30 Cheap Places to Travel in 2021 [Ultimate Guide]
By kyle ·
Want to travel somewhere affordable? We’ve got you covered. These are the best cheap places to travel around the world straight from some of the top travel bloggers.
Finding the cheapest places to travel shouldn’t be difficult. We have plenty of resources to choose from that will help make decisions on affordable destinations. That isn’t always the case.
There are plenty of hidden gems out there that you need to have on your list. What better than asking some of the top travel bloggers their experiences on cheap destinations?
Travel bloggers have the answers and the experiences to boot.
Table of Contents
What Defines a Cheap Place to Travel?
We have compiled a massive list of cheap destinations. All of the places below reference locations that have the following characteristics:
Affordable attractions
Cheap hotels and lodging options
Easy to commute and great transportation
Great street food
Significant options for arrival (plane, train, bus, boat, etc.)
Not all these cheap places to travel will have each of the above characteristics, but they at least comprise of some of these options to make them affordable and awesome along the way.
We did not take into consideration airfare or currency differentials because you could be coming from anywhere in the world.
These destinations are cheap in their own right and we have a lot of options, so choose one that is the most convenient for you to get to. You’ll be on your way to a cheap vacation.
How to Find Cheap Places to Travel
Finding a cheap destination can depend on your area and where you are coming from. Your largest cost will likely come from airfare to get there.
Our list of cheap destinations takes out the consideration of currency change or airfare. We want to show you cheap places once you get there.
For finding cheap destinations from your area, you likely need to figure out where you can fly direct.
For me (out of Minneapolis), my wife and I can fly direct to London, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Seoul, Iceland and a few other top hubs. We know that if we can get a cheap flight to one of those places direct, the world is our oyster.
We use travel hacking to find affordable flights and options. We’ve been to dozens of countries and have paid next to nothing to travel to these amazing places.
We use some of these awesome travel credit cards to build massive rewards points balances that can be used for trips and vacations.
List of the Cheapest Places to Travel in 2020
Let’s get into our top list of cheap places to visit.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is most certainly not the cheapest place in Vietnam but on a global scale it comes in as highly affordable. As a holiday destination with beaches, the UNESCO listed Old Town and stunning countryside, it has to be one of the cheapest in the world.
Street food can set you back under $1 for a superb bowl on mi quang or pho – but you will need to know where to go and have some travel smarts. Never accept the first price in Hoi An. Restaurant meals will cost you a little more but if you go to the right places and avoid the tourist traps a good meal will still be under $5.
A beer is around $1 but if you’re brave try the “fresh beer” it costs just cents. Hoi An is small and you can easily get around on foot or rent a bicycle for upward of $1 a day. For journeys further afield, taxis or Ubers are super cheap.
Just be sure your taxi driver has a meter. A dorn bed can cost from under $5 ( US) per night but if you prefer more luxury boutique and resort hotels are very affordable here too.
A nice private room for two in a guesthouse or homestay (homestays are often hotels or hostels in Hoi An) can be around or under $20 and may even include breakfast. You can enjoy Hoi An without paying a cent for admissions although there are tours to take to surrounding attractions with admission fees. Costs are generally low.
The Hoi An ticket is an avoidable expense. You don’t actually need one to go into the Old Town, only for certain buildings within it. The ticket was only $8 last time we were there. We lived in Hoi An for 6 months.
It is undoubtedly cheap but the real joy of cental Vietnam lies in the people. Expect to meet some of the happiest, nicest, kindest people on the planet.
When I first decided on going to Thailand, I was a bit worried about the costs considering it was like half-way across the world for me.
I mean I knew that the living costs there would be somewhat budget friendly, but I had no idea how travel cost would fit in.
To my surprise, my intercontinental flight to Bangkok was super cheap! Comparing it to my domestic flights within Thailand it only cost about double (and I was flying in from Rome, Italy!).
What I was also surprised to discover was how well connected everything was.
Moving from the airport to downtown was a no-brainer with their Airport Rail Link and moving across downtown also was a breeze using their sky-train or underground. If you’re in for an adventure and are good at haggling a great alternative to public transportation is using tuk-tuks (just make sure you always agree on a price before leaving).
Accommodations, and I mean NICE accommodations were all under 50 bucks a night and up-and-coming venues such as Sky Bar or Vertigo gave elegance and luxurious treatment at an all-too affordable price. Eating as well was basically a non-existent cost. By food-hopping from one food stand to the next (their skewers are to die for) I never spent more than 2 dollars a day! I could do so much MORE than what I usually did on my trips.
I was so impressed, that I’ve been back twice now! You really get bang for your buck. I mean do you prefer 2 days in medium accommodation in Paris, or two weeks in Thailand? Here are some of the 15 must-see things in Thailand.
If you’re seeking an incredibly cheap place to travel, look no further than Merida, Mexico. Merida is the largest city in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and is located about three and a half hours west of Cancun, which makes it a popular alternative to the more expensive coastal destinations.
You can catch one of Mexico’s reliable ADO buses from Cancun and it will take you to Merida for a very reasonable price. Upon arriving, you’ll find that almost everything in this sprawling colonial city is cheap.
