19 budget destination ideas to add to your travel list

There are so many places in the world that it is often very hard to decide where to go on holiday. For this reason, I asked a few of my fellow travel bloggers what were the most budget-friendly places in the world that shouldn’t be missed.

While some countries such as Vietnam, Thailand and Morocco are very obvious, this list also included lesser-visited destinations such as Kyrgyzstan, Albania, Kosovo and Bolivia.

So whether you are looking for new countries to add to your bucket list or some ideas for your next holidays, take the time to read each paragraph to learn about the place as well as the best things to do, where you should stay or what to eat. You will probably be surprised by all the good reasons why you should not miss each place!

Ksamil | Albania

---

Ksamil is one of the most beautiful places to go if you want to relax and sunbathe. The beaches here are some of the best in all of Europe, with crystal-clear turquoise water and white sand. In addition to beautiful scenery, the prices here are cheaper than in other popular destinations such as Italy, Spain and France.

You can easily get a meal in a restaurant for €2.5 to €8 per person. There are many pizzerias here, which are perfect if you want to grab something quick for lunch while you’re at the beach. If you want to save some money, don’t choose the restaurants that are located next to the beach as they will be pricier. 

Another place you shouldn’t miss is the four islands that you can go to by boat from Ksamil, it’s just a few minutes by boat, and at the islands, you can snorkel or just enjoy a nice paradise beach. Around the beaches, there are also various kinds of water sports available. And the best part is that you can choose between crowded and lively beaches to more secluded and smaller beaches here in Ksamil.

Madhya Pradesh | India

---

India regularly tops every budget travel list and budget destinations compilation out there. With less than $1 meals, $10 hotel rooms and very cheap land transportation, it is a true bet for everyone with a tight budget.

Delhi, Mumbai, Rajasthan, Goa, Kerala, and even the Himalayas are among the most visited regions. However, have you ever heard of Madhya Pradesh? If you haven’t, here’s why you should add it to your travel wish list. 

Geographically and literally Madhya Pradesh is the central state of India, the reason why it’s usually known as the “heart of India”. Stunning natural reserves where tigers roam free and awe-inspiring architectural heritage await every traveller determined to stay away from the most touristy paths of India, a quick – and cheap – flight away from Delhi or Mumbai.

Do not miss the Gwalior Fort, Orchha’s Chaturbhuj Temple, Satpura, Kanha, Pench parks, and Khajuraho temples famous for their erotic sculptures.

Madhya Pradesh is one of the least known regions of the country despite its many historical and natural attractions. With almost no tourism so far, make sure you go there before it gets crowded!

Essaouira | Morocco

---

Essaouira is a great destination in Morocco for those on a budget and looking for something different than the busy cities of Fez, Chefchaouen or Marrakech.

In Essaouira life slows down and it is an exceptional place to visit if you want great food, cheap souvenirs, and a bit of history while keeping the very traditional oriental feel of the Moroccan cities. In the morning head to the walls of the citadel to see the 17th-century canons and remind yourself of some epic Game of Thrones scenes.

At lunch, grab a fresh fish from the market and ask a local restaurant to cook it for you for a couple of Dirhams. In the afternoon, while some will go shopping or relax at a cafe with hot mint tea or orange juice, others will hit the beach to go kite-surfing… 

Finally, at sunset look for a rooftop restaurant to watch the sunset over the ocean and order a delicious tajine. The next day, do the same in a different order!

There is a lot to do in Essaouira for budget travellers but it is also a great place to stay with kids. Thanks to its notorious breeze coming from the Atlantic Ocean, the temperatures are enjoyable all year long.

Flight prices to Morocco are dropping thanks to budget airlines coming from Europe, and local transportation to Essaouira from Marrakech is cheap. Regarding accommodation, you can get something nice in a hostel or even a double bed in a standard Riad for a minimum of €10 per person. 

Baltic countries

---

Bordering the Baltic Sea are the three Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. These three countries have managed to fly under the radar in favour of popular destinations nearby, like Poland, Sweden, and Finland.

