Budget trips: 20 of the cheapest places to travel

Fear not if your ever-growing travel wish list is putting pressure on your pocket — plenty of destinations still offer more bang for your buck. From Greece to Guatemala, to the Gambia — and beyond — here we present 20 of the cheapest places to travel around the world.

1. Thailand — for food, beaches and road trips

There’s a reason Thailand remains so popular with backpackers. 

It's loaded with idyllic islands, beach huts aplenty, tantalizing food and adventures galore. And all these experiences are often available at staggeringly low prices.

Despite the well-trodden routes through the country, it’s not hard to get away from the crowds, not least if you hire a bike and take to Thailand's winding roads.

For example, you could tackle the 600km trip along the Mae Hong Son Loop through the forested northern mountains. 

We also recommend checking out Nakhon Si Thammarat for some of the very best — and very affordable — food the country has to offer.

Need more convincing? Ahead of planning your independent trip to Thailand, discover why it's one of our best places to travel alone.

2. South Africa — for great-value safaris

Aside from the beautiful landscapes, one of the great things about traveling to South Africa is that it’s possible enjoy a safari experience — complete with the Big Five — and epic hikes without facing a budget-breaking bill. 

For example, you could head to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi to see white rhino and avoid the crowds of Kruger, while the Drakensberg delivers excellent hikes.

Beyond exploring the bush, be sure to factor in at least a few days in Cape Town or Johannesburg to experience South African cities.

Inspired to visit? Start planning your trip by reading up on the best time to visit South Africa, and take inspiration from our suggested South Africa itineraries.

3. Vietnam — for affordable diversity 

Vietnam is one of the best and cheapest places to travel to enjoy a whopping diversity of experiences.

The country’s greatest attraction is its sublime countryside — from the limestone karsts of the north to the waterways and paddy fields of the Mekong Delta — with blissful beaches and frenetic cities crammed between.

But don't just take our word for it — discover the most beautiful places in Vietnam, as voted by Rough Guides' readers.

Then there’s the cuisine — pull up a stool at a pho stall and for a few dollars you’ll eat some of the best food on offer, shoulder to shoulder with the locals.

Sold on visiting Vietnam? Read our tips for backpacking Vietnam, and discover the best time to visit Vietnam as you plan your trip. 

You might also want to find out how to get off the tourist trail.

4. Uruguay — for blissful beaches on a budget

If you’ve already visited Brazil and Argentina — or are just looking for a better value destination in South America — head instead to neighboring Uruguay.

And the reasons? First up, it's loaded with lovely beaches, including Cabo Polonio, which offers a quieter experience, and abundant wildlife.

We also really rate the gorgeous old capital of Montevideo, which offers a fabulous mix of historic architecture, modern culture, and coastal landscapes, including Playa Pocitos beach.

Into food and fun party vibes? Head to Punta del Este, which boats a bounty of amazing restaurants.

5. Cuba — super-affordable, with few tourists beyond big resorts

Cuba is changing, and so too are its prices, but be assured it remains an excellent place to travel for less, while experiencing the best this unique Caribbean island has to offer. 

While you might want to steer clear of resort areas, and avoid the tourist season — to do that, read up on the best time to visit Cuba — budget travelers can find very affordable places to stay near the island's picture-perfect beaches.

The same is true of Havana — Cuba's headily intoxicating capital is loaded with cheap casa particulars, and bars in which to enjoy low-cost local rum and salsa rhythms.

We also really rate the city of Santiago de Cuba for its sparkling coastline, carnival, and captivating architecture.

Dreaming of Cuba? Wise up with our tips for backpacking Cuba, and take inspiration from our suggested best places to go on your first trip to Cuba.

6. Prague — still one of Europe's most affordable capitals

Despite being firmly on the tourist trail, Prague still remains one of Europe’s cheapest capital cities.

It's still possible to enjoy hearty Czech food for pretty low prices, washed down with excellent local beer, of course.

The city itself is a beauty, crammed with history and perfect for leisurely exploration on foot, so you don't have to worry about forking out for taxis.

Before visiting Czechia, find out how to avoid the crowds in Prague.

Thinking of traveling further afield? Take inspiration from a top train travel itinerary that starts in Prague, and discover how to mix hiking with history in enchanting Czechia.

7. Greece — for popular hotspots on a budget

If you steer clear of big resort areas, look to travel out of season, and stay in local guest houses or hostels, even the most popular Greek islands can be visited on a tighter budget.

In fact, a fair few of the best things to do in Greece are free, including climbing Mount Olympus, and hiking Samaria Gorge in Crete.