In terms of the food, make sure to walk at least a few blocks outside of the central plaza in order to find the cheapest and most authentic options. There are countless restaurants and even plenty of opportunities to taste Mexican street food. The cuisine in this area is known as Yucatecan food and it’s certainly some of the best that Mexico has to offer.
If you like the idea of budget activities, there are numerous museums throughout Merida that can be accessed either for free or for an extremely small fee. Additionally, there are free events that take place almost every single night in the city’s central plaza. They range from live musical performances to sound and light shows that highlight Merida’s history.
Overall, visitors can enjoy everything that Merida has to offer without having to worry about spending too much money.
You can get a walking tour of Merida that will help you ensure you take in all the sights.
Macedonia
This small and beautiful country is a hidden gem in the Balkans. With its picturesque villages, lively culture, delicious food and rich history it’s a destination that will please most travelers, especially the discerning, as it is often dubbed the cheapest European country to travel in.
The capital, Skopje is known for its recently regenerated city center full of countless statues. However, the beauty lies about 15km outside the city, at Matka Canyon. A hotspot for hikers and watersport lovers.
To capture the essence of Macedonia I suggest visiting Lake Ohrid on the border of Albania. It is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe and a wonderful place to kayak, sail, scuba dive and even paraglide.
In fact, Macedonia is one of the cheapest places to paraglide in Europe at only 49 EUR. Ohrid is also a great place for those who love culture, as there are 365 churches found in the city.
Macedonia is very cheap by European standards with a daily spend of 25-45 EUR. Hostel accommodation is 10 EUR a night, hotels are 30 EUR for a double room, a meal in a restaurant will be around 4 EUR and a beer is 1.35 EUR.
Buses around Macedonia are plentiful and the 3-hour journey from Skopje to Ohrid is only 8 EUR one way and 11 EUR return, making it feasible to explore this off the beaten track country.
When thinking about cheap places to visit in the World, Colombo should be on the pin map of everybody. The de facto Commercial Capital of Sri Lanka has been for ages out of the Tourists radars because not well advertised as a location to travel in, and because of a destroying war that took the entire country to close as a holiday place.
Today Colombo is a city pulling with high buildings that are changing the entire skyscraper. The recent opening of the Lotus Tower, the highest building in South Asia, has given more prospective to the develop of Colombo. Being a new place to explore in the world, Colombo doesn’t have that much more than cultural and historical places to explore.
But, instead is a nice and cheap place to travel in and get a first impression of Asia. The real wonders of the city are the Independence Memorial Hall, an amazing building with arches symbol of the autonomy of the Country. On your visit to Colombo, you can’t miss visiting the local market.
The huge area where the lively life of the busy Colombo is. It was my first trip to Asia, and was a kind of Culture shock, but in a good way. Vivid colors, fresh products, amazing smells and people surrounding smiling. Visiting the Colombo local market is a good way to start your journey through South Asia. Close by the market there is the main train station of the Country, it hosts more than 2 million people every day going in and out from Colombo.
As a former British colony, you will find many things in common with the European culture, that will make your stay in Colombo a less experience shocking. The life in Colombo is really cheap within $5 to $10 per day you can eat in good restaurants, the public transport is costing less than a dollar for both private and public services.
Also, the nearest Negombo, closest to the airport offers to you the perfect location for an exotic holiday on the beach, with a swim in the Indian Ocean. Book your tour of Colombo to ensure you see the sites and get cheap paragliding tickets.
Queenstown is a tiny town located on the South Island of New Zealand.
Although just a small town, there are a lot of beautiful places to explore in and around Queenstown. To start with, Queenstown is located on the edge of Lake Wakatipu.
The lake is surrounded by mountains and it’s nothing short of breathtaking. Watching the sun go down from the edge of the lake is a must-do while visiting Queenstown! The Remarkables Mountain Range is also located in Queenstown.
The towering mountain peaks are often covered in snow and have become an icon of Queenstown. In the summer, you can hike at the Remarkables to places like Lake Atla (or Dimrill Dalea as Lord of the Rings fans would know it), and in winter, you can go skiing and snowboarding.
From the chairlift on a clear day, the views are amazing! If you jump on the scenic gondola ride from Queenstown, you’ll be taken 450 meters up to the top of a mountain called Bob’s Peak.
From here, you’ll have views of Queenstown down below, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables all at once!
For more, hike to the summit of Ben Lomond from here!
Alternatively, the views from the top of Queenstown Hill also rival those from Bob’s Peak.
The truth is, there isn’t anywhere in Queenstown that isn’t beautiful.
If you’re lucky enough to fly into Queenstown, you’ll know what I mean simply by looking out the plane’s windows at the gorgeous Southern Alps below and that’s just the beginning!
La Paz is a beautiful and intriguing city, a unique experience and a low cost one at that.
In the administrative capital of Bolivia, you can enjoy a whole host of experiences with little to no cost. For example, simply strolling the witches markets is a memorable afternoon. Furthermore, the walking tours of the city will cost you no more than what you are happy to contribute in tips.
