based on a midweek stay during the “low season” in each destination – averaging the 5 cheapest 3-star options for accommodations during that time. We have also ensured that the accommodations are located within the most popular tourist areas of the city.

To help you put this all together, here’s a quick breakdown of our methodology:

• Must be listed in Euromonitor International’s Top 100 City Destinations Index
• 3-star+ accommodations
• “Low season” pricing
• Located within popular tourist area
• Midweek stay
• Double occupancy
• Plus 10% for accuracy

Known Issues with Our Methodology

This isn’t to say that our methodology is perfect.

As with any study, our rankings are only as accurate as the data we’ve collected. While we’re confident in our sources, there is certainly some room for error. However, the results tend to correlate with what most experienced travelers would expect.

Of course, there are some really cheap places to travel that didn’t make the list because – well – they don’t qualify. For instance, Sofia, Bulgaria and Bucharest, Romania are widely considered some of Europe’s most affordable travel destinations. However, they didn’t meet the standard of the number of visitors needed to make our report.

This year, in particular, sees a big change in some of the destinations that made our list. In the past, we have used Euromonitor’s Top 100 City Destinations Report to determine the 100 cities on our list. This report ranked cities based entirely on international arrivals. With Euromonitor replacing the report with their Top 100 City Destinations Index (which ranks destinations on a number of factors outside of simply arrivals), this has caused a reshuffling of which cities we’ve included on our list.

For example, since the last time we published our list, 12 of the cheapest 20 cities are no longer included because they did not qualify for Euromonitor’s Top 100 City Destinations Index. That is a huge shift.

Although this may seem unfair, many of these cities represented a redundancy of cheap tourist areas. The 12 cities no longer listed are located in just 5 different countires. All but one of those countries is still represented by other cities in the top 20 cheapest places to visit.

Additionally, the new index allows for a broader representation of cheap travel destinations across the world. In our last survey, all of the top 20 cheapest places to visit were located in Asia and Oceania. While these areas still dominate the top spots, at least one city from every region of the world now cracks the top 20.

Moving on, one of the biggest expenses for any vacation is transportation. This is an extremely difficult metric to gauge. Flight costs vary wildly depending on where you’re flying to and from. Because we couldn’t find a consistent way to apply airfares across the globe, we decided to leave them out entirely.

For that reason, some of the cheapest places to travel may not be as affordable for  you . For example, flights from New York City to most Asian destinations can cost 2 or 3 times as much as flights to Europe. Keep this in mind before settling on a destination for your next vacation.

Since it’s nearly impossible to predict transportation costs from around the world, our list represents a metric of what you can expect to spend once you arrive.

Final Thoughts on Cheap Travel Destinations

If you’re a  veteran of budget travel , the results of our study shouldn’t shock you.

As expected, the cheapest countries in the world are found mostly in Asia. However, while travel destinations throught Asia dominate the top spots on our list, our new criteria has opened the door for places around the world to climb in our rankings.

Several affordable destinations in South America, Africa, and the Middle East now grace our list. And, although travel destinations in Europe and North America are generally the most expensive places to visit, our updated criteria even allows a few cities from these regions to sneak into our top 20.

Keep in mind, however, that comparing the best travel destinations by price is extremely relative. When searching for cheap places to travel, numerous factors come into play – including your proximity to the destination and the time of year you plan to visit. Seemingly cheap vacation spots can quickly turn into budget busters if you don’t account for every expense.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of the cheapst places to travel in the world. Thanks so much for reading and happy traveling!

Are any of these cheap travel destinations in your budget travel plans? Let us know in the comments below!

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Greg Johnson is the co-founder of Club Thrifty and an expert in personal finance, family travel, and credit card rewards. His work and commentary have been featured in publications like Newsweek , Kiplinger’s Personal Finance , Dough Roller , CreditCardReviews.com , and more. He also works as a freelance personal finance editor at Bankrate.com.

Greg travels the world for about 20 weeks each year and has visited over 40 countries. He holds two bachelor's degrees, is the co-author of the book Zero Down Your Debt , and owns his own independent travel agency. Learn more about Greg here.

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22 Comments

This list is great for any budget traveler and it provides enough destinations for anyone looking to include new places on their bucket list. I’m glad to see that Romania is also included, especially because it’s one of the most affordable European travel destinations.

I love all of these destinations. I will include most of them in my travel plans. Please consider Montreal, Canada. It’s gorgeous and affordable, especially for US citizens. Also, Iceland is more and more popular. It has the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Finally, for non-US citizens, Habana Cuba it affordable, happy, and beautiful.

San Francisco is a really good place for fun where I stay for two days. I had a blast of fun at this most amazing and alluring destination and came back with a lot of pleasant memories. Truly your shared all these places are the best for travelling and you can comfortable stay with family and kids at reasonable prices.

San Francisco doesn’t qualify for cheap in any category..

What a great list you have here and the details are very informative. A trip to Europe seems everything but cheap, thanks for including some great destinations.

Great list! City travels are really cheaper than any other kind of travel. Thanks for posting this.

London, Italy and Thailand are definitely on my top 3 bucket list. Although Scotland wasn’t on this list, I heard their castles are great for sight seeing.

Will include some of these travel destinations in my travel list! Thanks for this.

Wow, awesome list of places! I can’t even decide which I should visit first.

I know, right?!? Thanks for reading!

Thanks for this great post, i enjoyed reading it. But: unbelievable that u left out the whole philippines!

Thanks for reading! Yes, the Philippines is certainly a cheap place to travel, but there isn’t a spot there that makes the top 100 most visited destinations in the world. So, it didn’t quite make the list 🙂

Hey, thank you so much bud! this is what I exactly needed couldn’t figure it out at first where should I trip this year after reading the whole blog now I have some in my bucket list, keep it up thanks for sharing such wonderful article across the internet.

Hi Greg, I have been to 5 of your top 10 but nothing is as cheap as GOA, India. I have visited GOA 8 times and the affordability is unbelievable. Would suggest these places in Goa if you are looking out for specifics. Trust me these places have wonderful food and most affordable accommodation, restaurants and beer. Listed down a few for your reference: calangute, baga, condolem, Palolem, Anjuna, colva and vegator.

I’ve already checked out up to ten items from this list. Lviv is probably the most memorable. This year I’m travelling to Porto with my girls. We’re really excited about cheap beverages. Thanks for the article, makes it easier to choose my next 90 destinations.

Fantastic! Glad you enjoyed it and happy traveling!

This is a fine list of bucketlist destinations, but you lost me on the budget/cheap angle when you mentioned taking “a sunset cruise, and maybe try a helicopter ride over the active volcanoes” in Hawaii.

I’ll definitely be getting myself to India though. So many incredible places to explore there.

Hey Man! Where is Cox’s Bazar? It’s a beautiful and longest sea beach in the world. You should include it in your article.

Where is the Philippines? El nido, Coron, Port Barton, Cebu etc. Any of those destination can make the top 10 cheapest.

Hey !! Thanks ,its really informative. Just tripped over this and I love the info. Well done! I’m a “young” active 65 year old looking to start traveling alone to places more intriguing than Paris or Rome( which I love ,but…)

I have always had a penchant for travel and have visited a number of countries throughout my life. This year, I decided to take a trip to a country that I had never been to before- this has been the cheapest country where I have ever visited. After much deliberation, I opted for the Central African Republic (CAR). I researched the country extensively before deciding to make the trip, and found that there were a number of reasons why this was the perfect country for me. First and foremost, it is one of the least developed countries in the world, which means that there are a lot of opportunities for tourism. Second, it is a country with a rich historical heritage, which I was interested in learning more about. Third, it is a safe country, which is important to me as a traveler. Finally, it is a country with a large variety of landscapes, which I knew I would enjoy.

Awesome travel guide on the internet, I’m feeling more confidence after reading the article.

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How to budget for a trip around the world

Dec 11, 2019 • 5 min read

Bundling visas is one way you can shave your long-term travel budget © maybefalse / Getty Images

In Around the World in 80 Days , Phileas Fogg bets his friends at London ’s posh Reform Club that he can circumnavigate the globe in under three months. His fictional expenses were £20,000, and for nearly a century and a half, that number somehow stuck as the price for seeing the world. 

Despite the fact that author Jules Verne actually budgeted the equivalent of £2,242,900 in today’s money, some experienced world travelers will still tell you that $20,000USD is the baseline cost for a single person on a year-long around-the-world adventure. While that comes out to just under $55 per day, other globetrotters will insist that you’ll need at least $100 or more per day to travel comfortably. 

So how do you figure out what figure is right for you?

My husband and I spent 12 months visiting over 100 countries on all seven continents, and our day-to-day budget covered a huge range of expenditures. 

In Southeast Asia , it was easy to travel like royalty for next to nothing. Comfortable hotel stays that included a lavish breakfast for two could be found for around $30 a night. Huge bowls of savory dumplings were just $2 apiece, and centuries-old temples and gardens could be toured for as little as $1 a ticket. 

Related:   Safari without the big bucks

Eastern Europe was equally affordable, with bed-and-breakfast accommodations for under $30 a night, rental cars with unlimited mileage for just $17 a day, country-to-country bus passes for $19 or less, and a number of ancient castles and cathedrals open to the public for free. 

At the other end of the spending spectrum, our daily budget flared to $820 per person for an 11-day expedition to Antarctica . The cruise included three extravagant meals a day, a private cabin with a large ocean-view window and en suite bathroom, and all transportation and excursions. But for $18,000, shouldn’t it be all-inclusive? 

There are limitless ways to see the world, from holing up in luxury hotels to surfing couches, so before you can begin crunching numbers, you need to make some decisions. Here are the top questions to ask as you start to create your around-the-world budget.

Are you planning the trip yourself?

My husband loves trip planning. It is arguably his favorite hobby, aside from the travel itself. He will pore over flight schedules, train timetables and bus routes while keeping endless spreadsheets of costs and combinations and codes.

We typically travel in one direction (either moving continually eastward or westward) and book only one-way flights. It keeps us from wasting time and money by retracing our steps, but this kind of detailed planning is not for the faint of heart. It took him a year and a half to plan our around-the-world adventure.

Related:   Six smartphone apps for budget travel

Ready-made trips 

If a package deal is more your style, then you’ll find plenty of ready-made options. Several cruise lines will sail you to half a dozen countries in a month starting around $7,000, or you can spend half a year at sea and visit three dozen countries or more for upwards of $65,000 per person. We’re talking interior cabins without all the bells and whistles, but all you have to do is show up.

Prefer the air over the sea? You can regularly find cheap flights with long layovers in two or three cities for around $1,500 round trip. For example, one recently multi-airline itinerary on offer featured travel from London to San Francisco , Honolulu , Samoa , Fiji , New Zealand , Sydney , Singapore and Athens before returning to the UK five weeks later, all for $1253 (£950). 

How fancy are you feeling?

The level of luxury you expect from your around-the-world experience has a direct effect on your bottom line. Do you imagine yourself in glittering cities like Paris , Rome , Dubai , Singapore, Sydney, Los Angeles and New York ? Better bring the big bucks, even for a long weekend. Are countries like Thailand , Cambodia , Morocco , Portugal , Bulgaria , Romania , Colombia and Peru more your style? You could travel for several weeks on the same budget.

Once you’ve narrowed down potential destinations, take a look at places you can visit without paying for a visa. Many countries have reciprocal relationships that allow visitors holding certain passports to enter for free. You can also find regional deals that bundle countries, like the European Schengen Visa or the KAZA UniVisa that offers discounts to travelers visiting both Zambia and Zimbabwe . Don’t forget about required vaccinations for some destinations, too, since they can be pricey and often aren’t covered by regular health insurance. 

