13 Awesome Places To Travel On A Budget

So you are looking for the best places to travel on a budget? We got you!

Everyone has the dream of traveling through the world and visiting new places, testing tasty food, and seeing famous buildings. However, now, traveling is a costly expense. Airfare, accommodations, food, and recreation can soon burn a hole in your pocket. Now, how do you travel with your wallet? Can you travel cheaply to great places? The answer is yes!

And luckily, there are a lot of places in the world where you can have an adventurous time without spending much. Curious about where to go? Here are affordable travel destinations waiting for you from lovely cities to natural wonders in Europe. Want to find out where your next affordable adventure could be? Keep readingthese budget-friendly destinations are waiting to be discovered!

1. Santiago, Chile

Santiago is the capital of Chile, and it is best known for its architecture (a city rich in history and culture)  and rolling mountains. The best part is that Chile’s living costs are extremely low.

If you’re a Breaking Bad fan, you should already know Gus Fring is from Chile. Cool, right? But even if you’re not a fan of the show, there is still so much to be in love with about this country.

And the food? It is not only cost-effective but also tasty. With some authentic Chilean food? You might fall in love with it.

And here is a must-visit if you are wondering what to do: the La Vega Market. The region is alive with activity, and this market offers a variety of produce stands besides several handmade local crafts. But what about a trip to Casablanca? It’s famous for its wineries and stunning scenery.

Oh, and let’s not forget the architecture it’s stunning! Everywhere you look, there’s something beautiful to take in, warm vibe of the people really makes the place feel special. Does that sound like somewhere you’d want to visit?

Is Santiago, Chile safe? You can enjoy solo as well as group traveling in the daytime, as it is a safe place to visit. But I recommend solo travelers should avoid traveling at night. You have to face the language barrier and bag snatchers sometimes.

Best Time To Visit: Santiago, Chile weather is good for tourism, usually in spring or fall (September to November and March to May). With temperate, pleasant temperatures and a slight decrease in tourism, these months are perfect for tours.

2. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina, a civilized city, with great culture, museums, and restaurants. The city has amazing energy; one might say it’s the city that never sleeps! It is considered the cheapest place to visit; accommodation, food, and transport all are budget-friendly.

If you have even a little bit of knowledge about football, it is next to impossible that Lionel Messi and his prodigious abilities on the field activate absolutely anything in your mind. Just not that the dot in his hero’s journey was Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is a must visit city whether you are a football fan or not!

Restaurants in Buenos Aires: The Argentinians are big fans of their beef. You will also see Argentine pizza appears to be the cheesiest type ever… And Buenos Aires has some of the best ice cream you will ever have on this planet. You can drink plenty of Malbec from Argentina (it is world famous after all), and there will be lots of nice places to sip it at.

Money Game: One of the biggest issues in Argentina today is inflation. Now, picture an inflation rate north of 100%? As a result, the Argentine Peso is so worthless that foreign hard currency – especially the US dollar – is in high demand.

Accordingly, it is possible to receive an almost completely different rate when exchanging money in Argentina depending on whether the US hard currency you have is in bills (and preferably $100 bills). This is known as the Blue Dollar Rate. (Also a Euro version is available.)

So, what do you think? Great food, great wine, culture and the fire of a city and all for next to nothing. Sounds like a dream, right?

3. Tallinn, Estonia

Did you ever considered visiting Estonia? Probably not, right? It would never be the first place you think of when someone asks for a holiday suggestion, but that is kind of sad as this is a hidden gem just brimming with things-to-do!

Estonia is also known for its forests, which occupy about 53% of the country. Yes, it can be considered as a natural hiking playground for tourists. Furthermore, the best part it’s super affordable. For only $35 a day, you can survive. This involves living in cozy, cheap hostels that you can find abundant throughout the little charming towns along its corners.

How cool is that? Instead of wasting your travel budget on expensive rides from one place to another, the money you save that way can literally be used on experiences.But all was not entirely restored to nature. If the beautiful scenery or great local food and not to mention how safe yet laid back it is there Estonia as well.

Have you ever wished for a little secret place where life is slow, the food delicious and sitting still comes with breathtaking views? Well, Estonia might be a good option for you.

4. Andros, Greece

Greece the gorgeous beaches, the ancient ruins, and sunsets that you would never want to forget; a dream location for many of us. The best part? Your dream can come true without burning a hole in your pocket. In fact, you can do all that in Greece for less than $45 per day!

Andros, being a lesser tourist destination, is one of the cheapest Greek islands to go to. It has gorgeous beaches, picturesque cobblestone lanes, and ancient architecture, all while being a cheaper alternative to the popular Greek islands. Andros is significantly cheaper than tourist locations such as Santorini or Mykonos and makes for a better authentic experience.

If you’re wondering why Andros is so cheap, the answer lies in its calm, off-the-beaten-path appeal. With fewer tourists flocking here, costs stay low, and the island retains a laid-back vibe that makes it feel like a real Greek escape one that doesn’t drain your wallet. And what’s better than getting to experience the magic of Greece without the hefty price tag?