In recent years, the city has installed the highest cable cars in the world. With a city of almost one million people, traffic was horrendous. Now, La Paz is connected by cable cars of a variety of colors.
You can spend a day riding the cable cars all over the city for the cost of one taxi ride. Traveling above the colorful buildings and bustling streets with huge mountainous backdrops is mind blowing.
Accommodation is cheap, world-class meals are affordable and trips around and out of the city are low cost and often include meals, meaning you can do more with your money.
Isfahan is one of the most beautiful cities in Iran, and it’s without a doubt a cheap destination to travel to. Once in Iran, the bus tickets from any other city will cost only a few Euros and accommodation can be found at prices ranging from 4-7 Euros for a dorm bed to 10-20 Euros for a private room.
I am sure there are pricier options for anyone that wants to splurge in luxury, and probably for really cheap compared to what you get. So is food, really cheap. Bus and metro are cheap and easy to get around with.
But there is also Snap. The Iranian version of Uber, which is really cheap as well, in case you want to go to the surrounding mountains for a walk or just can’t be bothered to get public transport.
There are lots of things to do in Isfahan, and the most expensive is going inside the mosques and museums
Probably less than 4 Euros for the entrance. So, there is not much you can waste money on in this city. The perfect destination for the budget traveler that wants to explore ancient Persian beauty! Some of the main attractions are found on the Naqsh-e Jahan Square.
Including the bazaar entrance that takes you all the way to the Jameh Mosque, the biggest mosque in Isfahan. You should also explore the two stone bridges, Si O Se Pol and Khaju Bridge at night.
The latter is popular among local men on Fridays when they get together under the bridge and sing and dance. An incredible cultural experience completely for free with the opportunity to buy super cheap street food and tea.
If you are not female, I’m sure the men would love you to join, if not, just stay and watch and feel the vibes throughout the night.
Tbilisi, Georgia is one of the most affordable capital cities in Europe for tourists. A surplus of budget-friendly restaurants and cafes, free walking tours and ticketless attractions (which range from a 4th-century fortress to contemporary art spaces) make Tbilisi perfect for cost-conscious travelers. Meanwhile, special experiences such as a sulphur bath (a must-do in Tbilisi, a city whose name means ‘warm’ because of its location near natural hot springs) are also inexpensive. You can find a private luxury bath for less than $25 per person. Tbilisi has plenty of budget-friendly accommodation options, including boutique hostels that start from $5 a night. Guesthouses are also a great choice, particularly when they include a home-cooked breakfast in the nightly tariff. Cheap public transportation makes it easy to get around Tbilisi. Passengers pay just 50 tetri (17 cents) for a metro fare or 40 tetri (14 cents) for a bus ticket. When it comes to traveling outside of the city, inter-city marshrutka (minivan) fares and high-speed trains are also incredibly well-priced. Up until a few years ago, it was tricky to get to Tbilisi on a budget, but the advent of direct budget flights has now made it easier than ever. Ryan Air fly direct to Tbilisi from Milan and Cologne, while Wizz Air and Ryan Air fly to Kutaisi (a four-hour bus journey from Tbilisi) from Berlin, London, and 20 more European cities. Georgia has visa-free entry for passport holders from more than 65 countries, including Australia, the United States, and the EU. And the cherry on top – the Georgian Government recently reinstated a policy where tourists are greeted at the airport with a complimentary bottle of famous Georgian wine.
About, 300 years ago Job Charnock found Kolkata city (formally Calcutta). After India rule by the east India company and the British government, Kolkata is the headquarters of them. So many buildings and architecture built up.
The Dalhousie area in Kolkata is one of them. Still, you can found old Calcutta here. You can easily reach Dalhousie from the city’s two prime railway stations (Howrah and Sealdah). A lot of hotels and staying option with very cheap cost found in both stations.
In this time the old buildings (like- GPO, Gillander House, writers building, etc.) are now formed as offices and headquarters. Countless street food items sold every day in this area. Almost India’s every type of street food you find here. Minimum 20 rupees you will get a full lunch here (roti, sabzi). This is the cheapest place to travel in India
Just beside the Howrah station, Howrah bridge joins Kolkata and Howrah from the British period. This is the 3rd biggest cantilever bridge and world busiest cantilever bridge.
Mallik bazar flower market (Asia’s largest flower market)
Smaranika tram museum
Last, enjoy a boat ride from Howrah to Shibpur and Howrah to Bagbazar ghat. And don’t forget to ride a yellow taxi/tram car from the Esplanade to Shyambazar.
Europe is typically not the cheapest continent to travel around, however, there are a few places within it that will more than meet your budgeting needs. One of these places is Belgrade, Serbia. This is a place that has had a tumultuous past and has been working towards recovering from it for the lasts 20 years.
Belgrade is the capital city of Serbia and has undergone immense change and growth and is now a beautiful and welcoming city to visit. Not only is it beautiful but also very budget-friendly. Getting to Belgrade is very easy and you can find low flight fares and extremely low bus fares. If you are visiting any nearby Eastern European countries you can find a bus – that will take quite a bit more time than flying – but will only cost between 10 and 20 euros.
