Take a thrifty journey to 10 insanely cheap budget travel destinations.
#10 Croatia
You may think it’s an expensive travel destination because of its wonderful coastlines, astounding lakes and forests, mesmerizing history, and luxuriously delicious cuisines, but everything is incredibly affordable. Over the years, Croatia’s tourism efforts have been thriving for being a tourist destination that pays off. From its low rates on food, transportation, and even accommodations without worrying about the quality, Croatia could be your next favorite travel destination. Whether you’re on a budget or not, you can visit the natural wonders at Krka National Park and Plitvice Lakes, get to sail with Yacht Week, discover their unique culture, and savor the heavenly of foods of the Istrian Region. The ideal time to visit Croatia would be from October to April, as it is their low season. You’ll be surprised how the flights and accommodations to Croatia literally hit rock bottom during this time. What an excellent choice for a budget adventure!
#9 Greece
If this next treasure is not included on your list, then you have to re-evaluate. Imagine a sanctuary that sits on the Mediterranean, values the worth of your penny, and lets you witness majestic beauty…how can you resist it? Because Athens Airport is a central European spot with great connecting flights to other countries, this makes Greece as one of the cheapest places to travel. It does not settle only for affordable flights, but can amaze you with low-cost accommodations, food, and even outdoor activities! You may rest yourself in a studio apartment with a breathtaking view of the sea on Zakynthos Island or near the south coast of Santorini; fill your stomach with tasty seafood meals; and try out nature activities such as island tours via jet ski. Everything can be done for less here, and it’s for real! Try it out, mate!
#8 Nepal
Famed for having the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest, not everyone knows that Nepal has a lot to offer. As you step out from the common tourist areas, including Thamel in Kathmandu, you’ll be dazed at how quickly the cost of everything drops in a blink! You might just find yourself riding a bus for only $3. Hike up to Anna Puma trek, and you’ll find an incredible accommodation package. For only $20/day, you have a private room and an inclusive of three meals a day. There are also roadside lunch stalls selling low-price spicy potatoes and chickpeas for less than a dollar! Wow, for sure it will not take long for Nepal to be included in your budget travel list.
#7 Vietnam
Despite its growing popularity, it still remains as one of Southeast Asia’s cheapest countries to travel. Explorers who are into budget tours can spoil themselves with the staggeringly beautiful sites, tasteful dishes, affordable guest houses, and even transportation all included for not more than $15! When in Vietnam, do not forget to visit Hanoi if you head up North. It is where the French flavor influences with patisseries baking croissants lie. Also be sure to check out the oasis of calm in the Old Quarter at Hoan Kiem Lake, where locals do Tai Chi at sunrise. Once you decide to go South, stop by the Da Lat mountain resort to see the iconic rice terraces and Vietnamese rural life. It will be worth the trip!
#6 Budapest, Hungary
On anyone’s voyage around Central Europe, a definite must-see historic is the Hungarian capital on the Danube River – Budapest! Feed your stomach with a cheap bowl of Hungarian goulash on a quaint restaurant’s patio, fill your thirst with a refreshing drink from Budapest’s bars, soak in the thermal spas, enjoy a sweet treat with gourmet pastries or visit the famous coffee house for a slice of chocolate chimney cake; these would be worth it for only a few pennies! Hungary is an ideal place for bargains. From acquiring a room, meals, and transport fares without spending a lot, you can choose a lot of other options to maximize the adventure.
#5 Istanbul, Turkey
Seeking a historic journey? Have a stop at Istanbul. Relish the street food specialty “Balik Ekmek” or the catch-of-the-day fish sandwich. Check out the Hagia Sophia, a 1,500 year old complex that served as the church during the Byzantine era, and enter the mosque of the Ottomans. Travelers can enjoy these native tours for a surprisingly affordable cost. Aside from its fantastic historical significance, Turkey boasts numerous pristine beaches across the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, where sailing on a traditional gimlet sailboat cruise is an absolute must. Choosing where to rest after an adventurous exploration, you don’t have to think much as you will be welcomed by a lot of inexpensive guest houses that have great deals!
#4 Sri Lanka
This is a picturesque paradise to feast, trek in the jungle, and relax at hotels along the beach – all in for a crazily modest cost! Sri Lanka’s sacred sites, including temples, monasteries, and stupa which lead to their Buddhist Culture, are the famous highlight to tour in the country, such as the Sri Maha Bodhiya, the Bodhi Tree Temple and Sri Dhalada Maligawa or “Temple of Tooth.” Remember to be wary of the abusers who tend to ask for an expensive fee from foreigners, never tolerate those. If you are lucky, there are some tuk-tuk drivers who offer free sneaks at some of the popular sites. So, how lucky are you, mate?
#3 Dublin, Ireland
Over the years, flight costs to Ireland have tumbled down, and this means that reaching Dublin is already in the palm of your hands! If you are a bookworm, writer, journalist, or just a person who loves books then this spot will be perfect for you. Check out the Chest Beatty Library to witness its world-class and fantastic collection of rare books and manuscripts. You might discover something that will tickle your imagination. You may also take a stroll at Phoenix Park, which is the largest recreational space in this European Capital. Of course, after luring yourself over the free perks, you can spend a little time shopping at Blackrock Market, known as Dublin’s oldest and city’s cheapest pint situated at the Pavilion Bar in Trinity College. No worries, all the prices in the market are incredibly affordable. Further, if you decide to head out from the capital, check out Galway, which is insanely 15% cheaper than Dublin! You’ll get to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife and impressive budget-friendly pubs, plus all the live music jams which are free!
#2 Argentina
This vast country is famed for its variety of landscapes, regions, and for being one of the top flying fishing destinations all over the globe, so one would not think that Argentina is actually among the cheapest countries to travel. For its major attractions, try out the flying fishing season at Lake District of Patagonia during January and February for its perfect warm weather to fish. If you’re up for a trek, winter season is the ideal period for you. Check out the peaks of Fritz Roy and Cerro Torre at El Chalten which have temperatures around 68°F. Trekkers may take a dip at the waterfalls then have a drink on the patio. Do not miss the El Calafate and its famous Perito Moreno Glacier and its massive chunks of ice! Every single activity listed is surprisingly affordable!
#1 Dominican Republic
Probably the cheapest, most affordable, and best thrifty but luxury adventure that one would ever experience can be found here. Unlike many other countries, the Dominican Republic will let you luxuriate in a deluxe paradise, even if you only have $50! Simply spot where the locals usually dine and live, then you can spend less than you imagined possible. You might find yourself riding on a local bus for under a dollar. For more lavish yet still affordable travel, head to the Bavaro Hostel. You can walk over the white sands, dance with the swaying palms trees, and immerse yourself in the pristine waters of Bavaro Beach. What a divine experience yet cheap journey!
