Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing quality—it just means getting more creative! Here are the best cheap tourist destinations and ways to make your money stretch further on your next vacation.
Cheap tourist destinations and the benefits you will receive.
- Off-the-beaten-path experiences
When you can’t afford the big tours and the admission at each and every famous sight, what do you do? You make your own fun. Walking around, asking around and trying harder can lead you to secret beaches, unknown neighborhoods and tiny eating establishments that the typical tourist never touches. Hanging out in spots off the beaten path will give you a little insight into the life of the locals and maybe even a little conversation with them as well.
- Authentic local food
When you choose cheap tourist destinations, one of the easiest areas to save money on is food. In some areas of the world you can easily spend less than $5 a day on meals. When you eat this cheap, you’ll probably be eating local dishes on the street or in tiny, super casual places. The people who cook these meals probably aren’t trained to make Western customers happy, as staff may be in nice restaurants. They’re more likely to just be themselves. So eating cheap while traveling not only will help you eat more authentic local dishes but also bring you closer to the real lives of the local people.
- Motivation to see the sights
Too often people who stay in expensive hotels actually stay there. At the hotel. Inside. Far longer than they should. The rooms and grounds are swanky, there’s a spa and a pool, there’s fancy restaurants. Upscale hotels give you a lot of comfort and plenty of reasons to spend all of your money and time right inside their doors and not on the streets where you should be. Hostels and budget hotels, while very often quite nice, don’t exactly inspire you to hang around inside all day every day. They want you to sleep and get out to see the sights, as you should.
- Interesting transportation
Sign up for a $100 per person bus tour and you’ll be easily and comfortably taken to precisely the spots promised in the itinerary. This is an excellent way to ensure you get to see the sights you desire in an efficient manner. In other words, this is boring. Walking, traveling on buses and riding rattling tuk-tuks is far more interesting. Budget transportation may frequently be uncomfortable and the logistics may be difficult, but difficulties can make you stronger. Also, the vehicles themselves can be quite photogenic and fascinating.
- Slow travel
Traveling on a budget usually means we have to travel slowly, as buses, cars and ferries can’t travel as fast as planes. While many people realize the benefits of slow travel, it seems most of us would rather fly if the cost was similar to traveling overland. And that’s a shame. Traveling by land or sea enables you to see more sights more thoroughly and for longer periods. And isn’t spending as much time as you want seeing as much of the world as you want one of the greatest advantages of traveling anyway?
Tips for traveling cheaply/ Photo by alison_ramirez Pinterest
Tips for traveling cheaply
1.Choose cheap destination
Your choice of vacation destination is an often overlooked step when traveling on a budget. While it can be tempting to visit a popular, “Instagramable” tourist destination, doing so can drain your wallet quickly. There are many incredible destinations out there that aren’t so well-known. Choosing to go slightly off the beaten track can save you lots of money and you may find an undiscovered gem!
2.Save money before your trip
The more money you have saved before your trip, the more options you’ll have. Finding a budget that works for you is a fantastic way to achieve financial independence and feel more in control of your money. Whichever method you choose, you’ll need to start with where you’re at. This means going through at least three months of recent bank statements and separating your incoming and outgoing cash streams. From here, you’ll get a rough idea of if you’re spending more than you have coming each month.
3.Pay with a card that has no travel fees
There are several ways to spend money when abroad. These include using a credit or debit card, a prepaid travel card, or paying in cash. While having some local currency in cash is useful for emergencies, it’s not wise to carry large sums on you. With regards to getting the best deal on the exchange rate, prepaid travel cards lock you into a set rate which is usually slightly more than the exchange rate between different banks. Alternatively, if you’re an avid international traveler, choosing a travel credit or debit card offers some of the best exchange rates going.