Accommodation prices are also extremely low and you can find a luxurious stay at budget prices. As for getting around Belgrade, there are multiple options that are all extremely cheap. The cheapest way to get around is by walking, and luckily Belgrade is a very walkable city.
However, you can also take a taxi which will cost you around 4 euros for a 15-minute ride or take the tram for .79 euros for a full trip. You should also feel welcome to eat as much as you’d like, the cost of food and drinks here is ½ that of other countries.
If you are looking for a travel destination that is budget-friendly, but full of charm and history, Belgrade, Serbia is the place for you.
Washington DC makes the cut on affordable vacations. There is so much to do and see in this area. Most of it is absolutely free!
DC has three airports close by (DCA, IAD, BWI) that alone gives you three options to find the best prices on plane tickets. If you are planning on traveling on the east coast of the United States and are planning on renting a car that will open up many more cheap flight options. New York to DC is only four hours away.
Staying in Washington DC is affordable but if you prefer to stay outside of the city the Metro System is a great resource. The Metro System is very popular and safe. Most government employees and tourists use it all the time.
My favorite thing about Washington DC is that all the museums and monuments are free! These museums are amazing.
Located on the Mall, you can easily see the Air and Space Museum, Art Museum, and the Natural History Museum. The White House, Capital Building, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial are all close by as well. (even though these are free get reservations in advance to secure your spot or tour).
There are many other free museums and sites located throughout DC. You could easily spend a week exploring the United States Nations Capital without having to spend much on entertainment. Obviously, there are attractions worth visiting that may cost some money, such as Mount Vernon, The Spy Museum, and Fort McHenry.
Whatever your budget may be, Washington DC is a great choice. DC is a city you will definitely want to get a pass to see all the sights.
The island province of Bohol is undeniably one of the top places worth visiting in the Philippines. While it is home to the world-famous Chocolate Hills and lovely tarsiers, traveling here is still cheaper compared to other equally unique destinations. It’s cheap enough that we were able to rent a car with driver for less than 40 USD and do the whole day countryside tour which involves 7 or more interesting sites—gas, entrance fees, and buffet lunch included!
So it’s not just cheap but comfortable as well which is an advantage especially for those who seek a relaxed tour.
Accommodation prices range from super cheap to luxurious so people have a wide range of options. You can even score an airconditioned Airbnb with own bathroom and kitchen for the price of a basic fan room in other places. There are plenty of budget restaurants where you can have a full meal for a couple of bucks.
You can also dine at a luxury cafe near the beach for the price of a mid-range restaurant in other cities.
Bohol is also a great island hopping destination in the Philippines. It involves dolphin watching, snorkeling in the beautiful marine sanctuary of Balicasag Island, and visiting the sandbar of Virgin Island. While you think that sounds expensive, you can actually have that island hopping tour for just around 20 USD per boat with capacity of 6-10 people. It’s usually per boat basis and not per person. So you can share it with friends or have the whole boat to yourself without breaking the bank.
All in all, you’re more likely to spend a little over a hundred bucks for 3 days in Bohol if traveling solo, and way cheaper if you tag along with your friends.
True enough, world-class unique destinations and experiences don’t have to be so expensive.
Pakistan is one of the cheapest countries in Asia to travel around. You can spend a month in Pakistan and spend less than $500.
The country is well connected by air, and can also be entered overland from India or China. Getting around using public transportation is easy as buses and trains connect the entire nation.
Budget hotels cost only between $5 and $10 a night for a basic private room, and Couchsurfing also is very popular in Pakistan.
Street food is everywhere in Pakistan, especially in the evenings. You’ll get to taste a variety of mouthwatering dishes during your visit.
But why Pakistan? Unbeknownst to most, Pakistan is home to epic mountains (including K2, the world’s second-highest), amazingly hospitable people, and some incredible history. The safety situation has greatly improved in recent times, and you can wander around most of the country without needing to worry about any security issues.
Pakistan is one of the most undiscovered backpacking destinations, and will definitely become more popular in the coming years. Try to visit before everyone else does!
Georgetown is a UNESCO world heritage town on the island of Penang, Malaysia and is a great destination for travelers on a budget. It’s full of cultural heritage with many affordable and free things to do, plus the town itself is fairly compact so you can explore most of the main attractions by foot (or by taking a very cheap GRAB taxi). Getting to Penang is also wallet friendly as you can book budget flights with airlines such as Air Asia from Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur.
Affordable accommodation options in Georgetown are plentiful – you can stay in mega cheap dorms/ private rooms in old heritage houses that have been turned into boutique hostels. If you are looking for a low cost hotel, you will find so many to choose from in the old town – usually including breakfast.
One of the highlights of Georgetown is it’s incredible street art scene – you can pick up a free map from the tourist information center and easily spend half a day walking around town finding hidden gems.
Just outside the city are the epic Kek Lok Si temple and Penang Hill which simply cannot be missed and do not cost much to get there either by taxi or bus.