But a short 2.5-hour ferry ride from Helsinki can take you to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia and from there, many travellers migrate down to Riga (Latvia) and Vilnius (Lithuania) via the most comfortable 4-hour bus ride with Lux Express that comes with personal TVs stocked with movies galore and unlimited coffee. Bus rides begin at $15.

The beauty of visits to the capital cities is that each of the capitals can be seen in under two days’ time, making it very budget-friendly. Dorm room beds start at $12 a night, beers are $2.5 for a generous draught boor, and hearty meals average $7.

Due to a proclivity for meat and rye bread, two meals a day can hold over even the most ambitious of travellers. Having endured years of ruthless occupation at the hands of the Soviets, the Baltic states have only been open to tourism since 1991 and to this day, you’ll see the vestiges of war present in each city. But what makes these three countries so unique are their well-preserved medieval old towns.

Tallinn possesses a number of gorgeous viewpoints from Toompea Hill, while Riga is an open-air architecture museum filled with building styles spanning centuries. Meanwhile, Vilnius, the largest of the three capitals, is home to the Republic of Užupis, an artistic commune with its own constitution and visa. There’s no better time to visit these relatively young countries.

From late October to late March, the winter is cold and the nights are dark, but come summer, you can enjoy the many recreational parks each capital city has to share. And longer days mean more time to explore!

For more on Baltic travel, visit The Next Somewhere

Arugam Bay | Sri Lanka

---

Sri Lanka is starting to gather international attention, but the east coast of the country is still off most travellers’ radar, making it the perfect budget destination to add to your travel list. Arugam Bay is a chill surfers’ town that gets busy July-September, but there are plenty of activities other than surfing.

Take advantage of shoulder season, particularly May and June, for great weather, relaxed vibes, and lower prices. Spend your days looking for wildlife at Elephant Rock (free!), Pottuvil Lagoon, or Kumana National Park.

You can also join cooking classes or head just outside town to Magul Maha Viharaya, an ancient Buddhist temple and archaeological site.

For anyone who wants to just take it easy, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to join yoga sessions, bar hop on Main Street, or just play beach bum.

For travellers on tight budgets, you can find dorm beds for about $5, curries and other basic meals for $1-2, and even rent a scooter for around $10/day.  Many activities are self-directed and budget-friendly, although it’s worth the $50 splurge to go on safari at Kumana. After all, it’s not often you have a chance to spot a leopard in the wild!

For more check Sight Doing website

South Korea

---

Korea can be extremely cheap to travel in, especially when trying local restaurants, staying in hostels and using public transport. The government has been putting lots of money over the past year into reviving old neighbourhoods, renovating old historic buildings and increasing the ease of using public transport.

It is much easier to get around than in the past and more touristy sights will be accessible soon because of the big international success of KPop bands and Korean dramas. Most of the attractions in central Seoul are within walking distance of each other, so no need to take public transport or a taxi.

Most of the museums and palaces are free or extremely cheap to enter ($1 or $2) and the must-visit places on a budget are Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukcheon Village, Insadong, Myeongdong, Itaewon, Dongdaemun and the Jongno area.

The cheapest and best restaurants are in Myeongdong and Jongno. Here you can get a local meal for around $6. Most of the time these restaurants are located in the smaller alleys of the area. 

The cheapest but decent hostels are located in Itaewon or Myeongdong and go for around 15$ a night. Make sure to book in advance as they tend to sell out quickly. 

The best time to visit Korea is during spring or autumn as the temperatures are mild and the colours of the trees are absolutely gorgeous.

Vietnam

---

One of the most interesting and cheap countries in South East Asia is Vietnam, and as it is becoming an increasingly popular destination, it’s better to visit it sooner rather than later

There are many incredible things to do in Vietnam, for any taste. Nature and adventure lovers will be thrilled to explore the North of the country, where they will be able to hike in the area around Sapa: Fansipan mountain has legendary hikes, but do make sure not to go alone as the hike can be challenging and it is easy to get lost.

Ha Long Bay and the lesser-known but equally gorgeous Bai Tu Long Bay are incredibly scenic, and kayak and climbing lovers will have a blast enjoying the emerald waters and climbing up the walls of the mountains.