4.Be smart with what you spend money on
Traveling on a budget is all about knowing where to spend and where to cut back. For example, if eating out is an important part of your vacation experience, you can adjust for that. Simply buy produce from your local grocery store, make your breakfast and lunch yourself, then splurge on dinner instead! Alternatively, upscale restaurants often offer lunch at a cheaper price than dinner so you may want to splurge at lunchtime rather than in the evening.
Another great tip is to research all the free activities and tourist attractions in your vicinity. Many cities offer great walking tours that you pay by donation as well as free or cheap museums, galleries, and places of cultural interest. Plus, get used to using your legs—walking around is one of the best ways to get to know your area and it’ll save you a fortune in Uber and taxi fees!
5. Start planning early
If this is your first big trip, odds are you’ve already started planning. That’s good — the sooner you start, the more time you have to save money. Travel prices rise and fall with demand, and the cycle fluctuates as your travel dates get closer. Beginning your planning early gives you the best chance of finding discounted hotel rooms, cheaper flights and other less-expensive activities. Although you won’t find the cheapest prices far out in advance, keeping an eye on rates will allow you to jump on them and book when they drop.
6. Book at the right time
When you book and when you travel can make a huge difference in the price of your vacation. This applies to flights and hotels. Confused about when the “right time” to book will be? There are multiple free tools available online to help you. One of the easiest to use is the price tracking tool available via Google Flights. This service lets you know how the fare you’re looking at purchasing compares with past pricing. It also lets you know if rates are high or low compared with average costs. If the flight you’re considering does appear to be expensive, Google Flights also features a price tracker alert system that will email you when fares drop. You can toggle this feature on within the search bar.
7. Skip overpriced tours
There’s nothing like getting out into a new city to explore. But how much of that exploring can you do on your own? With the information available online, it’s simple and easy to conduct your own tour for free rather than paying for a guide. If this doesn’t sound appealing to you, consider instead one of the many free tours that many major cities offer. These walking tours will give you tons of information about the area completely free of charge, though gratuities are welcomed.
8. Use reward points
One of the favorite ways for many to save money includes redeeming reward points for travel. Some of your biggest expenses, such as hotels and flights, can be wiped away by using reward points during your trip.
This type of travel takes planning; you’ll need to accrue enough points to make a travel redemption. Much of the time, this is accomplished through welcome bonuses earned when you open a travel credit card.
9. Travel in the off-season
Along with using reward points, taking your trip during the offseason is another excellent way to save money. Each destination has a peak period of demand during which prices will be inflated. This will include flights, hotels, tours and even dining, making traveling on a budget difficult. In Europe, the high season is in the summer, when most people come to visit. During this time, flights will be at their most expensive.
Budget travel tips Flights / Photo by MichaelKors Pinterest
Budget travel tips: Flights
- check multiple airports
- be flexible with travel dates
- sign up for airline memberships
- compare transport prices
- walk whenever possible
- make friends to share transport with
- try hitchhiking
Budget travel tips Accommodations / Photo by Nicole Brunner pinteres
Budget travel tips: Accommodations
Stay in hostels
Hostels are a budget traveler’s best friend.
Every hostel is different, but most are cozy, clean, social, and cheap. Renting a bed in a hostel dorm room can cost as little as $5 per night. Average prices are more like $10-20 per night. In expensive cities, the cost can be around $20-40 per night. Still, that is much cheaper than a hotel room! And some hostels out there are actually incredible. Many have nice amenities, free breakfast, and a super cool vibe.
Try work exchanging
Working in exchange for your accommodation is one of the budget travel tips that will save you the most money. It is also such an enriching and affordable way to travel. You can live with locals, immerse yourself in their culture, and either learn new skills or further your own work experience. And, you get free accommodation. Popular types of work that international hosts look for include housekeeping, waitressing, bartending, reception work, gardening, painting, graphic design, website design, blogging, photography, videography, animal care, childcare, and more.
Find work exchange abroad:
Try woofing
Woofing refers to “Worldwide opportunities on organic farms”. It’s basically the same as a work exchange, but it focuses on farms only. You generally don’t need any prior experience in farming as your host family will teach you everything.