Andros is the ideal option if you want to explore Greece and its beautiful nature on a good budget. From breathtaking coastlines to ancient sites, here is everything you can get without breaking the bank. Why not achieve your Greek dream on a budget?

5. Da Nang, Vietnam

Da Nang is Vietnam’s fourth largest city located in the west coast. No other city represents Vietnam’s boom better than Da Nang. In just months, Vietnam easily ranks among the top spots to visit in 2023 for travelers seeking adventure on a budget. You won’t feel out of place in the country with its increasingly growing expat community and is a friendly destination for foreigners. Best of all? Travel in Vietnam is still super cheap. For about $30 (or less), you can spend the whole day here, and get a healthy serving of culture too!

The main attraction is the lively movement, especially in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. The streets are alive with a rhythm. From perusing through lively markets to cafe hopping or chowing down on some of the world’s tastiest street food, Vietnam is one never ending experience for a very affordable price. Curious about where to start?

Another one you cannot miss in Vietnam is Da Nang, where the outstanding landmarks are Dragon Bridge an engineering masterpiece and Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture that gives insight into austere ancient history of this region.

So why then is Vietnam so cheap? Simply put, low cost of living all round food, lodgings and things to do are very inexpensive compared with other popular spots. Street food especially is tasty and inexpensive, with authentic local delicacies such as pho and banh mi only costing a few dollars each.

6. Vientiane, Laos

Southeast Asia evokes images of beautiful beaches, buzzing cities and scenic landscapes but the crowds can be a little much. That’s where Laos stands out. An off-the-beaten-path option that gives you the same beauty as anywhere in southeast Asia, but nowhere near as many tourists so unbelievably hospitable and pleasant.

The best part? In Laos, you can do it all on a shoestring budget. You can, on average, have an entire day out here for less than $30 – making it one of the most cost-effective places in the region. From exploring jungles to the beautiful waterfalls or within an iconics spa in the country, it remains wallet-friendly whilst you embrace culture and beauty.

Ever wonder why Laos is so damn cheap? The answer is straightforward: Reduced cost of living for everyone. Everything from food to transport to activities here is surprisingly cheap, plus some of the best things to do in the country such as chilling by a crystal clear waterfall or getting one of those famous and affordable spa days are well within your budget.

Want some peace, tranquility and natural wonders into your life without the crowds or high prices? Laos is a balance of peacefulness and reasonable prices, just waiting for you to be discovered. Are you keen to relax in Southeast Asia’s hidden gem?

7. Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa has its happy moments but some ugly chapters as well, however it is one of the most beautiful countries. While there are several cities that embody the rich culture and golden fields of South Africa, Cape Town tops this list. This is the South African equivalent of the New York or Los Angeles. It is a major urban center that attracts people from all walks of life, a city with energy and diversity.The best thing is Cape Town is fairly inexpensive place to visit.

You can get a whole day in Cape Town for under $40, and in many cases even less. How is this possible? Things, from meals to transport, are extremely affordable as the cost of living in South Africa is lower than that of numerous other high-class tourist destinations. Cape Town also has so many awesome free things (or cheap) to do which is great for the budget traveler!

Want to know where to start? You have to go up Table Mountain. The views from the top are some of the best in the country and while riding the cable car comes at a cost, it’s well worth it for this experience. Next, set out for the V&A Waterfront where a mix of shops, restaurants and cultural activities are mostly free.

Hence, if you want to enjoy the buoyant culture, beautiful scenery and city life of South Africa without draining your wallet then Cape Town must be on your priority list. Ready to explore?

8. Bogota, Colombia

While people keep associating Colombia with negative stereotypes, they are missing the tradition, beauty of scenery and cities this country has to offer. Colombia is beautiful and a site to see as much of its history. From there, Bogotá makes for the perfect first stop on your Colombian adventure. The capital of Colombia is an interesting blend of culture, history and modernity.

And the best part of all Colombia is cheap. You can literally spend the whole day there taking everything in for less than $35! Your food, your transportation–everything is way cheaper than in the other countries which implies that you will have more return on your investment.

Would you like to stay somewhere remarkable for the price of an average hotel? Colombia does you luxury, for cheap. There are so many amazing deals to be booked, whether you fancy a villa or swanky boutique hotel that allow you to treat yourself without burning the wallet.

So why not take Colombia for the chance it has? It has an incredible assortment of traditions, great views and is basically a microcosm of the exotic experiences that can be found from any prime tourist destination all for less than 1/2 the cost you’d pay in say Los Angeles or Paris making it everything you want in a cheaper more nomadic package. Ready to see for yourself?

9. Vilnius, Lithuania

Some nations in Europe are known across the world for politics or pop culture while others, like Lithuania, are among continent’s best kept secrets! With 50% of territories covered in forest, 136 thousand square kilometers of lake area this small, beautiful country is a paradise to hikers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Vilnius, One of the best-looking places, but also one of the most unexpected budget-friendly destinations to visit is Vilnius – the capital city. And, you will not spend more than $40 for spending a whole day in the city. From exploring the charming Old Town to enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, you’ll find plenty to do without overspending.

