Cheapest Places to Travel Around the World in 2024

Dreaming of traveling but worried about the cost? Well, you’re in for a surprise. It’s a common misconception that globetrotting is a luxury only the rich can afford. In reality, there’s a whole world of budget-friendly destinations waiting for you.

From the bustling street markets of Thailand and Vietnam to the ancient wonders of Egypt and the natural beauty of Guatemala, there’s no shortage of cheap places to explore. We can assure you that breathtaking sights and unforgettable experiences don’t always come with a hefty price tag.

Ever thought of Kyoto for your next vacation? It’s a treasure trove of cultural experiences, mouthwatering street food, and stunning landscapes—all without breaking the bank. So, buckle up and get ready to discover the world’s cheapest places to travel.

Cheap Travel Destinations in Asia

Looking for affordable adventures in Asia? Let’s dive into some of the least expensive travel spots.

Kyoto, Japan

Start your journey in Kyoto, a treasure house of Japanese culture. Exchange rate here works out to about 150 yen to the USD. Dotted with traditional wooden houses and majestic Buddhist temples, the city offers a beautiful break from the hubbub of life. Don’t miss the chance to have a kaiseki dinner and watch a geisha show, costing less than $100. The average daily budget here is $86.94 per day, making it a sweet spot between affordability and culture-rich experiences.

Luang Prabang, Laos

Next is Luang Prabang in Laos, the epitome of tranquility—an absolute steal for just $25 per day as a backpacker. The city is surrounded by nature, and the mesmerizing Mekong river is a sight to behold. We recommend the offbeat Gibbon Experience, an exciting zipline adventure, for about $100.

Da Nang, Vietnam

Over in Da Nang, Vietnam, you meet a fusion of ancient charm and urban vitality. With $30 a day, you’re set. Hop on a motorbike taxi, or “xe om,” to explore the Dragon Bridge, My Khe Beach, and the Marble Mountains—all affordable activities, mostly under $10! Head to the local markets for the famous “Pho” soup, so tasty and just around $2.

Phuket, Thailand

Phuket in Thailand has everything—sun, sand, and street food! A budget of $40 a day will take you a long way. For transportation, Tuk-Tuks are a cheap, yet fun way to travel around. Don’t forget to sample the street food range of spicy shrimp soup, “Tom Yum Goong,” and coconut pancake “Kanom Krok” for less than $3.

Tokyo, Japan

Back to Japan but the bustling Tokyo this time. Remember, 150 yen is equivalent to $1. A budget of $90 per day gets you covered. Wander around the historical Asakusa or fashion-forward Harajuku. Dining in local Izakayas or Ramen Yokocho will cost you around $10 to $20 per meal.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali in Indonesia is the poster child of travel on a shoestring. You can live quite comfortably on $50 to $60 per day. Do visit Ubud for art and culture and hit the beach clubs—you’ll party on pennies here! Also, try “Babi Guling,” a famous Balinese dish, under $5.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Next-hop, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! Around $40 a day is super manageable here. Visit the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and explore the Batu Caves. An array of local foods like “Nasi Lemak” and “Rendang” will cost less than $3 per plate!

Taipei, Taiwan

In Taipei, Taiwan, enjoy the city with a daily budget of around $50. Hop on a bike for city tours, visit the Songshan Cultural Park, and taste the world-famous bubble tea—all super budget-friendly!

Palawan, Philippines

Tropical paradise, Palawan in the Philippines, is also easy on the pocket. You’ll need around 2000 PHP (approximately $42 per day). Visit the underground river and snorkel in crystal-clear waters; the experience is purely priceless!

Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is steeped in history and culture. With roughly $30 per day, it’s an affordable adventure. Add Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa to your itinerary.

Agra, India

Our last stop, Agra in India. A city that is home to the monument of love—Taj Mahal. An average daily budget of $36 is all you need. Be sure to try the “Mughlai Cuisine”, a regal dining experience in budget.

Remember the travel mantra—”It’s not about how much you spend, but how you spend it!”

Cheap Travel Destinations in Europe

While Western Europe may conjure images of pricey getaways, hope’s not lost. Europe, too, has its fair share of wallet-friendly destinations. Let’s unveil some of them.

Seville, Spain

Love all things cultural? Seville’s your must-visit. This city thrills without draining your pocket. With daily expenses hovering around $40, you’re set for an enjoyable time. Think historic sites like the Plaza de España or a Flamenco show. Mum’s the word – summer’s scorching hot. Spring or fall offer cooler conditions.

Budapest, Hungary

Step into Budapest, and you’re stepping into a treasure trove of gems. From thermal baths to captivating architecture like the Parliament Building. Daily living won’t cost you more than $40. A detour to the Etyek wine region’s a must. Best times for visiting? March to May, September to November.

Bucharest, Romania

You’ll love Bucharest’s old-world charm on a budget. Day expenses hover between $25 – $35. Attractions abound, from the fascinating Village Museum to tasty local bistros. Non-peak months? That’ll be spring and fall.

Riga, Latvia

Find your heart in Riga without finding your wallet empty. Daily expenses are on the lower side of $35. A trove of rich culture and history. Winter can be cool, spring or summer are typically more pleasant.

Sofia, Bulgaria

Dare to try the different? Head to Sofia. You’ll cover daily expenses within $30. Marvel at the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral or enjoy a warm Shopska Salad. Spring and fall are ideal times to visit.

