10 Travel Destinations That Are Ideal On A Budget (There’s Some Hidden Gems Here!)
You don’t always have to spend a fortune to see the world; I’ve had some of my best adventures in places that are budget friendly.
You might not be living in luxury, but you can certainly have an enriching travel experience on a limited budget, and there’s numerous destinations which are perfect for the budget traveller.
There are low-cost accommodations, budget-friendly food, and activities that allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture without overspending.
Here are my 10 recommendations for some ideal destinations to consider if you’re on a budget.
Albania
Situated in southeastern Europe, Albania and the rest of the Balkans make up the most budget-friendly region on the continent. It’s a hidden gem for adventurous travellers, offering incredible nature and hiking.
Albania is far more affordable than most of Europe and hasn’t yet become a major tourist hotspot, making it a prime destination before the crowds arrive.
The cuisine alone is a reason to visit, with dishes like rosemary-infused lamb and sea bass at incredibly low prices.
You can easily get by on £35 (approx. $45) per day. Tourism is on the rise though, so it’s worth visiting soon before prices skyrocket.
Cambodia
Many South Eastern destinations could be on this list, but one to highlight is Cambodia, which I think is often overshadowed by Thailand–it’s even more affordable, while still offering so much for travellers in terms of natural beauty and warm hospitality.
A private room in Cambodia can be found for around £20 (approx. $25), and street food is super cheap as well.
Exploring the country’s highlights, like the iconic Angkor Wat, can still be done for a reasonable price, with daily expenses typically ranging from £30 to £40 (approx. $35-$50).
With a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and incredibly welcoming people, Cambodia makes an excellent choice for budget travellers.
Thailand
I’ve just mentioned it above, but Thailand holds its own spot on my list as one of my favourite destinations that you can explore without breaking the bank. It’s probably the best place to start for budget travel in my opinion–it has so much to offer, and it’s very affordable.
As the backpacking hub of Southeast Asia, you can easily get by on £20-25 (approx. $25-35) per day, which I think is amazing for such an amazing place to explore.
That budget will include your modest accommodation, street food as cheap as £1, and public transport.
If you want to stay on the islands or opt for fancier lodgings, you might spend closer to £50 (approx. $65) per day, but even at that price, Thailand remains a top value destination.
Central America
Some of the countries in Central America offer the perfect blend of adventure and culture, away from the tourist crowds.
Countries like Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua for example offer budget accommodation for £15-30 (approx. $20-40) per night, meals for less than £4 (approx. $5), and beer for as little as £1.
They also offer stunning hikes, and ancient ruins to explore, plus some delicious dishes to try.
Countries like Costa Rica, Belize, and Panama, are perhaps more popular, are pricier by local standards, but they’re still affordable options. You can comfortably backpack for £40-45 (approx. $55-60) a day in those destinations.
There are many countries in Central America, so you can cover a lot of ground and stay within budget.
China
While it might not be as dirt cheap as it once was, China is still a good, budget-friendly destination to travel, especially if you venture beyond the major cities.
Hostels cost less than £15 (approx. $20), meals are £2-4 (approx. $3-5), and public transport in cities can be as low as £1.
Heading into the country’s interior unlocks even better deals. With China’s immense size and diversity, you’re bound to find plenty of adventures on a budget.
India
India is quite widely known as an affordable destination for travellers. The rupee’s favourable exchange rate makes it possible to travel on £20-£30 per day (approx. $25-$35), including accommodation, transport, and food.
It’s a country with a lot to see as well, whether you’re interested in its historical landmarks, like the Taj Mahal, its diverse regions, or its vibrant culture, it’s easy to enjoy an extended trip here without spending a fortune.
If you’re willing to splurge, £45 (approx. $55) will allow you to experience a more luxurious side of India.
Georgia
Georgia ticks a lot of boxes for adventurers on a budget, it’s inexpensive, has excellent food and wine, stunning mountain scenery, and few tourists.
The vibrant capital, Tbilisi is lively, which contrasts with the rest of the country’s rugged, off-the-beaten-path landscapes.
You can get by on as little as £25 (approx. $35) per day, and entry fees for most museums and historic sites are £2-4 (approx. $3-5).
Georgia is a hidden gem for backpacking!
Hungary
Hungary is a beautiful country, and a very affordable European destination, particularly in Budapest, where budget-conscious travellers can enjoy the city’s stunning architecture, food, history, and their famous thermal baths.
Budapest remains one of my favourite European cities, and it offers great value for travellers.
You can comfortably get by on around £25 (approx. $35) per day, and the local beer is incredibly cheap!
There’s no shortage of landmarks to explore for intrepid travellers, so Hungary is a must-visit destination in my opinion.
Morocco
With its colourful markets, majestic mountains, and endless dunes, Morocco is a sensory delight.
The vibrant cities can be overwhelming, but the tranquillity of the desert makes the journey worthwhile.
Morocco is highly affordable, with budget travellers able to get by on £20-30 (approx. $30-40) a day. Mid-range travellers can enjoy a comfortable trip for double that. Overall, it’s a destination that offers great value for money.
Mexico
Mexico’s rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious food makes it a place I’d recommend for anybody’s bucket list!
It’s also remarkably affordable. For around £30-£40 per day (approx. $35-$50), you can enjoy Mexico’s diverse regions, from the bustling streets of Mexico City to the laid-back beaches of the Yucatan.
With meals costing as little as £2, and accommodation readily available at budget prices, Mexico offers excellent value for travellers looking to explore ancient ruins, bustling cities, or tropical landscapes.