So when is the best time to visit, Autumn or Winter seasons are prefered. Vilnius really comes alive at this time of year whether it be the inviting air the seasonal festivals or the snug cafés beckoning you inside if you’re looking for a different side of Europe then head to Vilnius as its magical here.

And do not forget the castles, which are also located in forests. These ancient sights excite its mystery and beauty, which would make your trip even more memorable for you.

If you are after an under-the-radar European trip that is a stunning destination and milkshakes up the budget, then look no further than Lithuania. Are you ready to discover this little secret?

10. Wroclaw, Poland

Poland never comes to the first of mind when it comes to European travel places! But that is part of what makes Wrocaw and Poland, more broadly perfect for the budget traveller. Wroclaw is an underrated gem with its history, architecture and unbeatable low prices This is a paradise for history lovers. Poland is home to many fascinating museums and heritage sites, you can visit for as little as $5, so its ideal if you’re looking to go back in time on a budget. Poland has an older public transport system but it is well organised and very cheap you can move around without breaking the bank. You can easily spend the day in Wroclaw for less than $40!

Poland has a far more diverse range of foods in its cuisine. One local highlight you can’t miss is a Milk Bar a throwback to the Soviet era that serves hearty, affordable Polish comfort food. You’ll find traditional dishes like pierogi and hearty soups, all for a fraction of what you’d pay in other European cities.

11. Alsace, France

Did you really think there would be a best travel destinations list without France on it? Paris might be the iconic French destination, but it also has a price tag to prove it. Fortunately, Alsace is a lesser-known French gem in the northeast of the country that boasts everything beautiful about France without killing your wallet.

Alsace takes travellers back to France in medieval times. The region is peppered with lovely towns and villages full of steep-roof houses, colourful buildings, cobbled streets all giving that genuine old-world feeling. Traveling through the picturesque streets of Strasbourg or wandering the quintessential villages of Alsace Wine Route will provide you with a special experience one that is authentic and unique to France while feeling worlds apart from the chaos of major cities.

And, of course, if it is France, where is the wine? Alsace is among the best wine regions in the country and an ideal spot to taste some of world’s finest wines. With anything from fruity whites to full-bodied reds, taste the exact nectar that has been made right there in front of you.

The best part? Alsace may be one of the most underrated yet reasonably priced attractions out there ranking along side Paris. So if you want a little taste of France, but are after something more low-key and affordable, then make sure Alsace is on your travel list. Are you poised to discover the crème de la crème of French history, wine and savoir faire?

12. Xian, China

And what would a must-visit list be without China typical places like Hong Kong and Shanghai always pop up; however, there is one city that has been slightly left out but unquestionably, you should pay it attention: Xi’an. A must-visit for the history buffs and culture vultures, this ancient city is popularly argued to be the cradle of Chinese civilization.

Xi’an has got to be one of the best places in the world for history. The Xian City Wall and the Ancient Bell Tower are some of the most historic structures the city boasts, having stood for centuries. Strolling around the city is like being flown back to buy my bike an ancient age where primitive and contemporary intertwine in beautiful ways.

However, Xi’an is not only well-known for the history, but also known to be one of the top cities in China when it comes to food. With dishes ranging from biang biang noodles to yangrou paomo (a boozy lamb stew), Xi’an’s food scene can rival its heritage so unsuspecting travelers may be in for a surprise when it comes time to eat.

Xi’an is unique in just how cheap it is. Regularly featured as among the cheapest places to travel in the world since 2018, it is still wildly affordable. You get to experience a ton of rich history, some really good (and cheap) street food and still check out major attractions, without spending much! Xi’an is great for budget travelers, with low-cost accommodation and entrance fees.

13. Brasov, Romania

Romania has a spooky reputation based on the shape of its landscape (forests and hills are the best background for horror stories). Oh, plus, Dracula made his home here (you know you want to go). However, Brasov provides an interesting twist to the longstanding dark myths. Though those associations are haunting, it is quite a friendly town in the real world, with locals who not only take pride in or accept their reputation but love to play into it.

If you like a good mystery but need to visit a creepy yet fun place, Brasov is your spot. The people are friendly and you can feel that they know the fun in this. The best part? Brasov is very affordable. To see the gorgeous medieval architecture, visit famed sites and get a little Dracula history herself is actually quite affordable.

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing memorable experiences or quality destinations. Whether it’s exploring vibrant cities, relaxing on pristine beaches, or immersing yourself in nature, there are plenty of affordable options to suit every type of traveler. By doing research, choosing less tourist-heavy locations, and traveling during off-peak seasons, you can discover hidden gems that offer both value and adventure. With careful planning and a little flexibility, an unforgettable trip can be well within reach, no matter your budget.