Culture and city lovers will be captured by the busy life of Hanoi, where they will get lost in the narrow streets of the Old Quarter; and by the vibrant and lively atmosphere of Saigon, with its fast-paced life and the many fabulous bars and restaurants.

The small Hoi An will charm any visitors: history lovers will fall in love with the many sites; nature lovers will enjoy the beaches and the rice fields around the city, and shopaholics will have a blast getting dresses and suits done by the famous local tailors.

Last, but definitely not least, the food in Vietnam is incredible: fresh, genuine, tasty. 

Vietnam is a very budget-friendly country. A private double bedroom at a local hotel costs an average of $10 and a meal at a local eatery or at one of the many street food places costs around $3. With such unbeatable prices, this is a country where it really is possible to splurge! 

Yerevan | Armenia

---

Yerevan, Armenia, the “Pink City” in the Caucasus is on the brink of tourism but it is still relatively unknown and does not receive the number of visitors that it deserves.

2018 was a monumental year for Armenia – they had a revolution against the government in April which was bloodless and resulted in no injuries or deaths… something that is really representative of the resilience and togetherness of Armenians.

Now, with a new and less corrupt government, tourism is changing and they are fighting for visa liberalization with Europe. Discount airlines are coming into the country, making it much more accessible to foreigners.

Yerevan is extremely affordable and you can have a nice dinner out for less than $5 at any of the incredibly delicious eateries saturating the city. The Armenian capital city is older than Rome and it is the birthplace of Christianity.

Cafes line the clean streets of Yerevan and there is always something going on in the city. If you’re in Yerevan, expect to pay around $4-$5 a night for a hostel dorm bed and you can eat at cafeterias any meal of the day for $1-$2 a meal. Yerevan is definitely a budget destination in Europe and should be on everyone’s radar!

Sucre | Bolivia

---

While South America is hitting up and getting plenty of attention from travellers, Bolivia remains one of the lesser-visited countries. Most tourists pass through quickly, stopping essentially at the most famous sights for a couple of days before heading to Peru or Chile. But there is more to it and Sucre is one of the best examples.

The reason many backpackers decided to stop here is to study Spanish on a budget. The Bolivian accent is quite slow and easy to understand when compared to other Spanish-speaking countries. This and the fact that Bolivia is one of the cheapest places to take private classes means it should be on everyone’s list to learn Spanish! 

With its relatively good weather all year long and an altitude manageable, Sucre will attract more tourists in the future.

From this small but lively and traditional Bolivian town, day trips can be taken into the countryside to see the traditional Andean life. In Tarabuco and Maragua, you can visit traditional markets and hike through beautiful farmland where you will only see locals tending to their crops.

Finally, for the dinosaurs fans, don’t miss Cal Orck’O, an 80° wall dotted by thousands of footprints!

Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in South America, and while we hope that improves, we can’t deny that the effect on food and accommodation prices is good for the budget. You can hardly spend $15 per day for everything, including hostels, all meals, drinks and leisure!

The country is safe to visit, and despite strikes now and again, one of the most beautiful countries in South America! Make sure to add Bolivia to your budget bucket list.

Bansko | Bulgaria

---

Easy to get to – it’s just 2 hours from Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, Bansko is one of the most budget-friendly skis and hiking towns to visit in Europe. In the foothills of the Pirin National Park with the Rila and Rhodope mountains also within easy reach, Bansko has a superb climate. It’s cold enough to be the country’s number 1 ski resort in winter, yet summers are hot and warm.

There is fabulous hiking through a series of mountain huts, amazing fresh food and superb mountain lakes to explore. In winter, you can also chill at Bansko Hot Water Pool or take a snowmobile tour! Much of Southern Europe swelters in summer, Bansko benefits from hot days and cooler nights, with little rain, but often spectacular thunderstorms.

Rent an apartment for €150 a month and eating out is cheap – €3 for breakfast, €4 for lunch and €9 for dinner. A large beer will cost you €1.50, and a litre of Bulgarian wine is €5.

