Top 10 Affordable Destinations
Brief Overview
Are you itching to explore the world but worried about your budget? Incredible travel experiences need not break the bank with a little forethought and investigation. Here is a list of the Top 10 Affordable Destinations travel spots, each of which is packed with stunning scenery, fascinating history, and mouthwatering cuisine, all while being easy on your wallet. So, pack your bags, grab your passport, and let’s explore the world on a budget!
Bali, Indonesia
Bali, in Southeast Asia, is a famous tourist destination due to its stunning scenery, which includes pristine beaches, green rice terraces, and a colourful culture. There is a wide selection of cheap hotels, guesthouses, and villas in Bali. The local cuisine is also quite affordable, and you can enjoy a delicious meal for as little as $2.50 / £2 / €2.20. Hiking, visiting temples, and relaxing in hot springs are just a few of the many free and inexpensive things to do in Bali.
Best things to do:
- Waterbom Bali
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Budapest, Hungary
The cost of visiting Budapest can be very low if you choose the right accommodations. Those on a tight budget can see the city for as little as €30 / £25 / $35 per day (not including accomodation). Even if you’re on a low budget, you may still have a day filled with delicious meals from around the world.
Museum visits, walks along the Danube, and excursions into the city’s many parks and gardens are just a few of the many free and cheap things to do in Budapest.
Budapest is a fantastic budget location!
For a detailed guide to Budapest check out our travel guide here
Also we have our top tips for first-timers visiting Budapest
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, is a bustling metropolis renowned for its picturesque architecture, quaint streets, and delectable seafood. Hostels and inexpensive hotels are available in Lisbon, and you can get a good lunch for as little as $8 / £6 / €7. Several of Lisbon’s attractions, from walking tours of the city’s ancient districts and museums to relaxing on its beaches, don’t cost much or anything at all.
Best things to do:
- Wonder at the Torre de Belém
- Get lost in the Alfama District
- Make a trip to Sintra
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap, Cambodia, may be relatively small, but it draws a lot of visitors since it is the starting point for a trip to Angkor Wat, the biggest temple complex in the world. The Made in Cambodia Market is a great place to pick up some souvenirs and some tasty treats, and Phare, the Cambodian Circus, is a sight to behold for its acrobatic acts. In addition, there is a wide variety of inexpensive locations to stay.
Best things to do:
- Angkor Wat
- Bayon Temple
- Banteay Srei
Prague, Czech Republic
The Czech Republic’s capital city of Prague is a beautiful tourist destination thanks to its rich history, quaint neighbourhoods, and excellent beer. Hostels and inexpensive hotels are available in Prague, and satisfying meals can be had for as little as $6 / £4 / €5. Museum visits, strolls through the city’s many parks and gardens, and trips along the banks of the Vltava River are just a few of the many free and cheap things to do in Prague.
Best things to do:
- Charles Bridge
- Prague Castle
- Watch the Astronomical Clock Strike an Hour
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is a bustling destination known for its rich history, delicious street food, and stunning scenery. Hanoi offers affordable accommodation options, such as hostels and budget hotels, and you can enjoy a delicious meal for as little as $2 / £1.50 / €1.80. Hanoi also offers many free and low-cost activities, such as visiting temples and museums, exploring the city’s many parks and lakes, and taking a stroll around the Old Quarter.
Best things to do:
- Visit Hoa Lo Prison
- Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake
- Admire Bach Ma Temple
Mexico City, Mexico
Although I had visited Mexico previously, I had never spent any significant amount of time there until quite recently. Furthermore, I was astounded by it. The Yucatán is ideal for road trips and cenote exploration, while México City is a foodie’s dream. Being so close to the United States also makes it inexpensive to visit if you are from the states (beer costs only $1–2, weekly grocery costs are under $25, and a day’s worth of expenses won’t exceed $50).
Best things to do:
- Museo Nacional de Antropologia
- The Zócalo
- Chichen Itza
Cuba
Cuba should definitely be on your list, especially if you are from the states! That’s because of the recent thawing of relations between Cuba and the United States, now is the best moment in decades to go sightseeing in the Caribbean. Get out of here before it completely changes beyond recognition and the prices skyrocket. Whether you visit the salsa clubs of Havana, the raucous funfair of Santiago in July, or one of Cuba’s picture-perfect beaches, it will be difficult to leave Cuba without feeling completely intoxicated by it’s charm.
Be sure to take a look at our guides to all-things Cuba here
Best things to do:
- Relax on Varadero Beach
- Explore Old Havana
- Ride in a classic car
India
I can confirm the rumours about India being an affordable destination for backpackers and international travellers are completely true.
In India, you can sleep for very little money. Food is available at a low cost and g etting from one place to another won’t break the bank.
In India, the only thing you need to worry about is being stared at as a foreigner or because you look different from the locals (and it’s probable you will), but the food is amazing, the markets are a shopper’s paradise, and virtually everything is dirt cheap.
Best things to do:
- Taj Mahal
- Amber Palace
- Golden Temple
China
Since Marco Polo travelled the Silk Road in 1275, China has captivated visitors. Although China is no longer the cheapest place to visit in the world, it is still one of Asia’s most affordable destinations. You should get away from the city. Indeed, big urban areas remain reasonably priced. Less than twenty dollars can get you a night in a hostel, a lunch can be had for two to five dollars, and most urban public transit is less than a $1.
In contrast, once you leave the major cities and head into the interior, the cost of living drops dramatically. Here is the place to find the most affordable trips and holiday packages! With its huge size (it is the third largest country by land area), China is a fantastic destination since it offers so much for so little money.
Best things to do:
- Great Wall of China
- Forbidden City
- Victoria Peak
A few extras:
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Sofia, Bulgaria
- Lima, Peru
Final Thoughts
Most places on the globe can be visited on a tighter budget without having to make major sacrifices in terms of comfort, in my opinion.
Smart travellers know how to stretch their money as far as possible, no matter where they may be. But if your destination falls into the “affordable” category, your aim to travel cheaply becomes much less of a challenge, and you may make the most of your money without skimping on anything.
The top 10 affordable destinations we’ve listed above offer stunning landscapes, rich culture, and delicious cuisine, all while being easy on your wallet. So, pack your bags, grab your passport, and start exploring the world on a budget!
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