Consider couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is a website that connects travelers with locals who are willing to let people stay in their homes for free, either on a couch or in a spare room. You can feel more secure booking a hostel or work exchange, but there are travelers who have a good experience with couchsurfing, making friends and having a lot of fun. So if you want a free place to sleep in a foreign country, consider couchsurfing.
Teach a language
Aside from work exchanges and couchsurfing, you can save money traveling by working a paid job abroad. You can even start making money abroad as well. Teaching a language is a popular way to work abroad, especially if you’re a native English speaker. You will have to commit to living and working in one place for a few months. But you can explore on your days off and save money for travels when your job is finished. You may or may not get free accommodation, as every program is different.
Try housesitting or petsitting
Another way to save money on accommodation abroad is housesitting or petsitting. Using special websites, you can find verified people who need someone to watch their home or pets while they’re away. This is an easy way to relax in one spot and start saving money.
Find housesitting here:
Homeexchange.com
Trustedhousesitters.com
Budget travel tips Food and Drink / Photo by tay Pinterest
Budget trave tips: Food and Drink
1. Cook most of your own meals
Dining out is always more expensive than cooking your own food, whether you’re living at home or traveling the world. If you can cook most of your meals, you’ll save lots of money. Many hostels and work exchanges have a shared kitchen you can use.
2. Shop at local markets
When shopping for food, local markets are the best places to go. You can find all the best, in-season produce and stock up on lots of food for cheap prices. The local market is also the perfect place to meet and chat with locals, or practice your language skills.
3. Eat street food
Street food markets are my favorite places to eat while traveling. You can find quick snacks and cheap, small meals. Sampling lots of different small dishes at a market is one of the best ways to dabble in the local cuisine as well. It’s also a great way to eat out without spending money in a restaurant.
4. Have picnics for lunch
If you’re out exploring all day and don’t have time to cook lunch, picnics are a fun alternative to eating out in a restaurant. Buy some cheap snacks like bread, fruit, cheese, and deli meats from the market or the grocery store and enjoy a casual meal outside in nature.
5. Buy alcohol from supermarket
Buying drinks in a bar or restaurant is way more expensive than buying liquor in bulk from a liquor store. Buy a bottle of wine or liquor and enjoy some drinks with friends at home before going out. It’s much cheaper that way.
6.Invest in a good quality water bottle
Having your own water bottle is another tip that budget travelers should use all the time, not just when traveling. Be mindful of the environment, and spending money, and get a good-quality reusable water bottle. Always have it with you and refill it from a water fountain or filling station whenever possible.
Cheap tourist destinations in the world to visit in 2024
Vietnam / Photo by R.Sh Pinterest
- 1. Vietnam
Vietnam, renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich culture, is a gem for budget travelers. An Asian country with a cost-effective travel experience, it offers a daily budget of around $50, with affordable options for flights, accommodations, and tasty street food.
Vietnam’s prime attractions range from bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to natural wonders like Ha Long Bay and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
Vietnam is a country of contrasts. From the tropical Mekong River Delta in the south, this long and skinny nation stretches over 1,000 miles north to the highlands where many travelers take to the Ha Giang Loop via motorbike. Along the way, there are fascinating cultural sites to uncover and miles of steamy coastline to sunbathe on. A motorbike will cost you about $10 a day.
The best time to visit is March and April for pleasant weather and December to February for the south.
Hanoi is arguably the most romantic city in the region, but don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten track during your next visit. Places like Ninh Van Bay and Phú Quốc island have pristine beaches and intimate resorts you won’t find in the more touristy areas.
Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn in Bangkok Thailand / Photo by ciretravelcom Pinterest
- 2. Thailand
With a tourist trail going back decades, Thailand is the heart of backpacking in Southeast Asia. You can get by on between $25-35 per day thanks to cheap guesthouses, budget street food (which can be found for as little as $1), local buses, and the many cheap and free attractions. If you spend all your time on the islands and in expensive accommodation, expect to pay closer to $60 per day. However, even at the price, Thailand is still one of the most bargain-friendly destinations in the world and should not be skipped.
Thailand has something for everyone to enjoy in this Asian gem, from beautiful beaches, busy night markets, breathtaking temples, and lush national parks. Millions of budget travelers go to Thailand yearly to have unique experiences that only require a little money.
It is easy to travel around Thailand on a budget because many options for public
transport are available. Public transportation is the cheapest way to get from one big city or town to another in Thailand—people like Songtaews.
Thailand is great for eating out without spending a lot of money. The country is famous for its extraordinary and cheap street food.
People interested in history and culture should visit the many Buddhist sites spread out across the country. Many temples, like Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) in Bangkok or Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai, charge little to get in or only ask for donations. A walk through a busy local market, like Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market, is another way to learn about Thai culture and daily life.
Hiking in Thailand’s national parks, like Khao Sok National Park, is a great way to see the country’s beautiful scenery and wide range of wildlife.
Similarly, a day at the beach, especially in Phuket and Krabi, is a great way to relax and save money.
Mexico/ Photo by stocksyunited Pinterest
- 3. Mexico
In Mexico, one of the most visited destinations in Latin America, you can expect to spend around $128 per day, which covers meals and local transportation quite affordably. Must-visit attractions include the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan, the lively streets of Mexico City, and the breathtaking beaches of Cancún. The best time to visit is from December to April, during the dry season when the weather is most pleasant.
Mexico is consistently one of the favorite places to travel on a budget. In Mexico City, with a street food culture rivaled only by its forward-looking restaurant scene, you’ll be spending most of your money on eats. But make sure to leave some bucks to visit all the cultural wonders the city has to offer, starting with the iconic Museo Jumex. If you’re looking to go a little farther afield, head to Jalisco to see tequila being made at the source, or Isla Holbox for a sleepy beach scene.
If you’re in Mexico City, definitely hit up as many museums as you can. Mexico City actually has more museums than any other city in the whole wide world. The favorite one is the Frida Kahlo House. What an artist, what a woman!
Affordability depends on the region, season, and the tourism infrastructure of a given location. Nevertheless, Mexico can certainly be a budget-friendly destination with screaming bargains – like $1tacos, freshly squeezed fruit juices, ice-cold beers and bus rides. Even beach towns with ritzy resorts have less expensive areas.
There are absolutely fantastic scuba diving opportunities in Mexico. If scuba diving isn’t your cup of tea, snorkeling is a must. It’s pretty inexpensive to rent gear, so enjoy
exploring the marine world at budget prices. If you’re headed to the Riviera Maya, there is amazing scuba diving off Cancun, Cozumel Island, and Isla Mujeres.
There is pretty awesome snorkeling off the entire coast of Mexico. If you’re in the water with a mask and snorkel, the chances are you’ll see something very cool. The best snorkeling spot is in Isla Mujeres, which is offshore from Cancun.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something new, or maybe you’re already a pro, why not go surfing. A little tip for those surfers who like empty waters, the further south you venture in Mexico, the more empty the beaches are of tourists and other surfers.
Hiking an ancient Aztec or Mayan ruin should be on your Mexico bucket list! When you travel to Mexico, don’t leave out the ruins. Make sure you visit some of the ancient architectural gems of Mexico. Teotihuacan is probably the most well-known pyramid in Mexico.
Portugal / Photo by wecollectpostcards Pinterest
- 4. Portugal
Portugal, a member of the EU, is renowned for being an inexpensive destination, making it a top choice for travelers looking to explore Europe without breaking the bank. On average, visitors can expect to spend around $146 per day, covering accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities.
