For people who like traveling, a hobby soon becomes a way of life. And this is complemented by the fact that there is no dearth of destinations for budget travelers as well as in the world. If you know the ways and tricks to survive on a shoestring budget no destination is ever too expensive.
The list of places we arrived at after going through extensive lists that talk about the unique experiences of backpackers and travel enthusiasts for years. It will help you get a lot of value for your money, soaking in the best of regional experiences, meeting locals, trying out different food, and basically having a memorable time.
There are places in the corners of the world you can travel on the same budget as you would tend to spend on a destination within your own country. All it takes is thorough research, advance and careful planning, and some spirit to embrace the challenges which turn into fun once you take it heads on.
best and cheapest destinations for budget travelers
1 Central America
This trip covers 8 countries and promises endless activities. A journey of sunny beaches, little-known jungle ruins of the mysterious Mayans, vast national parks, and the mighty volcanic mountains. Eat delicious food with travelers from across the world, catnap on black sand and gaze at the pyramid of Tikal, shop in the lively markets of Antigua. There are hordes of activities and excursions to undertake in Central America. Altogether it makes it to the top spot in the top 10 destinations for the budget traveler
Hotels can be booked for as little as $15 a night, meals for $3 and bear even lesser than $1, busses for around $2-3.
2 China
China has attracted travelers for ages, is the famous silk route to the world in past, China has emerged from an ultra-cheap destination to a budgeted destination now. Budget hotels come at $20 a day, food for $2-5, and transport runs for less than a dollar.
Xiang – the ancient capital of China is a land of ancient mountains. The city came to light after the discovery of the 2,200 years old Terracotta Warriors which depicts 8000-different-lifesized statues and a visit to this world’s most incredible finding just costs $23.
Hunan is another destination that has amazing sandstone canyons and bizarrely shaped peaks. Recently social media was abuzz with news of the world’s longest glass bridge here. Fiery Hunan cuisine is famous and the place offers ample budgeted meals and accommodation in the sub-$10 range.
3 South Korea
This is one of the relatively lesser explored options. With 1108 Won to $1; currency rates seem to be quite a in favor. This is a beautiful country with amazing nightlife, enchanting countryside, some great food where everything comes at a very low price, South Korea makes it an ideal destination to explore. A complete Barbeque with drinks can come well under $10 and a bottle of beer for less than a dollar.
4 India
India is a land with a good mix of the modern with the ethnic charm. A land of palaces, intricate palatial architecture, vivid landscapes, and a whole lot of culture to soak in, India promises a wide mix of everything you can infuse into a travel itinerary. With rupee prices tilting more in favor of the dollar presently marked at Rs. 68.07, this is hard to miss destination. Of course, booking a premium property or a 5-star hotel may come at a price however if you stay at a moderate guest house, travel in public transports, and choose an Indian meal from a variety of options you can easily manage at $30 a day.
5 Poland
Poland manages to remain a travel destination for the budget traveler and a relatively under-visited place. Sure, Kraków (Pagoda), a UNESCO heritage city with thousands of years of history, known for the legendary Wawel castle and the Wawel Dragon, the underlining fact is that everything here comes for less as compared to Prague or Berlin. Beyond Kraków are more immaculate destinations like the Gdańsk’s old town and its haunting coastal scenery, the historic beauty of towns like Lublin, Toruń, and Tarnów’s; all promise a wonderful weekend. Inexpensive public transport and better bus connections, fairly priced food and beer, plus lots of choices for budget places to stay make this place a complete package.
6 Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Lanzarote has picked on really well among avid travelers and serves as a frugal option for budget travel.
Lanzarote is famous for its moon-like scenery of Parque, unspoiled beaches and black-sand wineries, stunning hiking trails, and a jaw-dropping view along many of the drive with ample options for mountain biking, surfing, and swimming make it a perfect destination for budget travelers.
More and more visitors come to this place for the most beautiful beaches located remotely. Geothermally cooked Canarian cuisine, the Timanfaya National Park, fascinating attractions created on the volcanic rocks by César Manrique, popular resort areas, shopping for the latest trendy clothes on sale, and late-night bars make it an ideal holiday destination.
7 Gaziantep, Turkey
Turkey offers a wealth of destinations to its travelers. From the dome-filled skyline to the Roman ruins along the coasts, it also has some of the most photographed, longest beaches along the Mediterranean. Seaside resorts to the misty mountains and other amazing destinations are bound to leave you awestruck.
Cities like Gaziantep have earned distinctions among the 8 UNESCO Gastronomy Cities in the world and pistachio capital of the world.
You find everything that you look for in Istanbul but with more authentic interactions and that too at a fraction of the price.
So if you go by this list then it’s just the beginning of a great holiday in Turkey.
8 Tallinn, Estonia
Explore one of Eastern Europe’s loveliest old towns – Tallinn which is Estonia’s capital. The city is quite cosmopolitan, fashionable, and offers terrific value to travelers. Due to its limited expanse, travelers can explore the city on foot for free, stay in well-budgeted dorms, there are options of value guesthouses or private homes.
Mesmerizing the Baltic Sea view and a superb panorama of the city atop the flat roof of Linnahall are amongst the free things one can engage in.
There are a lot of budget flights from all around Europe and the US. If you want to get the real hang of the local flavor and food then head to the town of Kalamaja which is an upcoming neighborhood. Food truck here offers some really delectable authentic dishes which are quite Instagrammable and won’t even tax your wallet.
9 Morocco
Morocco is a captivating and enchanting destination that represents a different world charm that takes you in a different time. Morocco is also extremely budget-friendly. Tourists love Morocco and the most authentic souks and bazaars of Marrakesh which is reminiscent of a genuine renaissance culture appreciated by art enthusiasts.
The walled city’s narrow alleyways and colorful bazaars and a bustling town square serve the imperial charm to its fullest. Morocco is famous for its golden sand beaches sitting beside the arid landscape of the Sahara. trek through the Sahara or spend a few nights at the “Kasbah” at Dades Valley.
Enjoy the traditional “hammams” and some kitesurfing in the breeze or just embrace a beach stroll.
Large traditional Riad houses are affordable, especially while traveling with family or in a group. The food here is sensational on a low budget, particularly the seafood.
There are direct by low-cost flights from the UK and France as well as the US.
10 Bosnia Herzegovina
This is one European country that has the charm of a gothic era and a lot of history to offer, culture-infused places, and people with vibrant natural green expanses full of nature, rivers, and waterfalls.
This is one such destination that is bound to attract you the second time. The more you explore the more you want to know about it. And it has the advantage of being one of the least expensive cities in Europe which makes a visit to Bosnia a steal deal.