Take your time researching where to stay, and you could find yourself within reach of some of Greece's most beautiful beaches.

In more good news, if you eat in local tavernas, you'll get to enjoy the best Greek food at pocket-pleasing prices.

Editor's tips: before visiting Greece, find out how to plan a Greek Island holiday, and read our travel tips for Greece.

8. Guatemala — one of the cheapest countries to learn Spanish

It’s hard not to fall under the spell of Guatemala and its compelling mix of natural beauty, Mayan traditions and colonial legacies, with rock-bottom prices also making it one of the best places to study Spanish on an extended stay.

Once your linguistic skills are up to scratch, jump onto one of the country’s famous camionetas or “chicken buses” to explore beyond your base.

We suggest soaking up the sights of elegant Antigua in the south, exploring Guatemala City, and taking a road trip to the monumental Maya temples of Tikal.

Before planning your trip, read up on the best time to visit Guatemala, decide how many days to spend in Guatemala, and put your mind at rest with our safety tips for Guatemala.

9. Bulgaria — for underrated beaches and old towns 

Often unfairly overlooked, Bulgaria has a lot to offer budget travelers, including some of the most deserted beaches in Europe, which can be your beautiful base for a bargain price. 

In addition to its appealing coastline, Bulgaria also boasts lots of lovely old towns and history-rich cities, such as Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe.

In good news for budget travelers, many of Plovdiv's top attractions can be enjoyed for free, or for a super-low cost. 

For example, it'll cost you nothing to explore the cobbled streets of Plovdiv’s enchanting Old Town, and while there's an inexpensive entry fee, you can see the ancient Roman Theater — one of the best-preserved in the world — from outside for free.

Seeking adventure in the great outdoors? Hiking to the Seven Rila Lakes is one of Bulgaria’s most beautiful outdoor activities. It's also free, aside from the cost of getting there, or if you choose to use the small-fee chairlift.

10. India — a perennial budget travel favorite 

Vast India remains one of the ultimate destinations to travel cheaper. It's fair to say, few countries enable budget travelers to cover huge ground — and eat very well — for such minimal costs.

If you’re after a budget beach break, forgo Goa for the gorgeous beaches of the temple town of Gokarna. 

For amazing food, it’s hard to beat the puris and kebabs of Mumbai’s street stalls. You'll further save cash here by living like a local.

Want more India inspiration? Discover our favorite places off the tourist trail, and wise up with our tips for first-time travelers.

11. Portugal —  for affordable dining 

Portugal remains one of the best bargain destinations in Western Europe, and is especially worth considering if you want to avoid the more crowded resorts and cities of Spain. 

We also suggest skipping the Algarve for the ruggedly beautiful Alentejo coast, which is known for its affordable fresh seafood, and invites exploration through food.

Vibrant, uber-cool Lisbon is also well-suited to budget travelers, and isn't short of great things to do for free.

Ahead of planning your trip, read our tips for traveling in Portugal.

12. Bolivia — for natural beauty on a budget

One of the cheapest places to travel in South America, Bolivia is also one of its most misunderstood. 

While traveling here takes some effort, and may be a little uncomfortable at times, it’s more than worth it for the wealth of amazing sights on offer.

Top of the list is undoubtedly the astounding Salar de Uyuni salt flats — a two or three-day tour will usually set you back under £100/$150. 

Plan your trip with The Rough Guide to South America on a Budget, and don't miss trying at least some of the best things to do in Bolivia.

13. Mexico — one of the cheapest places to travel, period

Your budget will definitely stretch to tacos and tequila aplenty in Mexico, which is great news as there’s a lot of ground to cover in this vast and vibrant country.

Use the extensive bus network to get around for little, and travel overnight when covering longer distances to save more money.

If you travel in the May-October off-season, you'll bag more bargains on accommodation.

Whether you want to string your hammock up along dazzling white sands on some of Mexico's best beaches, sample some of the country’s best street food in Oaxaca, or cool off in a crystal-clear cenote (sunken swimming hole), you'll most likely be left longing to come back for more. 

To kick-start your wanderlust, take inspiration from 12 of our favorite places to visit in Mexico, and some of the best vacation spots in Mexico.

14. New Orleans — one of the cheapest major cities in the USA

You can’t escape music in New Orleans. And, with buskers on every corner, and music coming from every courtyard and bar, it’s not hard to experience the city’s musical heritage without spending much more than the price of a beer.

The city is best experienced slowly, and on foot. For example, it’s hard to beat people-watching over a cup of coffee and plate of sugar-dusted beignets at the Café du Monde.

When you fancy a treat — like a specialty cocktail or two — make use of our best bar guide.