Eating out in Georgetown won’t break the bank either and you will be spoilt for choice with the huge range of street food stalls and hawker centers selling cheap classic Penang dishes and other Asian cuisines for just a few Malaysian ringgit each – you can eat to your heart’s content!
Mulu National Park is located in the Malaysian section of Borneo and is a UNESCO world heritage site due to its astounding caves and unique ecosystems. Being surrounded by jungle in every direction Mulu is an ideal location for budget travelers who love adventure, exploration and aren’t afraid of getting muddy!
People go to Mulu to simply get into nature and this means there are plenty of free and extremely affordable activities for you to do such as; explore Deer and Lang Cave for $8USD, walk along one of the world’s longest canopy skywalks for $11USD, or embark on one of the many free walking treks. Mulu is also known for its bat exodus in which over 3 million bats will exit Deer Cave all at the same time; a phenomenon which still can’t fully be explained.
You can even partake in the overnight hikes to the Pinnacles, which are huge, jagged limestone peaks rising out of the jungle and make for quite a unique view.
Not only is your entertainment for the day very budget friendly, but the accommodation options are also although quite basic, super cheap. The most common accommodation options in Mulu are the homestays with prices from about $12USD per night, then there is also the Park headquarters and a big Marriott resort.
Although the Marriott resort is definitely budget-friendly sometimes flights get canceled due to unforeseen storms and you will get a complimentary nights stay at the Marriott! Not bad!
If you really want to embrace the rain head to Mulu in the offseason in December – March and experience even cheaper prices as well as having a jungle paradise all to yourself!
Mulu is definitely a great budget-friendly location that is well suited to adventurous and nature-loving travelers.
A very affordable and still great country to visit in Europe is Bosnia-Herzegovina and Sarajevo as its capital. It surely cannot beat countries in South-East Asia but it is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe and you get a lot for your money.
Traveling in Bosnia- Herzegovina is quite affordable compared to its neighbors like Croatia (like Zagreb) or even Montenegro. In Sarajevo, you can have a decent dinner in a restaurant for less than $10 (no alcohol) but you can have street food for just a few $ (currency is actually the KM).
If you visit Vidikovac in Sarajevo you can have a (very large) vegetarian pizza and a drink for less than 5€ – and the dinner comes with stunning views. There are many free things to do and also some free walking tours in Sarajevo and Mostar (but I suggest tipping the guides).
If you do day trips from Sarajevo – e.g. to the Kravice Falls, you have to pay an entrance fee of less than $5. If you spend around $25 a day you will have a day filled with activities, a bed in a hostel dorm and street food – for $50-80 you have a decent hotel room and can even do some splurges.
Even in high-season, prices are still very reasonable. But affordability is not the only reason to visit Sarajevo – friendly people, gorgeous scenery is gorgeous and fun activities are more reasons to head to Sarajevo.
Singapore is a delicious, fun and cheap place to visit. It is one of the few places in the world where you can eat a Michelin meal for $5 SGD – soy sauce chicken rice at Hawker Chan.
Hawker Chan is a food stall in the Chinatown Complex hawker centre, which is the largest hawker centre in Singapore. You can find more tasty cheap street food at Singapore’s other hawker centres, including Satay By The Bay, Lau Pau Sat (also known as Telok Ayer Market) and Maxwell Road Hawker Centre.
There are a lot of free attractions in Singapore like Gardens By The Bay, the Treetop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir, Singapore Botanic Gardens, the light show at Marina Bay, and Fort Canning Park.
Public transport is great for getting to these attractions, in particular by train (the MRT, Mass Rapid Transit), which is extensive, frequent and cheap.
There are good budget hotels and hostels available in Singapore too. Singapore is a fantastic and affordable place to visit if you’re a family traveling with baby and toddler, as a couple or solo.
If you’re looking for a cheap destination, then Kotor in Montenegro is a great choice. This affordable Balkan city is perfect for the money-conscious traveler. Less than 2 hours south of Dubrovnik, but a lifetime away in terms of prices.
The easiest way to get here if flying is to fly to Dubrovnik or Podgorica airports which offer low-cost flights. If coming from the neighboring countries it is easy to find a cheap and frequent bus to Kotor.
One of the best things to do in Kotor is to walk around the maze of Old Town streets. There are churches and squares where you can spend hours snapping pictures and people watching – all for free. Another great thing to do here is to hike the St John Fortress which is 8 Euro entry.
The many cafes and restaurants in the Old Town offer varying daily specials. A top budget travel tip is to wait until the cruise ship passengers have left. When daily visitors leave, prices will often fall. As does traveling in the off-season.
You can find lots of places to stay for under $80/night within the Old Town walls. To find even cheaper accommodation head a short distance outside the city walls and still be within walking distance to the main sites.
Cairo, Egypt
Traveling to Egypt is almost guaranteed to encompass unique experiences, fine food, friendly locals, beautiful landscapes, and a good mix of cultures and languages. The city of Cairo, dating back to the time of the pharaohs, is filled with monuments, temples, and things to do.
The best part is that all of this is easy on the pocket. Cairo is not only one of the cheapest cities in the Middle East, but throughout the world.
