Affordable Tourism Destinations For Budget Travelers

With airfares down across the board, these affordable tourism destinations for budget travelers will let you stretch your travel dollars further this spring.

Nicaragua, the bite-sized Caribbean country, offers a Costa Rica-like experience for less, with incredible surf, volcano treks, and gorgeous colonial towns.

The Balkans are Europe's best-kept secret, with cheap wine, sweeping mountains, and buzzing cities. And Turkey's tumbling currency makes Istanbul an exceptional bargain.

1. Thailand

Thailand is one of the most popular places for travelers seeking affordable tourism destinations in Asia. It lures travelers with world-renowned beaches and diving spots, lush jungles, ornate temples, and vibrant cities. The best part is that you can explore Thailand for a reasonable price, especially if you avoid the popular tourist traps and go to more remote areas.

It’s important to note that the cost of Thailand depends on your travel style and speed. For example, traveling with a partner will reduce your daily expenses, as accommodation and food prices can be shared between you two. And, traveling slower over a longer period of time will also reduce your daily expenses since transportation and accommodation costs can be spread out over a larger amount of time.

Other affordable travel destinations include Hungary, which offers stunning architecture and a variety of natural attractions like Lake Balaton, the River Danube, and Margaret Island. Nicaragua is another great option, offering a tropical paradise and a rich history at a fraction of the cost of Costa Rica. And, Kyrgyzstan is a nature-lover’s dream with towering mountains and pristine lakes.

2. Central America

With a host of natural wonders, from the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands to Quito and Cuenca’s colonial architecture, Ecuador is a Latin American destination with something for everyone. Unlike many of its Caribbean and Pacific-coast neighbors, it’s not an all-inclusive destination, but a place where your travel dollar can stretch far further.

Similarly, Nicaragua offers a enthralling blend of stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. Here you’ll find towering volcanoes, the vast Lake Nicaragua, rich biodiversity in nature reserves like Indio Maiz and well-preserved Mayan ruins such as Copan.

It’s also home to some of the cheapest hotels in Central America and boasts an incredible street art scene. For budget travelers, this is a perfect destination for an affordable escape to Central America in 2024. In fact, if you’re happy with hostels and a few cheap meals, your daily budget could be as low as $20. But if you’re looking for a luxury holiday, then the country’s resorts and beaches can provide just that. It’s even possible to get by on $45-60 a day as a backpacker here.

3. Cambodia

Angkor Wat is the country's most famous destination for tourists, but it's not all that Cambodia has to offer. This affordable Southeast Asia travel destination is a great place to experience some of the region's most unique culture, beautiful landscapes, and friendly locals. Accommodation and street food is surprisingly cheap here, making it one of the best value destinations for budget travelers.

The capital of Siem Reap is the gateway to the renowned ruins of Angkor, but there are many other interesting places to visit in this beautiful country. The quaint town of Vang Vieng has some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Cambodia, while the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Thom is a must-see for history lovers.

Kenya is another one of the cheapest destinations in Africa, where visitors can experience the peaceful beaches and historical ambiance of the city of Lamu. Uzbekistan is also a great option for those looking to explore the Silk Road, while Albania's well-preserved medieval old town offers a journey back in time.

4. The Balkans

While Croatia may be getting all the attention thanks to its iconic white sands and tan lines, the Balkans are a hidden treasure. With a gorgeous Mediterranean climate, ancient ruins peering over boisterous cafes by the sea, stunning coastal towns, hip clubs along sunny boardwalks, and plenty of Game of Thrones filming locations (check out King’s Landing), this southeastern European region offers a lot for a relatively affordable price.

Meg Prendergast, a tour manager for Contiki and Trafalgar, says it’s worth visiting the Balkans while it still feels like a bit of a hidden gem. “The beauty of the Balkans is that it’s a place where you can enjoy the best of Europe at a fraction of the cost,” she explains.