15. Laos — for national parks and authentic experiences

Even in a region of some of the world's cheapest places to travel, Laos stands out for its low-cost offerings.

It's also the ideal destination for slow travel — it's hard not to be lured into Laos' laid-back pace.

Head just north of elegant Luang Prabang to riverside Nong Khiaw, where for a small change you can bag a waterside bungalow and watch boats travel up and down the karst-surrounded river over a cold bottle of Beer Lao. 

Get the lowdown on this enchanting and unspoiled corner of Southeast Asia with The Rough Guide to Laos.

16. The Gambia — for spectacular wildlife and beaches on a budget

While Africa’s smallest country is known for its beautiful beaches, it’s well worth venturing beyond them to experience The Gambia's other delights. 

Sitting near the top of the list is Baobolong Wetland Reserve — one of the best places to watch birds on the continent, and at its most atmospheric at sunset. 

When it comes to costs, the Gambia offers a variety of affordable guesthouses, hostels, and lodges. 

Rather than staying in popular tourist areas like Kololi and Bakau, head to quieter towns or villages, where accommodation, food and activities will be cheaper. We suggest browsing accommodation in Tanji, Kartong and Brufut.

Also note The Gambia has several affordable — or free — nature reserves. For example, Abuko Nature Reserve has a low entrance fee, as does Bijilo Forest Park — a small forest reserve near the beach where you can see tonnes of monkeys.

Editors tip: don't miss the chance to enjoy off-the-beaten-track experiences in the Gambia.

17. Shanghai, China — for delicious street food

The biggest appeal of Shanghai for budget – if not all travelers – is arguably the abundance of amazing street food — from xiao long bao soup dumplings to scallion pancakes and sticky rice parcels (zongzi).

It’s still possible to find accommodation bargains at the lower end of the scale, and much of the city’s appeal lies in exploring its busy streets on foot. There's no better way to experience the juxtaposition between old and new China. 

You'll find recommendations for where to find the city's best street eats and budget sleeps in The Rough Guide to Shanghai.

18. Istanbul, Turkey — for rich culture at lower costs

Arguably the best way to really soak up the city is through its fabulous food, and it's very easy to save cash by eating like a local.

From sensational street food (don't miss simit, a sesame-covered bread ring), döner kebabs, and midye dolma (stuffed mussels), to dining out in family-run lokantas, you can eat very, very well on even the tightest of budgets. 

19. Indonesia — for budget beach stays and low-cost culture

Despite its latter-day popularity, Indonesia remains one of the most affordable destinations in Southeast Asia, offering a wide variety of experiences at low costs — from island-hopping idyllic beaches, to exploring temples and jungles. 

If you're set on visiting the best beaches in Bali, the good news is, you can still bag bargain places to stay in this popular destination.

For example, Kuta — which is known for its lively atmosphere — offers plenty of cheap hostels, guesthouses and budget hotels.

The same is true of Ubud — a cultural and artistic hub with a bounty of budget homestays and hostels.

Beyond Bali, check out Lombok, a quieter alternative with beautiful beaches and cheap accommodations, especially in areas like Kuta Lombok.

Meanwhile, Sulawesi is ideal if you're looking for lush nature, wildlife and off-the-beaten-track adventure, including trekking and diving, with areas like Tana Toraja and Bunaken offering affordable homestays.

20. Egypt —  one of the most memorable cheap travel destinations

Considering the abundance of mind-blowing ancient sights, you’d expect travel to Egypt to cost a lot more than it does. 

Sure, if you tick off all the major attractions – including the Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel – then costs are going to creep up, but tempered with cheap (and excellent) food and decent budget accommodation, it’s not hard to feel like you’re almost able to live like a Pharaoh.

When it comes to cutting down accommodation costs, downtown Cairo and areas like Garden City and Zamalek offer affordable hostels and budget hotels.

There's also budget accommodation near the Pyramids of Giza, some offering rooms with views of the pyramids for just $15-30 USD per night.

Another cost-saving tip is to travel in Egypt is during the shoulder seasons (March-April and October-November), when the weather is milder, and accommodation costs are lower than they are during the peak winter months (December-February).

Plan your perfect trip

If you're planning to take a budget-friendly trip around Europe, arm yourself with the  Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget. 

Heading to South America on a shoestring? There's a Rough Guide for that, too, and a guide to traveling to Southeast Asia on a budget.

Alternatively, if you've had it with the hassle of planning, consider using our tailor-made trip platform. 

All our suggested itineraries can be customised to your preferences, with a local expert on hand to provide support with finessing your trip plan, and while you're on the road.