Getting here will be the largest expense and even this is reasonable based on the number of flight options including budget airlines. In this bustling city affordable accommodation is plentiful, attractions are well-priced, and food is dirt cheap. It is also pretty easy and cheap to get around using public transportation.
As long as you avoid certain situations and activities such as riding a camel at the tourist attractions, spending unnecessary money on a tour, and staying at overpriced hotels, the budget is going to be well spent.
Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia. There are many factors that make Kuala Lumpur a cheap place to travel to. Its close proximity to various Asian countries and cheap airfares to and from these countries make it a great stop-over destination. Ideally, 3 days are sufficient to explore the city.
There are some iconic sights such as the Petronas twin towers, the KL tower, Batu caves, Thean Hou temple and Masjid Wilayah to see in Kuala Lumpur. The GoKL city buses run through all important points of interest in the city.
These buses pass through the various tourist spots, Chinatown, the shopping center Bukit Bintang, independence square and many more places absolutely free of cost. On top of that, the buses are air-conditioned and have free wifi on board. What better way to see a city!
Apart from that, KL also has a great train network and cabs that can be booked through the Grab app, which is Kuala Lumpur’s version of Uber. Use any of these transportation methods to get around Kuala Lumpur and explore all the things to do in Kuala Lumpur in 3 days.
Because the ethnic population in Kuala Lumpur mainly consists of Malaysians, Chinese and Indians, there are a wide variety of inexpensive restaurants and street food stalls.
Jalan Alor in Bukit Bintang is a famous night street food market which is popular in the city. Apart from the free transport and cheap street food, there are great modern budget hostels in Kuala Lumpur. I particularly liked Back Home hostel which was near a railway stop and offered free breakfast. Not to mention the kind staff and spacious dorm rooms.
All of these factors make Kuala Lumpur one of the cheapest places to travel to.
Beijing, China
Beijing is one of the cheapest and most cultural major cities you will ever travel to. It’s most famous attractions – the Great Wall and the Forbidden City – are only one side of Beijing. The other involves some of the best food you’ll ever taste. Despite being the capital of Beijing, it remains one of the cheapest places in the world to travel to.
For just 700 CNY ($100), you can book yourself into a perfect 5-star hotel, centrally located and with a swimming pool, to recover after a day of sightseeing. Getting around the city couldn’t be easier, due to the 2 CNY ($0.30), cost on the metro lines.
Even if you don’t fancy a crowded metro, taxis start at just 9 CNY ($1). This allows you to travel in style at a significantly cheap price.
The food in Beijing is some of the best I have tasted throughout the world. Peking duck, a Beijing specialty, will cost you just 200 RMB ($28). However, you can go cheaper with the local street food at Qianmen food street – where you will pay around 10 RMB ($1.50) for local delicacies.
Visiting tourist attractions is just as cheap – the Great Wall entrance fees start at 50 RMB ($7). Now remember this is China’s most visited tourist attraction! The forbidden city will cost you just 60 RMB ($9) to visit. Get your pass for it in advance here. Check out some of the other amazing things you can do in Beijing here.
Given the scale of these tourist attractions and the ability to visit them at this lower price, cements Beijing as one of the cheapest places to travel.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has just opened up its door for tourism with a new visa-free regime for most nationalities and Lonely planet has just made central Asia to be one of the top destinations to visit in 2020. Uzbekistan combines beautiful silk road cities with spectacular Islamic architecture, delicious food and friendly people.
For all that it has to offer Uzbekistan still remains one of the cheap places to travel to in this world. With cheap boutique hostels, an excellent railway system that connects the silk road cities with each other and relatively low priced tourist attractions it is possible to get by on 30 US dollars per day.
Your biggest cost will be accommodation and a private double room costs around 15 US dollars per day. There are plenty of cheap restaurants where you can get the national dish of plov (rice with carrots and mutton) for less than 5 us dollars tea included. Streetfood wise you can never go wrong with a samsa. Look out for the tandoor ovens where they sell them for less than a dollar.
Getting around in Uzbekistan is very easy as well. The best and cheapest way is by train. As an example, a ticket in the high-speed train from Khiva to Bukhara is available from 8 dollars onwards. You can also use the informal network of minivans and shared taxi’s that can bring you to every corner of the country.
The silk road cities of Samarkand, Khiva and Bukhara are the major tourist attractions. Most mosques and madrassahs are free to enter and of course, it costs nothing to wander around the streets where it feels like a journey back in time.
Bangalore, India
Capital of the South Indian state of Karnataka, Bangalore is one of the most modern and busiest cities in India. Known as the ‘Garden city of India’ (even though the scenery has changed over the years), Bangalore has a very pleasant climate throughout the year. Other than the locals, Bangalore has people from all over India as well as other countries living here, thus making the city culturally diverse.
Some popular tourist spots like Hogenakkal falls, Nandi Hills, Lepakshi and Hampi are just under 300 km from Bangalore.
The easiest way to get to Bangalore is to arrive at the Kempegowda International Airport, situated around 40 km away from the city. Airport cabs are available at all times, so coming and returning to the airport is not much of an issue (if you plan in advance since Bangalore is known for its never-ending traffic!).