Destinations definitely makes a difference, but so do your day-to-day choices. Are you willing to take a bus instead of a taxi? Stay at a hostel rather than a hotel? Sip a soda in lieu of champagne? Our travel research includes typical costs for transportation and accommodation, but we also consider how much daily expenses like food and drink will be. 

Cost of living calculators like Numbeo give useful benchmarks for things such as taxi fares, groceries and gasoline, and you can see prices in both the local currency and your own currency, which helps you learn the conversion rates, too.

Can you save money along the way?

Establishing a travel budget ahead of time is important, but once you leave home, it’s easy to ignore the numbers and convince yourself that you only live once. That’s why we sneak in some money-saving tactics along the way that help us keep things in balance. 

Many travelers like to play it safe by buying bottled water, but all those dollars (and all that plastic) add up. We carry a lightweight, reusable water bottle and an ultraviolet light purifying pen wherever we go, which saved us over $1,000 on our year-long trip and kept our stomachs settled on all seven continents.

We will also go to great lengths to avoid checking bags and paying those extra fees on planes and trains. Traveling with only carry-on luggage shaved nearly $3,000 off our expenses and ensured we never missed a connection while waiting at the baggage carousel. 

Related:   Under-the-radar budget activities from around the world

The bottom line

There is no one-size-fits-all number for an around-the-world adventure. Your budget on the road is as personal as your budget at home. But you can approach it one of two ways: either begin with the destination in mind and plan accordingly, or start with your budget and see how far it will take you. 

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Bridget Beguin

So you want to know how to travel the world cheap. The good news is that it’s possible, even on a shoestring budget. It just takes a little bit of financial ingenuity. Here are our top tips on how to do it…

1. Visit Budget Destinations

There’s a reason why backpackers aren’t flooding to cities like Zurich and New York, but rather visit places in Bali and Thailand.

Where you go on your adventures will be the most important factor for staying in budget. You’ll be able to double or triple your length of stay by choosing your locations wisely. This is probably the most important thing to consider if you want to know how to travel the world cheap.

Visit expensive places for short periods and cheaper ones for longer. Research the ‘cost of living’ in areas you’re interested in touring. Sites like Numbeo offer this information and give you an idea of prices for everyday living expenses as well as your expected transport costs for getting around.

Where To. Stay In Bali

2. Visit Destinations In Off-Peak Seasons

During off-peak seasons not only is accommodation cheaper but prices for flight tickets, food and shopping usually come down. Another bonus will be the lack of crowds following you around to popular points of interest.

Just keep in mind some countries experience adverse or extreme weather conditions during off-peak times, so do some research first. Visit places with minimal season changes and check first to avoid rainy months! The last thing you want is to spend weeks under a raincoat while it drizzles.

3. Pack Light- The Best Advice On How To Travel The World Cheap

If you can get away with it, pack light enough to avoid checking in luggage. From our experience traveling with checked bags doubles the price of your airfare.

Traveling around the world with only a 10kg carry-on bag is something we aspire to but can’t imagine limiting all our belongings to one small space! If you get this right, you will travel the world cheap and hassle free.  

4. Pay Attention To Visa Requirements

Some countries have more relaxed Visa requirements than others. Make sure you’ve research what’s needed and all the associated costs. For countries offering visa extensions it might be worth doing. Pay the extra bucks and stay in a country longer to truly get to know your surroundings. Visa’s for travelling South East Asia are applied for online and don’t cost too much compared to those for European countries.  

5. Fly Smart

This is the best bit of travel advice from long term travelers on how to travel the world cheap.

Not only are big travel days very taxing but costly too! Transport costs are one of the most significant expenses when traveling. The longer you can stay in a country before flying out, the further your money will go.

Where possible, consider extending a 30-day holiday visa and exploring the area you’re in a bit longer. Also, keep in mind, Local flights are usually much cheaper than international ones. Buses, trains, and ferries are also great options and are often more reasonably priced.

6. Fly Regionally

Flights that go between neighbouring countries across land instead of the sea, are usually more reasonably priced. Consider flying systematically, keeping to one area before moving on to the next.

A flight from Vietnam to its neighbours – Cambodia or Thailand will be far cheaper than flying to places in Indonesia.

You’ll need to look at a map for this one and mark off the countries you’re interested in visiting and plot the routes between them.then use sights like Sky Scanner and get flight quotes.

7. Buy Affordable Airfare

When purchasing air tickets, do your research and find the lowest possible prices across different airlines and on different days of the week. By flying mid-week, you could save loads of money versus flying on Monday or over the weekend.

Always remember that airfare is usually cheaper when bought in advance and buying flights last minute is the most expensive. So if you want to travel the world for cheap, plan ahead! Use Sky Scanner or Google Flights for comparative prices across all the airlines.  

Sky Scanner

Google Flights

8. Join Every Frequent Flyer Program

When purchasing tickets for flights online, look for that specific airline’s tab requesting you to login or register for their frequent flyer program.

When you compare buying tickets without pre-registration, this extra step might take you a minute or two longer, but once your details are loaded, it’s far quicker buying future tickets from them. The real win though is the points earned and discounts received with registering.

There are no extra costs, so joining these programs is a no-brainer! Especially if you’re considering flying to multiple destinations on your trip. There’s no limit to how many programs you can join, and you’ll have no idea how often you’ll use a particular airline so join them all!

If you’re flying to destinations within South East Asia we highly recommend signing up to:

• Air Asia  (for travel around the whole of Asia)
• Vietnam Airlines  and  VietJet  (for Vietnam)
• Krisflyer (for Scoot and Singapore Airlines)
• Jetstar (mainly Asia-Australia travel)
• NokAir (for Thailand).

These links will take you directly to the airline’s sign-up pages, go ahead and sign up now! 

If you really want to know how to travel the world cheap, you need to focus on bringing down the price of flights. 

9. Make Final Purchases Incognito

The first time you go online to shop for transport and accommodation, you’re unlikely to complete the purchase. That’s ok if you don’t, but make sure you take notes of the costs. The reason why we do this is that Google and all the online purchasing sites are aware of your current interest and tracking your already quoted prices. Often on your second or third visit to a website, the price goes up. Go INCOGNITO on your browser and search again for the cheapest options you came across earlier. Going incognito makes you a first-time interested buyer and prices will start lower once more.

This hack is used by long-term travel enthusiasts and is a sure way to ensure you travel the world cheap, or at least cheaper.   

10. Choose Your Transport Wisely

Renting a scooter or bicycle is cheaper than getting a taxi or private driver for your travels. If you plan on traveling for a long time, it might be worth your while becoming a confident scooter driver and obtaining a license. Keep in mind that accidents happen all the time, and you’ve got to be a confident and skilled driver for less than ideal situations — things like heavy traffic, minimal road rules, and roads in bad condition.

To ride a scooter, you’ll need a valid class B license (specific for motorcycles). If you don’t have the right license, you could be looking at paying a fine! It only happened to us once (after a whole year of travel) and it depends on where you go.

Second to renting a bike and driving yourself around, we highly recommend using online taxi services Grab and GoJek. These are the Asian versions of Uber and are far cheaper than using the local taxis. Alternatively, buses and trains are usually cheap options for getting around and available in most cities. Sites like Bookaway.com and 12Go Asia are beneficial when comparing your local transport options and buying tickets online.

12. Use Accommodation Resources

In our opinion, if you want to know how to travel the world cheap, you need to pay lots of attention to accommodation options.

Airbnb is the cheapest option for couples, families, and anyone looking for their own private living space. 9/10 times we find more reasonable offers on Airbnb when compared to booking at a hotel or hostel with a private area.

To add to the money-saving, find a place with a kitchen or at the very least, a fridge and kettle, and give the restaurant scene a break on occasion.

Here’s an extra Airbnb sneaky tip:

Once you’ve entered your travel dates on Airbnb’s site, click on the price button and switch on the ‘ Discounted stays’ tab. This feature will  only show places with nightly prices of 10% off or more. We’ve done this a few times and found some incredible and luxurious stays at very reasonable prices.

If you still have a property at home that’s unoccupied, you might want to consider listing it with Airbnb.  The money you make could be enough to fund your own cost of living while you’re away. Home Exchange is another great option if you still have a property back home.

Hostels (via Hostelworld)

Hostels are great for solo travelers and anyone looking to meet fellow travelers.

They usually have excellent facilities and offer an awesome vibe. Just make sure you don’t spend too much money at the bar, socializing with your new friends! 

As a couple staying in a hostel, we try to book a private room or mixed-sex rooms (so that we can sleep together) but with limited amounts of beds (so that we don’t sleep with everyone else!).

Sights like Hostelworld and Agoda are great for finding Hostels in your area. Search by ratings and reviews so that you won’t be let down or disappointed with your selection.

Hostel World

Booking.com

13. Cook Whenever Possible

Eating and drinking at restaurants three times a day is going to cost al lot! We definitely don’t recommend that if you’re trying to travel the world cheap!

It’s better to pay a higher price for an apartment or villa offering basic cooking essentials and eat-in on occasion. No doubt buying groceries and eating home-cooked meals brings down your daily spending and ultimately, your monthly budget, no matter what country you’re in!

When searching for accommodation through Airbnb, use the ‘kitchen’ filter to find places suited for home cooking. Some hostels and hotels give you access to their kitchen; you just need to ask.

At the very least prepare quick oats and fruit breakfast before you head out for the day and on occasion, pack snacks or sandwiches for lunch on the go. You won’t believe how much money you’ll save this way. Trust us, your wallet and your health will thank you at the end of the trip.

14. Shop At Local Markets

When it comes to buying groceries, support the locals’ markets selling fresh produce and local brands.

The food is always fresh and bursting with flavour.

Reserve your visits to the bigger supermarkets when buying imported condiments and non-perishables you can’t find anywhere else. We’ve never had any problems finding our favourite grocery items at local stores throughout SE Asia. 

15. Look At Restaurant Prices First

Most of the information about restaurants (including a menu with prices) is available on Google Maps or Trip Advisor.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for that way, most restaurants display their menu at the entrance. Have a quick look at prices before committing. We usually do this in locations catering specifically to foreigners.

Also, don’t forget to add in any extra taxes and fees that maybe not be presented on the meal prices, as some restaurants add them in afterwards.

16. Eat Just Outside of Popular Tourist Destinations

Prices drop the further you are from tourist hot spots and not due to a lack of quality.

We’ve enjoyed some of our favourite meals at modest restaurants producing consistently good food for locals.

Not only is it a great way to ensure you travel the world cheap, but you’ll get to meet some wonderful locals that are more than happy to see a new face!

17. Eat Out For Lunch Not Dinner

Eating at restaurants over lunchtime is far cheaper than at dinner.

Not only are the Lunch meals more affordable, but drinks prices usually come down and happy hour falls in this period too. Happy hours usually run between 3-6 pm during weekdays.

18. Limit Your Drinks

Another thing to keep in mind is that drinks prices at restaurants often matches that of food.

For every meal you eat, you’re more than likely going to order two to three drinks. Order the occasional water instead of a fancy iced tea/ mocktail/smoothie to balance things out. 

19. Oder Local dishes and drinks

Local dishes at restaurants are usually half the price of those filled with imported ingredients. Such costly ingredients include things like cheese and extravagant cuts of meat.

Not only is the price a deciding factor here but often the international dishes are disappointing. Stick to the meals that a particular place makes best, usually the local ones. 

20. Choosing Street Food Over Restaurants

Most of the world, especially around SE Asia, has plenty of street food vendors that pop up all over the show.

Make sure you pick popular vendors, and one’s preparing food fresh for you.

You don’t have to do this all the time, but eating this way on occasion will save you a lot of bucks in the long run. 

