One of the biggest misconceptions in the world is that travel is very expensive. This is not always true. If you consider yourself a budget traveler, then you need to do one thing before you go on your trip – PLAN. To do this successfully, the internet becomes your best friend. Planning a budget trip involves tons of research. You need to know when the cheapest time to travel to a certain destination is. You need to look for the best airline and accommodation deals. It is best to book this two way ahead of your trip. The cost of food and drinks must be considered as well. The same with ticket prices for tourist destinations. A well-planned trip will save you precious cash. This article is about introducing you to the 20 best budget travel destinations in 2020.
1. Philippines (from USD 49.39)
With over 7,000 islands waiting for you to discover and cities and towns holding vibrant fiestas, the Philippines is now high on the list of most travelers. The country is marked with opulent hotels and restaurants but it also has a lot to offer budget travelers. World-class islands like Boracay and Palawan have hostels that cost under eight dollars a night. You can have a decent meal that will not cost over USD 8. Because the country is a collection of islands, the cheapest way to hop from one to another is by ferry. You can save more money by visiting the islands close to each other.
Old Manila Full Day Walking Tour in Manila, Philippines - Klook
Duration: 9hrs30 Min Duration
2. Baku, Azerbaijan (from USD 47.8)
Baku is the most visited destination in Azerbaijan. As the capital city, it serves as the gateway to other destinations in the country. If you are planning to spend a few days here, you will be glad to know you can do so on a tight budget. Careful planning will allow you to get by with only USD 30 to 40 per day. It is all about looking at the right places. A hostel dormitory in Baku costs around USD 10. Three square meals should cost around USD 20. And we are talking about filling meals. If you are not picky, street food would cost less than that.
Baku: 3-Hour Private Night Tour (Yanardag & More)
Duration: 3.0 hour
3. Budapest, Hungary (from USD 75.0)
Culture is Budapest’s biggest draw. The great thing about it is you can immerse yourself in the city’s culture without breaking the bank. The city is dotted with many restaurants and clubs mixed with nature destinations. Some of the destinations here are free like churches and pathways meant for hiking, trekking, and cycling. You can find simple yet comfortable accommodations in the city for under USD 10. Eating out at decent restaurants and fast food joints will set you back a measly USD 10. If you want to spend the night on the tiles, USD 15 should be a comfortable amount to carry with you.
Budapest Small-Group Walking Tour with Expert Guide
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
4. South Africa (from USD 727.0)
It does not matter which part of South Africa you intend to visit. The country is dotted with culture and tradition. Another important thing about this country is that the prices are affordable. Be it food, accommodations, tourist destinations, and tours, this country is one of the most affordable to visit. A budget of USD 60 should get you through the day. This includes staying in hostels, eating fast food or street food, and tourist spots. Most of the travel destinations in the country are nature-centric so some of them are free while others charge small fees. To save more money, book your accommodations and flights far in advance.
4 Day Budget Kruger National Park Safari
Duration: 4 days
5. Texas, USA
The largest state in the mainland U.S. is also one of the cheapest for travelers. Most tourist destinations are immersed in nature and tradition. Some of these charge a fee of under USD 10 which almost every traveler can easily afford. But if there is one thing you can save, it is accommodations. Most of the vacation rentals in the state have price tags of under USD 19. The trick is book early before your actual travel date. While you are at it, know that some of these are located in undesirable places so a little research allows you to pick some near the sites you are interested to visit.
6. Skopje, Macedonia (from USD 98.0)
Why is Skopje in this years’ list? It is because the tourist spots in the city are among the cheapest in the world. Some of them are free to travelers. This includes Skopje Aqueduct which is a great spot for taking photos and selfies. You do not have to spend anything on this. A hike to the Millennium Cross and Vodno Mountain allows you to get some exercise, spend time at the gigantic cross, and enjoy majestic views. All these for just a dollar. These are just a few sites you can visit in Skopje. There are other equally amazing destinations where you do not have to spend more than a dollar to enjoy.
