It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to travel. You can explore incredible destinations around the world for next to nothing if you do a little bit of planning and creativity. Your choice of cultural immersion, natural beauty or city life, whatever your choice, there are certainly many budget friendly options to choose from in 2024. I’ve put together a list of ten affordable travel destinations that you can visit without breaking the bank.
Vietnam
Even today, Vietnam is one of the most inexpensive travel destinations in Southeast Asia. This country has something for everyone, from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi’s streets, to the tranquility of Ha Long Bay, all for a fraction of the cost of other destinations. Pho and banh mi are delicious street food, and there’s also a range of budget hostels and affordable boutique hotels. You shouldn’t miss Hoi An’s lantern–lit streets or a cruise along the Mekong Delta.
Portugal
A European gem, Portugal has stunning beaches, historic cities and fantastic wine at a reasonable price. Lisbon and Porto are great for wandering around cobblestone streets, colorful tiles and lively nightlife without the need to break the bank. The golden beaches and quaint fishing villages of the Algarve make this the place for unwinding if that’s what you’re looking for. It is affordable to take public transportation and pastel de nata and bacalhau are both cheap and delicious.
Georgia
Hiding in between Europe and Asia, Georgia, is a treasure for budget travelers. Tbilisi, the capital city, offers a blend of old world charm with the capital’s modern architecture and a fascinating mix ofers of trendy cafes in the old town area. Kazbegi and Svaneti also make the country famous for its breathtaking mountain landscapes. Georgia is a wine lover’s dream, with a long winemaking tradition and tastings that are a few dollars. Accommodations and public transport are incredibly affordable, and best of all.
Mexico
From beaches, culture, history and cuisine, Mexico has something to suit every kind of traveler and at an affordable price. Mexico City is a city that offers a mix of ancient ruins (Teotihuacan), world class museums and street markets. If you’re a beach lover, Tulum or Puerto Escondido have turquoise waters without the price tag of the more commercialized spots such as Cancun. And, Mexican street food (tacos al pastor or tamales, for example) is both delicious and budget friendly.
Indonesia
Indonesia as a whole, however, offers endless affordable travel opportunities, and while Bali gets all the attention, it’s not the only place to visit. There’s more to Bali than beaches and temples, you can explore the cultural heritage of Yogyakarta or unique wildlife of Komodo Island. There are accommodations to suit all budgets from budget guesthouses to mid range resorts at reasonable prices. Nasi goreng (fried rice) and satay skewers are tasty and very cheap, so it is easy to keep to your budget.
Hungary
Budapest is Hungary’s crown jewel and one of Europe’s most wallet friendly destinations. Budapest is known as the ‘Paris of the East’ and it has stunning architecture, thermal baths and vibrant ruin bars, all for a fraction of the cost of Western European cities. If you’re in town, don’t miss walking along the Danube River or soaking in the famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths. Hungary is cheap and you’ll easily get by on meals that are hearty Hungarian dishes like goulash, and public transport is excellent and cheap.
Morocco
Described as, exotic, yet affordable, Morocco is a smart choice for budget travelers in 2024. In Marrakech and Fes, wander through the bustling souks where you can bargain for spices, textiles and ceramics. Have an unforgettable experience by exploring the stunning blue streets of Chefchaouen or by going on a camel trek through the Sahara Desert. Tagine or fresh orange juice at street food is both tasty and cheap.
Colombia
So, not only is Colombia cheap, but because of its vast amount of things to do and see, it’s also become one of South America’s most popular travel destinations. For museums and street art, visit Bogotá; for Medellín’s transformation from deadbeat to inviting cultural hub, visit Medellín. While Caribbean charm on a budget comes in the form of Cartagena’s colorful colonial streets, on the other hand you have pristine beaches backed up by jungly landscapes in the form of Tayrona National Park. Colombia is a great place for travelers on a budget, because hostels are affordable and local eateries are cheap.
Sri Lanka
With its stunning natural beauty, ancient ruins and wildlife safaris, Sri Lanka can be had for a fraction of the price of other tropical destinations. go see the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress or take a scenic tea plantation train ride in Ella. Arugam Bay is a chilled out beach, or if you prefer whale watching, then Mirissa is the option for you. Rice and curry is not only a local meal but it is also super cheap.
Albania
With stunning coastlines along the Adriatic Sea, Albania is an often overlooked, but quickly becoming a go to as an affordable European destination – often bypassed in favor of neighboring Greece or Italy. Albania’s Albanian Riviera has crystal clear waters without the crowds or the prices of other European beaches. Berat (the “City of a Thousand Windows”) is one of the inland cities with rich history and unique architecture at a very low cost.
How to Go on a Budget Trip
To make your trip even more affordable:
- Fly or stay off peak when possible to save on flights and accommodation.
- Avoid taking a taxi or rideshare and use your public transportation credentials instead.
- Fend for yourself along the street where you will often find authentic flavors at meagre prices as you eat where local people eat.
- If you want to see a city and learn the history at the same time, check out free walking tours.
- For accommodation in cheaper ways, consider staying in hostel or booking homestay.
If you’re traveling on a budget, that doesn’t mean you have to forgo quality experiences; it just means being smart and choosing destinations that provide great value for your money. But you can still experience amazing places without emptying your bank account with these ten affordable travel spots in 2024! Today, start planning your next adventure!
Empire Experience 