21. Sightsee For Less

Don’t get caught into paying for costly day trips and tour packages.

If you rent your own bike/car, you should be able to get around without a guide.

Lesser-known destinations can often be more exhilarating and discovering your exploits can be more rewarding.

If you download Google Maps, Airbnb and the Trip Advisor app on your phone, you’ll be able to use these three sights as a reference for things to do. Most of the local tour guides and tour companies advertise their full day trip itineraries on these sights. Go to these sights and type in your current destination, then choose to search by ‘experiences’ or ‘things to do’. Make a note of all the destinations mentioned and see them for yourself, unattended.

22. Research Your Bank Fee And Card Options Before You Go

Choose bank cards and bank accounts offering the lowest fees.

These annoying little fees first go undetected but add up fairly quickly. You can’t get rid of them so factor them into your budget.

If you’re swiping your card, never choose the option of having the transaction converted into your currency. Let your bank work this out for you later. Converting currencies at the store level will be done at a much higher rate.

23. Avoid Drawing Money From ATM’s

It’s usually cheaper (or free) to swipe your card than withdraw cash from an ATM.

Not to mention safer!

Ideally, if you can organise a travel card offering free or minimal fees on ATM withdrawals AND free card swipes you” be in the best position.

24. Buy Less Stuff If You Want To Travel The World Cheap

Most of the places you visit will be geared for tourism and continuously bombard you with things to buy.

Asia is full of swanky souvenir shops, clothing stores, and intriguing travel gear shops. If you’re planning on travelling for long periods, you should only buy essential goods.

If you can live without it, chances are you should.

Once you’ve adopted this way of thinking, it’s pretty easy to maintain. Leave the shopping sprees to the holiday goers that are expectantly spending lots of money over short periods. You’re in it for the long haul and what you’re gaining is far more satisfying than a buyer’s buzz. 

25. Learn To Haggle

Believe it or not, asking for a better price is not considered rude in many countries. It often demonstrates that you’re a more experienced buyer.

If you don’t ask for a better price, it is assumed you don’t know any better, opening you up to being taken for a ride or even scammed. Don’t worry about being rejected or offending anyone. If a seller is not interested in your offer, they’ll walk away and dismiss you outright.

If you have entered into negotiations and settle on a price don’t feel bad, guaranteed the seller is still making a profit. Haggling or bartering can save you loads of money in an array of scenarios.

Negotiate prices on accommodation, transport, food, gifts, tours, tickets and pretty much anything else that comes to mind. Just make sure you’re doing it respectfully.  

26. Avoid Expensive Sim Cards

Don’t get roped into buying sim cards that work across different countries. These universal sims are available at most mobile sim stations and cost the same as local sim cards.

I know what you’re thinking, it sounds like a great idea being able to travel the whole of SE Asia without having to buy new sim cards every couple of weeks. The truth is, after the initial installation, your top-up data costs are double what it should be, and you won’t be able to make any local calls in case of emergencies. 

27. Don’t Pay For Data Top Up, Get A New Sim Card Each Time

Initial sim card purchases (done at the airports) come with great deals and at low prices because telecom providers are eager to welcome you as new members. After you’ve installed your new sim card, you’ll have a set amount of data to use per day or over a set period (usually up to 30-days).

From our experiencing topping up after you’ve run out is a pain in the ass and a lot more expensive!  Top-up packages usually don’t offer the same reasonable deals that come with first-time sim purchases.

Also keep in mind, WIFI is free and available practically EVERYWHERE in Asia, including most coffee shops and restaurants. Don’t use your phones data! 

28. Get The Honey App/Extension

The Honey app is a browser extension or add-on for desktops and laptops.

The app can save you money by automatically searching for online coupons relating to your online purchases. It’s available for all of the major web browsers, and it’s a lot easier than manually sifting through coupon sites.

Once you’ve installed it you won’t need to do anything further.

If you’re about to pay for something online and a discount or saving exists for it, honey will find it and bring it to your attention at the right time.

JoinHoney.com

29. Use Travel Apps

The most useful apps are:

• Google Translate
• Google Maps
• Currency XE
• and a reliable Budget app
• GoJek and Grab 

If you’re traveling around SE Asia, you’ll want to download both Grab and Gojek to get around, as well as to order fast-food delivery and grocery services.

30. Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is the most critical expense and one you won’t want to skip!

Being sick is expensive, and when health-related problems arise, they can be a real setback for your budgeted trip.

Make sure you’ve had a general check-up with your doctor and dentist before you go. If you require any surgeries or procedures, do them before you start your travels.

We’re all reluctant to spend a lump sum of money on something showing little to no reward but traveling without insurance is a gamble.

The simple truth is, you can’t afford to run into trouble without it. The initial outlay will be nothing compared to foreign hospital bills you could face.

The bottom line is this, adding insurance at the start of your travels gives you the security of knowing that big, unforeseen problems don’t have to ruin your trip! Also keep in mind that If you pay annually, it’s usually at a better rate.

World Nomads

31. Stay Healthy

Getting sick is an expense you usually don’t plan for, and when it happens, it’ll eat into your savings pretty viciously!

To some degree, you do have control over staying healthy. By implementing small positive behaviors and health-conscious choices in everyday situations, you can ensure this.

A few health tips include:

• Being wary of sick people at airports and in confined spaces.
• Covering your face with a mask and washing your hands before touching yourself.
• Carry waterless hand sanitizer and use cleansing wipes when going to the toilet. Viruses can live for 48 hours on inanimate objects. Think about that the next time you touch the fingerprint detector at the airport!

Make sure you drink filtered or bottled water and if you’re not sure of the water source, ask first or stay clear of it.

Before you begin your travels, make sure you’re up to date with all your vaccinations an find out what other precautions are necessary for the area/s you’re visiting: i.e. rabies, malaria.

32. Travel With Basic Healthcare Items

Finding good headache pills or flu pills is almost impossible in Asia, and if you’re buying a name brand you recognise, you’ll pay top price. If you’re buying a generic line, you risk not knowing the quality of the product.

If you start feeling off-colour be prepared and start taking an immune booster or something to break a fever. Prevent what’s brewing from potentially getting worse!

33. Work Online While You Travel The World Cheap

Maybe you don’t need to quit your day job to pursue your long term travel plans.

If you work from a computer, enquire first and come up with a rate and structure that suits you and your employer.

Alternatively, you could do freelance work while you travel. Sights like fiverr.com, Upwork.com, and takelessons.com are sights offering payments for small online tasks.

How to travel the world for cheap

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10 Best Places to Travel on a Budget

The world is full of cheap vacation spots. No matter what continent — and no matter what interests you have — there are countless places you can visit on a budget.

Few destinations are “too expensive” as long as you do some research, get creative, and have some flexibility. You just might not be living large when you visit them.

Fortunately, there are lots of destinations out there that make budget travel easy, fun, and safe.

These destinations offer affordable accommodation, cheap food, and plenty of activities and excursions that can be enjoyed without breaking the bank.

Here’s my list of the best cheap travel destinations so you can get inspired and plan your next affordable adventure!

Table of Contents

1. Thailand

2. central america, 3. cambodia, 4. the balkans, 8. portugal, 10. morocco.

It’s also super affordable.

With a tourist trail going back decades, Thailand is the heart of backpacking in Southeast Asia , and you can get by on between $25-35 USD per day thanks to cheap guesthouses, budget street food (which can be found for as little as $1 USD!), local buses, and the many cheap and free attractions. If you spend all your time on the islands and in expensive accommodation, expect to pay closer to $60 USD per day. However, even at the price, Thailand is still one of the most bargain-friendly destinations in the world and should not be skipped!

• The Ultimate Thailand Travel Guide
• 9 Incredible Things to Do in Thailand
• How Much Does It Costs to Visit Thailand?

Belize , Panama , Costa Rica — these are expensive destinations by regional standards (yet they are still quite affordable). If you visit these central Central American countries, you can get by on $45-60 USD per day as a backpacker or splash out and spend $100-120 a day to live large. Your money goes really far in this part of the world. And with so many countries to choose from, it’s easy to bounce around and see a lot without going broke.

READ MY TRAVEL GUIDES TO THE REGION:

• El Salvador

Cambodia is cheaper than popular Thailand but just as beautiful and filled with some of the nicest people in the world. Plus, it’s home to the incredible Angkor Wat (which, while expensive to visit, is worth the expense!).

• Cambodia Budget Travel Guide
• Backpacking Cambodia: 3 Suggested Itineraries for Your Trip
• Angkor Wat Travel Guide

You can get by for as little as $45 USD per day — a fraction of what you’d pay in Western Europe. A week’s worth of groceries costs as little as $25 USD while a beer costs around $2-5 USD.

And while the region was once known for being unsafe, things have greatly improved over the past decade. There’s a growing backpacking trail here and tourism is on the rise. It’s Europe least-explored region — but not for long so visit before you crowds arrive and the price skyrocket.

• Bosnia & Herzegovina

But the country becomes even cheaper when you get off the beaten path and the interior . This is where you’ll find the best travel deals and bargains. China still remains one of the best value places in the world and, with it’s massive size (it’s the 3rd largest country by landmass), there is a ton to see and do here!

• 7 Lessons Learned from 3 Months in China
• China Travel Guide: What to See, Do, Costs, & Ways to Save
• What Hitchhiking as a Solo Female in China Taught Me

India is a cheap backpacking destination with a rich cultural history, mouthwatering food, helpful and curious locals, incredible regional diversity, great tea, and a lot to do. It’s a gigantic place best either explored in either one large trip or a few smaller chunks. Either way, don’t miss India.

• 13 Amazing Things to Do in India
• India Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
• Is It Safe for Women to Travel India?

Tucked away in the Caucasus, Georgia has been at a cultural crossroads for centuries yet it’s not nearly as popular as it should be. Tbilisi is a city bursting with activity, while the rest of the country offers intrepid adventures a rugged, off-the-beaten-path feel.

You can get by on next to nothing here too, with budget travelers spending as little as $30 USD per day. Beer is around $3 USD, a week’s worth of groceries costs around $25-30 USD, and most museums and historic sites cost just $2-5 USD.

While it might feel out of the way, Georgia is one of the next big backpacking hubs. I’d go back in a heartbeat!

• The 15 Best Things to See and Do in Georgia
• The Ultimate Georgia Travel Guide
• Finding Love and Home in Tbilisi, Georgia

Portugal has become a lot more popular and crowded in recent years (it has a growing expat and digital nomad scene) and Lisbon has become especially expensive was people move there and drive up prices. It’s a great place after all! However, once you get outside of Lisbon, prices are still relatively cheap compared to the rest of Western Europe — and you’ll see far fewer tourists too. Expect to get by on $50-60 USD per day if you’re a budget backpacker.

While is gorgeous in the summer, if you’re looking for a cheap place to spend the winter in Europe, Portugal is one of your best options.

• Portugal Budget Travel Guide
• That Time I Went to Portugal and fell Madly in Love with It
• Porto Travel Guide

While there are some regions that aren’t that safe to explore, the majority of the country is yours to enjoy. No matter your interests — beaches, partying, food, history, nature — there’s a corner of the country that you can enjoy safely without breaking the bank.

• Mexico: A Love Story
• The 20 Best Things to Do in Mexico City
• The Ultimate Mexico Budget Travel Guide
• How to Stay Safe in Mexico as a Solo Female Traveler

I fell in love with Morocco when I visited, and not just because it’s super affordable (though that did help!). Budget backpackers can get around on just $30-40 USD per day here, while midrange travelers can have a comfortable trip for around double that. You get a lot of value here. In fact, I love it so much I used to run tours there!

Morocco is a country that mesmerizes. Don’t miss it.