Accommodation can be found for as little as $10 a night, while admission to historic sites and museums costs just a few dollars. And the cost of dining, drinks, and outdoor adventure activities is dirt cheap, too. A trip to the Balkans can be done in two weeks or less, depending on your schedule and what you’re keen to see.

5. China

Although China is not as dirt cheap as it used to be, it still remains an affordable tourism destination for budget travelers. You can expect to spend less than $20 USD a day on lodging in China’s cities, as well as $2-5 per meal on street food. But you’ll have to be smart and creative about how to see the big sites without paying entrance fees.

For example, Guilin’s iconic rice noodles can be had for as low as CNY 5, while city bus rides cost a mere CNY 1 or 2, and attractions like Elephant Trunk Hill, Two Rivers and Four Lakes, Longji Terraces and Moon Hill all offer low admission tickets. Similarly, Shenyang is also a great travel destination for budget travelers as public transportation in the city costs merely CNY 2-5.

Meanwhile, Mongolia is a hidden treasure for those looking to experience the natural beauty and rugged culture of Central Asia on a budget. From staying in traditional ger camps to horseback riding across the steppes, you can immerse yourself in Mongolia’s unique history and culture on a budget journey.

6. India

India enchants with an incredible array of experiences, and the best part is it’s often a steal. From tiger-filled jungles to icy deserts, the mystical land offers something for everyone. Its cities, temples and palaces are mesmerising, while its pristine beaches and backwaters offer an escape from the hustle.

Delhi, for example, presents a mesmeric conflation of old and new. Sprawling bazaars crammed with historic treasures contrast with swanky shopping malls and magnificent monuments. And then there’s Rajasthan, with its mighty fortresses and sprawling desert sands, or the calming pace of Kerala’s tropical Malabar Coast.

Nepal, meanwhile, beckons adventurers with its towering peaks, serene lakes and ancient temples. It’s a trekker’s paradise, and renowned routes like Everest Base Camp can be experienced for less than USD 50 per day.

7. Georgia

Georgia’s position as a cultural crossroads and surprisingly affordable prices have positioned the country as one of the world’s best budget tourism destinations. In fact, according to the Holiday Money Report 2024, Georgia is one of the cheapest vacation destinations in the world for travelers from the US and Europe.

The capital city of Tbilisi offers a unique blend of free historical attractions and affordable culinary and natural escapes, while the rest of the country appeals to intrepid adventurers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience. Budget travelers can expect to spend as little as $30 USD per day, allowing their dollars to stretch further than they might expect at home. Beer is around $3 USD, a week’s worth of groceries is only $20 USD, and many museums and sites have a low ticket price.

Mid-range travellers spending 160-190 GEL or $60-70 USD per day can enjoy a private room in a guesthouse or an Airbnb, breakfast at a cafe, and two sit-down meals at Georgian restaurants. They can rely on public transport and marshrtuka vans to get around, or hire taxis through GoTrip for longer journeys. For those who want to splurge, they can opt for a special experience like a sommelier-led wine tour or a visit to the sulfur baths in Tbilisi.

8. Portugal

Portugal is one of Europe's trendiest destinations, a country that offers the best of all worlds: stunning beaches, rich history, and delicious food. Although the country has become increasingly popular (with a strong expat and digital nomad community driving up prices), it is still relatively cheap compared to other Western European countries.

Lisbon, for instance, beckons with its mystique and history, and while it may have a reputation as an expensive city, budget travelers can explore its streets without breaking the bank. A visit to the 16th-century UNESCO Belem Tower, admiring its Baroque churches, and savoring its traditional cuisine will only set you back about $50 per day.

Porto and Coimbra also offer an affordable taste of Portuguese culture, with a variety of inexpensive museums and attractions. In a town like Aveiro, scenic canals and vibrant moliceiro boats entice visitors while local markets and budget-friendly lodging provide an authentic experience. In the UNESCO-listed city of Braga, religious and architectural history come to life.