Must-visit destinations include the bubbly capital city of Lisbon, the captivating town of Sintra with its fairytale-like architecture, and the breathtaking Algarve coast known for its stunning beaches. The ideal times to visit Portugal are during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and tourist crowds are less overwhelming.
Experience the best of Lisbon’s dining scene under one roof with a visit to the Mercado da Ribeira. The giant domed hall has been home to the city’s fruit and veg market. You could spend an entire day here, sampling something from every vendor.The hall also hosts club nights and cooking courses; check the website to see what’s on.
Ride tram 28. It is the most charming way to get around the city. The historic yellow-and-white tram is still a means of public transportation, but is used increasingly by tourists for sightseeing as it passes through some of Lisbon’s prettiest neighbourhoods.
Catch a lift. The Elevador de Santa Justa is a wonder of early 20th-century engineering — a neo-gothic wrought-iron tower that rises incongruously from street level in the Baixa district and takes its occupants in a clanking wooden lift to a platform 45 metres up.
Listen to Fado.The melancholy songs known as “fado” are the soundtrack to the Alfama district, and you can hear its wistful strains echoing down its streets most nights.
Colombia / Photo by Voyagefox.net Pinterest
- 5. Colombia
A colorful destination with a dark past, Colombia is fast becoming a popular affordable destination. If you are a history geek, you will love the museums and historical sites in Bogotá, the Lost City, and beyond. If you are into nature, the Amazon awaits. As for diving enthusiasts, Colombia also boasts some of the world’s best sites and gorgeous beaches. With accommodation, transportation and food being so affordable, you will have room for some occasional splurges, so consider booking a luxurious villa for a night or two — you won’t get a deal this great anywhere else in this part of the world. On average, visitors can expect to spend around $35 per day.
Most activities in Colombia are very affordable and some of the most stunning natural landscapes can be enjoyed for a small entry fee. For example, Tayrona National Park, arguably the country’s most beautiful stretch of Caribbean coastline, can be explored for the reasonable cost of around $18.
Visiting a coffee farm is a must when in Colombia and a tour of a local finca will cost you around $7-10. While in the coffee belt, you shouldn’t miss the Cocora Valley hike near Salento, one of Colombia’s top trails.
Colombia is known as one of the best countries in which to learn Spanish. A week of conversational Spanish classes cost from around $60.
There is also plenty to do in the big cities, much of which costs just a few dollars. Take a free walking tour of Comuna 13 in Medellín, check out the street art in Cartagena’s Getsemaní quarter for free; or ride the funicular up Cerro Monserrate in. Bogotá is also home to some excellent museums, including the Museo del Oro.
Greece / Photo by Erinladdyboubakour Pinterest
- 6. Greece
When it comes to the best value for money, Greek islands don’t disappoint. They are the perfect destination for a laid-back getaway with affordable accommodations and cheap flights. However, it’s worth noting that some must-visit islands, like Mykonos and Santorini, can be particularly expensive, especially during high season. But there are plenty of lesser-known islands offer just as much charm without breaking the bank.
Lonely Planet recently named the globe’s ten best-value destinations (in no particular order). One of them was this teeny-tiny Greek island Ikaria, which is especially good for budget-friendly rooms, even if other costs are hardly low. Best accessed via a flight from Athens, Ikaria has various other claims to fame: it’s of the world’s four original blue zones, where people live longer than average; it’s where Icarus is said to have crashed after cockily flying too close to the sun; and it’s supposedly the birthplace of pleasure god Dionysos, which perhaps explains all the wineries. The big draw, however, lies in beaches such as Seychelles, christened for its Indian Ocean-esque white sand, pale pebbles and turquoise waters.
The largest island in Greece Crete might seem like an expensive destination, but you’ll be surprised to know that it is one of the cheapest Greek island in the country. Despite being a tourist hotspot, you don’t need a staggering amount of money to enjoy the place unless you want a complete luxury experience.