• 11 Reasons Why I Fell in Love with Morocco
• Morocco Budget Travel Guide
• Is Morocco Safe?

I believe most destinations in the world can be explored on a budget without sacrificing too much comfort ( heck, I even traveled Iceland on $50 USD per day ).

If you’re a savvy traveler, you know how to maximize your money no matter where you go in the world. But your mission to travel on a budget gets a lot easier when the places you’re going to are already affordable, allowing you make the most of your budget without missing out!  

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Exploring the world of remote working, co-working, and traveling

12 Ways to Travel the World Cheap | Ultimate Guide

Traveling the world remains a dream for many, but the question of how to travel the world cheap or on a budget is a whole other subject.

While it’s certainly possible, it does take some meticulous planning and research to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. But, for those who deem travel as a far away dream which is only available to the rich, you’re wrong.

It is very do-able, you just need to know how to go about it. 

You may not be sailing from island to island on mega yachts, but you can definitely enjoy the beauty of the world on a budget . 

Let’s get into how you can travel the world for cheap…

Become a Digital Nomad

Volunteer in exchange for free food or board, seek employment overseas, follow the path less traveled, buy at the right time, opt for minimalism , establish a home base, join others along the way, avoid the tourist traps, do as the locals do, utilize discounts, enjoy free events.

Are you a remote worker ? Or, can you utilize skills which are highly sought after? If you’ve already got the first one down, you can [in theory] work from anywhere. 

If you’re contracted or employed with a specific company, ask HR about the legalities or any requirements about where you can or can’t work from. If they give you the go ahead, you’ve got free reign to travel and work simultaneously. This way, the money will stay rolling in while you’re exploring the world.

For those who have much sought after skills, or are able to provide a service, why not give it a go?

There are many digital marketers, strategists, writers, artists, etc, working remotely on a freelance basis , while traveling.

This often provides a flexibility that you wouldn’t otherwise experience. You can work for a few hours a day, or focus some days and then take the rest of the week off. And what a better way to enjoy your down time than being in a far flung destination that you’ve been vying to visit for years.

It’s a win-win situation!

Becoming a Digital Nomad isn’t for everyone and that’s okay. If this doesn’t sound feasible, or like something you’d enjoy, there are other ways you can earn money while traveling. 

Many hostels around the world accept volunteers who exchange their time and skills for a free room.

Source – Marcus Loke

If that doesn’t float your boat, there are thousands of opportunities online just waiting for the right person. 

At the time of writing, Workaway (a platform that arranges homestays and cultural exchanges for volunteers) has numerous experiences available including: helping a family look after their farm in Germany, volunteering at a nonprofit animal shelter in Sicily, and teaching English to local children in Indonesia. 

Websites which will help you find these opportunities are Workaway , Worldpackers , and HelpX .

This one will entirely depend on where you choose to go. However, in some countries, you can apply for a visa to work with a company in that area.

By traveling the world in this way, you can slow down and focus on one destination at a time before then moving on. Essentially, this place could become your home for however many months or years, who said traveling the world was a race?

Depending on the visa, some of the typical jobs involve becoming an au pair, bartender, farm worker, waiter, dive instructor, and much more. The list is endless.

London, LA, and Paris may be in your sights, which is still possible, but you’ll definitely feel the pinch. 

Source – Karl Moran

If you’re not too precious about certain cities, opt for a lesser-known area rather than the capital. Or fly into the main city and explore for a day or two before moving on to a different area.

If you’re planning a visit to England, for example, try Manchester, York, or Cornwall rather than basing yourself in the capital city: London. 

We all love a bit of spontaneity, but it can cost you if you’re that way inclined.

If you’re planning your trip with notice, start looking for flights as soon as possible .

Maybe you have Black Friday, Boxing Day (UK sales day on 26th December), or Cyber Monday sales in the run up to your trip? There’s no harm in trying for a bargain when these days roll around. 

And while you’ll likely be gambling on the best time to buy that long-haul flight, being flexible on dates can be advantageous. 

Nick Kelvin, the Points Guy , spoke to CNN about timings: “Only the most expensive fare classes are typically left a day or two before departure, and the cheaper fares are reserved for purchases made at least 21 days before your flight.”

The flight expert advises getting in early to secure the best deals.

Sites like Google Flights and Skyscanner will help you find the best prices. You can also set alerts to keep you in the loop whenever a price drops.

Source – Markus Spiske

Gone are the days where buying a plane ticket automatically included meals and luggage.

Now, you have to pay extra to carry your precious cargo. 

Because of this, the less luggage you travel with, the less you pay .

If you can keep your belongings to a minimum while traveling the world, this will set you in good stead for paying the lowest possible price for transport.

The last point leads very nicely into establishing a home base…

If you’re planning to be in Europe for a long period of time, for example, it may be more beneficial to book a monthly stay at an Airbnb or elsewhere and then jump on a cheap flight with just your backpack rather than lugging a suitcase and bag every few days.

From London to Italy, flights (at the time of writing) are around the $18 mark. 

Similarly, flights from Italy to Germany are $17. And that’s just the start. Rail travel in Europe is just as cheap , if not cheaper.

This works the same for islands in Asia or the Caribbean, where boat travel between places can be a good price.

Use sites like Kayak or Skyscanner to find the best prices for flights. 

Staying in a hostel dorm can dramatically cut down the cost. Many are fit for 4,6,or 12+ people. 

It’s a great opportunity to meet like-minded people , with people from all over the globe under one roof. 

As you make friends, you could join forces for excursions or trips – this can also cut down the price as the total cost can be split between a group rather than a solo person.

No matter where you go, there will likely be tourist traps – especially if you go to popular destinations. 

Google can be your best friend here – if you’re going to be paying out for something, have a quick check to see it’s worth your money first . 

If you want to travel the world for cheap, doing as the locals do may be the best option. 

Source – Filiz Elaerts 

Dining out can be expensive, especially when you’re going every day. Instead, go to a supermarket and grab some food which will see you through multiple meals. 

This can be a much cheaper alternative. 

Another way to beat the crowds and to spare some money is to visit the restaurants or eateries that are popular with the locals. These are often cheaper and [sometimes] much nicer than the tourist-ey ones.

Depending on where you go, there’s usually always a discount or two to be found.

If you’re a student, teacher, forces, or under 26 you can often save big abroad. Search for youth cards, or military / student etc discounts. 

In some countries, this can mean free entry to museums, exhibitions, and major tourist attractions.

Many cities around the world hold free events throughout the year. When you have your dates set, do some research into any events taking place at that time. 

Many will coincide with national holidays or long-standing traditions.

Travel the world on the cheap – it is possible

Source – Alex Azabache

Those are just some examples of how to travel the world cheap or on a budget. With many of these tips allowing you to integrate into your chosen destination more than you would if you opted for a 5* resort with everything you need in one area. 

Traveling the world is an amazing feat and one that shouldn’t be influenced by money.

By traveling smartly and resourcefully , you can explore new destinations, make new friends, and gain life long skills that will carry you through for years to come. For more information on becoming a digital nomad and remote working, read our other blog posts here .

Sophie is a digital journalist and content writer for a range of B2B and B2C clients. Her work as been published by The Femedic, Readwrite, Hull Daily Mail, and more. She started out her career winning a Print Futures Award for her commitment to journalism.

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Travel The World For Cheap: A Realistic One-Year Travel Itinerary On $2,000 Per Month

Travel around the world for one year on a $2,000 monthly budget and enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

• Pick budget-friendly destinations and spend more time in one place to save money while still having a memorable experience.
• Take advantage of off-season flights, layovers, budget airlines, and flexible travel dates to save on airfare.
• Consider staying in hostels or finding affordable private hotel rooms, sacrificing unnecessary amenities, and booking accommodation in advance to stay within budget. Also, try street food and look for free or cheap attractions to keep costs down.

Leaving everything behind and traveling the world is a dream for so many. While for some it remains a lifelong fantasy, others take the plunge and make it happen. Making such a big decision will come with many questions, and there are many things to know about traveling around the world for a whole year that will ensure a smoother trip.

Budget Travel: 10 Things To Know About Vacationing While Saving Money

For those looking to travel the world for a year on a tighter budget while still having that trip of a lifetime, it certainly is possible. By researching different destinations, booking flights in advance, comparing the prices of hotels based on location, and seeking out free and low-cost activities, travelers will have a better chance of saving money in areas that often make a big difference. So, what does traveling the world for a year on a $2,000 monthly budget look like, and how can it be done?

Plan A Budget-Friendly Itinerary In Affordable Destinations

Picking cheaper countries and spending more time in one place will help save money.

Deciding on an itinerary and picking which continents and countries to visit is always an important decision when planning such a big trip. When it's hard to go wrong with anywhere in the world, it's worth considering the world's cheapest continents when deciding which places to go.

Of course, it's also important to remember that embarking on such a trip is all about throwing caution to the wind and embracing the unknown, which is where the most meaningful experiences are waiting to be discovered. However, it's still good to have an idea of where out on the vast planet is calling.

Asia and South America are considered the cheapest places to travel, and Europe has some great budget-friendly destinations . While daily expenses in Africa may be budget-friendly, traveling around the continent is difficult and can be rather expensive, so it's better to choose one country to focus on.

Countries like Peru, Portugal, India, and Laos are great destinations when looking for budget-friendly countries, and are also some of the most beautiful places, with delicious food and hospitable people.

With so many countries to choose from, it's also important to be realistic about how much one can really do and see in a year.

While seeing as much of the world is an exhilarating idea, spending more time in one country can be even more rewarding. Becoming integrated into a specific culture and getting to know the locals can provide some of the most memorable, enriching experiences, and this is what traveling is all about.

A realistic goal would be somewhere around 12–15 countries across the continents. Also, with a $2,000 monthly budget, less money being spent on multiple flights will leave more money for activities, unexpected opportunities, and other rewarding experiences.

Cheapest Countries in Asia to Visit

• Philippines

Cheapest Countries in Europe To Visit

Cheapest countries in south america to visit.

Always make sure to look up a country's visa requirements and costs .

How To Budget For Flights On $2,000 Per Month

Flying in the off-season and using budget airlines will help save on flights.

Airfare is always an important part of traveling around the world to factor in and flying from continent to continent can be more affordable than it may seem.

Flying during the off-season, being flexible on which day or week to fly, choosing flights with layovers, finding the cheapest city to fly in and out of, and using budget airlines are all great ways to help save money on flights. Just make sure to read all the fine print with budget airlines, as most time baggage fees are not included in the ticket price.

And who knows, maybe a 15-hour layover is a great way to see a new city without having to spend money on a hotel.

10 Ways To Save Money When Booking Flights For Holiday Travel Season

With JFK being the second-most connected airport in the world , it is a great starting point for any trip. It's also worth doing some research on the cheapest places to fly all year round , which could be helpful when choosing the next destination.

With some careful attention and planning, it can be possible to get around the world for roughly $2,000 USD. This is taking into consideration being flexible with months and days of departure and choosing the cheapest flight options available. So, what could a flight itinerary look like for a trip around the world?

Flight Itinerary For A Year-Long Round-the-World Trip

If travelers visit nine countries in one year, their total airfare could average $178 per month.

Prices in the tables reflect a variety of dates, including peak travel times.

Europe has some very budget-friendly airlines and can be a great way to get from country to country.

Finding Budget-Friendly Accommodation

Travelers may need to sacrifice unnecessary amenities and stay outside popular areas.

With hotels, it is true in all countries, that you get what you pay for. When traveling around the world on a budget, it's important to ask, what is truly important when it comes to accommodation? The more amenities and comforts will mean a more expensive room.