Skopje North Macedonia Day Tour from Sofia
Duration: 12 hours
7. La Paz, Bolivia (from USD 3.0)
Unlike other South American cities, La Paz has an identity of its own. La Paz means ‘peace’, but in reality, the city is filled with harmonious chaos that sets it apart. The vibrancy and energy of the city are what draws travelers from all over the world and fall in love with it. It has its own collection of luxurious accommodations and other travel choices. But if you get to know your way around the city, you will realize it can be one of the cheapest destinations in the world. A decent room for two in a two-star accommodation can go as low as USD 20 per day. Small, on-road eateries provide decent meals at an average of USD 3.
La Paz Half-Day Walking Tour
Duration: 2.5 hour
8. Mexico (from USD 51.75)
Mexico is a huge country which means a vacation here provides you an opportunity to explore many places. On the downside, this might take a lot of time to do. With this in mind, it is logical to set a budget on this trip and plan within the money you allocate. The country’s capital, Mexico City, offers a treasure trove of sites that won’t hurt your wallet. The state of Oaxaca is another budget-friendly option to visit. This region provides guests excellent cuisine at affordable prices. It has an impressive collection of cultural sites you can visit. You can set aside USD 10 a night for accommodations and another USD 10 for your daily meals.
Riviera Maya: Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour
Duration: 12.0 hour
9. Athens, Greece (from USD 535.0)
Athens is the most popular city for travelers in Greece. One of the reasons why is it is budget-friendly. You do not have to carry a stash of cash to explore the city. You do not have to go to fancy restaurants to experience filling and authentic Greek cuisine. The street food in Athens can fill you up for under USD 3. If you plan to go out after dark, top-quality local wines can be fetched for USD 6 at a bar. You can go cheaper than that by buying a beer from convenience stores at USD 2 each. Reasonable accommodations come at under USD 30.
Athens Full-Day Flexible Private Tour by Mercedes-Benz
Duration: 8 to 9 hours
10. Istanbul, Turkey (from USD 107.28)
Istanbul is where east meets west. This is where Europe and Asia are separated by the Bosporus Strait. If you have plans of visiting Istanbul but are on a strict budget, then you must go here between December and February. Winter here is not harsh but an enjoyable time to visit. Because this is an off-peak season, prices of airlines and accommodations are on the low-end of the spectrum. You can take advantage of this and see most of the sites you will see during the summer. If you stick to fast food and street food for your daily sustenance, a budget of USD 10 should fill you up the whole day.
Istanbul: 1 or 2-Day Private Guided Tour with Hotel Transfer
Duration: 7.0 to 2.0 hour
11. Nepal (from USD 243.0)
Nepal brings a different kind of excitement to travelers. Most parts of this exotic country are perched high up in the Himalayan Mountain Range. This is also a haven for backpackers because prices here are cheap. A USD 20 daily budget can go a long way. This includes accommodations, food, drinks, and some sightseeing. If you look through the internet, you will find private rooms that cost no more than USD 5. This will leave you with more than enough money to go around the country and dive into its culture, especially in the three royal cities of Patana, Bhaktapur, and Kathmandu.
From Kathmandu: 1 hour Panoramic Everest Flight
Duration: 1.0 hour
12. Romania
Romania is an ideal place to visit for vacationers who work within a budget. There is a lot to see and its deep history is one of the reasons why tourism is on the rise. Generally, the hostels here are nice and well-designed. You can book in advance and get it for less than USD 15. Set aside USD 10 per day to cover your transportation needs. Most restaurants in the country are located in certain areas which makes it easy for you to choose where you want to dine. Another good thing about this is that you can easily compare their prices and choose the most reasonable one. A meal in a casual restaurant costs under USD 10.
7-Day Romania Tour -Transylvania and Painted Churches
Duration: 7 days
13. Hawaii (from USD 242.0)
So when is the best time to vacation in Hawaii you ask? The answer is late January and the whole of February. This is the time when accommodation rates are at their lowest. You will have many three-star and two-star options to choose from at under USD 100 a night if you want privacy. Hostels in Honolulu run at an average of USD 40. This is a lot cheaper compared to other American cities. A good number of tourist destinations cost only one dollar. Some are free. When it comes to food, a USD 10 meal gets you one of those imposing poke bowls or huge sandwiches that can easily fill you up.
Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing
Duration: 11 hours
14. Armenia (from USD 45.0)
Armenia is a popular destination for backpackers. The reason for this is that the country offers many options for cheap accommodations. The disparity in prices between three or two-star hotels and hostels is not that huge. In some areas, you can find accommodations for as low as USD 7. To save money on nourishments without compromising on your hunger, the country’s casual eateries are your best bet. Serving mostly traditional food, menu items in these places run under USD 4 each. The cost of commuting from one area to another is cheap. A transportation allowance of USD 5 a day will get you far.
Day Tour to Garni Geghard Armenia
Duration: 4 hours
15. Cambodia (from USD 19.0)
When planning a trip to Cambodia, you should not miss out on its two most famous cities, Siam Reap and Phnom Penh. The country is experiencing a resurgence in its tourism industry. One of the contributors to this is the low costs of tourist facilities. USD 20 budget per day goes a long way. This includes accommodations that average around USD 7 a night. Set aside USD 5 to fill you up with food and drinks the whole day. The rest of your daily allowance will go to sightseeing and transportation costs. Cambodia is one of the cheapest countries to travel to on a tight budget.
Angkor Wat: Highlights and Sunrise Guided Tour
Duration: 8.0 hour
16. Buffalo, New York
When travelers see the words ‘New York’, they automatically think of an expensive place to travel to. Chances are they are thinking of Manhattan. Up north, the city of Buffalo shows a different picture. This is one of the cheapest and budget-friendly cities in the United States of America. Lodging facilities in the city can go down low to USD 80. You can have a satisfying meal for less than USD 10. One of the best and cheapest places to eat at is the EXPO market. Aside from these, some of the sights in the city are relatively cheap so it is easy to work on a budget and visit Buffalo, New York.
17. Georgia (Caucasus) (from USD 222.71)
The Caucasus region in Georgia is among the most breathtaking tourist destinations in Eastern Europe. This alone makes it a dream destination for everyone. But there is another reason why this place should be high on travelers’ ‘must-visit’ list. The Caucasus is generally inexpensive which makes it perfect for budget-conscious travelers. You can book a hostel in advance for as low as USD 15. If you are not too picky with your food, a USD 9 budget should be enough to score you three square meals per day. This means you can get by with USD 30 to 40 per day during your stay here.
Kazbegi: Caucasus Mountains Full-Day Tour
Duration: 1.0 day
18. Argentina (from USD 62.0)
Covering a huge portion of the South American continent, spending a budget-friendly vacation in the country will depend on the region and the time of the year you plan to visit. Spring (October to December) and fall (April to early June) are the best times to visit. USD 20 budget per day is safe enough to get you around cities, decent accommodations, and filling three meals. The streets of Buenos Aires are littered with tasty and filling empanadas, muzzas (Argentinian pizza), and huge sandwiches that you can easily grab and tuck into. Buses and trains abound and offer reasonably priced transportation system for travelers.
El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier & Optional Boat Cruise
Duration: 8.0 hour
19. Serbia (from USD 85.06)
Serbia is one of Eastern Europe’s best-kept secrets. It is also one of the cheapest destinations in the region. The trick to traveling to Serbia on a budget is to focus on one area. This eliminates the possibility of traveling far as transportation costs can make a dent on your budget. Once you have settled in a city, you can easily take in the sites as most of these are free of charge. You can get a decent meal for under USD 10 anywhere in the country. It would take the same amount for you to enjoy a night in the town. Hostels run around USD 8 only.
Belgrade Food Tour
Duration: 2.5 hour
20. Mongolia (from USD 403.0)
One thing is for sure – Mongolia is inexpensive in every way. If you are planning to visit this country and see the sites, you do not have to save a lot of money because everything is reasonably priced. By making the proper plans and implementing travel strategies, you can avoid paying the high cost of airfare (the only thing expensive about Mongolia). The public transport system is not dependable. To go around this, it is best to check out tourist destinations near each other to save on transportation costs. Mongolian hostel prices are at USD 10 on average. Decent daily meals average about USD 7 only.
Best of Central Mongolia 3 day tour
Duration: 3 days
Have fun traveling on a budget
Now that you know you can travel on a budget without sacrificing the quality of your vacation, all you need to do is choose a destination you are interested in. The secret is to plan your trip carefully. Work on a budget, and see which of these destinations fits your wallet.
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