The Indian Railway is a great option if you are traveling to Bangalore from any other city or state in India. Several local and private buses also run between cities, so getting in and out of Bangalore is fairly easy.
From zostels to homestays to 5-7 star hotels and resorts – Bangalore has them all. You can find some great and cheap options on websites like Airbnb, Make my trip and GoIbibo. Getting around Bangalore is no challenge since a lot of local buses run towards almost anywhere in Bangalore (just look up the route numbers!). There is a great Metro system too that is so cheap and fast – it is by far, the best way to move around in Bangalore.
It goes without saying – auto-rickshaws and cabs rule the roads.
Ola and Uber services are available through the city at anytime of the day and night too.
Some of the best and cheapest tourist places in Bangalore are the Tippu Sultan’s Summer Palace, the Bangalore Place, the Bangalore Fort, the Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, Bannerghatta Biological Park and the Government Museum. You can go on a very cheap shopping spree at the Commercial street, which is the most popular shopping spot in Bangalore. Malls like the Mantri Mall and Phoenix Market city are also popular hangout spots in Bangalore.
Bangalore is known for its yummy street food! There are so many roadside stalls and small restaurants selling those mouthwatering pani puri and chaat varieties (dahi puri, bhel puri, samosa chaat and papdi chaat). Shawarmas, kati rolls and kebabs are also some of the favorite street food options.
There are more posh little cafes and resto-bars as well that are affordable and fashionable at the same time. Bangalore is also home to some of great and affordable pubs and nightclubs.
Bangalore is one of the most affordable and cheap cities in India, and it is a great place to have a quick vacation. It is a great experience to live among people from so many different cultures, so make sure to add Bangalore to your bucket list!
Bali is our absolute favorite destination and it also happens to be one of the cheapest destinations we’ve traveled to. We’ve spent several months exploring Bali with our baby and would still readily head back for another trip.
Everything from hotels, food, activities and transportation within the island was really affordable, allowing us to have a fantastic and indulgent trip. With beautiful beaches, stunning hikes, rice paddies, and temples to explore, you won’t run out of amazing free activities or get bored anytime soon.
On top of that, accommodation is extremely affordable, you can easily find hostels and hotels for under $20, and even booking a luxurious villa with a private pool can cost less than 100USD.
Restaurants are also incredibly cheap, we even found that it was cheaper to eat out then shop at the grocery stores in some places!
If you want to get a little fancier, you can do some shopping at local markets and indulge in massages, both of which are extremely cheap.
You’ll find massage parlors all around the island offering massages for around 6USD/hour.
Madeira is part of the Macaronesia Archipelago and is located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Africa. Thanks to its amazing climate, it is often called the island of eternal spring.
There are more and more low-cost airlines offering cheap airline tickets to Madeira. Usually these are connecting flights, thanks to which holidays in Madeira can be easily combined with sightseeing, e.g. Lisbon.
So, if you are visiting Lisbon or Porto this is probably your best opportunity to see Madeira on a budget!
The main attractions are mainly related to nature – Cabo Girão Skywalk, hike to Pico Ruivo or the amazing Ponta de Sao Lourenco are all free! All you have to do is rent a cheap car and drive around the island.
Not so many tourists on Madeira island means that there are many cheap hotels available for those who visit this beautiful island.
Best bargains can be found outside of Funchal, the capital on Madeira, and during the low season, which is in November and February. Don’t worry about the weather – it’s never colder than 18 Celsius degree.
Taipei, Taiwan
Perhaps one of the most overlooked and underrated megacities in Asia also happens to be one of the cheapest. Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is an amazing city full of things to see, do and eat that won’t break the bank.
Home to the famous skyscraper Taipei 101, Taipei is a bustling city full of history, amazing food and natural beauty. For those travelers on a budget, there are a number of ways to keep costs in check getting to and while in Taipei.
The Taiwanese capital is well connected with other Asian cities by several low cost airlines such as AirAsia. Getting around Taipei is quick, easy and very affordable using the city’s metro system.
Connecting nearly every corner of Taipei, the system has over 115 stations across 5 transit lines. With fares based on distance traveled, a one way ride can be as cheap as $0.60US. Perhaps the best reason to visit Taipei is for its food.
With its own style of Chinese food, Taiwan features dishes that are uniquely Taiwanese. The most famous of all Taiwanese dishes is Beef Noodles Soup. At the top of everyone’s must eat list, a large filling bowl of beef noodle soup cost around 160NT$ or $5US. Taipei is also famous for dumplings.
Steam or fried, meat or vegetable, 10 dumplings can be enjoyed for 90NT$ or $3US. To make the most of a visit, perhaps book a Taipei food tour, to learn more about Taiwanese food culture.
Or just wander one of the dozens of night markets for cheap food and a free night of wandering and people watching.
Lima, Peru
Lima, Peru is an exciting city known for its wonderful food and amazing views as it is situated on a cliff by the Pacific Ocean. One of the best things about visiting this city is how incredibly affordable it is. To start, let’s talk about the cost of staying in Lima. While there, I stayed in Barranco with my cousin in a large Airbnb that had two floors and enough space for four people.