Before embarking on a year-long budget world adventure, it may help to accept a certain loss of comfort and amenities one may be used to in the U.S., and be happy with the basic needs.

Hostels are the cheapest and most budget-friendly option for accommodation in any country around the world, especially in places like Europe. For those open to sharing a room and a bathroom with other travelers, this is a great way to find the most affordable accommodation around the world.

However, for those looking for more privacy, finding private hotel rooms can still be very affordable, especially in some of these cheaper destinations. Opting for the shared bathroom option will always bring the price down a good amount as well.

Budget-Friendly Hotel Prices Around The World

Here is a range of how much budget-friendly hotels can cost in different countries around the world; on a strict budget and by staying in hostels, travelers can cut their budget to around $15 USD per night, which averages $450 per month .

• Lima, Peru - around $33 per night
• Lisbon, Portugal - around $23 per night
• New Delhi, India - as low as $6 per night
• Bangkok, Thailand - as low as $10 per night
• Jakarta, Indonesia - as low as $5 per night
• Manila, Philippines - as low as $8 per night

While Kayak.com and Booking.com can be great websites to find good budget-friendly hotel deals, in some countries like India, it may be worth using the website for advice and going to the hotel before booking. Sometimes it's not always what it seems on the website.

Budget-Friendly Spring Escapes: 10 Affordable Ireland Destinations To Visit

Enjoying great food and attractions without breaking the bank, try the street food, supermarkets and find free things to do.

Places like South America and Asia are home to some of the cheapest and best quality and tasting food in the entire world. Countries like Thailand , India, and Vietnam are home to some of the world's best street food, and it's easy to fill up for under $5 USD.

While Western Europe is often associated with being very expensive, food can be some of the cheapest and also be high quality. Places like France and Spain have great supermarkets with very affordable and good quality food. These countries are also home to great bakeries and cheese shops, which can also be turned into a meal for under $10 USD, with a great local bottle of wine for less than $10 USD.

There will always be attractions throughout the world that are a must-visit, like Machu Picchu, or the Taj Mahal. While these places should not be missed and are worth the money, there are always countless things to do in different countries that can be done for free. Like walking through the backstreets of Kolkata, and meeting new friends who may invite you to their home for lunch, or meeting a local fisherman who invites you on their boat to go fishing off the coast of Thailand.

Average Daily Food Costs In Various Countries On A Budget

• Peru - $15 USD per day
• India - $10 - $15 USD per day
• Spain - $12 - $24 USD per day
• Thailand - $15 USD per day

Costs of Attraction Entrance Fees

• Machu Picchu - $40 USD
• Taj Mahal- $14 USD
• Pyramids of Giza - $7.80 USD

Travelers can expect to spend around $17 USD per day on food and anywhere from zero to $20 USD per day on attractions, which amounts to about $1,110 per month .

10 Budget-Friendly (& Easy) Ways To Travel Sustainably

Traveling the world on a $2,000 monthly budget is indeed possible; with the costs outlined here, you may even be able to save money — or splurge on accommodations — while traveling the world on $2K per month.

Average travel costs per month:

With an average daily budget of around $58 USD, travelers can feel confident in planning a year-long trip around the world.

With some attentive planning, research, letting go of a bit of comfort, and a willingness to embrace the unknown, individuals can have a trip of a lifetime exploring all the world has to offer without spending a fortune.

• KAYAK for Business NEW

Compare flights from 100s of sites.

Save money on airfare by searching for cheap flight tickets on KAYAK. KAYAK searches for flight deals on hundreds of airline tickets sites to help you find the cheapest flights. Whether you are looking for a last minute flight or a cheap plane ticket for a later date, you can find the best deals faster at KAYAK.

New York Flights

• Flight Miami - Newark (MIA - EWR) $51+
• Flight Chicago - New York (ORD - LGA) $59+
• Flight Atlanta - New York (ATL - LGA) $60+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Newark (FLL - EWR) $66+
• Flight Atlanta - Newark (ATL - EWR) $75+
• Flight Dallas - New York (DFW - LGA) $78+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - New York (FLL - LGA) $88+
• Flight Miami - New York (MIA - LGA) $88+
• Flight Orlando - New York (MCO - LGA) $90+
• Flight Orlando - Newark (MCO - EWR) $97+
• Flight Dallas - Newark (DFW - EWR) $109+
• Flight Chicago - Newark (ORD - EWR) $125+
• Flight Chicago - New York (ORD - JFK) $133+
• Flight Los Angeles - New York (LAX - LGA) $140+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - New York (FLL - JFK) $167+
• Flight Los Angeles - Newark (LAX - EWR) $169+
• Flight Burbank - Newark (BUR - EWR) $179+
• Flight San Francisco - New York (SFO - LGA) $197+
• Flight Dallas - New York (DFW - JFK) $199+
• Flight Seattle - Newark (SEA - EWR) $227+
• Flight San Francisco - Newark (SFO - EWR) $254+
• Flight Los Angeles - New York (LAX - JFK) $261+
• Flight San Francisco - New York (SFO - JFK) $267+
• Flight Ontario - New York (ONT - JFK) $287+

Orlando Flights

• Flight Cleveland - Orlando (CLE - MCO) $53+
• Flight Philadelphia - Orlando (PHL - MCO) $65+
• Flight Baltimore - Orlando (BWI - MCO) $66+
• Flight Cincinnati - Orlando (CVG - MCO) $67+
• Flight Houston - Orlando (HOU - MCO) $67+
• Flight Houston - Orlando (IAH - MCO) $67+
• Flight Minneapolis - Orlando (MSP - MCO) $68+

London Flights

• Flight New York - London (JFK - LGW) $322+
• Flight New Windsor - London (SWF - STN) $380+
• Flight New York - London (JFK - LHR) $417+
• Flight Los Angeles - London (LAX - LGW) $421+
• Flight Boston - London (BOS - LGW) $450+
• Flight Chicago - London (ORD - LHR) $451+
• Flight Boston - London (BOS - LHR) $455+
• Flight Newark - London (EWR - LHR) $484+
• Flight Newark - London (EWR - LGW) $486+

Fort Lauderdale Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Fort Lauderdale (ATL - FLL) $41+
• Flight Philadelphia - Fort Lauderdale (PHL - FLL) $47+
• Flight Chicago - Fort Lauderdale (ORD - FLL) $59+
• Flight Baltimore - Fort Lauderdale (BWI - FLL) $61+
• Flight Detroit - Fort Lauderdale (DTW - FLL) $61+
• Flight Newark - Fort Lauderdale (EWR - FLL) $68+
• Flight Cleveland - Fort Lauderdale (CLE - FLL) $69+

Boston Flights

• Flight Baltimore - Boston (BWI - BOS) $61+
• Flight Newark - Boston (EWR - BOS) $70+
• Flight Orlando - Boston (MCO - BOS) $73+
• Flight Chicago - Boston (ORD - BOS) $74+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Boston (FLL - BOS) $96+
• Flight Raleigh - Boston (RDU - BOS) $98+
• Flight Dallas - Boston (DFW - BOS) $99+

India Flights

• Flight Chicago - Hyderabad (ORD - HYD) $472+
• Flight New York - Ahmedabad (JFK - AMD) $558+
• Flight New York - New Delhi (JFK - DEL) $581+
• Flight Newark - New Delhi (EWR - DEL) $585+
• Flight New York - Mumbai (JFK - BOM) $586+
• Flight New York - Hyderabad (JFK - HYD) $621+
• Flight Newark - Hyderabad (EWR - HYD) $654+

Japan Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Tokyo (LAX - NRT) $632+
• Flight San Francisco - Tokyo (SFO - NRT) $640+
• Flight Los Angeles - Tokyo (LAX - HND) $738+
• Flight Seattle - Tokyo (SEA - NRT) $750+
• Flight Seattle - Tokyo (SEA - HND) $756+
• Flight San Francisco - Tokyo (SFO - HND) $785+
• Flight Dallas - Tokyo (DFW - NRT) $821+

Phoenix Flights

• Flight Dallas - Phoenix (DFW - PHX) $47+
• Flight Ontario - Phoenix (ONT - PHX) $48+
• Flight Los Angeles - Phoenix (LAX - PHX) $55+
• Flight San Diego - Phoenix (SAN - PHX) $62+
• Flight San Francisco - Phoenix (SFO - PHX) $64+
• Flight Chicago - Phoenix (MDW - PHX) $78+
• Flight Santa Ana - Phoenix (SNA - PHX) $78+

Honolulu Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Honolulu (LAX - HNL) $247+
• Flight San Francisco - Honolulu (SFO - HNL) $257+
• Flight Ontario - Honolulu (ONT - HNL) $260+
• Flight San Jose - Honolulu (SJC - HNL) $260+
• Flight San Diego - Honolulu (SAN - HNL) $317+
• Flight Seattle - Honolulu (SEA - HNL) $337+
• Flight Las Vegas - Honolulu (LAS - HNL) $375+

Los Angeles Flights

• Flight San Francisco - Los Angeles (SFO - LAX) $48+
• Flight Phoenix - Los Angeles (PHX - LAX) $55+
• Flight Oakland - Los Angeles (OAK - LAX) $58+
• Flight Dallas - Los Angeles (DFW - LAX) $69+
• Flight Denver - Los Angeles (DEN - LAX) $86+
• Flight Houston - Los Angeles (HOU - LAX) $95+
• Flight Houston - Los Angeles (IAH - LAX) $95+
• Flight Chicago - Los Angeles (ORD - LAX) $100+
• Flight Philadelphia - Los Angeles (PHL - LAX) $110+

Chicago Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Chicago (ATL - MDW) $49+
• Flight Atlanta - Chicago (ATL - ORD) $49+
• Flight Dallas - Chicago (DFW - ORD) $56+
• Flight New York - Chicago (LGA - ORD) $59+
• Flight Boston - Chicago (BOS - ORD) $73+
• Flight Houston - Chicago (HOU - ORD) $73+
• Flight Houston - Chicago (IAH - ORD) $73+

Denver Flights

• Flight Minneapolis - Denver (MSP - DEN) $38+
• Flight Dallas - Denver (DFW - DEN) $58+
• Flight Chicago - Denver (ORD - DEN) $67+
• Flight Houston - Denver (HOU - DEN) $68+
• Flight Houston - Denver (IAH - DEN) $68+
• Flight Seattle - Denver (SEA - DEN) $68+
• Flight Los Angeles - Denver (LAX - DEN) $77+

Washington, D.C. Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Baltimore (ATL - BWI) $51+
• Flight Boston - Baltimore (BOS - BWI) $61+
• Flight Dallas - Baltimore (DFW - BWI) $77+
• Flight Houston - Baltimore (HOU - BWI) $80+
• Flight Houston - Baltimore (IAH - BWI) $80+
• Flight Chicago - Baltimore (ORD - BWI) $99+
• Flight Boston - Washington, D.C. (BOS - DCA) $123+
• Flight Los Angeles - Baltimore (LAX - BWI) $124+
• Flight Houston - Washington, D.C. (HOU - DCA) $133+
• Flight Dallas - Washington, D.C. (DFW - DCA) $138+
• Flight Minneapolis - Washington, D.C. (MSP - DCA) $138+
• Flight Boston - Washington, D.C. (BOS - IAD) $149+
• Flight San Francisco - Baltimore (SFO - BWI) $152+
• Flight Atlanta - Washington, D.C. (ATL - IAD) $159+
• Flight Atlanta - Washington, D.C. (ATL - DCA) $159+
• Flight Chicago - Washington, D.C. (ORD - DCA) $178+
• Flight Los Angeles - Washington, D.C. (LAX - IAD) $187+
• Flight San Francisco - Washington, D.C. (SFO - DCA) $195+
• Flight Seattle - Washington, D.C. (SEA - DCA) $198+
• Flight Dallas - Washington, D.C. (DFW - IAD) $201+
• Flight Los Angeles - Washington, D.C. (LAX - DCA) $206+
• Flight Seattle - Baltimore (SEA - BWI) $210+
• Flight Seattle - Washington, D.C. (SEA - IAD) $283+
• Flight San Francisco - Washington, D.C. (SFO - IAD) $309+

