What are the best places to travel on a budget ? I’ve been travelling the world broke for over ten years now. I normally travel on a budget of around $10 – $15 a day, no matter what part of the world I find myself in. So yes, budget travel is possible ANYWHERE!
While countries like Indonesia are already known for being affordable, many of the cheapest places to travel are a bit off the beaten path. These hidden gems offer authentic experiences, stunning landscapes, and rich cultures, all for a fraction of what you might pay elsewhere.
To help you start planning your budget-friendly trip, I’ve compiled a list of the 7 best places to travel on a budget around the world.
Pro tip: Traveling cheap isn’t about missing out — it’s about spending wisely and experiencing more for less.
The Cheapest Places to Travel in 2025
1. Travel Southeast Asia on a budget
With several of its countries being recognized as some of the cheapest places in Asia to live and travel. It’s no wonder Southeast Asia tops many best place to travel lists. The area is known for its food, friendly locals, and breathtaking natural landscapes – all at an affordable price. Just be careful not to go overboard on tourist-y attractions that aren’t worth your time or money. Also consider Vietnam, which has been named one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 destinations for 2019. Of course, there are plenty of other exciting options throughout Southeast Asia you could explore such as :
- Cambodia
- Laos
- Thailand
- Indonesia
2. Travel Brazil on a budget
Though Brazil is not nearly as inexpensive as it was just a few years ago; there are still plenty of great deals to be had. The local currency is also one of the strongest in Latin America; so you can get more for your dollar than many other places. That being said, don’t expect prices on souvenirs and food items to be quite as cheap as they were before. Those prices will come down over time, but it might take some time until you find yourself paying less for things.
3. Travel Latin America on a budget
The Latin American region has become an increasingly popular option for budget-minded travelers. In Latin America, you can find some of the world’s most idyllic beaches. There are also plenty of reasons why so many people choose South America as their ultimate destination from
- Exploring Machu Picchu in Peru
- Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia
- taking a step back in time at colonial towns like Cartagena in Colombia
- Antigua Guatemala.
- Costa Rica
- Panama
4. Travel Europe on a budget
It’s no secret that Europe is an expensive destination. In some parts of Western Europe, you’ll find prices rivaling that of New York City or San Francisco. Fortunately, if you know where to look, there are many budget-friendly destinations throughout Europe that are still worth seeing. One such spot is Krakow, Poland; with friendly locals and culture filled every corner; no wonder Lonely Planet named it their #1 city to visit in 2016.
Eastern Europe ( Bulgaria, Moldavia and Republic check) is the cheapest part of the continent. Eastern Europe is way affordable for any traveler and tourist. You can enjoy the beauty of Europe without the western Europe prices.
5. Bolivia
If you’re looking to travel cheap in South America, Bolivia is a goldmine for budget travelers. Home to the otherworldly Uyuni Salt Flats, stunning colonial architecture, rugged mountains, and vibrant indigenous culture, Bolivia offers epic experiences at rock-bottom prices.
As the most indigenous country in the Americas, Bolivia delivers a deep cultural immersion that few destinations can match. While many of its neighbors have become mainstream tourist hotspots, Bolivia remains off the beaten path, making it perfect for intrepid travelers seeking affordable adventure.
Why Bolivia is Great for Budget Travel:
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Meals for $2–3 at local markets and eateries
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Free or low-cost activities, like walking tours, hiking, and visiting local parks
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Affordable accommodation, with hostels and guesthouses that won’t hurt your wallet
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Unmatched value on experiences – you can splurge on a 3-day Salt Flats tour for a few hundred dollars while still keeping your total trip cost low
Travel Tip: Stick to local transportation, eat where locals eat, and prioritize free outdoor activities to keep your trip budget-friendly.
6. Turkey
Turkey is one of the most affordable countries to travel to, and yet it often flies under the radar. Straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey offers a unique blend of cultures, landscapes, and history, all at budget-friendly prices that are hard to beat.
Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Istanbul, sleeping under the stars in Cappadocia, or hiking along the Lycian Way, Turkey delivers incredible value for travelers looking to travel cheap without sacrificing experience.
Why Turkey is Perfect for Budget Travel:
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Delicious local food (think kebabs, gözleme, and Turkish tea) for just a few dollars
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Affordable accommodations, from budget hostels in Istanbul to camping spots in the countryside
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Free or low-cost experiences, like visiting ancient ruins, hitchhiking, hiking, and open-air bazaars
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Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes, where camping and cave stays offer an unforgettable and affordable experience
Cappadocia, in particular, is a dream for budget travelers. While the iconic hot air balloon rides are a splurge, everything else — from hiking to cave-hostels — can be done on a tight budget.
Pro Tip: Traveling with a tent can stretch your budget even further in Turkey. Wild camping is common and legal in many areas, especially along hiking routes.
Turkey is a paradise for the adventurous traveler who wants rich culture, dramatic landscapes, and amazing food — all without breaking the bank. Whether you’re hitchhiking the countryside or enjoying a Turkish breakfast with a view of the Bosphorus, you’ll find that traveling cheap in Turkey doesn’t mean missing out.
7. Mexico
Mexico is a country that truly has it all — tropical beaches, ancient ruins, colorful cities, mountains, jungles, and world-class food. It’s one of the most diverse destinations in the world, and when done right, Mexico is also one of the best places to travel cheap.
Spanning nearly two million square kilometers, Mexico offers something for every kind of traveler. In one trip, you can explore ancient Mayan cities, stroll through vibrant colonial towns, dive into cenotes, relax on white-sand beaches, and hike through dense jungle.
Why Mexico is Great for Budget Travel:
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Street food is king — tacos, tamales, and tortas often cost under $2
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Affordable transportation, including long-distance buses and local colectivos
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Cheap hostels and guesthouses, especially outside major resort zones
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Loads of free or low-cost activities, like hiking, swimming, city walking tours, and exploring cultural landmarks
While millions visit Mexico each year — making it one of the most popular tourist destinations globally, many never leave the all-inclusive resorts. But those who travel like a local discover a deeper, richer side of the country, one filled with adventure, culture, and authentic experiences.
Travel Tip: Skip the resorts and taxis. Take public transport, stay in locally owned accommodations, and eat where locals eat. You’ll not only save money, you’ll also experience the real Mexico.
I believe that there is more destinations in the world that could be explored on a budget. The number one thing holding back people from traveling is Money. So I hope this best Places to Travel in the World list will help you prepare your next trip.
Cheap websites for travel
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|---|---|---|---|
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kiwi.com | Find the cheapest flights | Check out their website |
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Gravityfed.com | The most durable & innovative luggage, business cases, backpacks and travel accessories. | Check out their website |
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Cordless Blower | World-leading paddleboard brand | Check out their price |