Santorini, Greece

Who doesn’t know Santorini? What you might not know is how affordable it can be. Daily expenses fall within $50. The popular white-washed buildings, beautiful sunsets, delicious Greek cuisine are all within reach. Summer’s high season, spring and fall offer cheaper rates, as well as milder weather.

Prague, Czech Republic

Teeming with architectural wonders, Prague offers a rich solution to travel bugs. Average daily costs range around $40. Make room for the stunning Prague Castle in your itinerary. Avoid peak season by going between March and June, or between September and early November.

Porto, Portugal

For a coastal cruise on a budget, Porto’s a steal. Expect to spend $30-$40 a day. Explore Douro river, the charming Ribeira District, or sample Port wine without breaking the bank. Visit during spring or fall for best experiences.

Krakow, Poland

Experience the medieval at modern costs in Krakow. Day spendings would be no more than $30. Wawel Castle, Main Market Square, they all call out to you. The city is most comfortable to visit in spring and fall.

Lisbon, Portugal

Last but not least, we have Lisbon. With daily expenditures within $40, you’ll see historic sites like the Jerónimos Monastery, or taste the ever-popular Pastéis de Belém. Between March and May or September to November could be best times to visit.

Cheap Travel Destinations in North America

As a budget-conscious traveler, your wanderlust should never feel suppressed by financial constraints. Here’s a list of some affordable cities that offer unique cultural experiences and attractions in North America.

Mexico City, Mexico

Ever dreamt of visiting a historical city that’s kind to your pocket? Mexico City’s waiting for you with its world-class museums, incredible architecture, and historical sites. Opt for a daily budget of around $53.18. Don’t miss the famed Aztec temple Teotihuacan, known as the Pyramid of the Sun,** costing under $5** for entry. Be sure to check out a local taqueria for an affordable, authentic dish, with tacos averaging around $1 each.

Denver, Colorado

If getting in touch with nature without breaking the bank sounds appealing, Denver’s your place. The city offers free attractions like the Tattered Cover Book Store, Denver Mint, and Central Library. Walk the trails around Red Rocks Park, Amphitheater, sit by serene lakes in City Park, and sample candy at Hammonds Candy Factory – all without spending a penny.

Cancun, Mexico

Cancun can offer you beautiful sandy beaches and fantastic nightlife on a budget. You can find affordable hotels in the hotel zone along the beach. Meals here still rank at a budget-friendly $4-5 overall. So, you’ve got cheap beach vacations covered with Cancun.

Orlando, Florida

Looking for a family-oriented destination that’s light on your wallet? Orlando, Florida, might be the dream destination. Details of the average cost per day weren’t available in the context. However, research shows that you can enjoy Orlando on a budget.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Sometimes, all you need is a beautiful beach town with a rich cultural scene. And that’s exactly what Puerto Vallarta in Mexico brings to your travel plans. Remember to set your daily budget according to your travel style and pack essential sunscreen!

Montreal, Canada

Offering European flair without the European price tag, Montreal, Canada, is a budget-friendly option. With sprawling gardens, historic sites, and renowned eateries to explore, your travel memories are sure to be rich, even when your travel budget isn’t.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Known for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant music scene, and fantastic cuisine, New Orleans, Louisana, offers affordable attractions worth visiting. You’ll find yourself bewitched by its lively atmosphere and diverse culture.

Havana, Cuba

This city is a haven for those seeking history paired with excitement. Cuba’s rich culture, vibrant city life, iconic vintage cars, and budget-friendly travel costs make it an appealing destination.

Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca, Mexico, a city known for its indigenous cultures and colonial architecture, is another budget-friendly option. Engage with the local culture, explore the historic city center, and sample the traditional Oaxacan food, all while keeping your travel costs minimal.

Remember, every city has its peak season and off-season. We always recommend planning in advance to get the most budget-friendly deals. Keeping this guide in mind will make your travel plans more economical, and you’ll enjoy discovering each of these unique travel destinations without burning a hole in your pocket.

Cheap Travel Destinations in South America

South America is a perfect place for budget-conscious travelers. With diverse landscapes and cultures, every city offers unique experiences to explore.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires
offers a mix of European elegance and Latin American energy. Your daily budget can be as low as $40 – $60. Highlights include the Casa Rosada and the Teatro Colon, a 2500 seat opera house with low-cost tickets. Buenos Aires is great year-round with mild winters and hot summers.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

In Rio de Janeiro, you will be able to find accommodation and meals within a budget of $55-$75 daily. The fun never ends with vibrant festivals like Carnival and club scenes. Natural beauty awaits you at Ipanema Beach, and the views from the Sugarloaf Mountain are spectacular.

Machu Picchu (near Cusco), Peru

Next, we move to Machu Picchu, near Cusco in Peru. With an average daily budget of $35-$55, you can explore historical sites such as the Inca Trail and savor authentic local dishes. The weather from May to September offers the best experience.

Cartagena, Colombia

Lovely Cartagena can be energizing while keeping your pocket happy with a budget of $40-$60 per day. Be sure to visit the historic Cartagena’s walled city and the magnificent San Felipe Castle.

Santiago, Chile

Santiago, with its breathtaking natural beauty, works well on a $50-$70 daily budget. Make sure you visit the free attraction Santa Lucia Hill for a panoramic view of the city. Summer months, December to March offer pleasant weather.

Quito, Ecuador

Ecuador’s capital, Quito suits a range of budgets starting from $30 per day. Explore the 16th-century old town and Basilica del Voto Nacional. The weather remains constant throughout the year.