The Best Travel Destinations on a Budget

The desire to explore new places and experience different cultures doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

For the savvy traveler, 2025 is brimming with incredible opportunities for cheap travel and amazing sights. 

This guide to the best travel destinations on a budget will help you plan an unforgettable adventure that offers great value, from bustling Asian streets to historic European cities.

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Top Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia has long been a haven for those on a backpacker budget, and for good reason. The region offers a phenomenal mix of vibrant culture, delicious cheap food, and breathtaking landscapes. This makes it home to some of the cheapest countries to visit in the world.

Thailand: The Classic Backpacker Destination for Good Value

For decades, Thailand has been a top budget destination, and it continues to offer incredible bang for your buck. While the southern islands can be pricier, northern cities like Chiang Mai provide an authentic and really cheap experience. This beautiful country is perfect for a first-time traveler looking to dip their toes into backpacking.

A traveler can comfortably get by on a daily budget of $30 – $50 per person. Accommodation is very affordable, with a bed in a social hostel costing just $8 – $15 per night, making it easy to meet other travelers.

Highlights include visiting places like the stunning temples in Bangkok and exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya. You can also plan a trip to the island of Phuket for its beautiful beaches. The street food scene is legendary, with a full, great-tasting meal often costing just a few dollars.

Laos: An Underrated Gem and One of the Cheapest Countries to Visit

Often overshadowed by its neighbors, Laos is an underrated treasure and one of the best places for cheap travel. This destination offers a more laid-back pace of life and lush landscapes. It’s an ideal place to travel on a shoestring budget and is a favorite for its serene atmosphere.

Expect to spend around $25 – $40 per person with a flexible daily budget. A hostel bed is incredibly affordable, averaging just $7 – $12 per night.

The Kuang Si Falls near Luang Prabang are a must-see, and tubing in Vang Vieng is a classic backpacker experience. Exploring the 4,000 Islands (Si Phan Don) in the south offers a unique glimpse into tranquil riverside life. For any traveler wanting to get off the beaten path, Laos is the perfect place to travel.

Vietnam: Experience Amazing Sights and Great Food on a Shoestring Budget

Vietnam is a country of dramatic contrasts and one of the best budget-friendly travel destinations on the planet. From the hectic energy of Ho Chi Minh City to the serene beauty of its rice paddies, the country’s low cost of living makes it a top choice for those traveling the world on a budget.

A tight budget of $25 – $45 per person is very achievable. Vietnam has some of the cheapest accommodation in the region, with hostel beds available for as little as $6 per night.

Don’t miss a cruise through the majestic Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic town of Hoi An is famous for its custom tailoring and charming lanterns. The street food, like a bowl of Pho or a Banh Mi, is both world-class and super cheap.

Affordable Places to Visit in Europe: Historic Cities & Charm

Many travelers assume Europe is expensive, but venturing east of the traditional tourist trail reveals many countries that are quite cheap and rich with history. These affordable places to visit in Western Europe’s shadow offer fairytale castles, stunning coastlines, and prices that are very good.

Albania: A Hidden Gem with Beautiful Beaches on the Mediterranean

If you want to visit a destination that feels undiscovered, look no further than Albania. This hidden gem on the Mediterranean is one of the best places to visit, offering a coastline that rivals Greece and Italy for a fraction of the cost. It’s a safe to visit country that should be on every traveler’s list for 2025.

You can enjoy this affordable destination for $30 – $50 per person. A hostel bed can be found for as little as 10 EUR ($11) per night.

The Albanian Riviera boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Explore the ancient cities of Gjirokastër and Berat, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, for a dose of incredible history.

Romania: Fairytale Castles and Medieval Towns for Cheap Travel

Romania feels like stepping into a storybook, with its medieval towns, fortified churches, and the dramatic Carpathian Mountains. This country to visit offers a rich tapestry of folklore and history, most famously linked to the legend of Dracula in Transylvania.

A comfortable daily budget is between $35 – $55 per person. A high-quality hostel in major cities in Europe like Bucharest or Brasov will cost around $15 – $25 per night.