Atlanta Flights

• Flight Orlando - Atlanta (MCO - ATL) $35+
• Flight Houston - Atlanta (IAH - ATL) $43+
• Flight Philadelphia - Atlanta (PHL - ATL) $45+
• Flight Baltimore - Atlanta (BWI - ATL) $47+
• Flight Chicago - Atlanta (MDW - ATL) $47+
• Flight Miami - Atlanta (MIA - ATL) $48+
• Flight Chicago - Atlanta (ORD - ATL) $49+

United States Flights

• Flight Newark - Miami (EWR - MIA) $61+
• Flight Los Angeles - Dallas (LAX - DFW) $73+
• Flight New York - Miami (LGA - MIA) $75+
• Flight New York - Dallas (LGA - DFW) $77+
• Flight New York - Fort Lauderdale (LGA - FLL) $84+

Hawaii Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Hawaii (LAX - USHI) $213+
• Flight San Francisco - Hawaii (SFO - USHI) $257+
• Flight Ontario - Hawaii (ONT - USHI) $260+
• Flight San Diego - Hawaii (SAN - USHI) $317+
• Flight Seattle - Hawaii (SEA - USHI) $324+
• Flight Las Vegas - Hawaii (LAS - USHI) $375+
• Flight Portland - Hawaii (PDX - USHI) $385+

Tampa Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Tampa (ATL - TPA) $38+
• Flight Cincinnati - Tampa (CVG - TPA) $68+
• Flight Trenton - Tampa (TTN - TPA) $68+
• Flight Baltimore - Tampa (BWI - TPA) $75+
• Flight Richmond - Tampa (RIC - TPA) $75+
• Flight Chicago - Tampa (MDW - TPA) $78+
• Flight Detroit - Tampa (DTW - TPA) $79+

Houston Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Houston (ATL - IAH) $35+
• Flight Denver - Houston (DEN - IAH) $58+
• Flight Dallas - Houston (DFW - IAH) $65+
• Flight Philadelphia - Houston (PHL - IAH) $67+
• Flight Orlando - Houston (MCO - IAH) $70+
• Flight Los Angeles - Houston (LAX - IAH) $75+
• Flight Chicago - Houston (ORD - IAH) $76+

Las Vegas Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Las Vegas (LAX - LAS) $29+
• Flight Burbank - Las Vegas (BUR - LAS) $35+
• Flight Dallas - Las Vegas (DFW - LAS) $47+
• Flight Oakland - Las Vegas (OAK - LAS) $52+
• Flight San Francisco - Las Vegas (SFO - LAS) $58+
• Flight Portland - Las Vegas (PDX - LAS) $65+
• Flight Santa Ana - Las Vegas (SNA - LAS) $67+
• Flight Baltimore - Las Vegas (BWI - LAS) $85+
• Flight Minneapolis - Las Vegas (MSP - LAS) $86+
• Flight Houston - Las Vegas (HOU - LAS) $90+
• Flight Houston - Las Vegas (IAH - LAS) $90+
• Flight Atlanta - Las Vegas (ATL - LAS) $92+
• Flight Chicago - Las Vegas (ORD - LAS) $95+
• Flight Seattle - Las Vegas (SEA - LAS) $95+

Miami Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Miami (ATL - MIA) $40+
• Flight Philadelphia - Miami (PHL - MIA) $47+
• Flight Chicago - Miami (ORD - MIA) $51+
• Flight Dallas - Miami (DFW - MIA) $57+
• Flight Baltimore - Miami (BWI - MIA) $60+
• Flight Chicago - Miami (MDW - MIA) $64+
• Flight Raleigh - Miami (RDU - MIA) $68+
• Flight Houston - Miami (HOU - MIA) $75+
• Flight Houston - Miami (IAH - MIA) $75+
• Flight Boston - Miami (BOS - MIA) $92+
• Flight Detroit - Miami (DTW - MIA) $92+
• Flight Denver - Miami (DEN - MIA) $97+
• Flight Cleveland - Miami (CLE - MIA) $100+
• Flight Cincinnati - Miami (CVG - MIA) $120+
• Flight Los Angeles - Miami (LAX - MIA) $134+
• Flight Minneapolis - Miami (MSP - MIA) $134+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - Miami (DCA - MIA) $139+
• Flight New York - Miami (JFK - MIA) $167+
• Flight Ontario - Miami (ONT - MIA) $179+
• Flight San Francisco - Miami (SFO - MIA) $189+

San Francisco Flights

• Flight Ontario - San Francisco (ONT - SFO) $46+
• Flight San Diego - San Francisco (SAN - SFO) $48+
• Flight Los Angeles - San Francisco (LAX - SFO) $65+
• Flight Phoenix - San Francisco (PHX - SFO) $73+
• Flight Denver - San Francisco (DEN - SFO) $77+
• Flight Portland - San Francisco (PDX - SFO) $78+
• Flight Dallas - San Francisco (DFW - SFO) $88+
• Flight Santa Ana - San Francisco (SNA - SFO) $98+
• Flight Seattle - San Francisco (SEA - SFO) $119+
• Flight Chicago - San Francisco (MDW - SFO) $123+
• Flight Atlanta - San Francisco (ATL - SFO) $133+
• Flight Chicago - San Francisco (ORD - SFO) $136+
• Flight Minneapolis - San Francisco (MSP - SFO) $155+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - San Francisco (DCA - SFO) $167+

Seattle Flights

• Flight Ontario - Seattle (ONT - SEA) $83+
• Flight Phoenix - Seattle (PHX - SEA) $83+
• Flight Denver - Seattle (DEN - SEA) $93+
• Flight San Diego - Seattle (SAN - SEA) $111+
• Flight Los Angeles - Seattle (LAX - SEA) $117+
• Flight Santa Ana - Seattle (SNA - SEA) $128+
• Flight Minneapolis - Seattle (MSP - SEA) $134+

Paris Flights

• Flight Boston - Paris (BOS - CDG) $315+
• Flight Los Angeles - Paris (LAX - ORY) $317+
• Flight Baltimore - Paris (BWI - CDG) $323+
• Flight New Windsor - Paris (SWF - CDG) $327+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - Paris (IAD - CDG) $327+
• Flight Newark - Paris (EWR - ORY) $388+
• Flight Los Angeles - Paris (LAX - CDG) $390+

Europe Flights

• Flight Newark - Barcelona (EWR - BCN) $349+
• Flight New York - Madrid (JFK - MAD) $380+
• Flight New York - Paris (JFK - CDG) $419+
• Flight New York - Paris (JFK - ORY) $419+
• Flight Newark - Rome (EWR - FCO) $423+

Florida Flights

• Flight Dallas - Florida (DFW - USFL) $57+
• Flight Baltimore - Florida (BWI - USFL) $61+
• Flight Newark - Florida (EWR - USFL) $61+
• Flight Philadelphia - Florida (PHL - USFL) $65+
• Flight Boston - Florida (BOS - USFL) $75+
• Flight New York - Florida (LGA - USFL) $75+
• Flight Chicago - Florida (ORD - USFL) $77+

Dallas Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Dallas (ATL - DFW) $58+
• Flight Minneapolis - Dallas (MSP - DFW) $58+
• Flight Chicago - Dallas (MDW - DFW) $60+
• Flight Miami - Dallas (MIA - DFW) $65+
• Flight Chicago - Dallas (ORD - DFW) $66+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Dallas (FLL - DFW) $76+

San Diego Flights

• Flight Phoenix - San Diego (PHX - SAN) $45+
• Flight San Francisco - San Diego (SFO - SAN) $48+
• Flight San Jose - San Diego (SJC - SAN) $57+
• Flight Oakland - San Diego (OAK - SAN) $67+
• Flight Sacramento - San Diego (SMF - SAN) $73+
• Flight Dallas - San Diego (DFW - SAN) $78+
• Flight Houston - San Diego (HOU - SAN) $79+

Frequently asked questions

What do i need to know before booking a flight.

There are various factors to consider when booking a flight including cost, fare classes, baggage policies, the complications of flying long haul, and complying with airport regulations. To make your booking journey smoother KAYAK has developed a comprehensive flight guide including insights on finding affordable flights, packing efficiently, and utilizing the best travel tools.

Which month of the year are flight prices lowest?

It’s well established that flights in the low season are generally cheaper than ticket prices during the high season. That means that knowing which month to find the lowest priced plane tickets will depend heavily on seasonality and your destination. While avoiding peak travel times can help you keep costs down, our data shows that the month with the lowest priced plane tickets for domestic flights based on all searches made on KAYAK in the last 12 months was January, while the most expensive was March. If you’re booking an international flight, then January is the cheapest month to fly and June the most expensive.

Can flying international flights with a layover save money on airfare?

For many long-haul international flights, flying non-stop is not possible and you will have to fly with a layover. Some routes will offer both and you could consider flying with a layover for a number of reasons. Firstly, breaking up what would otherwise be a long-haul flight, taking a rest and then completing the journey might make the flight more manageable. Secondly, prices can also be lower than non-stop flights, so while it might take longer for you to reach your destination, you could save money. We’ve looked at prices over the last 12 months for the 100 most popular international destinations for KAYAK users and on average, prices for non-stop flights were cheaper than flights with a layover.

How do I find the best flight deals on KAYAK?

A simple flight search at https://www.kayak.com/flights scans for prices on hundreds of travel sites in seconds. We gather flight deals from across the web and put them in one place. Then on the search results page you can use various filters to compare options for the same flight and easily choose the best flight deal from all of the deals coming straight from the travel sites to your screen, with no extra fee from KAYAK.

Does KAYAK query more flight providers than competitors?

Yes, KAYAK has access to more data and information than online travel agencies and consistently outperforms the competition in accuracy, globally.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you flights up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. That way, you can see if leaving a day or two earlier will find you a better deal. You can also select the flexible "weekend" or "month" search options to widen your search range and find the cheapest price that works for you.

What is the cheapest day of the week to book a flight?

The best day to book your flight depends on a number of factors, but there are general trends that you can follow to increase your chances of cheaper plane tickets. Based on an analysis of KAYAK data for all flights departing from inside United States over the last 12 months, the cheapest day to fly for domestic flights is Wednesday. For international flights, Tuesday had the cheapest tickets on average.

When is the best time to buy plane tickets - Last minute or in advance?

Last minute flight deals are definitely up for grabs but when exactly to purchase your plane tickets will depend on where you’re traveling to and from. Based on all data for flight searches made on KAYAK over the last 12 months, prices for domestic flights remained below the average price up to 1 weeks before departure. For international flights, deals could still be had up to 1 weeks prior to the departure date, with prices remaining below average. If you’re flexible, KAYAK brings you both advance and last minute one-way and round-trip flight deals.

How does KAYAK find such low flight prices?

KAYAK processes over 2 billion flight queries annually and displays results from hundreds of airlines and third party sites, allowing it to find a variety of flight prices and options. It also displays results from 2M+ properties along with rental cars, vacation packages, activities and millions of verified reviews so users can see as many available travel options as possible.