Sarah’s favourite time to visit though is the summer in Bansko, which brings the festival season – a host of free festivals in the town square – from the amazing internationally renowned Jazz festival to Opera, Bohemia and Bansko Beat.

Egypt

---

There has never been a better time to visit Egypt and be immersed in the history and culture of this beautiful country. Egypt has more to offer visitors than just the Pyramids. With a decrease in tourism, you can visit cities like Cairo, Luxor and Aswan full of historic relics and sites, but empty from visitors. You can have entire temples and tombs to yourself to explore and photograph without hordes of tourists.

History is not the only thing that tourists can enjoy. Egypt has world-class beaches and cities such as Ain Sokhna, North Coast, Hurghada, Dahab, Sharm El Sheikh and Gouna offer beaches, seafood and sunsets that will wow any tourist.

After the revolution, many tourists were afraid to visit this country after press images went global showing the turmoil, but many years later, Egypt is making a comeback.

With Egypt’s currency suffering a severe devaluation in 2016 and a drop in the value of the Egyptian Pound, visitors now get the most bang for their buck, with 5-star luxury hotels costing as low as $100 USD a night.

If you are a seasoned budget traveller, it is possible to travel Egypt on a budget of $30 a day including hostel stays, tours and delicious street food.

The best time to visit Egypt is Fall or Spring when temperate climates are perfect for exploring the historical sites and the weather is not too cold for visiting the beautiful beaches. If you are visiting in Summer then make sure to schedule some serious beach days because Summer in the capital city of Cairo gets crazy hot!

For more, visit arielleabroad.com

Baños | Ecuador

---

Ecuador is one of the lesser-visited countries in South America despite its perfect location between Colombia and Peru. The country has, however, a lot to offer and for those looking for extreme sports adventure without breaking the wallet, Baños de Agua Santa should be on everyone’s top bucket list!

Here, the altitude and the weather are kind to the tourists which makes it a great place to relax. Tucked in a lush valley at the feet of an active volcano and nearby rivers rushing to the Amazon, Baños offers incredible landscapes and fun activities for less than $30 such as river rafting, canyoning and bungee jumping for the reckless! 

For only a couple of dollars, you can visit the “swing at the edge of the world“. A bargain for a great time swinging with nothing else below or in front than a beautiful landscape and breathtaking views over the volcano Tungurahua – if the clouds permit it. 

But what’s even better about Baños is the few public hot water springs where you can bath for as long as you want for only $1!

In terms of accommodation, hostelling is plentiful and you can find a dorm for $12 or a double bedroom for $20, breakfast included. Finally, head to the local market for a $3 menu del dia. Be ready to discover tastes you never knew existed!

Bucharest | Romania

---

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly destination, consider the often-overlooked Bucharest, the capital of Romania. In Bucharest, you’ll find a ton of interesting bars, coffee shops, bookstores, great day trip opportunities, and beer gardens, all at rock-bottom prices.

Bucharest is becoming more accessible to tourists, with more frequent budget airline flights as well as an increased focus on tourism and improving English-language accessibility. Lots of new businesses catering to tourists, digital nomads, and locals are opening up, with low prices to enjoy. 

For example, you can get a great cup of speciality coffee for about $2 USD a cup, which would easily cost $5 or more in other parts of Europe. Bars likewise offer a great deal, with beers costing around $1-2, glasses of wine around $2-3, and cocktails around $4. A meal in a restaurant can be had for about $5-7 easily, even in tourist parts of the city. You can easily see Bucharest and enjoy it in style, eating out for one or two meals a day and having a few drinks, for about $30 per day, or less if you are more frugal. 

Bucharest is also a great destination for people who are interested in Communist history, as Romania was one strictest communist regimes in all of Eastern Europe under the dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. In Bucharest, you can find lots of remnants of this history, such as the massive communist Palace of Parliament. 

Skip winter though as temperatures can often dip well below 0 Celsius. A better time to visit is late spring or early fall when you can take advantage of the warm temperatures and sit in the many beer gardens and outdoor cafés without being stuck in the sometimes-sweltering summer humidity.