Explore the vibrant capital of Bucharest, visit the iconic Bran Castle, and drive the breathtaking Transfăgărășan highway. Romania is a fantastic budget destination for cheap travel with a historic twist.

Poland: A Resilient Country with Rich History and Super Cheap Prices

Poland is a country that has risen from a tumultuous past to become one of the most vibrant and affordable destinations in Europe. Its cities are beautiful, its history is profound, and the prices are super cheap, offering amazing good value.

Plan for around $40 – $60 per person for a comfortable trip. Poland has an excellent network of hostels, with beds costing between $18 – $30 per night.

The historic heart of Krakow is a must-see, as is a solemn visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is another incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site. The food and beer are exceptionally cheap and delicious.

Best Places for Adventure Travel on a Backpacker Budget in Latin America

For the traveler seeking adrenaline and otherworldly landscapes, Latin America has some of the best places for adventure travel. While many countries in the region can be explored affordably, a few stand out as the best travel destinations on a budget.

Colombia: A Vibrant Country Offering Great Value and Culture

Having transformed itself over the past two decades, Colombia is now a safe, welcoming, and incredibly diverse destination to visit. It’s a cheap place to travel that bursts with color, music, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.

A backpacker budget of $30 – $50 per person is realistic. Hostels are plentiful and social, with an average cost of $10 – $20 per night.

Get lost in the colorful colonial streets of Cartagena, hike through the Cocora Valley to see the world’s tallest palm trees, and experience the innovative culture of Medellín.

Bolivia: Your Bucket List Destination for Otherworldly Landscapes

For the ultimate adventure on a backpacker budget, Bolivia is hard to beat. As one of the cheapest countries in the Americas, it’s a place of dramatic, high-altitude landscapes that feel like another planet. This is a bucket list destination for the intrepid traveler.

It’s one of the cheapest places to travel, with a daily budget of just $25 – $40 per person. Hostels are the cheapest place to stay, often costing under $10 per night.

The number one tourist attraction is the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, which provides surreal, once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities. Biking the infamous “Death Road” is another unforgettable experience.

How to Travel the World on a Budget: Core Strategies for Every Traveler

Finding the best travel destinations on a budget is only half the battle. Knowing how to save money on the road is the key to making your trip affordable and sustainable.

Finding a Cheap Flight: The First Step to an Affordable Destination

Your biggest upfront cost will likely be the flight. To find a cheap flight, use flight aggregator websites like Skyscanner and Google Flights.

Be flexible with your travel dates and consider flying on weekdays. Flying into a major international hub and then taking a budget airline to your final destination can also save a significant amount of money.

Budget Accommodation: Why a Hostel Is a Backpacker’s Best Friend

Accommodation is your next biggest expense. For solo travelers and those on a shoestring budget, a hostel is the perfect choice. Not only is it a cheap place to sleep, but it’s also a fantastic way to meet fellow travelers.

Couchsurfing is another option for a free place to stay. Private rooms in guesthouses can be a good choice for couples seeking more privacy.

Eating Well Without Breaking the Bank: Finding Great, Cheap Food

You don’t need to eat at expensive restaurants to find great food. One of the best ways to keep your daily budget low is to eat like a local. Seek out street food stalls and local markets, as these are the best places to eat authentic and cheap food.

How to Travel Around Your Destination for Less

Once you arrive, how you travel around your destination can have a huge impact on your budget. Avoid expensive taxis and ride-sharing apps.

Instead, embrace local public transportation like buses, trains, and subways. In many Asian countries, tuk-tuks or moto-taxis are a cheap and fun way to get around. For longer distances, overnight buses or trains can save you the cost of one night’s accommodation.

Enjoying Experiences on a Budget

Many of the best travel experiences are completely free. You can spend days enjoying beautiful beaches, hiking in national parks, or simply wandering through the historic streets of a new city.

While major tourist attractions and UNESCO World Heritage Sites have entrance fees, the low cost of living in these cheapest countries makes these splurges manageable. Look for free museum days, join free walking tours, and focus on the experiences that connect you with the culture without costing a fortune.