Athens is notorious for being expensive. Almost every tourist that comes to Greece passes through their capital city at some point, and it’s hard not to be enticed by the availability of private car transfers, luxurious hotels, and all-night clubs with enough ouzo stocked to last them several years.
There are hundreds of budget options for accommodation in Athens, with many hostels offering beds for less than $25 a night. Street food and cheap eats abound and are especially inexpensive when you’ve wandered just a bit off the beaten path. And Athens, unlike some other ancient cities in the region, has a robust and affordable metro to shuttle you around town, so you won’t have to break the bank on taxis.
Try to avoid July and August, which are the hottest and busiest months in Greece. Instead, go a few weeks before or after summer, and you will be able to enjoy the country with smaller crowds and a lower budget.
You can also cut down on food costs by buying fresh produce from the market and making your own meals, since eating out in restaurants can be expensive in certain areas. A little picnic by the gorgeous beach can be as enjoyable as a lavish meal at a seafood restaurant.
On average, visitors can expect to spend around $45 per day.
India / Photo by Alexandrerobberts Pinterest
- 7. India
India’s tourism prowess was recognized with multiple nominations for the 2023 prestigious World Travel Awards. With daily expenses averaging as low as $33, it’s a budget-friendly destination that won’t disappoint.
Don’t miss out on exploring iconic destinations like the Taj Mahal, the bustling streets of Delhi, the magnificent palaces of Jaipur, and the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. To make the most of your trip, plan to visit between October and March when the weather is most pleasant for exploration and sightseeing. History, culture, wildlife, food… India has it all. And from tucking into coconut curries under the palm trees of Goa to munching momo dumplings (a Nepalese favourite) amid the epic Himalayas, your experience of this south Asian nation will be wildly different depending on where you go.
Darjeeling is picture-perfect with its manicured tea terraces against a spiky backdrop of the Himalayas.
Andaman and Nicobar are a collection of more than 800 islands off the Bay of Bengal. Cut off from the rest of the world, local ways of life have been preserved here and only 30 of the islands are open to tourists. These offer a spellbinding view into an ancient, wilder era with coral reefs untouched by human activity and mangrove forests teeming with butterflies, elephants and the occasional crocodile. The beaches are impressive, particularly Radhanagar on Havelock Island: a blonde swish of powdery sand fringed by rainforest.
Pay your respects at the serene Golden Temple, the most important pilgrimage site in Sikhism then visit Jallianwala Bagh, a memorial garden and poignant reminder of India’s freedom struggle, part of which is also evocatively captured at the nearby Partition Museum.
Calcutta may be one of the major metropolises in India but it seems to move at a slower pace. As the former capital of British India, it retains plenty of colonial-era architecture including the Victoria Memorial and St Paul’s Cathedral. The striking Howrah Bridge is a city icon and its busy markets like New Market and Mullick Ghat Flower Market are unmissable.
With jagged snow-capped peaks, azure lakes and colorful monasteries, Ladakh is one of the most spectacular regions in northern India.
Its charming capital Leh is dotted with whitewashed houses and stupas,and is dominated by the 17th-century Leh Palace. Visiting a Buddhist monastery is a must-do — Shey, Thiksey, and Hemis are closest to Leh, and the latter hosts the colorful Hemis festival (usually in June or July).
Possibly the most popular destination in India, Goa is all about sun, sea, and sand. The Latin quarter of Fontainhas in Panaji (also known as Panjim), is a must visit.
Hungary / Photo by Handluggageonly Pinterest
- 8. Hungary
Known for its stunning architecture, thermal baths, and rich history. Budapest, the capital, offers attractions like Buda Castle, the Danube River, and the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
If you’re planning a short visit to Budapest (for up to 3 days), pick up a Budapest Card to enjoy great benefits. Card holders can get free access to major attractions such as Buda Castle, a variety of museums, and be eligible for attractive discounts in over 60 participating shops and restaurants throughout the city.