Penang | Malaysia

---

by Sharon  – Dive into Malaysia

Penang is a fabulous and budget-friendly place to visit and there has never been a better time to go. Penang is an interesting place to visit thanks to being a melting pot of three different cultures with its Chinese, Malay and Indian populations. This means there are many attractions that highlight each of these cultures like their own temples and hawker centres.

The region’s capital, Georgetown, also shows its colonial past and is UNESCO World Heritage-listed thanks to its well-preserved buildings. Being a tropical island, there is also a beach to visit and many nice gardens.

However, the best part about Penang is definitely the food. It easily has some of the best food in the world and the best part is that it’s very affordable with many hawker centres (collections of food stands with tables and chairs – kind of like a food court) dishing up great food for great prices.

For a few years, Malaysia’s tourism department is doing everything it can to get in the top 10 countries visited in the world. This means they are working hard to make sure it’s easy for tourists and they have a great experience.

Penang is near the equator and it’s hot and humid all year but it is noticeably more comfortable from December to February. 

In Penang, you can live on $20 a day. You can grab a dorm bed for $5, eat for a few dollars, catch the local bus around and there are many free attractions like the many temples, the beach, walk around Georgetown or visit the Botanic Gardens.

For more about Malaysia, visit diveintomalaysia.com

Kyrgyzstan

---

Having recently been voted by Lonely Planet as the 5^th top place to visit in 2019 (and rightly so), Kyrgyzstan is fast becoming the Central Asian backpacking hotspot. For the nature lovers out there, Kyrgyzstan really does have it all.

From one of the highest mountain ranges outside of the Himalayas, with beautiful valleys, high alpine lakes and an emerging skiing scene, to the world’s largest ancient fruit and nut forest. And not the mention, pretty much the whole place to yourself.

Interactions with the local people of Kyrgyzstan are what make this country truly special. They are kind, and curious and love to chat, especially over a cup of tea. For all the foodies out there, Kyrgyz bread may be the most delicious out there and is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven and dipped in thick sour cream – a local delicacy.

The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan is between June and September when the weather is at its warmest and most hiking routes are open and free of snow. The local farmers and shepherds move out of their permanent homes and into the summer pastures with their livestock, opening up opportunities to stay with local families in yurt camps on most major hiking routes.

Travelling through Kyrgyzstan is budget-friendly too. A daily spend of $20 – $25 per person is completely possible as local food and transport are cheap and plentiful. Accommodation outside of Bishkek can cost around $10 for a dorm bed, but even this can be cut completely by camping – it costs nothing and is allowed almost anywhere in the countryside.

Pranburi | Thailand

---

Famed around Thailand for its pineapple fields, insanely fresh seafood, and a laidback lifestyle, Pranburi is a quiet coastal district located on the western side of the Gulf. It’s the sort of place that’s made for escaping to; the landscape is made up of mangroves, a winding river, and farmland; the roads are all but empty and the pace of life in town beats to a slow, easy rhythm. 

It may come as a surprise, but this little region is actually an adventure lover’s dream. Not only is it a kitesurfing haven, but it’s also home to downhill mountain biking trails, incredible paddle boarding routes, and even a paragliding club. From exploring the soaring peaks of Sam Roi Yot National Park to wandering around in the wild of Pranburi Forest Park, the rural surroundings offer a solid mix of adventure, nature, and peace.

At just 3 and a half hours south of the bustling streets of Bangkok, Pranburi has long been a favoured spot for city dwellers looking for a relaxing weekend break. But in the coming years, Pranburi is set to see a huge boost in tourism as the train lines from Bangkok double and a direct ferry from Pattaya set up a local dock. Now is the time to go, before it all changes.

The longer you stay in Pranburi, the cheaper everything gets. Stay for a few days and you’ll pay $15/night for a guest house, but stay for a month and you can negotiate a long-term deal, which could see you pay as little as $3/night for the same lodgings. Rent a scooter or bike for $6/day (half that for longer-term rentals). Food is as cheap as it is delicious, with steaming coconut soup or Thai curry costing around $1.50.