How can Hacker Fares save me money?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets on different airlines when it can save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

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20 Cheap Places to Travel for Your Next Vacation

Posted: April 12, 2023 | Last updated: July 11, 2023

Budget-friendly vacation spots around the world

Vacationing somewhere new or traveling back to a favorite spot is always exciting, but there's no doubt that some getaways can get expensive. And with inflation affecting many bottom lines, it's easy to let a fear of high pricing keep you from booking your next trip. But travel is still a priority for Americans. According to the U.S. Travel Association, travel spending will increase this year, even compared with pre-pandemic levels. And while demand may be high, and steals and deals harder to come by (you should know the best time to book a flight and the best time to book a hotel ), there are plenty of cheap places to travel around the world and some great travel apps to help you plan.

We've got you covered with the best low-cost quick trips and big adventures, both in the U.S. and around the globe, and they all have one thing in common: They're perfect for traveling on a budget . These spots offer affordable adventures without giving up any of the relaxation or entertainment that make vacations so enjoyable. And all of them are equally delightful outside of peak seasons, when prices on both airfare and hotels decrease. (In Europe, for example, avoid the prime tourist months of June through August.) For the most cost-effective travel (and to scratch that wanderlust itch), here are our cheap travel picks.

Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal offers all the greatest hits of Europe , but at a wallet-friendly price. Its capital city, Lisbon, ranked in the top 10 in a recent travel trends report from Kayak for its affordable international airfare (averaging $708 round trip) and low-cost nightly hotel prices (averaging $153 per night).

And you don't need a pocket full of cash to enjoy your time here. Simply walk the winding, picturesque cobblestone streets of Lisbon, lined with shops, restaurants, fountains and statues of leaders and poets. Step into a bakery to sample a pastel de nata (egg custard tart) for only 1 euro, or stop at one of the many stands to down a shot of ginja, the signature Portuguese cherry liquor (served in a tiny chocolate cup) for about 1.20 euro. Live performances of Fado, traditional Portuguese folk music, can be heard at spots like the Tasca do Chico, in the center of town, for an authentic and affordable experience.

Cartagena, Colombia

South america.

Set on the Caribbean coast, Cartagena, Colombia (touted as the most romantic city in the country and perfect for a romantic getaway ) blends heritage with sparkling ocean for a true tropical paradise. It's just a five-hour direct flight from New York and a three-hour hop from Miami. (No major international airport near you? Consider pricing out a separate ticket that gets you to your primary flight's location.) Airfare is typically in the mid-$500 range round trip, and Kayak lists their affordable hotels around $182 per night.

The capital city was declared a World Heritage Site thanks to its history and beautiful architecture, with colorful castles, cobblestone streets and colonial churches, so there's plenty to see. But what makes this city one of the best cheap places to travel is the low cost of living in a country that offers many of the first-world amenities and infrastructure you'd expect in a much more expensive location. Enjoy coffee at less than a quarter and multi-course meals for $4. Also, be sure to sample an arepa con queso (corn cake with cheese). Wondering what to read on your Colombian vacation? Nobel Prize–winning author Gabriel García Márquez set two of his most-beloved books, The Love in the Time of Cholera and Of Love and Other Demons , in Cartagena.

Mason, Ohio

North america.

This one's for the kids! Theme park fans looking for cheap family vacations will be surprised that some of the biggest thrills are right in the Midwest. Ohio is big on fun and equally big on savings as one of the best cheap places to travel in the U.S. It also makes for one of the best road trips in America , thanks to its Midwestern location.

According to experts at Family Destinations Guide, who analyzed every theme park in the country, the best value (between hotels, tickets, food and general expenses) is at Kings Island in Mason, Ohio. It's the cheapest day out for a family of four compared with other top U.S. amusement parks , with the lowest daily food spend ($26.32), the lowest average daily cost for park tickets ($160 for a family of four) and hotels at just $79 per night. Want to make a week of it? Cedar Point, Ohio, is about a three-hour drive from Mason and came in a close second, with a daily average ticket price for a family of four at $180.

Mexico City, Mexico

While Mexico has a long list of popular travel destinations , we find this North American city to be a great bang for your buck. There are plenty of historical sites to see throughout the area, including a host of world-class museums and amazing art centers in Mexico City with inexpensive admission fees. Plus, the exchange rate is more than 18 pesos to $1.

Are you interested in some of the best Mexican all-inclusive resorts ? With a pay-one-price model that includes your room, food, beverages and activities, all-inclusive lodging could be a budget-friendly option in Mexico. If you prefer to stay in standard hotels or Airbnbs , there are plenty of inexpensive lodging options in (and cheap flights to) Mexico City. Get ready for cost savings!

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is one of our favorite historical cities in Europe and one of the best cheap places to travel for charm and culture. The perfectly preserved city has bright red trolleys ($1.35 for a ride) traversing original cobblestone streets lined with charming stone buildings. Around every corner, you'll find a new free attraction to appreciate, like the classic pubs (get a pilsner pint for around $2) or the medieval Charles Bridge, which is lined with majestic stone statues. Another highlight: There's an entire castle district centered around the majestic Prague Castle complex.

And it's not just the Prague city center that offers lots to do for a tiny price tag. Head off into the lovely countryside for a budget-friendly day of visiting gorgeous wineries . Plus, we can promise you'll find affordable luxury on the hotel front here too, with stellar stays at grand hotels and boutique hotels alike.

Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

A hidden gem in South America, Uruguay is just a quick jump from better-known tourist spots, such as Buenos Aires, but is much more low-key and laid back. The exchange rate, from Uruguayan pesos to U.S. dollars, is currently 26 to 1, so Americans will get great value for the dollar when they visit. In particular, the historic city of Colonia del Sacramento is a phenomenal place for history buffs to revel in relics of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The well-preserved urban landscape has landed the city on the World Heritage List, offering historic walking tours of the cobbled streets flanked with colorful homes, restaurants and shops. In the warmer seasons, residents throw block parties, at which you can enjoy homemade Uruguayan street food. And even if you're dining at restaurants, an entire day of eating could cost you less than $10.

Lodging options range from small boutiques for about $50 per night to hotel chains, such as Sheraton, for around $160 per night. Round-trip flight prices tend to average about $540. And since the country is in the Southern Hemisphere, their summer high season is December through February, which makes it one of the best travel destinations during winter . If you want to get the best deals and pleasant weather, plan to visit in November or March.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

It's easier (and way more affordable) to visit Puerto Rico than you may think. Since this beautiful tropical island is part of the United States, you don't have to pass through customs, exchange money or even bring a passport to visit. And once you arrive, there's plenty of inexpensive entertainment, including some of the best all-inclusive resorts .

Puerto Rico is home to a bounty of stunning (and free!) beaches, especially in the main arrival city of San Juan, one of the best places in the U.S. for a cheap beach vacation . While in town, be sure to explore the historic architecture of Old San Juan and Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a citadel built between the 16th and 18th centuries. When you're ready for lunch, try a tripleta , a popular (and massive) Puerto Rican sandwich of marinated meats that costs about $8 at one of the city's food trucks.

Although we've seen round-trip airfares for around $200 from the East Coast, it can be especially handy to use your points or  credit card travel rewards to fly down to Puerto Rico. Hotels will cost most during peak winter and spring break periods. You'll also want to avoid the late summer and early fall because of hurricane season. But weather during the rest of the year is downright beautiful.

Bangkok, Thailand

Book a trip to the mystical country of Thailand, one of the most underrated travel destinations in the world. Known as the Land of Smiles, this Southeast Asian trip of a lifetime is complete with relaxing, adventurous, culinary and cultural experiences, all of which are totally budget-friendly. The most affordable city when it comes to travel is Thailand's capital of Bangkok. It's a city sometimes associated with its backpacking scene , however according to a luxury-on-a-budget survey by money.co.uk, Bangkok was the cheapest city in the world for luxury car rentals, Michelin-starred meals and five-star hotel stays, with the cheapest luxury hotels starting at $110. As far as getting there, we found flights for $860 round trip from the East Coast in the late spring (you'll want to avoid visiting during the steamy mid-summer months).

Once there, travelers can take advantage of other affordable luxuries, such as authentic Thai spas (at $10 an hour), incredible local cuisine for just a few dollars and a tuk-tuk ride (motorized three-wheel rickshaws popular around the city) for just $1.50 to see the golden temples that line the Chao Phraya River.

Toronto, Canada

Cosmopolitan Toronto, one of the most popular destinations in Canada , is just a 90-minute trip from 60% of the United States, so it's easy to reach for many vacationers. Plus, the U.S. dollar is strong against Canadian currency, so it will feel like the whole city is on sale. And according to Kayak, Toronto is one of the top cities for great hotel and airfare deals, with overnight stays averaging $202 a night and airfare about $375 round trip.

While you're there, head to the top of the CN Tower to take in the amazing views. Then, head to the neighboring Ripley's aquarium where you can ride the moving sidewalk through a shark tank. Both are included in the Toronto CityPASS, which features admission to five top attractions for a discounted rate and starts at just $56. The warmer months are peak season to visit Toronto, but they're also when you can take advantage of the city's most notable free attraction: the downtown beaches of one of the Great Lakes , Lake Ontario. Catch some summer rays here with the whole family.

Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa is without a doubt a bucket list destination  and was named one of the best places to travel in 2023 . But can it be affordable? We think so! If flying to South Africa has seemed too prohibitive to keep you from visiting the Rainbow Nation, think again. Recently, both Delta and United have introduced non-stop flights to the country, creating competition on the routes and in turn, making airfare cheaper than we've ever seen—especially in the off-peak seasons of late spring and late fall, when rates dip well below $900 round trip. After you arrive, the exchange rate of nearly 18 rand to the dollar means that most hotels can cost $100 or less. Gourmet restaurants and award-winning wines are also affordable at every budget.

Head to Table Mountain and overlook the city of Cape Town. Visit Robben Island and take in its rich multi-layered history. Explore the surrounding Cape Town Winelands, a beautiful region known for its exceptional vineyards, picturesque settings and history. And then take a day trip to Cape Point to see African penguins, zebra and other wildlife.

Antigua, Guatemala

If you're looking for the next cool city in Central America, head to Antigua in Guatemala (not to be confused with Antigua, the tropical island in the Caribbean). This well-preserved colonial town also happens to be near an especially hot attraction—it's surrounded by the Pacaya volcano. For as little as $22, you can have a local guide take you on a half-day walking tour of the volcano, complete with park entry fee, a water bottle and transportation to and from your hotel. Travelers who pack marshmallows and skewers can even roast them with the heat emanating from the volcano—now that's a once-in-a-lifetime activity at one of the natural wonders of the world .

Hotels here run about $118 per night, and average airfare is about $340 round trip. November through March is the best time to visit to avoid the muddy wet season; however, you may pay a bit more to visit during this time. To get a deal and avoid the rain, try a visit just before November or after March, in the shoulder season.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Flights to Las Vegas are affordable year-round from most regions, especially if you know the best travel tips . CheapAir.com recently listed Sin City as one of its top spots for culture, cuisine and adventure that you can visit without breaking the bank.

Dining and accommodation can be had for a song, even if you're not a high roller, with five-star hotels offering rates just over $100. Depending on the time of year, airfare here tends to start at $160 round trip on budget airlines , such as Spirit, and you won't even need a rental car during your stay, since there's a free shuttle to take you up and down the Vegas strip.

Page, Arizona

This desert spot takes the top spot when it comes to cheap places to travel, especially thanks to its affordable accommodations and stunning Arizona road trip scenery. The average price for a weekend hotel in this northern Arizona town is just $74 per night, making it a solid fit if you're looking for a budget vacation out West. The city also makes the perfect base to explore the natural wonders of the area, including the unique geology of Vermilion Cliffs National Park and Rainbow Bridge National Monument, both of which are inexpensive outdoor entertainment for your getaway.

