Traveling doesn’t have to break your budget. With a little planning, you can enjoy paradisiacal beaches, historic cities or natural adventures without spending too much. Here are some of the best destinations for cheap and memorable vacations, ideal for backpackers, couples or families who want to explore without emptying their wallets.
Incredible Destinations For Cheap Travel 🌍💸
1. Bali, Indonesia
Bali continues being a top destination for travelers with tight budget. For less than 20 € a day you can sleep in a hotel with swimming pool, eat delicious food for 2-3 €, and rent a motorcycle to tour temples, rice fields and beaches.
Cheap things to do: Surf in Canggu, visit temples such as Uluwatu or Tirta Empul, and watch sunsets in Ubud.
Tip: Avoid high season (July-August) and you will find even cheaper flights and accommodation.
2. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon combines history, art and nightlife at much lower prices than other European capitals. You can find hostels from 15 € and full meals for less than 10 €.
What to do for cheap: Stroll through the Alfama district, go up to the Santa Catarina viewpoint, or enjoy the streetcar 28 for only 3 €.
Tip: Eat in the local “tascas” to save money without sacrificing taste.
3. Marrakech, Morocco
A city full of color, flavor and culture. Marrakech is a destination where budget accommodation abounds and you can explore markets, riads and deserts at low cost.
What to do on the cheap: Visit the souks, the Jemaa el-Fna square, and take a camel ride on low-budget excursions.
Tip: Haggle over everything. It’s part of the culture and can save you a lot of money.
4. Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia is an unknown jewel of Eastern Europe, with very low prices for everything: accommodation, food and transportation.
What to do for cheap: Free walking tours, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, hiking on Mount Vitosha.
Tip: It is an ideal base for exploring the Balkans by train or bus.
5. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest offers a spectacular mix of architecture, spas and nightlife. You can stay from 10-15 € in centrally located hostels.
What to do on the cheap: Relax in the Széchenyi thermal baths, climb the Fisherman’s Bastion, and cruise the Danube at night.
Tip: Buy the Budapest Card for discounts on museums and transportation.
6. La Paz, Bolivia
One of the cheapest destinations in South America. Bolivia offers wild nature, indigenous culture and unique experiences such as the Salar de Uyuni.
What to do on the cheap: Witches Market, cable car with incredible views, and inexpensive excursions to the Valley of the Moon.
Tip: Exchange money at local exchange houses for better rates than at airports.
7. Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam is ideal for backpackers. Hanoi, its capital, combines urban chaos with history, temples and street food at ridiculously low prices.
What to do cheap: Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and eat pho or banh mi for less than 1 €.
Tip: Travel by night train to get around the country cheaply.
8. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is quiet, inexpensive and full of temples and nature. Ideal for relaxation, retreats or exploring northern Thailand.
Cheap things to do: Rent a bike to tour temples, visit night markets, or go hiking in the surrounding area.
Tip: There are inexpensive Thai cooking courses that include food and unique experiences.
9. Tirana, Albania
A European capital still not very touristic, with nearby beaches, good food and very low prices.
Cheap things to do: Bunk’Art 2, Skanderbeg Square, and excursions to the Albanian Riviera.
Tip: You can rent a cheap car and tour hidden beaches without crowds.
10. Mexico City, Mexico
A vibrant metropolis with culture, food and tradition. It is surprisingly affordable for such a large city.
What to do on the cheap: Museums (many are free on Sundays), street tacos, and strolls through neighborhoods like Coyoacán or Roma.
Tip: Use the subway to get around the city quickly and cheaply.
11. Malta
A Mediterranean island with history, sunshine and pristine beaches. Although small, Malta offers many affordable activities for budget travelers.
What to do on the cheap: Visit the fortified city of Mdina, tour Valletta, swim in the Blue Lagoon or enjoy the golden sandy beaches of Mellieħa.
Tip: Use the public buses (very cheap) to get around the island and take advantage of the happy hours to have dinner at a good price.
12. Valencia, Spain
Valencia is an excellent option for those who want to enjoy sun, beach, culture and gastronomy at affordable prices. It is a city that combines the modern with the traditional, and offers a wide variety of activities at low cost.
What to do on the cheap: Stroll through the City of Arts and Sciences, enjoy the Malvarrosa beach, or visit the Central Market to sample fresh local produce.
Tip: Don’t miss the paella in one of the traditional restaurants, and take the opportunity to walk through its gardens and parks, such as the Albufera Natural Park, free and spectacular!
13. Cabo Verde
An African archipelago with pristine beaches, Creole culture and volcanic landscapes. Cape Verde is perfect if you are looking for relaxation and nature without inflated tourist prices.
What to do for cheap: Hiking in Santo Antão, live music in Mindelo, or just enjoy the sun on the beaches of Sal and Boa Vista.
Tip: Look for flights with stopovers from Lisbon or Madrid to get much lower prices.
Conclusion Traveling cheaply is possible with a little planning and research. These destinations combine beauty, culture and affordable prices – pick one, pack your backpack and go on an adventure without breaking the bank! ✈️🌎