Kosovo

---

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly Balkan destination, consider visiting Kosovo! Kosovo is a small country full of historic cities, friendly people, and beautiful mountains. Although many travellers head straight for Pristina, Kosovo’s modern capital while skipping other cities, the market city of Gjakova is likely to thrill any traveller who wants to glimpse culture for the sake of culture, rather than tourists.

For 2018, Kosovo was among Lonely Planet’s best European destinations and needless to say, it will become even more popular as its stunning UNESCO-recognized churches have their frescos fully restored. Hiking lovers will fall in love with the Sar Mountains just outside of Prizren, one of Kosovo’s most historic cities, where you can hike from accessible villages up in the mountains. Similarly, heavy-duty trekkers will love hiking through the Accursed Mountains from Peja.

Kosovo in fall is a beautiful time of the year to visit to see the leaves turning. Unlike in peak summer months, accommodations aren’t as full. A backpacker can expect to spend about €8 per night on accommodation, €5 on food, and whatever else you spend on coffee or buses. It’s easy to stay underneath €21 per day. It’s very easy to stay on budget as food portions in Kosovo tend to be on the generous side.

A lot of travellers prefer to take a road trip around the Balkans, which may be a great idea if you are on a budget. You can start in Bulgaria, cross Kosovo, before heading west to see the highlights of Montenegro and then North towards Bosnia Herzegovina or Serbia!

Plovdiv | Bulgaria

---

Plovdiv, Bulgaria is somewhat of a darling among the digital nomad crowd. It’s beautiful, culturally important, and offers amazing deals for those looking for them. Named the European Capital of Culture for 2019, the city is primed to host visitors and show off its architectural heritage. 

Plovdiv’s highlights include beautiful Bulgarian Revival architecture, Orthodox churches and monasteries, and a plethora of Roman ruins. The city is home to the largest preserved Roman theatre in the world, and you can attend a performance there if you plan your travel to coincide with a production you’re particularly interested in. There are so many Roman ruins in Plovdiv, that you can even find them inside the basement of the city’s H&M!

If you’re a wine lover, you can go on a tour of the region’s vineyards. Bulgaria is praised for the qualities of its rosés. Bulgaria has four distinct seasons, and there are good reasons to visit the country at any time of year. Stephanie’s favourite time to visit Plovdiv is in March when you can see the red-and-white Martinistas hanging from trees and doors around the city to celebrate Baba Marta.

Additionally, Plovdiv is wonderful during spring and summer, when you can take advantage of the many outdoor cafes and restaurants. If you’re looking for more things to do in Plovdiv, head up to one of its many hills at sunset. The views are stunning.

Tbilisi | Georgia

---

Georgia in Eastern Europe is a lesser-visited destination full of history, architecture and cultural diversity. Tbilisi, guarded by hills is a cobbled street city with a perfect vintage vibe of eastern European culture. The exchange rates of Georgian Lari to USD make it a perfect pocket-friendly city to travel to on a budget.

The city has many hotels and a night’s stay in a hostel will cost on average around 10 to 15 dollars. Transportation is easy as the city is linked with an underground metro network, which can be accessed with a 75 cents metro card. As Tbilisi is widely famous for its culinary diversity, apart from Georgian food, American, Indian, and Turkish food can be easily found in the city. One can have a big meal for a whopping price of $5.

Another factor that makes Tbilisi a budget-friendly destination is the incredibly low prices of all the paid activities, which are very few in number. Most of the best activities in Tbilisi are free of cost.

Mt. Mtatsminda is a great way to get a panoramic view of the city from the top of the mountain, which can be reached by a funicular railway that costs $1.1. The Nirakala Fortress and the iconic Mother of Georgia sculpture can be reached by a cable car ride costing only $2.

The best time to visit Tbilisi is from May to July or September to October as the weather remains mild and perfect to enjoy all the outdoor activities Tbilisi has to offer. With the city gradually getting a tourism-friendly infrastructure, it is the moment to explore the hidden gem of Tbilisi in Eastern Europe.

Please note │ This blog post may also include affiliate links to hostels or products we recommend, which means if you buy something following a link on this page, we’ll get a small commission. This will be of no extra cost to you but will help us continue running this blog. Thank you for your support.