Dreaming of an amazing vacation but worried about the cost? Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. There are fantastic destinations around the world where you can have incredible experiences without spending a fortune. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a romantic getaway, or an adventurous escape, you can find affordable options. Here are the top 7 cheapest places to travel in 2024, each offering unique experiences at budget-friendly prices.
India – A Land of Diversity
India is a country full of contrasts and is perfect for budget travelers. From the busy streets of Mumbai to the peaceful town of Jaisalmer, India offers diverse experiences at low costs. The northern state of Rajasthan and the southern state of Kerala are especially great for budget-conscious travelers due to their low prices and rich culture.
Affordability: In India, you can find budget hotels and guesthouses for as low as $10-$20 per night. Meals from street vendors or local restaurants can cost between $2-$5. Entrance fees to major sites like the Taj Mahal are around $15 for international visitors. Domestic flights are also affordable, ranging from $50-$100.
Examples:
- Accommodation: Budget hotel in Delhi – $15 per night (Booking.com)
- Food: Street food meal in Mumbai – $3 (Lonely Planet)
- Tourist Attraction: Entrance fee for the Taj Mahal – $15 (Taj Mahal)
- Airfare: Flight from Delhi to Mumbai – $80 (MakeMyTrip)
Porto, Portugal – A Budget-Friendly European Gem
Porto, in northwest Portugal, is a great destination for those looking to travel in Europe without spending too much. With attractions like the Dom Luís I Bridge and the Sé do Porto cathedral, Porto offers a lot to see and do for less. The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features colorful buildings and charming streets.
Affordability: In Porto, budget hotels and hostels cost between $20-$50 per night. Dining out is also affordable, with meals typically costing $10-$20. Wine tastings and tours start at about $10-$15. Flights to Porto can be reasonably priced, depending on the season.
Examples:
- Accommodation: Hostel in Porto’s old town – $25 per night (Hostelworld)
- Food: Traditional Portuguese dinner – $15 per person (Lonely Planet)
- Tourist Attraction: Port wine tasting at Taylor’s Port Cellars – $10 per person (Taylor’s Port)
- Airfare: Flight from London to Porto – $150 (Skyscanner)
Vietnam – Affordable Cultural Experience
Vietnam is well-known for being one of the most affordable travel spots in Asia. With a daily budget of around $25 for backpackers or $45 for mid-range travelers, Vietnam provides great value. From the beautiful landscapes of Tam Coc to the lively streets of Hanoi, Vietnam offers a variety of experiences at low costs.
Affordability: Budget accommodation in Vietnam can be found for $5-$15 per night. Street food meals cost as little as $1-$3, and entrance fees to attractions like the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long are about $5-$10. Domestic flights are also budget-friendly, starting at $30-$50.
Examples:
- Accommodation: Guesthouse in Hoi An – $10 per night (Booking.com)
- Food: Street food feast in Hanoi – $3 per person (Lonely Planet)
- Tourist Attraction: Entrance fee for the Cu Chi Tunnels – $10 (Vietnam Travel)
- Airfare: Flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City – $50 (Vietnam Airlines)
Cambodia – Affordable Cultural Exploration
Cambodia is famous for the Angkor Wat temple complex and offers many other affordable adventures. From the Mekong River town of Kratie to the Cardamom Mountains and Koh Rong Sanloem island, Cambodia’s natural beauty and cultural sites are budget-friendly.
Affordability: In Cambodia, budget accommodations can be found for $5-$15 per night. Khmer meals at local restaurants typically cost $3-$7. Entrance fees to Angkor Wat are about $37, and domestic travel is very affordable, with bus fares starting at $5-$10.
Examples:
- Accommodation: Hostel in Siem Reap – $10 per night (Hostelworld)
- Food: Traditional Khmer dinner in Phnom Penh – $5 per person (Lonely Planet)
- Tourist Attraction: One-day pass to Angkor Wat – $37 (Tourism Cambodia)
- Transportation: Bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap – $10 (BookMeBus)
Thailand – A Budget Traveler’s Paradise
Thailand is perfect for those who want to travel on a budget. Northern Thailand, especially Chiang Mai, is ideal for budget travelers. This region offers beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and a range of affordable accommodations. You can explore rice fields, Buddhist temples, and vibrant hill tribes.
Affordability: Thailand is known for its budget-friendly options. Hostels and guesthouses start at $5-$15 per night, while mid-range hotels cost $20-$50 per night. Street food, like pad thai and green curry, is very cheap, usually $1-$3 per dish. Entry fees to major attractions like the Grand Palace are around $10-$20. Transportation, such as buses and trains, is affordable, with fares starting from $5-$20.
Examples:
- Accommodation: Hostel in Bangkok’s Khao San Road – $10 per night (Hostelworld)
- Food: Street food in Bangkok – $3 per person (Lonely Planet)
- Tourist Attraction: Grand Palace entrance fee – $15 (Tourism Thailand)
- Transportation: Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai – $20 (Thailand Train Ticket)
Indonesia – Diverse and Affordable
Indonesia is a top choice for budget travelers because of its favorable exchange rates and low costs. This vast archipelago, including Bali, Lombok, Java, and Komodo, offers affordable adventures from beautiful beaches to lush jungles.
Affordability: Indonesia is very budget-friendly. Guesthouses and homestays start at $5-$15 per night, while mid-range hotels cost $20-$50 per night. Street food is very affordable, with meals around $1-$5. Entrance fees to sites like Borobudur Temple are about $20-$25. Domestic flights are reasonably priced, with fares from $50-$100 one way.
Examples:
- Accommodation: Homestay in Ubud, Bali – $15 per night (Booking.com)
- Food: Nasi goreng at a local warung – $2 per person (Lonely Planet)
- Tourist Attraction: Borobudur Temple entrance fee – $25 (Borobudur Park)
- Airfare: Flight from Jakarta to Bali – $80 (AirAsia)
Bosnia – Underrated European Gem
Bosnia and Herzegovina, once overlooked, is now a hidden gem for budget travelers. Places like Mostar and Sarajevo offer rich cultural experiences at low costs. You can comfortably live on $30 a day or $50 a day for a mid-range budget.
Affordability: Bosnia is cheaper than many European destinations. Budget guesthouses and hostels cost $10-$30 per night, while mid-range hotels are $40-$80 per night. Dining out is affordable, with meals costing $5-$15. Entrance fees are low, with attractions like the Stari Most bridge charging about $5. Transportation is also inexpensive, with fares starting from $5-$20.
Examples:
- Accommodation: Guesthouse in Sarajevo’s old town – $20 per night (Booking.com)
- Food: Ćevapi with pita bread – $8 per person (Lonely Planet)
- Tourist Attraction: Stari Most bridge entrance fee – $5 (Visit Mostar)
- Transportation: Bus from Sarajevo to Mostar – $10 (Bus Croatia)
Travel Booking Resources
To plan your budget-friendly adventure, you can use various travel resources:
- Flights: Compare prices on Skyscanner or Google Flights.
- Accommodation: Find affordable stays on Booking.com or Hostelworld.
- Transportation: Book buses and trains through BookMeBus or Thailand Train Ticket.
With these tips and resources, you can enjoy an amazing trip without breaking the bank. Happy travels!