Even though the public transportation network in Budapest is efficient, the city center covers roughly 5 sq km, so it’s compact enough to be explored on foot. Many of the major attractions in the inner district, such as the Hungarian Parliament building and Buda Castle, are within walking distance of each other.
Budapest’s city center also offers a great choice of dining, shopping and nightlife entertainment spots. For longer journeys and to outlying areas, Budapest’s network of trams and buses has you covered.
You can enjoy sightseeing in Budapest by hop-on hop-off buses, which are run by different operators in the city. They take you on a ride through Budapest’s streets and elegant avenues, with various stops at major landmarks such as Heroes’ Square and Margaret Island.
Vast and leafy Margaret Island is like an urban park, but in a river. It’s free to visit, and you can easily access it via the Margaret Bridge from the south or Árpád Bridge from the north. Here, you can jog along trails, enjoy lush gardens and playgrounds or rent a paddle boat. Margaret Island’s free petting zoo can be a wonderful alternate to the Budapest Zoo (which runs it).
Visiting Budapest’s oldest market, the Great Market Hall, promises a sensory overload. It has a huge variety of vendors spread over a couple of floors where you can sample authentic local snacks – think Hungarian scones and strudels as well as fresh farm fruits and gourmet jams.
Depending on your needs and taste, the minimum budget you need for visiting Budapest is $55 including all meals of the day and at least one attraction.
Indonesia / Photo by Adventuredragon Pinterest
- 9. Indonesia
Must-visit destinations include Bali, known for its beaches and temples, Jakarta for its vibrant culture, and Yogyakarta for historical sites like Prambanan.
Despite the post-Eat, Pray, Love influx of tourists, Indonesia remains an affordable vacation spot overall. While millions of people flock to Bali (where resort prices are steep in response), you can enjoy a much cheaper and more peaceful trip on the islands of Sumba and Lombok. And don’t forget about Jakarta, where a solid day includes filling up on greasy noodles and nasi goreng gila from makeshift street stalls—all for just a couple of US bucks. This volcanic, tropical Indonesian island can be startlingly affordable — especially if you travel in its shoulder seasons of April to June or September to October, when the weather is usually getting gradually drier or wetter.
Taxis are also cheap, as is zooming around on a rented scooter. Food-wise, stick to classic streetside snacks such as nasi jinggo (rice and side dishes such as sambal-fried peanuts, all wrapped in banana leaves) or dine in the affordable restaurants of Canggu and Ubud.You can enjoy street food for as little as $0.50, and expect to spend between $25 – $35 daily on an average.
South Africa/ Photo by Maketimetoseetheworld Pinterest
- 10. South Africa
This African gem offers a wealth of experiences at a reasonable cost, thanks to favorable exchange rates that make accommodation, food, and transportation cost-effective.
Must-visit spots include Cape Town, renowned for its natural beauty and vibrant culture, and Johannesburg, where you can delve into the country’s rich history and heritage.
Visiting South Africa during the off-season can save you money. The winter months (June to August) are ideal for wildlife viewing and offer lower rates on accommodations, making it one of the best times to visit South Africa.
One of the best reasons to visit South Africa, of course, is to go on a safari. The country is one of the world’s best places to see the Big Five (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard) and has several national parks and game reserves to explore. But that’s not all the country has to offer. While in South Africa, make sure to walk among the wildflowers of Namaqua, hike up Table mountain, go whale-watching or spend a day relaxing on the beach.
Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate hostels in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, but there are also luxurious hotel options, plus mid-range stays perfect for families or couples. Although South Africa can be expensive, you can reduce your expenses by focusing on eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities. On average, budget travelers spend $43 per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $108 per day.
Find information about large cities here:
- Spottedbylocals.com
- Tripadvisor.com
- Ricksteves.com
Find economical lodging options here:
- Airbnb.com
- Nomadicmatt.com
Compare all types of public transport here:
- Bookaway.com
- Rome2rio.com
- Omio.com