We had all that space for just about $80/night. If you choose to stay in a hostel instead, you could stay in nice hostels, such as Selina Miraflores Lima for just $9/night.
Next, let’s talk transport. If you prefer private transportation, uber is available as an option. You can travel for as little as $3.00 from Barranco to the Old City Center, which is typically about a 30-minute ride.
For an even cheaper option, take the city bus, where fares are usually somewhere are $0.50. Traveling within the country is pretty cheap as well – for a round trip flight from Lima to Cusco, we paid $113. I’ll use my personal experience as an example.
To round things out, let’s talk about activities and food. I my opinion, you can do a lot in the city for very little. This includes visiting sites in the Old City like Plaza de las Armas, the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, Chinatown, and the Central Market for little or no cost.
I also recommend exploring the neighborhoods of Barranco and Miraflores, as there is plenty to take in by just strolling through these neighborhoods.
In terms of food, expect to spend about $15/day for your meals – and expect to eat well! Lima is known for its food culture, and you don’t have to put out a lot to experience delicious ceviche, fried chicken, etc. while there.
Wondering where to go in Eastern Europe? Poland is one of the countries which is part of European Union but still not changed the currency to Euro.
That means that the local money, called polish zloty is four times cheaper than the euro and that makes the prices much lower in comparison with Western Europe.
The most popular cities are Warsaw (the capital) and Krakow but I highly recommend checking the off the beaten path spots of Poland, as this country has so much to offer.
Poland will surely satify nature lovers as well as those who look for nightlife and old architecture.
Most of the natural wonders are free to visit, but a small fee occurs in the national parks. The tourist attractions are pretty cheap from the museum for 3€ to castles for 5€ depending on the place.
Coming to Poland expect to find good and cheap public transport as well as private buses which can take you from side of the country to another for as cheap as 1 euro if you buy in advance. It’s pretty cheap to get around the cities too.
Apart from the network of public buses or trams, there are carpooling options like Uber working pretty well. Want to learn more? Here is what it is like living in Poland.
Many people don’t think there are any cheap places to visit in western Europe, but they are wrong. We first need to think about what is cheap. Spain is not as cheap as Thailand.
However, Spain compared to England, Switzerland, Canada, and many other countries is cheaper. The key to finding a cheap place to visit, is finding one that has plenty of things to do, a variety of restaurants, low cost grocery stores, and multiple ways to get there. Valencia, Spain has all of this and more.
There are several ways to get to Valencia. Depending on where you are coming from, you may fly, take a train, or even catch a very cheap and comfortable bus from another European country.
Once you arrive the first thing you should do is wander through the city on the winding cobblestone streets. You can stop at Plaza de la Virgen, Plaza de la Reina, and Plaza Redonda. The 13th century Valencia Cathedral, home to the Holy Grail, is a must see.
Of course, no visit to Valencia is complete without going to the beach. Stop at Mercadona (grocery store) get a bottle of wine, some salads, and various bakery items all for under 10€ and spend the afternoon relaxing on the sand. Valencia also has famous gardens and parks for you to visit. These are just a few of the many free things to do in Valencia. You must also visit the incredible City Of Arts And Sciences.
If you want free entry into some of the museums, a discount at others, and unlimited use of public transportation, you should consider getting the Valencia City Card.
If you’re looking for an interesting place to travel on a budget, look no further than Quito, Ecuador. This beautiful South American city is full of fun things to do, cheap food, and affordable places to stay. For a perfect introduction to the city, consider spending 3 days in Quito.
Whether you prefer to stay in hostels, hotels, or Airbnbs, Quito is full of affordable lodging options. Nice hostels, such as Community Hostel, have dorms starting around $10 a night. Hotels can be found for as little as $40 a night, and private Airbnbs with panoramic views of the city can be booked for around $30 a night.
Food is also extremely affordable in Quito – if you visit Mercado Central for lunch, you can grab a multi-course meal for around $5.
Quito has plenty of options for both street food and sit-down restaurants that won’t break the bank.
Ready for some sightseeing? Many of Quito’s top sights are either free or very cheap. Consider taking a free walking tour to see many of the historic center’s main sights.
Another affordable option for sightseeing is to take a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the city. Tickets are only $15 and the bus will take you around to some of Quito’s top sights – this is perfect because the bus can act as both a tour and your transportation for the day!
There you have it. You have an epic list and explanations of some of the best cheap places to travel around the globe. Cheap places to travel to are everywhere. You just need to keep an open mind and do your homework along the way.
Places that have free museums, outdoor activities, cheap food are good places to start.
You can choose one of the above cheap destinations from a variety of continents like North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.
Are you ready to travel? Book your trip now.
What is your favorite cheap place to travel to? Let us know in the comments below.
Kyle is Co-Founder and Editor of via travelers. He is an expert travel hacker that has traveled the world for less than $5,000 of total out of pocket costs. Kyle is a bit of a money and a digital nerd. Follow along with his posts to learn the most about travel itineraries, hacks and the secrets to travel the world.
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