Although Page has a regional airport, consider flying into Flagstaff, about a two-hour drive away, for more availability and lower airfare, averaging around $368 round trip. And avoid the summer months here, when the temperatures soar and the national parks are packed with vacationers. Spring and fall bring lower prices, better weather and fewer visitors.

Savannah, Georgia

With 22 historic squares surrounded by mansions, cobblestone alleyways and stately oak trees dripping in Spanish moss, Savannah, Georgia, is the quintessential charming southern city . Take in the grand atmosphere free of charge, and enjoy the ambiance by packing a picnic lunch and spending a leisurely afternoon in Forsyth Park. The park's grand, 19th-century cast-iron fountain was modeled after the fountains at the Place de la Concorde in Paris and is the perfect spot for a memory-filled selfie (a free souvenir).

Another perk of visiting this southern charmer: the 17-day Savannah Music Festival , where you can enjoy a lineup of jazz, blues, folk, classical and global roots music each spring, with tickets starting at just $31. For a spacious home rental in the area, consider heading to nearby Tybee Island, Savannah's barrier beach, about 15 minutes away. The homes here offer a great value (especially if you're with a group), with a median price of $106 per person, per night, for a home rental during the peak summer months, according to vacation rental platform Home to Go.

Hanoi, Vietnam

If you're looking for a luxe stay for less, Vietnam's culture-filled capital is a destination to watch. Hanoi made it onto Luxury Hotel 's list of the most luxurious hotels for less, with five-star rooms at $118 per night.

Travelers can head to Hanoi to get custom tailoring for a fraction of the cost. You can have button-down shirts made to order for $10, or an entire wardrobe made for less than the cost of a pair of designer jeans, and in about 48 hours. Avoid this northern Vietnamese area in the summer monsoon season, and instead choose early spring or fall for good weather and airfare prices around $800 round trip.

Granada, Spain

A city break doesn't have to be expensive if you can take advantage of free offers, free admission or particularly affordable ventures when choosing what to do. One of the best cheap places to travel is Granada in the south of Spain, thanks to the activities it offers and their overall value. The city includes a total of 112 activities and 60 attractions, many of which are at no cost—so you can actually attempt to travel for free .

Among them is the Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex named to the World Heritage Site list and the largest landmark in Granada. A city bus tour here is about $7 per person. If you're into nightlife, Granada's 86 bars and nightclubs include inexpensive food and drinks (beer is just over $2). Wondering where to stay? Luxury boutique hotels start at just $50 per night. Note that most flights from the U.S. will connect through Madrid, at an average cost of $550 round trip. Just make sure to pick the best time to visit Spain before you book your flights!

Verona, Italy

If you think travel to Italy automatically means an expensive trip, think again. One survey found that Verona, Italy, is the third-cheapest destination in the world for taking a luxury vacation. The city is perhaps best known as the setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet , as well as for its medieval old town and the Roman amphitheater, Verona Arena. For inexpensive airfare to the country, consider flying into Milan, where route competition from multiple airlines often results in round-trip fares from the U.S. under $500. From here, hop on the fast, efficient and inexpensive Italian rail from the gorgeous Milan Station for a stunning 70-minute, $7 ride to Verona.

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Here is your ultimate American road trip guide . And guess what? There's plenty to do domestically. While the Hoosier state might not scream vacation hot spot, it does offer a great value for families, with plenty of entertainment. Among the highlights in Fort Wayne is the Children's Zoo, which offers 40 acres of rides and hands-on experiences, from feeding giraffes to petting a stingray. It's also ranked one of the best zoos in the country . After visiting the animals, explore the Tree Canopy Trail, slide into a fully accessible playground or splash around in the 260-foot kids canal and more at Promenade Park, where many activities are free. To make your visit even more affordable, check out the multiple discount passes offered each season, with access to many of the city's top attractions.

When it's time to eat, there's a delicious new food hall called Union Street Market, located in an old 1800s General Electric campus, with plenty of big, local flavors for small prices. A night in a hotel room in this Indiana city averages about $126, and airfare tends to go up about 12% in July, according to Kayak.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The beaches of Punta Cana will fulfill all your warm-weather dreams with turquoise waters, pillowy sand and miles of uninterrupted coastline. Flanking the beach like a row of starfish are fabulous all-inclusive resorts and the best affordable beachfront hotels . And the good news about the vast number of properties is that they provide competition both in amenities and pricing. The bad news is that you'll need to choose one!

At these resorts, you can eat, drink and play on gorgeous white-sand beaches, and all for less than $350 per night. Plus, as long as you avoid the busiest periods (Christmas and Easter), you can find airfare for around $300.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

You’re likely familiar with the Netflix show set on this Atlantic chain of barrier islands, but Outer Banks, North Carolina, makes for one of America’s top cheap places to travel (it's an especially affordable spring break destination ). Both hotel rooms and vacation rentals tend not to skyrocket during the summer, but they are extra affordable during the offseason. Which means the Outer Banks ends up being the perfect relaxing coastal escape. More than one family or couple? Split the cost of your oceanfront lodging for extra savings.

Head there in the spring for pleasant temperatures, deserted beaches, low crowds and inexpensive room rates. If fishing, golfing or horseback riding are your thing, you’re in the right place. Plus, driving along the Outer Banks Scenic Byway allows you views of beautiful beaches, wild horses, lighthouses, birds and more.

• Kayak : "Travel Trends for 2023"
• U.S. Travel Association : "U.S. Travel Forecast"
• International Living : "The Cheapest Places in the World to Live in 2023"
• Home to Go : "The Summer of Savvy Travel"
• UNESCO : "World Heritage List"
• Money.co.uk : "Luxury on a Budget"
• Omio : "The Best Travel Destinations in Europe for Travellers on a Budget"
• Travel Lens : "U.S. Staycation Index"

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Protect Your Trip »

The 6 best beach tents of 2024, according to reviews.

The best beach tents are lightweight and easy to use.

The Best Beach Tents

Courtesy of Shibumi Shade

Sunscreen, sunglasses and hats all provide protection from the sun's harmful rays, but if you're looking for more coverage, it's time to consider a beach tent.

A tent, canopy or shade doesn't have to be a bulky addition to your beach packing list , either. Many beach tents are lightweight and surprisingly easy to set up and take down. Based on our own experiences as well as recent consumer reviews, these are the best beach tents.

Best Overall: Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent

• Jump to features and traveler insights ↓

Best Baby: Sunba Youth Beach Shade

Best family: otentik beach sunshade – family, best pop-up: whitefang deluxe xl pop up beach tent, best canopy: qipi beach cabana, best shade: shibumi shade.

(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand and other factors.)

Courtesy of Pacific Breeze

What sets this tent apart:  The Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent is our top pick thanks to its lightweight, pop-up design. The tent opens in seconds and can be fully assembled in five minutes or less. It's also easy to take down and, even if not rolled up perfectly, still manages to fit into the included carry bag (at 40 x 5 x 5 inches).

The polyester exterior is water-repellent and breathable, with large windows for ventilation. Inside, there are pockets for protecting your phone and storing other items such as sunscreen. For more space, consider the extra-large version of this tent, with an extendable floor and shelter for up to four people.

What our editors say:

The Pacific Breeze beach tent is surprisingly lightweight considering its size. It's also convenient for outings beyond the beach.  – Amanda Norcross , Senior Content & SEO Strategist

Price: $59.99 or less

Courtesy of Sunba Youth

What sets this tent apart:  The pop-up design of this lightweight baby tent makes it quick and easy to assemble – a godsend when traveling with little ones . The silver-coated fabric provides UPF 50+ protection from the sun, and the breathable polyester plus a mesh window provide plenty of ventilation. Available in blue and green, the tent also offers a zippered door for privacy (think: feedings and nap time).

Travelers appreciate:  Parents love the portability and compactness of this baby beach tent, noting that it offers plenty of space without being too big.

Price:  $35.99 or less

Courtesy of Otentik

What sets this tent apart: The large version of the Otentik Beach Sunshade (also referred to as the family size) provides UPF 50 protection for large groups. Crafted with a stretchy microfiber-Lycra fabric blend that makes it easy to set up, the giant shade is supported by four poles and heavy-duty sand bags. This water-resistant shade is available in a variety of colors.

Travelers appreciate: "Every time we are on the beach with this tent, people walk up to ask what it is," says Terry Ward , a Florida-based travel journalist and writer who lives in Tampa. "The design is just so simple and smart."

Price: $109 or less

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What sets this tent apart:  The WhiteFang Deluxe XL Pop Up Beach Tent practically assembles itself. A grab-and-pull function allows the tent to assemble in seconds; after that, you just snap some of the legs in place (then secure the tent with the included sand bags and stakes, of course). When it's time to pack up for the day, the tent easily folds into itself and can be stored in an included bag.

In addition to UV protection, this pop-up tent features three roll-up openings for airflow, as well as an extended floor that doubles as a door and attaches with a fabric fastener. The waterproof tent is available in five colors, including mint green and light blue.

Travelers appreciate:  Recent reviewers rave about this tent, noting how sturdy it is. Even on windy beach days, they say the tent hasn't budged thanks to the attached sand bags.

Price: $79.99 or less

What sets this tent apart:  For a canopy-style tent, we recommend the Qipi Beach Cabana. The fabric of this tent – which is available in nine different prints – offers UPF 50+ sun protection. It's also waterproof.

The Qipi Beach Cabana features storage pockets on the interior corners and comes with an attachable side wall for additional coverage from the sun. It's easy to assemble and take down with just two pieces: an umbrella and an extension pole, which can be placed in an included carry bag.

Travelers appreciate:  Owners of this beach tent say the canopy is stable in the wind and can easily be set up or taken down by one person.

Price: $120.99 or less

What sets this tent apart: The Shibumi Shade is increasingly popular for its unique design, which works with the wind instead of against it. The nonrigid canopy needs a minimum of just 3 mph winds to float in the breeze.

The tent offers UPF 50+ protection from UV rays. About 40% of the fabric is made from ocean-bound recycled bottles, and the shade is sewn in the U.S. While the original Shibumi Shade works well for families, a newer version – the Shibumi Shade Mini – is perfect for solo travelers and couples .

Travelers appreciate:  Recent buyers praise everything about the Shibumi Shade, from its lightweight yet sturdy build to its quick and easy setup.

Price: $290 or less

Frequently Asked Questions

The fabric of some beach tents is waterproof, which means that even if you get caught in a downpour, water won't be able to pass through the fabric. Note that this is only true for beach tents that can be fully enclosed. By design, a beach canopy (like the Qipi Beach Cabana ) or the Shibumi Shade cannot be waterproof.

Other beach tents have a water-repellent fabric – which means it's not easily penetrated by water – or a water-resistant fabric, which means you can expect at least some water to pass through).

The best beach tents come with sand bags and stakes that help secure them in place, and it's especially important to fill the sand bags to capacity. Additionally, you can place your cooler , beach bag and any heavier items inside the tent to weigh it down.

An increasing number of beaches are imposing size restrictions on beach tents or banning them altogether. This is because lifeguards have cited them as a safety hazard – having to navigate a sea of tents can delay their responses to emergencies. Large tents can also block views of the ocean and make a day at the beach less enjoyable for other travelers. Small beach tents for children are typically an exception, however. Be sure to check local ordinances before heading to the beach with your tent.

Tents are permitted in carry-on and checked luggage, per the TSA. However, any tent stakes or poles must be placed in checked bags .

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Amanda Norcross   has used the Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent for the past three summers and appreciates the tent for its low-maintenance and durability. For this article, she consulted other travel expert opinions and consumer reviews to determine the best beach tents.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Beach Chairs
• The Best Beach Wagons
• The Best Beach Blankets
• The Best Family Beach Vacations

Cheap Beach Vacations

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear , Beach Vacations , Family Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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